Illustrated with over 200 colour photographs, this comprehensive guide looks in detail at distilling methods, geographical features and social traditions that affect the taste of whisky (or whiskey) in every significant producing region of the world. With a sense of its distinguished history, Michael Jackson shows us why whisky is a spirit both fascinating in its variety and in its claim to a nobility that is the match of any Armagnac or Cognac. The guide is not only wide-ranging international scope, it also presents a detailed approach to the increasingly popular single malts of Scotland. With maps showing the location of every distillery, the whisky regions of Scotland are redefined, taking into account both the broad traditional areas and the individual islands and river valleys, which often have their own specific affinities of style. Additionally there are 38 pages of taste-guides, on which over 300 labels are reproduced in full colour for ease of reference. Besides detailing the characteristics of Scotland's single malts, these taste guides aim to inspire the reader to discover the differences between the Irish of Bushmills and the Bourbon of Bardstown, the Sour Mash of Tullahoma and single malt of Sanraku Ocean. With the palate of a connoisseur and the eye of a travel writer, Michael Jackson matches an objective, discerning approach with an entertaining enthusiasm, in a manner to suit both those already familiar with the pleasures of whisky and those about to start their exploration.