Introduction

The literature pertaining to whisky in all its forms and aspects has become extensive, vibrant and often of great quality in both its content and presentation. However, it is not a new phenomenon, but when MyWhiskyJourneys Director Philip Morrice embarked on his whisky writing activities in the late 1970’s, the number of books on the subject was comparatively few, but they were universally easy to read and invariably informative.

Philip’s own contributions to the literature of whisky go back a very long way but he is told that they are still regularly referred to by industry experts and whisky aficionados alike. His first book was The Schweppes Guide to Scotch, which appeared in 1983, the year in which he was made Glenfiddich Whisky Writer of the Year. Click on the title to read more about it and, if you like what you see, to buy either a signed copy or reserve an historic reprint in e-book format.

Philip's second main effort was The Whisky Distilleries of Scotland and Ireland published as a limited edition in 1987, exactly 100 years after the same publisher released Alfred Barnard's famous classic The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom. To learn more - and possibly acquire copies - click either title.

Subsequent to his own efforts, some very fine writers emerged who adopted whisky, distilling and the associated consumer interest as the main subject of their endeavours in authorship. And in the process they contributed enormously to the better understanding of whisky – and whiskey – as well as to its enhanced commercial success.

Whilst it would be invidious to highlight particular contemporary writers who appeal to us, we have to confess an open admiration for Jim Murray whose annual “Whisky Bible” has done more than any other publication to bring order to the bewildering kaleidoscope of whiskies in the market at any one time, not just in Scotland, but in all the traditional whisky producing countries and also in the new ones as well.

We also have to admit that we keep a weather eye open for the latest offering from Ian Buxton. He is a prolific writer with a sympathetic style and he has produced some valuable histories around particular companies and distilleries.

The purpose of the Whisky Biblioteca is to review books (and CDs etc.) relevant to the enjoyment and/or study of whisky, its history, its lore as well as its craft and science. The books will be available to buy on line, either new or used, depending on their status.  We show the original published price, where known, in the text of the review and the MWJ price for the shopping cart. Anyone wishing to have a book reviewed may send a copy to MWJ, PO Box 44, Edgecliffe, NSW 2027, Australia.