whisky/whiskey

[EDITORIAL NOTE: this entry is deprecated and will be replaced] Whiskey (whisky) is a generic term for any of a number of grain-based, oak-aged distillates from various countries, such as the United States (Bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, American straight whiskey, American blended whiskey, Tennessee whisky); Canada (Canadian whisky in its various iterations); Ireland (Irish whiskey, blended and single malt); Japan (Japanese whisky in its various iterations); and Scotland (Scotch whiskey, blended, single malt, and vatted; inclusive of all disparate regional characteristics). The term “whisky” used alone suggests the use of Scotch. The term “whiskey” used alone suggests a choice of any whiskey that suits the recipient, and, depending on from what book (and where it was published) the term as cited, derives, may suggest the use of an American whiskey. The term “whisk(e)y” suggests a choice of any whiskey that suits the recipient.