Whisky Books by Charles Maclean
Detailed below you will find my leading whisky titles, should you wish to purchase them you can order them online from Amazon.
Maclean's Whiskypedia
Charles MacLean writes like no other expert on the subject. His prose is informed and highly entertaining” The Independent
Why does Scotch whisky taste as it does? Where do the flavours come from? How might they have changed over the years? The flavour of Scotch whisky is as much influenced by history, craft and tradition as it is by science. Whiskypedia explores these influences. Introductory sections provide an historical overview, and an explanation of the contribution made by each stage of the production process. Each entry provides a brief account of the distillery’s history and curiosities, lists the bottlings which are currently available, details how the whisky is made, and explores the flavour and character of each make. Charles MacLean has spent thirty years researching, writing and lecturing about Scotch whisky. Whiskypedia is the result of deep immersion in its subject. It will guide, entertain and inform novices and experts alike.
World Whisky
This is an outstanding book for the whisky lover…a definite addition for your home library or private bar” T Bux, amazon.com
This is a nation-by-nation guide to whisky. Whisky is a drink that improves as it sleeps, the spirit that is the ‘water of life’ itself. Explore its wonderful depth, variety, and complexity, its classics and exciting new forms with this unique guide to the world’s best whiskies. Sample over 700 whiskies, with unrivalled tasting notes and information on malts, blends, and grains. Visit the best distilleries, discover their history and uncover the secrets of their craft. Take a tour around key regions, producers and pubs – and raise a glass to the finest wee drams the world of whisky has to offer.
- Winner ‘Best Wine, Beer or Spirits Book’, International Culinary Professionals Awards
- Runner up ‘Best Drinks Book’, James Beard Awards 2010
Maclean's Miscellany of Whisky
MacLean’s Miscellany is a delightful rag-bag of a book which contains all that everyone in the world could ever possibly want to know about whisky, and then some ” Ron Butlin
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: A Liquid History
The most thorough, colourful and accessible book ever published on the history of Scotch. A mine of information” Richard Joynson, Scotch Whisky Review
Whisky is widely considered the finest spirit in the world and its history has evolved against a fascinating backdrop. This is the story of a traditional spirit with an intriguing past. The book explores and unfolds, decade by decade, the history, secrets and untold tales surrounding one of the world’s most popular tipples. Beginning as far back as 2000 BC, the tales move through the centuries to the present day, looking at the fascinating characters who smuggled, bribed, conspired and advertised with a vengeance to turn whisky from a common man’s drink into an integral and admired part of popular Scottish heritage.
- Wine & Spirits Book of the Year 2005, James Beard Foundation Awards
- Short listed Drinks Book of the Year, Andre Simon Awards 2003
Malt Whisky
After reading this book, it is difficult not to conclude than MacLean has done for malt whisky what Hugh Johnson did for wine” Guy Grant, Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine
The leading book on its subject, beautifully illustrated, embraces the history, raw materials, production, maturation and sensory evaluation of malt whisky. It includes a directory of all the malt whisky distilleries operating since World War II, with brief tasting notes, and a guide to buying and enjoying the world’s best spirit.
- Shortlisted Drinks Book of the Year, Glenfiddich Awards 1998
- Winner Best Illustrated Book, Glenfiddich Awards 1998.
The Pocket Guide to Scotch Whisky
A book no lover of Scotch whisky should be without” Hugh Morison, Director General, The Scotch Whisky Association
An A-Z directory of malt, grain, blended and liqueur Scotch whiskies, with notes on the history and idiosyncrasies of each, the licensee to the distillery or brand and its owner. Preliminary sections introduce the history of whisky, the production of malt, grain and blended whisky, regional differences, appreciation and tasting procedure, and a note on the industry today.
- ‘Shortlisted Drinks Book of the Year, Glenfiddich Awards 1993
