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.

This witty, erudite and often lyrical toast to uisgebeatha, the Celts' 'water of life', takes us back into the mists of time when some happy man chanced upon the technique of producing a distillation from barley that rivalled the mead of the gods. But it is also a lament for the days when every self-respecting Highlander had his own pot still as of right.Good malt whisky, brewed and distilled in the time-honoured way, excites the same appreciation as fine wine, and there could be no more discerning guide than Neil M. Gunn, a native of Caithness and one of Scotland's leading twentieth-century novelists.Whisky and Scotland describes in loving detail the traditional techniques, still used today, whereby barley grains become an amber spirit unequalled in the world. For a purist, Scotland's own barley gives the finest results, 'communicating a soft maturing excellence', and no water can compare with that which has flowed off the peat, imparting a subtle flavour that survives years in the cask. True connoisseurs can identify the products of individual distilleries, for each derives its own distinctive character from the surrounding soil and water.A classic since its original publication, Whisky and Scotland reads as freshly and relevantly as it did then. Good single whiskies can still be found by the searcher, and the fire of Scottish national pride burns as brightly as ever. This new edition, with decorative drawings by Fred Van Deelen based on archive photographs, will enlighten and entertain all who share the author's delight in a brew that recalls 'the world of hills and glens, of raging elements, of shelter, of divine ease.'

A follow-up to his bestselling American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation's Favorite Spirit, Clay Risen's Single Malt is an introduction to the long history, fascinating science, and incredible diversity of malted whisky, as well as a practical drinker's guide to buying and enjoying hundreds of the greatest examples of the distiller's tradition. With maps of essential whisky regions of Scotland, profiles of each of the makers, and photographs of the bottles and tasting notes for each of the most widely available expressions--compiled from tasting sessions conducted by a panel of leading whisky experts--readers will discover a rich vein of knowledge about one of the world's most storied beverages. Selected from more than one hundred active distilleries in Scotland, the 330 expressions featured in this book provide a curated yet comprehensive primer of the single-malt whiskies any growing aficionado should be familiar with. Additional features include a directory of distilleries, Risen's top whisky picks in various categories, and a full index of the expressions featured in the book.

This book describes the geology of Scotland and Northern Ireland in relation to the important malt whisky producing districts

The incredible array of Scotch available in a bar or liquor store can be overwhelming--but this comprehensive book is your crash course in Scotch whisky history, production, and appreciation. It covers the land, distilleries, and the different styles, with profiles of more than 200 easily findable bottles including everything from popular blends to coveted single malts. Plus, there's information on touring distilleries. Whether you're a whisky newbie, a die-hard fan, or simply curious, Scotch will be your go-to resource for finding a great dram. The whiskies profiled include: Aberfeldy * anCnoc * Balvenie * Big Peat * Chivas Regal * Dewar's * Douglas Laing * Edradour * GlenAllachie * Glenfiddich * Isle of Arran * J&B * Johnnie Walker * Kilkerran * Lagavulin * Old Pulteney * Royal Lochnagar * Timorous Beastie * Usquaebach * Wemyss Malts

In this beautifully crafted narrative, award-winning writer Dave Broom examines Scotch whisky from the point of view of its terroir - the land, weather, history, craft and culture that feed and enhance the whisky itself. Travelling around his native Scotland and visiting distilleries from Islay and Harris to Orkney and Speyside, Dave explores the whiskies made there and the elements in their distilling, and locality, which make them what they are. Along the way he tells the story of whisky's history and considers what whisky is now, and where it is going. With stunning specially commissioned photography by Christina Kernohan, A Sense of Place will enhance and deepen every whisky drinker's understanding of just what is in their glass.

This is a book that examines the story of Scotch through the lens of Scottish geography, history, and language.