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10 books you should read if you are new to whisky

whisky books | whiskylifestyle

February 28, 2023

Guides, booklets and manuals you have to read even if you are a whisky pro

As whisky enthusiasts, we know that there’s always more to discover about this magical elixir. There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book and a glass of your favourite whisky and discovering something new about your favourite drink. We’ve already talked about whisky books in “10 Books about Whisky you should have in your library” but there is no limit to knowledge. Hence, today we are going to recommend you some other titles.

These books about whisky are a must-have if you’re new to this world. Read the entire list, and you can call yourself whisky savvy. Are you a pro whisky lover? I promise you’ll enjoy them nonetheless. Besides, it’s good to go back to basics sometimes.

Whisky books offer a wealth of information and entertainment, covering everything from the history and production of the spirit to tasting techniques and cocktail recipes. But they’re not just informative. They’re also a celebration of the culture, passion, and community that surrounds whisky. Reading a great whisky book is like having a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who shares his/her love for this spirit.

Are you ready to start reading? Pour yourself a dram and settle in as we explore some of the best whisky books out there.

Comprehensive books about the whisky world

Whisky It’s not rocket science

Let’s start with a quick and easy guide. This graphic book will help you understand how whisky is made, taste whisky and have some fun cocktails. Do you have questions like where to buy whiskies? how to choose the right glass? how to make some delicious food pairings like a pro? You’ll find everything on these pages.

Pss… there are also some awesome tips on how to avoid a hangover. But we will simply recommend moderation…

The World Atlas of Whisky

In this book, Dave Broom, a renowned author and whisky expert, delves into the world of whisky by exploring more than 200 distilleries and analyzing over 400 different expressions. The book provides intricate descriptions of Scottish distilleries, while also offering comprehensive coverage of those in Ireland, Japan, the USA, Canada, and beyond.

If you want to discover the secrets behind the most beloved distilleries and understand better some of the most iconic whisky bottles The World Atlas of Whisky is the book you were looking for. Moreover, this book is full of brilliant suggestions. After each distillery entry, Dave will show you other whiskies you may enjoy if you like some bottles in particular. Your bottle wishlist will become very long, I warn you.

The Whisky Dictionary: An A-Z of whisky, from history & heritage to distilling & Drinking

If you are new to the world of whisky, you necessarily need a dictionary. Besides, it is always useful to have one at hand…just in case!

This book by Ian Wisniewski and beautifully illustrated by Conrad Garner is an A-Z compendium of everything about whisky. It will give you an overview of whisky history, ingredients and distilling techniques, flavour notes, cocktails and the many varieties of whisky from all around the world.

The Philosophy of Whisky

Get ready to embark on an epic journey through the world of whisky with this book as your trusty guide! From the glens of Scotland to the Karuizawa distillery in Japan, which shattered all records, The Philosophy by Billy Abbott has got it all covered. Brace yourself to be amazed by the stories behind each distillery, their unique flavours, and the passionate people who make it all happen.

But wait, there’s more! Want to become a whisky connoisseur? Well, you’re in luck because this book will teach you everything you need to know about the four key ingredients that make up this liquid gold – grain, wood, yeast, and time. And that’s not all! You’ll also learn how to taste whisky like a pro, from choosing the right glassware to whipping up some delicious whisky cocktails that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight.

Whisk(e)y Distilled: A Populist Guide to the Water of Life

If you are new to whisky, this book will lead you from zero to hero in no time. Plus, it’s really accessible.

In Whisky Distilled, Heather Greene uses bright visuals, and an easy-to-read format to teach you about whiskey and encourage you to make your own evaluations. The book is also full of fun anecdotes drawn from the author’s daily life as New York City’s first woman whiskey sommelier. It includes recipes for delicious cocktails by some of today’s most celebrated mixologists.

I promise Heather Greene will transform your way of drinking whiskey into a delicious adventure.

Whisky History

Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey 

Talking about brilliant women, the contribution of women to the history of whisky is significant and deserves more attention. That’s why we recommend Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey

In this book, Fred Minnick tells the tales of women who have created this industry, from the first beer brewers and distillers to bootleggers during Prohibition. Women have long been involved in the whisky industry, and yet most of their stories remained untold. The author explores the lives of many women who have remained silent for too long. Now it’s time to give them back their voices sharing their stories with the world.

Everything about Scotch Whisky

Whisky: Malt Whiskies of Scotland

Do you need an easy introduction to scotch whiskies? This book by Dominic Roskrow will help you to dip your toes in this world. It includes the major Scotch whiskies and the distilleries that produce them.

What’s more, there’s a brief overview of the current whisky boom and how distilleries are coping with this surge in demand.

Whisky Island: A portrait of Islay and its whiskies

You’ve discovered that you have an affinity with Isaly whiskies and now you would like to know more. I have the right book for you!

Whisky Island: A portrait of Islay and its whiskies by Andrew Jefford is not simply an appreciation of whisky, but a voyage into the history and geography of the Queen of the Hebrides: Islay. The malts made on the Isle of Islay are quite unique, with some of the wildest characters in the malt-whisky spectrum.

This book will lead you to the beautiful shores of Islay while sharing its whisky history, traced from a distant past of bothies and illegal stills to present-day legality and prosperity.  There is also an analysis of the flavour profile of the distilleries and the differences between them.

Are you ready to travel to Islay?

Cocktails Recipes and Whisky Hacks 

Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails

If you want to add more fun to your whisky-fan journey, you should not miss out on cocktails.

In Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails Ted Haigh shares more than 80 rare-and-worth-rediscovered drink recipes, talks about the latest cocktail trends and provides uncommon ingredients that will burst your drink flavour profile.

But there’s more. Here you will also find Historic facts, anecdotes, and rare full-colour vintage images. It’s not just about whisky. Nevertheless, it’s too cool to miss out! Besides, you will impress your friends at the next party with some uncommon cocktails. 

Hacking Whiskey: Smoking, Blending, Fat Washing, and Other Whiskey Experiments

How to drink whisky? Open a bottle, pour the liquid into the glass and drink it. That’s it?

Of course not, you’re missing some fun here!

In Hacking Whiskey, Aaron Goldfarb shares with you some ingenious ideas and shortcuts to help you temper your whiskey to greatness at home. In this book, you will find the best insider secrets about the weird yet delightful ways in which you can enjoy whiskey. Moreover, you’ll have fun by just reading it as the author is quite hilarious.

What are you waiting for? Gather your tools. It’s time to experiment!

In conclusion

Everything is now ready for your whisky journey. Pack each book and set out to discover this vast world. Remember to have fun in the process! 

If you found this guide useful, share it on your social media and tag Mynameiswhisky. We are on Facebook and Instagram. Tell us how your whisky journey is going and which one of these books was your favourite!

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