Interchangeable Whiskey

[Deacon]

I don't have a sophisticated enough palate to tell myself, and I've often wondered about this.

When a drinks recipe calls for bourbon, is it a mortal social sin to use Tennessee whiskey or Canadian whiskey instead?

I realize there are subtle differences in the distilling of each, but I've always thought of all three of these types

to be more-or-less interchangeable.

Also, when is it "whiskey" and when is it "whisky"? Are there any rules one way or the other?

I've always thought it didn't matter too much, but I don't want to offend any purists out there.

[rich]

And then there's the question about what is "mash." I think Jack Daniels is technically a mash while Maker's Mark is a bourbon.

I know you really can't substitute Canadian Whiskey or Rye for Bourbon, there is a fairly substantial taste difference, (good bourbon is smoother)but I'm not sure about the Tennessee or Kentucky "whiskey or whisky."

Never try to make a Mint Julep on Kentucky Derby Day with anything but Kentucky stuff - that's like equine heresy.

[StephenT]

This whisky/whiskey thing is quite simple: If it comes from Scotland then it's "whisky". Otherwise it's "whiskey".

And apparently it's also "whisky" for Canadian Rye... just found that out right now.