Our lead book this issue is Famous for a Reason by Charles MacLean, and is a beautifully illustrated book about The Famous Grouse. I had the good fortune of meeting up with Charles at the 240th anniversary celebrations in The Famous Grouse Experience at the back end of last year. I discussed with him the possibility of writing for the magazine this year and I look forward to working with him in the near future. The book is superbly illustrated, but at 448 pages, it's something that you are going to have to dip in and out of.
Please make sure that you visit our website, as detailed below, to get the best deals on all of these great reads, and other books. If your order is over £30 you receive a free Tastings Journal.
Famous for a Reason
Charles MacLean
ISBN 9781780272528
Bookclub offer: £28.00 plus P&P
(RRP: £35.00)
This enormously lavish book recounts the history of the Famous Grouse. Established in 1897 the first blend was created by Matthew Gloag III, whose grandfather established a highly regarded wine and spirits business in Perth in 1842. The book illustrates the complete history of the brand which was family owned up until 1970 when it was sold to The Highland Distilleries Company. The author was granted full, unique access to the company's archives and he traces its innovative promotional campaigns, obsession with quality and sucess in an era when many other whisky brands failed. As well as being a study of one company and its leading brand, the book sets the story of Matthew Gloag & Son and The Famous Grouse in the context of the broader history of the Scotch whisky industry during the 19th and 20th Centuries. At 448 pages, it's a mammoth read, but beautifully put together.
Bourbon Curious
Fred Minnick
ISBN 9780760347409
Bookclub offer: £10.50 plus P&P
(RRP: 14.99)
In Bourbon Curious, award winning writer Fred Minnick creates an easy-to-read, interactive tasting journey to help you choose the right Bourbons for your flavour preferences - and take the next step in expanding your palate. The book groups Bourbon into four main flavour profiles - grain, nutmeg, caramel and cinnamon. While many Bourbons boast all four flavour notes, one delicious sensation typically overpowers the rest. This books uncovers more than 50 brands' dominant tastes and suggests cocktail recipes to complement them. In addition, the author spends some time busting Bourbon myths, unravelling its mysteries, exploring distiller secrets and disclosing the recipes you won't find on a bottle's label. Bourbon is becoming more ingrained in the culinary world with foodies and drink enthusiasts alike looking for a basic understanding of America's favourite spirit. Job well done.
The Scotch Whisky Treasures
Tom Bruce-Gardyne
ISBN 9781780975658
Bookclub offer: £32.00 plus P&P
(RRP: £39.95)
Written with a passion and love for the subject and complemented by stunning photographs, maps and artworks, this book has the added bonus of 20 facsimile memorabilia items which can be removed from the book. It makes this interactive volume a truly unique insight into Scotch whisky.
The Malt Whisky Yearbook 2016
Edited by Ingvar Ronde
ISBN 9780957655324
Bookclub offer: £9.50 plus P&P
(RRP: £13.95)
Whisky enthusiasts all over the world really do look forward to receiving this annual publication. It is written by people who really know about whisky, it's fully revised every year and has become the best guide of its type on the market. An essential read for any whisky lover.
Let Me Tell You About Whisky
Neil Ridley & Gavin D. Smith
ISBN 9781862059658
Bookclub offer: £13.00 plus P&P
(RRP: £16.99)
Written by two well known whisky writers, this book is probably the best primer out there. There have been many primer books about whisky in recent years, but not one with such detailed and all encompassing scope. The book assumes that the reader has no prior whisky knowledge and explains fully the whisky process.
