Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch

by Michael Jackson, Dominic Roskrow (Revised by), Gavin D. Smith (Revised by), William C. Meyers (Revised by)

Overview

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch, the landmark best-selling malt whiskey companion by the late Michael Jackson, doyen of whiskey writers, has been comprehensively updated by a team of experts. Featuring over 500 new bottlings, reviewed and scored, plus hundreds of revised entries, Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch includes background information on the distilleries, tasting notes on over 1,000 bottlings, and practical advice on buying malts and interpreting whiskey labels.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780756658984
Publisher:	DK
Publication date:	03/15/2010
Edition description:	Fully Revised
Pages:	448
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 8.70(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Michael Jackson was widely recognized as the world's leading authority on whiskey. He is the author of DK's James Beard award-winning Whiskey, and his books have sold over three million copies worldwide.

Interviews

A Conversation with William C. Meyers, of The Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch

What sparked your passion for the single malt Scotch and what keeps that passion going?

Each distillery is unique, and new casks are constantly being bottled and discovered, covering a vast range of tastes. I love trying new bootlings and savoring old favorites.

In the book's introduction you note that Michael Jackson always had questions to ask on distillery tours explaining that, "There is always something new to learn." What has been your latest discovery in the industry?

My latest discovery was the effect of different yeast strains on the whiskey, as demonstrated at a barrel tasting this past autumn at Four Roses Bourbon Distillery.

What advice do you have for the novice whisky aficionados out there?

Drink what you like & taste as many expressions as possible. Whisky is subjective, like art.

There is a section of the book that focuses entirely on flavors; how the landscape influences the end product. Of all the variables that can affect the taste, which do you think is the most important?

I think the most important variable is the wood. Quality bourbon, sherry & wine casks dramatically impact the final product.

If you had to choose one single malt Scotch to drink before you died, which one would it be and why?

So many amazing whiskies, so many factors go into which dram to pour. I could not pick one, but would select Macallan Cask #935 1949 and Ardbeg Committee Cask #2394 as two highly rated contenders.

DK Publishing is world renowned for its distinctive, highly visual books that inform, inspire, and entertain readers of all ages. Publisher of the New York Times bestseller LEGO ® Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary, and Do Not Open, among others. DK also publishes the award-winning Eyewitness series for children and Eyewitness Travel Guides. BradyGames and Rough Guides are also available from DK, a division of Penguin Group.

Editorial Reviews

A complete revision of the 2004 edition by the late James Beard Award winner Jackson (Whisky), this volume contains 500 new labels, rated by experts Roskrow (World's Best Whiskies), Gavin D. Smith (Secret Still), and William C. Meyers (scotchguy.com). Also revised are distillery profiles and tasting notes for 1000 other bottlings. Included are luminous product photos and fascinating details on terms, flavor influences, regional varieties, and the significance of age and cask. Organized alphabetically by distillery name, entries run two to three pages. A lovely and comprehensive hardcover guide.

Library Journal