Whiksypedia Boasts Listings of the World's Best Vintages

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed)
Dec 12th 2010 at 2:01PM

Want to impress your friends with your sophisticated knowledge of "cask strength" or the difference between "wood finished" and "sherry finished?" Are you already a lover of fine whisky looking for a handbook to guide you to your next favorite bottle? Then your new best friend should be Charles MacLean. The perfect stocking stuffer is his eighth work, a bar-sized new book, Whiskypedia.

MacLean isn't just a connoisseur - he's practically an industry legend, awarded the was elected a Keeper of Quaich, the industry's highest accolade as well as a guest lecturer at the Smithsonian Institution.

Whiskypedia, explores the flavor and character of every malt whisky distilled in Scotland. Although legend once had it that the unique characteristics of individual types of whisky were derived from mystical sources, MacLean goes into in-depth detail of the specific customs and equipment used in each distillery.

Introductory sessions of the book offer a historical overview of the popular Scottish spirit, touching on important components about the brewing process, where flavor comes from, and why whisky varies from region to region. What follows is a Whisky-lovers dream: comprehensive entries for the 134 whisky distilleries in Scotland-detailing everything from maturation to style and plant.

MacLean discusses not only each type's distinct flavor and characteristics but also the meaning of each label, interspersed with historic trifia (like when in 1922 a fire engulfed a Glenrothes warehouse, pitching large amounts of whisky into the Rothes Burn, to the pleasure of the locals and, it is said, the cows) and facts about the world's top whisky consumers-you're in for a surprise; Scotland doesn't even rank!

Want to create your own Scottish whisky tour? MacLean offers tips on that too - from where to go to when to visit and how to arrange a tour.

Want to really wow a special someone? MacLean can also be reserved for a tour, talk, or private tasting.

Tags: charles maclean, spirits, whisky, whiskypedia

Filed under: Spirits

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Willy Dec 12th 2010 5:19PM

A shot of Glen Livitts w/ a burn of cold water on the side.

reallytorkedoff Dec 14th 2010 10:42PM

Who is Glen Livitts?

Glenlivet, perhaps?

Dave Dec 13th 2010 2:03AM

I would have thought that if you could at least spell whiskypedia. Without any thought or understanding to the two different spellings of the word whisky and whiskey and what the difference means. The blogger can't even copy/cut paste the correct spelling in his headline.
Would I read anything else this person has to comment about..........clearly not an expert in these matters.
Poor, very poor. A rookie mistake.