An entertaining history? An absorbing how-to? A tasting guide without the attitude? This book is a joy from start to finish, not the least because it suprises one who has become jaded from tomes on wine and spirits which are by turns tedious and elitist. Malt Whisky, by Charles MacLean, is primarily a one-stop summary of the entire range of the single-malt scotch experience, aimed at the enthusiast rather than the researcher. The first impression is of the sheer beauty of the book; the specially commissioned photographs by Jason Lowe are a marvelous treat, and the entire production is attractively laid-out and of high quality. Mr. MacLean is a writer of elegance and restrained wit, never bogged down in minutae but also never one to skip over the interesting or enlightening detail. It is a difficult balancing act, and the measure of his success is the pleasure in every sentence.
Although the book is not intended as a comprehensive reference, there is a wealth of information in the six main sections: History, How Whisky is Made, How to Enjoy Malt, The Whisky Regions, the Directory, and the Appendices. Of special note are the directory and appendices. The directory is a comprehensive list of all distilleries which are operating, silent or mothballed, as well as those closed since WWII, and includes tasting notes for selected versions of these malts. The appendices are ready for the Age of the Internet; they contain addresses and web sites for whisky societies worldwide, distilleries and retailers. They also give information on retail sources for rare and unusual bottlings, collectors' guidelines, and distilleries which give tours or welcome visitors.
Malt Whisky was a lot of fun to read, and it will continue to be both fun and useful for those who enjoy the romance of whisky and the experience of a good single-malt, but also need information to help pursue and expand their pleasure. Make a space for this on your bookshelf.
