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ABOUT THIS BOOK

PUBLISHER: Pavilion Books

ISBN: 9780008735869

RRP: £45

PAGES: 320

PUBLICATION DATE:
August 14, 2025

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The Story of Whisky

By Charles Maclean & Gavin D Smith

Beginning with the origins of distilling in 1200BC by alchemists in China and India, journey through whisky’s early origins as an illicit alcohol made in the hills of Scotland and Ireland, to the exciting small batch whiskies being produced today by craft distillers and master blenders all over the world.

Through over 100 stories, legends and anecdotes, discover the origins of the quaich, whisky glass and corkscrew: and look inside iconic distilleries from around the world with stunning photographs and historic images.

Award-winning writers Charles MacLean and Gavin D. Smith offer a rollocking narrative; describing the adventures of the legendary characters who shaped the whisky industry. With flavour influenced as much by history, craft and tradition as it is by science, in The Story of Whisky, find out why your drink tastes the way it does, where whisky flavours come from and how they are changing to embrace the future.

 

Foreword by Alexander McCall Smith.

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Charles Maclean

Charles Maclean has been researching and writing about whisky since 1981, leading masterclasses, talks and tastings around the world as well as authoring titles on Scottish history and culture. His Pitkin titles include a comprehensive introduction to the drink, Scotch Whisky.

Gavin D. Smith is a freelance journalist and author who specialises in drink subjects, most notably whisky. He is the author and co-author of some 30 whisky books and contributes regularly to a wide range of publications. He lives in the Scottish Borders.