The plural of whisky depends on the spelling used. If you are referring to American or Irish whiskey, the plural form is “whiskeys”. On the other hand, if you are referring to Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese whisky, the plural form is “whiskies”.
The difference in spelling and pluralization reflects the regional preferences and traditions of each country's distilling industry. American and Irish producers tend to use the spelling “whiskey” and the plural “whiskeys”. This can be seen in renowned American bourbon brands like Jack Daniel's or Irish whiskey brands like Jameson.
Meanwhile, Scottish, Canadian, and Japanese producers lean towards the spelling “whisky” and the plural “whiskies”. Scotland, being famous for its Scotch whisky, is a prime example. Brands like Glenfiddich and Macallan are known for their Scottish whisky production. Similarly, Canadian whisky, such as Crown Royal, follows the same spelling and pluralization convention. Japanese whisky, which has gained international recognition in recent years, also aligns with this preference. Brands like Yamazaki and Hibiki use the spelling “whisky” and the plural “whiskies”.
It's interesting to note that the different spellings and plural forms have historical and cultural roots. The spelling with an ‘e' (‘whiskey') is said to have originated from the Irish and American whiskey traditions. In contrast, the spelling without an ‘e' (‘whisky') is associated with Scotch whisky, which has a long-standing reputation for quality and tradition.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and learn about various types of whisk(e)y from around the world. I have noticed that the spelling and pluralization can be a helpful clue in identifying the country of origin. It's fascinating to see how these subtle linguistic differences can reflect the rich diversity and heritage of the whisky industry.
To summarize, the plural of whisky depends on whether you are referring to American or Irish whiskey (‘whiskeys') or Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese whisky (‘whiskies'). These spelling and pluralization conventions are deeply rooted in the traditions and preferences of each country's distilling industry.