A name has a geography
The Scotch Whisky Association explains that the name Scotch Whisky is protected internationally through geographical-indication registrations, trademarks and domestic law depending on the market. A whisky's origin is therefore a matter of product requirements and legal protection, not just marketing language.
Protection is not identical everywhere
A geographical indication, certification mark and statutory definition work differently. The UK's official register records Scotch Whisky as a protected spirit-drink name; US federal whisky regulations also specify Scotch as a distinctive product of Scotland.
Track the jurisdiction and date
The history of trade, regulation and labels cannot be reduced to one global rule. A useful whisky timeline records when a name was recognised, under which jurisdiction and against which product specification—especially when comparing historical bottles.
Further reading
Original WHISKAVIA introduction; not a producer dossier or live travel listing.