I'm not familiar with the hooch you asked about but I usually make mine with bourbon since I'm not a Jack Daniels fan. I really don't see any reason that just about any decent whiskey couldn't be a substitute. Rum might work too but it could be a little too sweet depending on what rum you use. I think sticking to whiskey is a good call.

Its certainly a drink that can sneak up on you. You think you are okay...then stand up and figure out that you aren't doing as well as you thought.