The Story of Whisky

‘For the reader who knows little about whisky, this is a book that will easily and enjoyably fill that gap.’ Sir Alexander McCall Smith

This stylish, comprehensive guide takes the reader from the origins of distilling in 1200BC, through remarkable stories of the pioneers and inventors that have helped shape the story of whisky, to the issues surrounding whisky production today: from sustainability concerns to the use of heritage barley and corn, and the problem of fake whiskys.

Award-winning writers Charles MacLean and Gavin D. Smith offer a rollicking narrative, describing the adventures of legendary characters who shaped the whisky industry from John Jameson in Dublin to ‘Nearest Green’ and Jack Daniels in Tennessee. They explore its cultural heritage and journey across the world, from Ernest Shackleton in the South Antarctic to today’s growth of single malt in the USA, and find out how only three basic ingredients – grain, yeast, and water – combine to make a drink with so many different flavours.

The loose chronological approach starts with the origins of distilling, mainly in China and India, and follows through whisky’s early origins as an illicit alcohol made in the hills of Scotland and Ireland, to the exciting small batch whiskies being produced today by craft distillers and master blenders all over the world. The Story of Whisky immerses the reader in over 100 stories, legends, and anecdotes, illustrated with historical images and stunning photographs of landscapes and iconic distilleries, inside and out. It is designed to entertain as well as educate.

Learn how whisky came to be the global success story of today and understand how to appreciate exactly what is in your glass. With flavour influenced as much by history, craft and tradition as it is by science, in The Story of Whisky, readers can find out why their drink tastes the way it does, where whisky flavours come from, and how they are changing to embrace the future. The Story of Whisky is the essential guide for any aficionado.