A Double Scotch: How Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet Became Global Icons

by F. Paul Pacult

"A Double Scotch" tells the intertwined success stories of Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet--two Scotch whisky brands recognized the world-over for their unparalleled quality. Founded by Scottish grocers from Aberdeen, Chivas Regal stands as the world's most popular prestige blended Scotch. First distilled by a pistol-packing Highlander, The Glenlivet is today the top-selling single-malt Scotch in America. F. Paul Pacult explores these two iconic spirits and tells the remarkable story of the two families who endured numerous hardships to build their brands. A business book that goes down easy, "A Double Scotch" tells the story of the world's favorite whiskies, and the story of the nation and families that made them so.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2005

Reviews

[Stuart Fear · Rating 4 out of 5]

The elephant in the room is addressed early on, this is a book commissioned by the brands to talk about their growth and success. There is no hidden agenda, it is plain and clear but for the majority of the book doesn't feel too "preachy".
The early chapters set the scene for the growth of Scotch, it is a general history of the industry covering the crucial parts and some more interesting. During these chapters the author does go to great lengths to throw in the brand names making it a little too obvious his intentions.

The content in the book is very complete, it covers the history of brands and introduces a number of influential characters who the reader most likely would have never heard of. The content is interesting page to page and doesn't get boring.

Glenlivet and Chivas Regal, they are both Scotch brands but this is also where the link ends. Very little in the history is common between both, so in the book you are basically reading two separate stories. In an attempt to bring them closer together the author alternates chapters on them, but all this causes is jumps between historical dates and the repetition of particular events and dates.
As you become engrossed in one brand story you're quickly thrown into another some 50 years earlier, it can become a little confusing at times.

Content wise, fantastic, a very unique book covering two of the truly most influential Scotch whisky brands to ever exist. Could this have potentially been two separate books???
Perhaps one day they will be

[David Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love scotch, and have loved it for almost 50 years. Blended scotch such as Chivas Regal was my passion when I was younger, in my 20’s. I became enamored with single malt scotch about twelve years ago, and after sampling all the varieties, I’ve settled on the Highlands, Speyside, and specifically The Glenlivet as my favorite. I am grateful that my daughter and son-in-law pay enough astute attention to their old man to have given me this book about the history of the Chivas and Glenlivet products/brands ... and fascinating family stories behind each of them. There are great lessons about the Scotland’s history in the 1800’s, there are great stories about how these families created their multi-faceted companies. There is family drama. And best of all, it is well written enough to actually make you thirsty for a dram or two each time you pick up the book to read a chapter to two. This was a great 275 page book on scotch whisky. Ask me, and I’ll borrow you my copy.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, fascinating read. I've always wanted to know / learn more about the history of distilling and whisky making (Scotch in particular, which I enjoy), and this book had the added bonus of a lot of cool history about Scotland, Ireland, and other related storylines (both geographical and personal). Pacult did a nice job of telling a long and drawn-out historical story (starting back before the medieval ages), woven together in a compelling and interesting way. It meandered a few times but definitely still kept my attention.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and informative. I enjoyed this one more than "American Still Life", Pacult's book about Jim Beam. Telling the story of two great whiskies instead of one keeps the narrative full and moving forward. Like "American Still Life," " A Double Scotch" works well as both corporate biography and whisky history. Strong recommendation for anyone interested in whisky or the beverage industry.

[Vincent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting info for a budding scotch drinker, however I sometimes felt that the book spent time showcasing the author's research as opposed to showcasing the two companies at hand.

Compared to the first few chapters, which seemed really slow and deliberate, the end also seemed very rushed and haphazard.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about two of the worlds finest scotches. Pour yourself a dram of 18 year old Gelnlivet and have yourself a good read...

[Martin Bihl · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my review, please visit: http://the-agency-review.com/double-s...