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Malt Whisky Companion
Do you know your Mortlach from your Miltonduff? A Glenfiddich from a Glenlugie? Find out the differences in Michael Jackson's guide to single malts. This guide includes over 800 malts.
- GenresNonfictionReferenceFood
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
11 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jackson
66 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael James Jackson (27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007) was an English writer and journalist. He was the author of many influential books about beer and whisky.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael...
Michael James Jackson (27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007) was an English writer and journalist. He was the author of many influential books about beer and whisky.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 17, 2019
Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion: An A-Z of Single Malt Reviews
As part of my ongoing Scotch Single Malt tasting and learning journey, I got this book as Michael Jackson (obviously not that one) was a well-respected expert on whiskies, and this book is a handsome hardcover but small format volume from DK (Penguin Random House).
It starts with an excellent 60-page introduction to the world of Scotch single malt whiskies, covering their history, brewing, distillation, and aging processes, and lots of interesting information. The remaining 380 pages are a treasure trove of glossy pages of reviews on every major Scottish distillery, with a nice introduction to each, and then reviews of many of its most important core expressions plus many rarer independent bottlings, older vintages, cask strength and limited editions as well, with tasting notes covering nose, palate, body, and finish. The reviews are entertaining and also feature full-color images of the bottles, which is really helpful in hunting down ones you are interested, and I love the bottle designs and labels as works of art.
It's a handy reference to have as you are sipping your favorite tipple or a more expensive dram for a special occasion. It's even got reviews of shuttered distilleries and world whiskies, which is a nice addition.
As part of my ongoing Scotch Single Malt tasting and learning journey, I got this book as Michael Jackson (obviously not that one) was a well-respected expert on whiskies, and this book is a handsome hardcover but small format volume from DK (Penguin Random House).
It starts with an excellent 60-page introduction to the world of Scotch single malt whiskies, covering their history, brewing, distillation, and aging processes, and lots of interesting information. The remaining 380 pages are a treasure trove of glossy pages of reviews on every major Scottish distillery, with a nice introduction to each, and then reviews of many of its most important core expressions plus many rarer independent bottlings, older vintages, cask strength and limited editions as well, with tasting notes covering nose, palate, body, and finish. The reviews are entertaining and also feature full-color images of the bottles, which is really helpful in hunting down ones you are interested, and I love the bottle designs and labels as works of art.
It's a handy reference to have as you are sipping your favorite tipple or a more expensive dram for a special occasion. It's even got reviews of shuttered distilleries and world whiskies, which is a nice addition.
March 7, 2015
Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion is simply the definitive guide to Malt Whiskies. It is an essential guide for any whisky connoisseur or a nice reference for the beginner to Scotch. I read the 6th and final edition which was published in 2010 a few years after the death of Michael Jackson, the world's leading authority on whisky (and beer). This reference book is easy to use and colorful. It starts with a short introduction into the world of Scotch single malt whisky. This includes a nice introduction to the pleasures of the pursuit of malts which may help you understand why they are so popular throughout the world. There are then tasting notes on hundreds of malts and distilleries. The layout of the book is in alphabetical order by distillery. There is a short half-page introduction to each distillery, a sentence on the distillery's house style, followed by very short reviews and ratings of several whiskies from the distillery. Many reviews also include a picture of the bottle label. The book concludes with a shorter section is dedicated to the other single malt whiskies of the world. After reading the guide in 2012 I bought a 25 year old Macallan Scotch and thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 2, 2020
Although it lacks details and depth, this book can be considered a must read for all aspiring whisky anoraks or aficionados.
February 10, 2014
Simply the best book on Malt Whisky, from the greatest food and drinks journalist that ever lived, the late great Michael Jackson.
Not a book with funny tasting notes, pouring scorn on what isn't the writers taste, this stays civilized, always. Jackson loves this product, and stays far away from modern notions such as marketing or brand. He is a traditionalist at heart, who believes that Whisky is a wonderful product of craftsmanship, to be admired and studied, and not to be spoken ill of.
A book full of warmth, insight, explanation and honest reviews by the man who lived by the credo: 'If it has taken someone years to make this product, it should at least deserve some time and consideration and not be rushed.'
Not a book with funny tasting notes, pouring scorn on what isn't the writers taste, this stays civilized, always. Jackson loves this product, and stays far away from modern notions such as marketing or brand. He is a traditionalist at heart, who believes that Whisky is a wonderful product of craftsmanship, to be admired and studied, and not to be spoken ill of.
A book full of warmth, insight, explanation and honest reviews by the man who lived by the credo: 'If it has taken someone years to make this product, it should at least deserve some time and consideration and not be rushed.'
October 11, 2013
A comprehensive and thorough guide to malt whisky. The chapters about the background to whisky - origins, flavours, regional variations etc. - are very helpful to someone new to whisky appreciation. There's about 70 pages of introductory material, followed by about 350 pages about specific whiskies.
I have the 2004 edition but it was updated in 2010 with new material on whiskies in production. Thoroughly recommend it for the neophyte and the connoisseur.
I have the 2004 edition but it was updated in 2010 with new material on whiskies in production. Thoroughly recommend it for the neophyte and the connoisseur.
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September 2, 2011Recommended companion for any self-respecting whisky drinker. Just don't be disappointed when you realise it wasn't written by the king of pop. Ow!
May 10, 2022
This is obviously anachronistic, given that it came out 18 years ago. Still, there's considerable value to be found in the background materials and the distillery descriptions, while the 'trends' section is an interesting time capsule showcasing trends that have since come and gone.
January 28, 2025
Seen by my mother Nelia in Elgin, Scotland charity shop for £3. Can`t go wrong. My mother knows that I love Scottish whisky. Around Elgin area, especially Benromach 12 years old pre-2020 batch scotch whisky.
Lovely reference book.
Lovely reference book.
Read
October 20, 2016One of the best and full review about malt whisky, with a huge number of single malt and most of the distilleries in Scotland.
Thanks to the writer we are able to know and understand the spirit, from the peaty one to the old and sherry flavoured one.
For every single whisky you may find description in nose, palate and finish. Sometime you may appreciate a 88 points Highland whisky instead than a 95 points Islay whisky; it's a matter of mood and time.
Take a very long time to read the book if you want different kinds whisky give you something good.
Thanks to the writer we are able to know and understand the spirit, from the peaty one to the old and sherry flavoured one.
For every single whisky you may find description in nose, palate and finish. Sometime you may appreciate a 88 points Highland whisky instead than a 95 points Islay whisky; it's a matter of mood and time.
Take a very long time to read the book if you want different kinds whisky give you something good.
November 10, 2007
I have nothing new to say about this book. Solid reference. I will probably not get to taste even half of these single malts before I go to that great distillery in the sky.
February 19, 2016
Excellent reference book. Must have for Scotch aficionados.
September 8, 2016
Arguably the best author on whisky... and beer! Rest in peace.
August 9, 2010
An excellent guide to Scotch whisky. Conprehensive.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews