World Whisky

Global interest in and enthusiasm for whisky has never been greater. In recent years, many new distilleries have opened in Australia, Europe, Taiwan, and Japan, as well as in Scotland. Most of these are small concerns, designed to meet local demand, but some are major production sites. Several leading malt distilleries have recently expanded capacity, and in Europe a handful of liqueur distillers are now producing whisky as well.

What has prompted this expansion and confident investment? Two factors: first, the interest in single malts, which continues to grow in every market, and, second, the anticipated demand from emerging markets in China, India, Russia, and Brazil.

The burgeoning interest in single malts is proved not only by the year-on-year rise in sales, but also the phenomenal enthusiasm for whisky festivals around the world – from Finland to New Zealand, San Francisco to Moscow. Once a taste for whisky is developed, particularly malt whisky, the passion for information about this beguiling subject is inexhaustible.

It is important to remember that the whisky made today cannot be sold as “whisky” until it has matured for at least two years in the US and at least three years in Scotland – and is often aged for far longer periods. The distiller must, therefore, peer into the future, gauge the likely demand in 5, 10, 15, or 20 years, in various markets, and gear production accordingly.

From time to time they get it wrong, and, to a large extent, the availability today of some very fine old whiskies, both single malts and blended, is a reflection of overproduction in the early 1980s. The point remains, though, that the excellence of the spirit will always be recognized. Fashions in drinks may come and go, but, for the discriminating consumer, whisky goes on forever!

The book you are holding offers a superb catalogue of the aforementioned whiskies that are available around the world today. Not only does it cover the output of major and lesser-known whisky distilleries, but it also includes a wide selection of blended whiskies. The main section of the book – Whiskies Worth the Wait – is broken down into countries. It catalogues in A–Z format first the key whisky-making nations of Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Canada, and Japan, followed by whiskies from other parts of Europe, South Asia, Australasia, and Africa. Secreted within this listing of world whiskies are features on the production processes and the varied types of whisky made, examinations of particular distilleries to divulge the secrets of their whisky-making, and tours that will guide you to the whisky regions of Scotland, Ireland, the USA, and Japan. For no experience adds more to the enjoyment of whisky than visiting a working distillery, to savour the aromas, appreciate the skill, dedication, and time that goes into making this profound spirit, and, of course, to sample a dram right at its source.