The Instant Expert's Guide to Single Malt Scotch

by Kevin Erskine

The classic guide for the novice... Contrary to popular belief, Scottch is not just for old men sitting around stuffy country clubs...it's the original luxury spirit and it's now more popular than ever! But for someone who wants to learn about Scotch, it can be a little intimidating - overwhelming even - all those unfamiliar terms, different brands - the novice has no idea where to get started. Most books on the topic are written for those already familiar with Scotch and tend to concentrate on author ratings, distillery overviews, and tasting notes. They simply do not address the needs of someone new to Scotch. That's where The Instant Expert's Guide to Single Malt Scotch comes in. In the end, this book will equip readers with the fundamentals, enabling them to continue to explore the great taste of single malt Scotch whisky on their own. With new-found knowledge, what once seemed like an overwhelming number of choices will suddenly become an infinite number of unique possibilities to experience and enjoy!

100 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Michael Inkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it claims to be! After about an hour of reading I can go from knowing absolutely nothing about scotch to knowing details such as the effect of the swan's neck used for distilling. Also includes a handy pronunciation guide for all those confusing Gaelic words.

[Hunter Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent short primer. I knew many of the information already, but this nicely and concisely presents the basics of scotch. I am interested to check out the referenced book sorting scotch into 16 categories based not on region or method of manufacturing, but on the general flavor profiles. I would recommend this book to anyone whose thinking of getting started in the scotch world. Its enough to inform initial tastings without overwhelming you with preconceptions.

[Zach Opsitnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and informative. Gives you the basics of single malts without overwhelming you. Also answers many questions that you've always thought about, even down to the difference between whisky and whiskey.

Really good read without loading up with the author's opinions. Gives you the base information to make your own informed decisions.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for beginners. The information is presented in very easy-to-understand terms and does not go into the history or technical aspects of whisky-making. There is a nice pronunciation guide as well as a few recipes for whisky cocktails.