Ted Bruning

Shire Publications Ltd

2015

My only problem with this book is its title. Whisky is a vast subject and relevant to a number of producer countries and the thought that it could be addressed in any meaningful way in such a slim volume is quickly dispelled on realising that its 112 small pages address only Scotch. It would be helpful if it could make that clear up front and not reveal it only on the back cover!

No mention of Ireland, the ancestral home of whisky, other than that the patent still was invented there. However, what this book does give is an excellent potted history of Scotch whisky and the industry which has made it the world’s most popular spirit. The author is a drinks trade press journalist who has written a number of books on drinks-related subjects. Everyone feels he needs to write about whisky these days and so a Bruning book on whisky comes as no surprise. It is a good read, in a journalistic sort of way, and, inevitably, there are errors. For instance, the reference to Hiram Walker “….building the Inverleven grain distillery in 1938” is quite wrong. It should read “…..building the Dumbarton grain distillery which included a Lowland malt distillery within it, known as Inverleven, which also started up in 1938”.  Perhaps an editorial pen is to blame for this and I hope my comment helps if there is a next edition.

 Probably not for the whisky enthusiast but more for the latter to give to someone whom he wishes to educate in the origins of his favourite drink. And, I should say, it is very thoughtfully illustrated.