Synopses & Reviews
Despite its tiny size, seven different whisky distilleries populate the Isle of Islay, where some of the wildest and most flavorful hops in the malt-whisky spectrum are grown. Scotlands renowned island is uncovered in this fascinating account, including its rich historychock-full of stories of shipwrecks and stormsand its luscious wildlife and landscape. Interwoven in the narrative are tales of the whiskies themselves, traced from a distant past of illegal stills to their present-day prosperity. The flavor of each spirit is analyzed and the differences between them teased out, as are the stories of the notable men and women who played an integral part in their creation. Wonderfully evocative, this is the story of a place and a taste never to be forgotten once sampled.
Synopsis
Those who discover malt whisky quickly learn that the malts made on the Isle of Islay are some of the wildest and most characterful in the malt-whisky spectrum.
In PEAT SMOKE AND SPIRIT, Islay's fascinating story is uncovered: from its history and stories of the many shipwrecks which litter its shores, to intimate descriptions of the beautiful wildlife, landscape and topography of the island. Interwoven through these different narrative strands comes the story of the whiskies themselves, traced from a distant past of bothies and illegal stills to present-day legality and prosperity. The flavour of each spirit is analysed and the differences between them teased out, as are the stories of the notable men and women who have played such a integral part in their creation.
PEAT SMOKE AND SPIRIT is the last word on Islay and its whiskies.
About the Author
Andrew Jefford has won eight Glenfiddich Awards for his food writing, along with several other awards. He is the former drink correspondent for the Evening Standard, and his previous works include After-Dinner Drinks, Choosing Wine, The New France, and The World of Wine.