Crossword Genius

Like whisky if rye is used to make it (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fiery

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'like whisky if' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'rye is used to make it' is the wordplay.
'is used' indicates an anagram.
'to' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'make it' becomes 'fi' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'rye' with letters rearranged gives 'ery'.
'ery' after 'fi' is 'FIERY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fiery that I've seen before include "Quick-tempered" , "Easily angered" , "Explosive (e.g. temper)" , "Inflamed" , "Impetuous; hot-tasting" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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