Undiscovered Scotland

 

"Whiskies Galore: A Tour of Scotland's Island Distilleries" is a hugely welcome second edition of author Ian Buxton's classic take on the subject, updated to reflect the many new island distilleries that have opened over the years since the first edition appeared in 2017.

The author sets the scene in his introduction: "So I set off with the loosely-defined hope that I might discover what Scotland's island distilleries are really all about... In the process, what emerged was an entirely impressionistic ramble through my memories of the islands going back more than sixty years and my more recent experiences of Scotland's island distilleries. Some are more important than others, and may receive more space, but that will depend on my personal relationship with them and their island. It is, if you will, a highly personal, whisky-fuelled journey through these islands with frequent diversions on topics which happen to amuse, interest or divert me."

What you find between the covers is a very personal account that brings the islands and their distilleries to life in a remarkable way. This is obviously a book written by a man with a deep love for, and a truly vast knowledge of, the industry in which he has spent much of his life; and still better, a man able to wrap that love and that knowledge up in a package that is readable and highly enjoyable; not to mention hugely informative. The result is a book that, though very much of its moment, is assured of lasting value and will find a permanent home on our bookshelves.

The publisher's description gives an excellent summary of the contents of the book: "Island whiskies have long held a fascination and a powerful emotional draw on whisky drinkers the world over. Their special combination of heritage, mystique and remote location captures the imagination; their highly distinctive flavours are often imitated but seldom bettered. Join Ian Buxton on a personal journey across Scotland’s islands, where he learns to fish with high explosives, ends up hurling his dinner into the sea and comes face to face with a basking shark. Combining an expert’s knowledge of whisky with a travel writer’s fondness for anecdote, and with a keen description of place, he provides a special treat for all who love the islands’ magical drams. This new edition brings the acclaimed book up to date, capturing changes on the island whisky scene, including new and proposed distilleries such as Benbecula; Ardnahoe, Gartbreck Farm, Ili, Laggan Bay, Port Ellen and Portintruan (Islay); Orkney; Lerwick and Shetland Reel (Shetland); Isle of Tiree and others, along with Ian’s typically acerbic comments on whisky investment, luxury marketing and private cask sales."