Those who discover malt whisky quickly learn that the malts made on the Isle of Islay are some of the wildest and most characterful in the malt-whisky spectrum. In PEAT SMOKE AND SPIRIT, Islay's fascinating story is uncovered: from its history and stories of the many shipwrecks which litter its shores, to intimate descriptions of the beautiful wildlife, landscape and topography of the island. Interwoven through these different narrative strands comes the story of the whiskies themselves, traced from a distant past of bothies and illegal stills to present-day legality and prosperity. The flavour of each spirit is analysed and the differences between them teased out, as are the stories of the notable men and women who have played such a integral part in their creation. PEAT SMOKE AND SPIRIT is the last word on Islay and its whiskies.

This is a reissue edition of the previously published title Peat Smoke and Spirit (9780747245780), published in 2005. 'This is not simply an appreciation of whisky, but a voyage into the history and geography of a tiny Scottish island' Daily Mail Those who discover malt whisky quickly learn that the malts made on the Isle of Islay are some of the wildest and most characterful in the malt-whisky spectrum. In Whisky Island, Islay's fascinating story is uncovered: from its history and stories of the many shipwrecks which litter its shores, to the beautiful wildlife, landscape and topography of the island revealed through intimate descriptions of the austerely beautiful and remote countryside. Interleaved through these different narrative strands comes the story of the whiskies themselves, traced from a distant past of bothies and illegal stills to present-day legality and prosperity. The flavour of each spirit is analysed and the differences between them teased out, as are the stories of the notable men and women who have played such a integral part in their creation.

For whisky fans and their travelling buddies. This insightful and well-researched pocket guidebook is all you need to enhance your Islay visit. It is the ideal companion for the Scotch whisky dreamers and those who share a passion for Scotland’s islands. Pop it in your back pocket and set off. Information at a glance with no need to plan or study beforehand. There are 10 world-famous Scotch whisky distilleries to discover, all with useful insider tips clearly listed. Islay’s other treasures are not forgotten either: ancient history, archaeology and Islay’s amazing bird life also feature. There are suggested daily tour routes around Islay highlighting what to look out for. There are also details of day tours to the nearby Islands of Jura and Colonsay. The author has been guiding groups from all over the world for almost 20 years and is very much aware of what visitors actually want. This guidebook has it all!

A Field Guide to Whisky is a one-stop guide for all the information a whisky enthusiast needs. With the whisky market booming all over the world, now is a perfect time for a comprehensive guide to this popular brown spirit. What are the basic ingredients in all whiskies? How does it get its flavor? Which big-name brands truly deserve their reputation? What are the current whisky trends around the world? And who was Jack Daniel, anyway? This abundance of information is distilled(!) into 324 short entries covering basic whisky literacy, production methods, consumption tips, trends, trivia, geographical maps and lists of distilleries, whisky trails, bars, hotels, and festivals by an industry insider. Boasting 230 color photographs and a beautiful package to boot, A Field Guide to Whisky will make a whisky expert out of anyone.

In 1885, Alfred Barnard was charged with the task of visiting and reporting on every active Whisky distillery throughout Scotland, Ireland and England. It took him two exhaustive years. In this book you will see the distilleries through his eyes. His detailed descriptions of every step in the distilling process is work that remains unparalleled to this day. But that's only part of the story. As he and his companions traveled the countryside, he fell in love with Scotland and all its grandeur as well as the lush landscapes of Ireland. As you read through this book - presented as an ebook for the very first time - you'll fall in love, as well. Part technical document and part travelogue, you're almost getting two books in one intertwined volume. Granted, this text lacks the visual beauty and splendor of the fine print editions, but the words stand up on their own and will transport you to a Victorian adventure that was, is and always will be one of a kind. This edition does not contain the additional writings of Alfred Barnard that are found in recent print editions, just the text of his original book. There are two additional chapters from his writings giving added detail for Glenglassaugh and Glenfarclas.

For whisky professionals, connoisseurs and lovers, Jim McEwan is an icon like Steve Jobs, Paul McCartney and Pelé. Growing up in the small village of Bowmore on the "whisky island" of Islay, he started his career in 1963 at the age of 15 as a cask maker in the Bowmore distillery. This developed into an unprecedented career in which Jim was to shape and revolutionise the world of whisky like no other. The worldwide success of single malt whisky is inextricably linked to him. The highlight of his work was the revival of the Bruichladdich distillery, today one of the most innovative and respected representatives of the whisky world. How a journey began with two men and a dog that would lead to new universes of whisky is only part of the story that Jim McEwan tells here anecdotally and with much humour. Lavishly designed, lavishly illustrated and sumptuously appointed - a delight for lovers of wonderful books and wonderful drinks alike.

A wide-ranging and evocative portrait of Scotland's distilleries, with text by renowned whisky expert Charles MacLean and photographs by Lara Platman and Alan MacDonald. Treating Scotland as eight distinct regions, this fascinating book describes the 'cultural terroir' of the country's fifty greatest distilleries; the ingredients, practices and traditions that result in such an exquisite range of whiskies. Specially commissioned photographs capture the texture of the surrounding landscapes and communities through the changing seasons, as well as portraits of those craftsmen who work there, and the fabric of the buildings themselves. Spirit of Place is a unique addition to the literature on Scotch whisky, from the world's greatest expert on the subject. The perfect gift for anyone planning a tour of Scotland's distilleries, a souvenir for anyone who has visited them, and simply the perfect companion to a dram at home.