Peat Smoke and Spirit

I liked it - the explanation of whisky making and the comparison of distilleries is excellent - but I couldn't finish it. Andrew Jefford is a good writer and he has done his homework, but the subject just doesn't warrant a 400-page book: the human history and the natural history of Islay just aren't that interesting to a general audience in the grand scheme of things.

My favorite quote, which illustrates the writing style:

“What distinguishes malt whisky from vodka is, precisely, its impurities – a bundle of assorted alcohols, esters, aldehydes, phenols and acids which are usually termed ‘congeners'. These are precious; these are, indeed, the whole point... The pot still, if you like, is the bicycle of the distilling world. Technically superseded long ago, but still the greatest and most efficient machine ever invented for the purpose for which it is used.”