Book Review : Malt Whisky Yearbook 2011

Yes,  I know a lot of bloggers reviewed this book recently, but I feel I need to give you my 2 cents worth of opinion about that one too…

Let me just say that : If you are going to only buy one whisky related book this year, get this one. really. It is the first time I am buying this book, and it’s worth every cent. Why?

First of all it’s nicely sized and is colorful which is always good. But the contents are so rich and there is so much information in it, it’s hard to believe it.

The writes are also of first grade : Dominic Roskrow writes about rebranding of whiskies which is a hot topic in the whisky industry. Ian Baxton writes about Age . India gets its focus in a an article written by Charles MacLean, while Gavin D Smith writes about casks.

The list goes on and on with Hans Offringa looking at whisky labels and even Chris Bunting (of Nonjatta) touches on single malts of Japan. Need I say more?

There is also a very informative article about the making of whisky from malt to whisky, detailing each step, with illustrations and photos, which is a must for everyone who takes interest in the nectar of the gods.

there are also the distillery pages, each detailing the distillery history, production capacity, and recent bottling with tasting notes and much more information in addition to interviews with the distillery owners,Malt Masters, distillers etc. An enormous wealth of information, all clearly written and so colorful.

Towards the end of the book there is a summary of the whisky year that was, with the important things that did happen to the industry this year, and of course some very interesting statistical data and charts (did you know that the top 3 single malt brands in the UK are : Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, and The Glenlivet?) .

And last but not least, a great index of whisky shops worldwide, and a one page of recommended whisky sites and blogs (we’re not there yet. but next year, who know? ) some new additions and some good old buddies.

Ingvar Ronde the editor did a wonderful job and this book is as I said, so rich and wealthy in information it will keep me company for the entire year as a reading buddy and as a reference book.

Highly recommended.

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2011,SRP  £12.95

Editor Ingvar Ronde