Product Description

Individual distilleries give their whiskies unique characteristics. These characteristics do not arise magically (as was once thought), nor are they the result of terroir or region (as is still thought, by some). They have their roots in the craft and custom of the distillery and of the district in which it is located, but the key influences upon flavour are the distilling equipment itself, how it is operated and how the spirit is matured. For the first time, "MacLean's Whiskypedia" explores the flavour and character of every malt whisky distilled in Scotland with reference to how it is made.In this title, introductory sections explain the contribution made by each stage of production and maturation, to elucidate the detailed notes about how malt whisky is made at each distillery. The distillery entries also provide historical notes and quirky facts. Malt whisky is the quintessential 'spirit of place', and this element of the story has been captured by John Macpherson's camera in specially commissioned images which compliment the text. This is a wholly new approach to understanding and enjoying Scotch malt whisky, by the foremost authority on the subject in collaboration with one of Scotland's leading photographers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18447 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Review
'Charles MacLean writes like no other expert on the subject. His prose is informed and highly entertaining' --The Independent

'whisky's finest guru' --The Sunday Times

About the Author
Charles MacLean has spent the past 27 years researching, writing and lecturing about Scotch whisky. He is the author of nine books on the subject, including the standard work on whisky brands, Scotch Whisky, and the authoritative Malt Whisky, both of which were short-listed for Glenfiddich Awards. His Scotch Whisky: A Liquid History won Wine & Spirits Book of the Year in the 2004 James Beard Awards and Best Drink Book in the World Food Media Awards. He is a consultant to the whisky industry, and to Bonhams International Auctioneers, and sits on the judging panel of the International Wine & Spirits Awards.

Customer Reviews

Essential reading for beginners and connoisseurs alike
MacLean's book is easy on the eye with excellent photography - award winning I believe!. As well as outlining the history of whisky distilling in Scotland, each distillery in Scotland gets a pithy write up, which details the history of the distillery, its machinery and stills, and its products.

There is enough detail for those that feel the need to know it, but the author's style is amusing, fresh and light, so this does not count as a trainspotter's guide to whisky. Nor does it run off into extravagant paragraphs of purple prose to describe the taste. No Jilly Goulden rubbish here.

It makes an excellent accompaniment to any distillery visit, and also to any tastings you might be doing.

It also has the advantage that you can pick the book up, flick it open at any page, and have a quick browse at a few distilleries; it's not meant to be read cover to cover (after the first time.)

All in all, as a lover of whisky, I love this book!