Whiskypedia: A Compendium of Scotch Whisky

by Charles MacLean

Overview

Have you ever wondered why Scotch whisky tastes the way it does? Have you ever questioned the history of whisky and how its flavor notes have changed over the years? If so, then this book is for you! The flavor of Scotch whisky is influenced by a combination of history, craft, science, and tradition. Whether it is single malt Scotch whisky, dalmore whisky, or peat whisky, you will learn something about it in this book. 

This book on scotch is also a compendium of curiosities! Learn about bottles of scotch, including orbit bottle labels, whiskey green labels, and more. Whiskypedia also outlines information about individual distilleries. Each one provides their whiskies with unique characteristics. They are grounded in the craft and custom of the distillery and its district, but the real key influences on the flavor are how the spirit is matured, the distilling equipment itself, and how the distilling equipment is operated. This guide explores all of those influences and more. 

Whiskypedia is the first comprehensive source of the flavor and character of every malt whisky in Scotland. Written by Charles MacLean, “a world authority on malt whisky” (Daily Telegraph), shares his wisdom throughout this book. The history of Scotch whisky and information on Scotch distilling are also included. John MacPherson’s stunning photos compliment the text well. This is an ideal book about Scotch for any whisky fan. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781510751729
Publisher:	Skyhorse Publishing
Publication date:	09/02/2019
Pages:	392
Sales rank:	520,486
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Charles MacLean has spent almost thirty years researching, writing, and lecturing about Scotch whisky. Whiskypedia is the result of his deep immersion in the craft. He lives near Edinburgh, Scotland.

Table of Contents

Foreword 7

Historical Overview 9

Understanding the Label 20

A Taxonomy of Scotch 22

Regional Differences 23

Key to Entries 27

Gazetteer of Distilleries 39

Who Owns Whom? 327

Top Ten Single Malts 2007 333

World Consumption of Bottled Malt Whisky 2000-2007 334

Major Consumers of Bottled Malt Whisky 2007 335

Leading Independent Bottlers 337

Sources and Acknowledgements 347

Charles MacLean 351

Editorial Reviews

“Charles MacLean is a world authority on malt whisky.”—Daily Telegraph

“The untimely death of beer and spirits writer Michael Jackson in 2007 makes the eminent MacLean’s work more important than ever. Serious drinkers—this is not a book for beginners—can ask for no better guide.” —Keir Graff, Booklist

“Charles MacLean is a world authority on malt whisky.”—Daily Telegraph

“The untimely death of beer and spirits writer Michael Jackson in 2007 makes the eminent MacLean’s work more important than ever. Serious drinkers—this is not a book for beginners—can ask for no better guide.” —Keir Graff, Booklist

From the Publisher

MacLean, who won a James Beard Award for Scotch Whisky: A Liquid History (2003), here provides an A–Z guide to Scotland’s most famous export, after golf. Noting in his introduction that differences in flavor are less the result of distilleries’ locations, as is usually thought, than of tradition, technique, and market concerns, he provides information about materials, equipment, and procedures for aficionados curious to make such comparisons. But the heart of these entries lies in the "historical notes" and "curiosities," where the author’s research and enthusiasm are clearly evident. Buyers and collectors will find the list of "expressions" (commonly available bottlings) useful, while many users will jump straight to the informed, richly descriptive tasting notes (Dalmore smells "rich and sherried, with sweet malt, fruit cake, orange peel and marzipan.") As Scotch’s popularity grows, its world changes surprisingly fast, and updated information is crucial. The untimely death of beer and spirits writer Michael Jackson in 2007 makes the eminent MacLean’s work more important than ever. Serious drinkers—this is not a book for beginners—can ask for no better guide.

Booklist - Keir Graff

MacLean, who won a James Beard Award for Scotch Whisky: A Liquid History
(2003), here provides an A–Z guide to Scotland’s most famous export,
after golf. Noting in his introduction that differences in flavor are less the result of distilleries’ locations, as is usually thought, than of tradition, technique, and market concerns, he provides information about materials, equipment, and procedures for aficionados curious to make such comparisons. But the heart of these entries lies in the
“historical notes” and “curiosities,” where the author’s research and enthusiasm are clearly evident. Buyers and collectors will find the list of “expressions” (commonly available bottlings) useful, while many users will jump straight to the informed, richly descriptive tasting notes (Dalmore smells “rich and sherried, with sweet malt, fruit cake,
orange peel and marzipan.”) As Scotch’s popularity grows, its world changes surprisingly fast, and updated information is crucial. The untimely death of beer and spirits writer Michael Jackson in 2007 makes the eminent MacLean’s work more important than ever. Serious drinkers—this is not a book for beginners—can ask for no better guide.

Keir Graff - Booklist

Whisky’s finest guru.

The Sunday Times

The untimely death of beer and spirits writer Michael Jackson in 2007 makes the eminent MacLean’s work more important than ever. Serious drinkers—this is not a book for beginners—can ask for no better guide.

Booklist