Whisky

by Aeneas MacDonald

As well as exploring long-lost malts, MacDonald remains startlingly relevant. This little book began whisky's renaissance, through MacDonald's sense of what it means to be Scottish; his passionate discussion of why whisky - especially good whisky - matters and his notes on how, when and why to drink whisky. Remarkably, "Whisky" has never been reprinted. This facsimile commemorative edition, including an introduction by renowned whisky writer, Ian Buxton and a foreword by Charlie Maclean (author of MacLean's Whisky Miscellany), will attract wide attention from fervent whisky enthusiasts and casual dram-takers alike and promises to be the most important whisky reprint ever.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2006

Reviews

[Luke Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So before I say anything let's keep in mind what this book is: a historical view (hell, it was written in 1930) of what whisk(e)y was at the time and even now, nearly a century later, that still has relevance today.

And that relevance, you ask? How so? Two reasons if you were to ask me. 1) It shows how strong the whisk(e)y world was at this point in time. This is Scotch whisky post the Pattison debacle, post World War I, post a great flood of immigration from Europe to America. This is whisk(e)y in Europe during Prohibition in America. 122 distilleries in Scotland, 21 in Ireland. Many of these distilleries still remain and just as many as long gone. This book is a time capsule, a slice of the everyday life for the whisk(e)y lover between the wars.

And on top of that, it is also 2) a critique of the lack of information provided to the drinker by the distilleries themselves. The author makes a brief, though highly relevant rant, about how misleading the bottles can be without clear statements of just what is in the bottle that is being purchased. This demand for correct information is a battle cry today as some distilleries embrace the fact that people want to know age, location, percentage, chill-filtered, caramel coloring added, and more about what it is they're imbibing. At this point in time, we may not be seeing the extraneous packaging we've come to see in recent years where aged whisky has gone from an understandable price to an exorbitant one thanks to crystal decanters and inlaid wood display cases. In these modern times, the price tag and the packaging seem to take on greater importance than what one actually finds within the bottle, an all too familiar crime IMHO. Yet, the pen named MacDonald seems to cast a knowing eye into the future in many ways.

Ian Buxton, whether you love him or loathe him, plays a minimal role in the book other than an (unnecessarily? I say yes.) lengthy opening. Though not all parts of this book are relevant to today's consumer, there's more than enough that is to make this book a worthwhile stroll down memory lane of whiskies past.

[Ted Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read and a good guide for historical perspective - that the same struggles in the whisky industry of yesteryear is upon us again.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small volume, written in the 1930s, giving a history and philosophy of whisky appreciation. Aeneas MacDonald is a pseudonym because the author was concerned that his mother, who had very strict views on the evils of alcohol, would learn of his love of whisky. It is only recently that the authors true identity has been uncovered.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written in a lively poetic style. Much of the information remains good today. At the same time, much of the information in this book is dated - it was written in 1930. However, even the dated material is interesting because it provides insight into how the drink and the industry have changed. Highly recommended for anyone who likes whisky and good writing.

[Rob Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written in 1930, is must reading for any scotch drinker today. The prose boarders on poetry, yet provides an indepth study of Scotch Whisky, and Irish as well. Much of what was true in 1930, is true today. If you do not care about scotch, but enjoy a tour de forse of English language usage, read on.

[Chun Ting · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's a book written in 1930! So accuracy of information is not expected, but the romanticism of whisky and poetic writing make it an interesting read.