Spirit of Place: Whisky Distilleries of Scotland

Description

A wide-ranging and evocative portrait of Scotland's distilleries, with text by renowned whisky expert Charles MacLean and photographs by Lara Platman and Alan MacDonald. Treating Scotland as eight distinct regions, this fascinating book describes the 'cultural terroir' of the country's fifty greatest distilleries; the ingredients, practices and traditions that result in such an exquisite range of whiskies. Specially commissioned photographs capture the texture of the surrounding landscapes and communities through the changing seasons, as well as portraits of those craftsmen who work there, and the fabric of the buildings themselves. Spirit of Place is a unique addition to the literature on Scotch whisky, from the world's greatest expert on the subject. The perfect gift for anyone planning a tour of Scotland's distilleries, a souvenir for anyone who has visited them, and simply the perfect companion to a dram at home.

Charles MacLean has been described by The Times as 'Scotland's leading whisky expert'. He has been researching and writing about whisky for 35 years, and has published 15 books on the subject, including Malt Whisky, which won a Glenfiddich Award, and Whisky: A Liquid History, which won 'Wine & Spirits Book of the Year' in the James Beard Awards 2005 and 'Best Drinks Book' in the International Food Media Awards 2005. He was founding editor of Whisky Magazine (1997), contributes regularly to many publications and has written historical and promotional materials for all the leading Scotch whisky companies. Lara Platman is a photographer and writer, specialising in documenting areas of culture that are often considered to be eccentric or endangered. Coming from a family who produced theatrical costumes, she has grown up around creative craftsmen. She trained as a photographer and then a journalist and now combines these two skills to bring an in-depth study to each of her projects. She has just completed a book of portraits of 130 craftsmen in their working environments for the Art Workers Guild. Her overarching ambition is to ensure that Britain's living national treasures are acknowledged by a wider audience. Allan MacDonald is a photographer and folk musician, specialising in landscape and portraits. A son of the Hebrides, he is now based in Edinburgh. His work has been published in many international publications.

"Spirit of Place is a lavishly illustrated tour of 50 classic distilleries - many you've heard of and some you haven't. The coffee table book explores the heritage of moor and peat, from the Lowlands to the brooding, misty islands, and Mr. MacLean serves up dram after dram of useful detail ... But it's the captivating photographs by Lara Platman and Allan MacDonald that gave me a implacable thirst. ... This is armchair travel at its best - even if it's only as far as the cabinet for a refill." "essential reading for anyone fond of a wee dram" " essential reading for anyone fond of a wee dram" " If you love the wide range of Scottish scenery and a dram or two of Scotch whisky, Spirit of Place will inspire you. ... It' s a sumptuous and unusual coffee table tome." "Spirit of Place is a lavishly illustrated tour of 50 classic distilleries - many you've heard of and some you haven't. The coffee table book explores the heritage of moor and peat, from the Lowlands to the brooding, misty islands, and Mr. MacLean serves up dram after dram of useful detail ... But it's the captivating photographs by Lara Platman and Allan MacDonald that gave me a implacable thirst. ... This is armchair travel at its best - even if it's only as far as the cabinet for a refill." " superb regional guide to 60 leading distilleries ... Shots of the distilleries combine with wonderful landscape photography."