GNU: Whisky is a type of alcoholic beverage that is distilled from fermented grain mash. Different grains are used for producing different varieties of the drink. Some of these are barley, malted barley, rye, wheat and maize (corn). Whiskies are generally stored or aged in a wooden cask, made out of oak.

Different Kinds Of Whisky

Malt Whisky
This is a whisky made in the traditional manner, out of malted barley. Malt whisky is still made in the traditional, onion-shaped pot.

Grain Whisky
This is made out of both, malted and un-malted barley and also includes other grains, such as wheat and maize. Grain whisky was first produced in the 1830's and is primarily used in blends.

Single Malt Whisky
Single malt whisky is made solely out of malted barley and it comes from just one distillery. This whisky has a taste that is specific to the distillery in which it is made, and is often blended with other whiskies, in order to reach a perfect blend.

Cask Strength Whisky
This whisky is taken from the cask and bottled immediately, without being diluted. Therefore, it has higher alcohol content than most others.

Blended Whisky
Blended whisky is generally made out of a mix of malt and grain whisky. Malt whisky improves the quality of the final drink, as grain whiskeys are held to be of inferior taste & quality. It can also be described as a blend of malt whiskeys from different distilleries.

Rye Whisky
This is not among the most popular of whiskeys. It is made from a fermented mash of atleast 51% rye. It is primarily used in mixed drinks, but has some diehard fans as well, who enjoy its heavier body.

Bourbon Whisky
Bourbon whisky is made almost exclusively in the United States. It must contain at least 51% corn, have been distilled at more than 160 proof and stored in new charred oak barrels. It has a full-bodied, sweet flavor.

Irish Whisky
Irish whisky is made from blended malt of half barley and half oats. There is no trace of a smoky or sweet flavor. The two main brands are Jameson and Bushmills.

Canadian Whisky
It is produced in Canada, basically with corn, but it may also contain some rye, barley, and wheat. The mash is distilled at high proof and is filtered before bottling. A minimum 2 years of aging is required before use, in a new or old barrel. Canadian whiskey is light and slightly sweet.

Scotch Whisky
Scotch whisky is made from peat dried, malted barley that has been fermented and distilled and then blended with corn rye whisky. The barley whisky is distilled at 140 proof and the corn rye at 180 proof. It is light bodied, has a smoky flavor and originates from Scotland.

As to the spelling: it's whisky in Scotland (just as Scottish music is diddly) but whiskey in Ireland (just as Irish music is diddley). ;-)

Hope that clears it up.