Apushutayid, Rashi believes that ?????? in fact does mean ??????. I recall the explanation that ?????? refers specifically to becoming intoxicated during a meal, but do not remember the source.
For one, Rav Elya Svei zt”l is known to have used whiskey, as well as to instruct his talmidim that they may do so as well, “oif mein pleitzos” (on [his] responsibility).
My Rav, a well known and highly respected posek, told me that without question, I may use whiskey as well.