'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 whiskeys. Award-winning writers Charles Maclean and Gavin D. Smith offer a rollocking 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, and 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. * This large-format, gift book is written by two highly respected whisky writers who are steeped in the subject, Charles Maclean and Gavin D. Smith, and features a foreword from famous Scottish author, Sir Alexander McCall Smith - who comments 'this remarkable book on the fascinating subject of how whisky has been made over the years'. * Whisky is enjoying a moment in the sun: it is now a truly global drink far removed from its early days in the glens of Highland Scotland and remote Irish settlements; and emerging regions, led by a new generation of producers keen to push forward new innovations, from England to the far corners of Europe and Asia, now produce world class whisky to rival the more traditional distilleries. In the key whisky-producing nations of USA and Canada, as elsewhere, a wave of new distilleries is now a serious rival to the long-established giant multinationals. In the UK alone whisky constitutes 16% of the retail spirits market. * Global demand is at a record high and the book covers the story of whisky worldwide: from the pot still whiskies of rural Ireland to the success of 21st century Japanese distilleries. New distilleries in China and India are now global success stories and urban and micro-distilleries can be found as far afield as Vancouver Island in Canada and the Southern Alps in New Zealand's South Island.

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