MacLean's Miscellany of Whisky


Book Description

Whisky has been called "the world’s finest spirit" and "Scotland’s most generous gift to the world." Liberally spiced with quirky stories, quotations, and charming illustrations, this is a comprehensive guide packed with information on everything related to whisky. Charles MacLean provides answers to such questions as:How has whisky changed over the past 100 years and why? What gives it its beautiful amber color? How do simple ingredients—water, barley, yeast, and perhaps a little peat—come together to produce such a diversity of flavors? Why have some distilleries closed, while others have flourished? How should Scotch be best enjoyed?Wide ranging in its scope, elegant, and informative, this is the perfect resource for anyone with an interest in good drink and good living.




Whisky Tales


Book Description

For centuries, whisky has tickled the palettes of the famous and the infamous alike, the good as well as the downright sinful. In this study, Charles MacLean pours a lifetime's passion and knowledge of Scotch whisky into an extraordinary array of anecdotes about this popular drink and those who have loved it. From ghost stories, tales of illicit smuggling operations, and feuding between the Scottish whisky families to poems and celebrations of the world's finest spirit, this is an engaging collection of literary works all dedicated to Scotland's most generous gift to the world.




Scotch Whisky


Book Description

New in Paper Whisky is widely considered the finest spirit in the world--and this is the definitive history of the "water of life." Written by the editor of Whisky magazine, and Scotland's leading writer on the subject, it's the perfect blend of anecdotes and pioneering research. Superb illustrations help tell an intriguing story that goes back as far as 2000 B.C., and that includes a cast of fascinating characters who smuggled, bribed, conspired, and advertised with a vengeance to turn whisky from a common man's drink into a proud part of the Scottish national heritage. Unfolding decade by decade, it presents names such as John Walker and Sons, Glenlivet, and Macallan, providing a treasure trove for the whisky connoisseur or anyone interested in a really good read.




Whiskypedia


Book Description

An authority on Scotch whisky An ideal addition to a collection of whisky books for beginners or whisky distilling books Fantastic gift for any whisky lovers 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. Skyhorse Publishing, along with our Good Books and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of cookbooks, including books on juicing, grilling, baking, frying, home brewing and winemaking, slow cookers, and cast iron cooking. We’ve been successful with books on gluten-free cooking, vegetarian and vegan cooking, paleo, raw foods, and more. Our list includes French cooking, Swedish cooking, Austrian and German cooking, Cajun cooking, as well as books on jerky, canning and preserving, peanut butter, meatballs, oil and vinegar, bone broth, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.




Whiskey Women


Book Description

Shortly after graduating from University of Glasgow in 1934, Elizabeth “Bessie” Williamson began working as a temporary secretary at the Laphroaig Distillery on the Scottish island Islay. Williamson quickly found herself joining the boys in the tasting room, studying the distillation process, and winning them over with her knowledge of Scottish whisky. After the owner of Laphroaig passed away, Williamson took over the prestigious company and became the American spokesperson for the entire Scotch whisky industry. Impressing clients and showing her passion as the Scotch Whisky Association’s trade ambassador, she soon gained fame within the industry, becoming known as the greatest female distiller. Whiskey Women tells the tales of women who have created this industry, from Mesopotamia’s first beer brewers and distillers to America’s rough-and-tough bootleggers during Prohibition. Women have long distilled, marketed, and owned significant shares in spirits companies. Williamson’s story is one of many among the influential women who changed the Scotch whisky industry as well as influenced the American bourbon whiskey and Irish whiskey markets. Until now their stories have remained untold.




Great Whiskeys


Book Description

Great Whiskeys is the ideal drinking companion for any whiskey lover: it is generous, knowledgeable, and willing to go anywhere. No other spirit matches the romance of whiskey; its carefully nurtured, long gestation, the curious flavors of its birthplace, its infinite subtleties and varieties all have a magic that captivates seasoned connoisseurs and new fans alike. Great Whiskeys reveals the secrets that give each whiskey its character and cherry picks the best expressions to try. As the whiskey world becomes more global, heritage brands are exported ever more widely, and innovative whiskeys from new producing countries are winning accolades. Great Whiskeys reflects this diversity by bringing you whiskeys from 22 countries. This is a guide that covers every whiskey style: single malt, blended, grain, bourbon, rye, and more. Enthusiasts and converts alike could not find a more comprehensive and accessible resource.




Malt Whisky


Book Description

'Scotland's leading whisky expert' - The Times Malt whisky has captured the hearts of spirits drinkers worldwide. This companion to Scotland's distilleries explores the history of malt whisky, how it is distilled and the contribution made by each ingredient throughout the process. Author Charles MacLean, a world authority on Scottish malt whisky, shows you how best to appreciate whisky and evaluate its subtleties, as well as how to describe its complex aromas and flavours. Malt Whisky includes a detailed A-Z directory of Scotland's distilleries with full-colour maps and more than 150 photographs. Tasting notes are also provided, as well as tips on buying malt whisky, a guide to visiting distilleries and the best whisky societies and websites available worldwide. This book is an invaluable guide for lovers of malt whisky, whether you are deciding which whiskies to buy, organizing a tasting, or simply armchair dreaming, dram in hand. - Recommendations from a world-respected authority - More than 250 maps and illustrations - A-Z directory of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries - Tasting notes for a variety of whiskies - Tips on buying and collecting




Whisky Science


Book Description




Spirit of Place


Book Description

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.




The Fairy-faith in Celtic Countries


Book Description

In this study, which is first of all a folk-lore study, we pursue principally an anthropo-psychological method of interpreting the Celtic belief in fairies, though we do not hesitate now and then to call in the aid of philology; and we make good use of the evidence offered by mythologies, religions, metaphysics, and physical sciences.