Whisky

by Aeneas MacDonald, Ian Buxton

This is – in the opinion of many whisky writers and experts – the finest whisky book ever written. It is certainly the first written from the point of view of the consumer and is thus historically significant. But more than that, poetic and polemic in style and with its emphasis on the importance of single malt whisky and its concern to protect and inform the consumer, it remains fresh and relevant to the interests of today’s whisky drinker. It is a remarkably prophetic book, and with Ian Buxton’s shrewd commentary and analysis, combined for the first time with period illustrations, it is brought bang up to date for today’s generations of whisky aficionados.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2006

Reviews

[Luke Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So before I say anything let's keep in mind what this book is: a historical view (hell, it was written in 1930) of what whisk(e)y was at the time and even now, nearly a century later, that still has relevance today.

And that relevance, you ask? How so? Two reasons if you were to ask me. 1) It shows how strong the whisk(e)y world was at this point in time. This is Scotch whisky post the Pattison debacle, post World War I, post a great flood of immigration from Europe to America. This is whisk(e)y in Europe during Prohibition in America. 122 distilleries in Scotland, 21 in Ireland. Many of these distilleries still remain and just as many as long gone. This book is a time capsule, a slice of the everyday life for the whisk(e)y lover between the wars.

And on top of that, it is also 2) a critique of the lack of information provided to the drinker by the distilleries themselves. The author makes a brief, though highly relevant rant, about how misleading the bottles can be without clear statements of just what is in the bottle that is being purchased. This demand for correct information is a battle cry today as some distilleries embrace the fact that people want to know age, location, percentage, chill-filtered, caramel coloring added, and more about what it is they're imbibing. At this point in time, we may not be seeing the extraneous packaging we've come to see in recent years where aged whisky has gone from an understandable price to an exorbitant one thanks to crystal decanters and inlaid wood display cases. In these modern times, the price tag and the packaging seem to take on greater importance than what one actually finds within the bottle, an all too familiar crime IMHO. Yet, the pen named MacDonald seems to cast a knowing eye into the future in many ways.

Ian Buxton, whether you love him or loathe him, plays a minimal role in the book other than an (unnecessarily? I say yes.) lengthy opening. Though not all parts of this book are relevant to today's consumer, there's more than enough that is to make this book a worthwhile stroll down memory lane of whiskies past.

[Ted Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read and a good guide for historical perspective - that the same struggles in the whisky industry of yesteryear is upon us again.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small volume, written in the 1930s, giving a history and philosophy of whisky appreciation. Aeneas MacDonald is a pseudonym because the author was concerned that his mother, who had very strict views on the evils of alcohol, would learn of his love of whisky. It is only recently that the authors true identity has been uncovered.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written in a lively poetic style. Much of the information remains good today. At the same time, much of the information in this book is dated - it was written in 1930. However, even the dated material is interesting because it provides insight into how the drink and the industry have changed. Highly recommended for anyone who likes whisky and good writing.

[Rob Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written in 1930, is must reading for any scotch drinker today. The prose boarders on poetry, yet provides an indepth study of Scotch Whisky, and Irish as well. Much of what was true in 1930, is true today. If you do not care about scotch, but enjoy a tour de forse of English language usage, read on.

[Chun Ting · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's a book written in 1930! So accuracy of information is not expected, but the romanticism of whisky and poetic writing make it an interesting read.