Whisky Island: A portrait of Islay and its whiskie

This is a reissue edition of the previously published title Peat Smoke and Spirit (9780747245780), published in 2005.

'This is not simply an appreciation of whisky, but a voyage into the history and geography of a tiny Scottish island' Daily Mail

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 Whisky Island, Islay's fascinating story is uncovered: from its history and stories of the many shipwrecks which litter its shores, to the beautiful wildlife, landscape and topography of the island revealed through intimate descriptions of the austerely beautiful and remote countryside. Interleaved 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.

Review: This is not simply an appreciation of whisky, but a voyage into the history and geography of a tiny Scottish island. - Daily Mail

If ever there was a book to read on a cold - possibly moonlit - night with a stiff dram beside you, then this is it. Irresistible. - Scotland on Sunday

The attention to detail and thoroughness of this book brings the distilleries so vividly alive that you can almost smell the whisky. Thoroughly recommended to whisky connoisseur and dabbler alike. - Birmingham Evening Mail

There's no better book about these whiskies . . . Andrew Jefford has written a compelling narrative that succeeds on every level. - Mid-Atlantic Brewing News

In Whisky Island, Islay's fascinating story is uncovered, whilst 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 an integral part in their creation. - The Week