A Passion for Whisky

A must-have guide to the world-famous whiskies of Islay, explaining what makes them so special and profiling the growing number of talented distilleries.

Shortlisted for The Guild of Food Writers Drinks Book of the Year 2024

Longlisted for the André Simon Drinks Book of the Year 2023

Selected as one of Waterstones Best Books of 2023: Food & Drink

As featured in Forbes: Whisky Books That Whisky Lovers Will Actually Read

The Scottish island of Islay produces some of the world's most revered single malt whiskies, and is described by the New York Times as the equivalent of Bordeaux for wine lovers. In A Passion for Whisky Ian Wisniewski explores the unique combination of tradition, innovation, climate and location, which create such superlative examples of Scotch whisky, accompanied by specially commissioned illustrations by Melvyn Evans.

Individual profiles of Islay's 13 distilleries include tasting notes for selected malts that illustrate the incredible range of peated styles produced, together with a section on tasting techniques, making this an indispensable guide for Scotch whisky lovers.

'Ian Wisniewski is one of our foremost drinks writers. At once affectionate, knowledgeable and entertaining, this engaging book is essential reading for any fans of Islay whisky.' - Charles MacLean

'If there was one whiskey book to read on a crisp evening with your dram of choice and a small fire providing modest warmth, this is most certainly a worthy choice. Delightful from cover to cover and an excellent gift for the whisky lover in your life who enjoys a good book.' Drinkhacker

'A must-read for anyone who has fallen in love with single malt Scotch whisky, and the perfect postcard for this peaty spirit from the most magical of Scottish islands.' Club Oenologique