Malt Whisky - Hardcover

The book is divided into five sections. First the history of malt is explored, from the earliest days of distilling to today's sophisticated marketing-driven approach. Next the author looks in detail at how whisky is made, the role of each ingredient and process, and the effect of variations of these on the final taste of the whisky in the glass. This is followed by the chapter on whisky appreciation, including how to taste and evaluate, the language of tasting and how to serve. The whisky regions are then explored, from the wind-swept shores of Islay and Orkney to the sheltered green valleys of the Highlands and Lowlands. Why did whisky distilling develop in these regions and what are the stylistic differences between the malts from each? The author reveals all.

Scotland's leading whisky writer Charles MacLean was founding editor of Whisky Magazine and of the Russian Whisky, and was for many years Contributing Editor of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's Newsletter (where he also chairs the Nosing Panel and writes the tasting notes). He contributes frequently to magazines around the world and is Whisky Correspondent to Scottish Field. He is Whisky Consultant to Bonhams Auctioneers, and is also the host of a TV channel (accessed via the internet) dedicated to the world of whisky, www.singlemalt.TV. He is a member of the Judging Panel (Spirits) of the International Wines & Spirits Competition, and was made a Keeper of the Quaich in 1992 and elevated to Master of the Quaich in October 2009 - the whisky industry's highest accolade. MacLean has published ten books on the subject, including Scotch Whisky, Malt Whisky, Whisky: A Liquid History, Whisky Tales, Eyewitness Companion to Whisky, World Whiskies and Whiskypedia.