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
Beginning with the origins of distilling in 1200BC by alchemists in China and India, journey 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.
Through over 100 stories, legends and anecdotes, discover the origins of the quaich, whisky glass and corkscrew: and look inside iconic distilleries from around the world with stunning photographs and historic images.
Award-winning writers Charles MacLean and Gavin D. Smith offer a rollocking narrative; describing the adventures of the legendary characters who shaped the whisky industry. With flavour influenced as much by history, craft and tradition as it is by science, in The Story of Whisky, find out why your drink tastes the way it does, where whisky flavours come from and how they are changing to embrace the future..

Charles Maclean has been researching and writing about whisky since 1981, leading masterclasses, talks and tastings around the world as well as authoring titles on Scottish history and culture. His Pitkin titles include a comprehensive introduction to the drink, Scotch Whisky.