Customer Reviews:
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 So Many Scotches, So Little Time October 10, 2001
70 out of 75 found this review helpful
As a novice Scotch drinker, I often found myself in the local liquor store standing in front of the whisky displays feeling a little like Sir Edmund Hillary before Everest- wondering just where to start. Scotch, like wine or music, is an incredibly personal thing, and there are numerous brands to appeal to a wide array of palates. By my ignorance hasn't cost me, because I tend to buy what I already know I like rather than risk forty of fifty dollars on a malt that I won't like. So, rather than risk money on a malt that will just sit on the shelf, I tend to only buy various Glenmorragie, Glenfiddich, etc. In restaurants I always seem to be stuck with the 12 year old Glenlivet, since liquor barons Seagrams seems to have control of every restaurant's alcohol supply. And while on a day trip to Stillwater, Minnesota we ate a restaurant that had an impressive list of Scotches, (I consider any more than 3 or 4 types impressive), and I tried a 15 year old Glenkeith that amazed me.It finally dawned on me that after nearly a year of conservative tasting, i.e. not going beyond what I have listed above, that perhaps I need an expert opinion. Michael Jackson's "Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotches" seems to fit the bill nicely. Inside are personal reviews of over 800 Scotches from Scotland and Ireland, plus a brief history of Scotch is discussed. To my chagrin, Jackson seems to have taste for peatier Islay malts like Laphroaig and Talisker, malts that I have yet to mature enough to enjoy. He does give high marks to what I already drink, with the Glenmorangies scoring in the 80's on a scale of 100. The Scotches he seems to most enjoy are those bottled by the MaCallan in the Speyside region. And again the MaCallan's seem to have an abundance of peat. Overall, though, the book is marvelous. Well illustrated with clear photographs of lables to give a reader some idea of what they can look for in a store when making a purchase. His descriptions of Nose, Body, Palate and Finish are clear and concise enough that even a novice drinker like me can understand the meanings, especially when it came to what I already drink. Scotch seems to have become trendy again, and I'd like to think that I am not following that trend, because as so many people have told me, drink what I like rather than what everyone else tells you to. So I plan to start experimenting, with the "Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotches", I have a better direction. And maybe in time I will come to like Islay malts. Time will tell.
Going To The Candy Store? January 18, 2001
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
Do not, repeat, do not, go to a well stocked liquor store in search of single malt scotch without this book. I've been a follower of Michael Jackson for some time now in the beer world. When I decided to branch out into single malts my wife ordered me this book and I've found it invaluable. If you are familiar with Mr. Jackson's work in the beer world, this book is the equivalent of his pocket guide to beer. Read it, put it in your car and take it with you to the liquor store like a good friend, and, like a good friend, it will give you good advice and never desert you. If you already have a few single malts, read the reviews and see what Mr. Jackson says about them. Take that information and you'll be able to find other winners, guaranteed. I've found that my single malts must be aged as close to the sea as possible. I appreciate the highland malts but the sea is me. Where do your favorite malts come from? Read the book, live it and see.
A welcome update of a classic guide February 12, 2000
38 out of 39 found this review helpful
Many of us have learned to appreciate the variety within the world of single malt whiskies with a wee dram in one hand and an opened copy of Michael Jackson's guide in the other. The new 1999 edition of this classic work on single malts is a welcome update. It includes all of the information from earlier editions and adds reviews of many even more whiskies than were included in the last edition. Jackson's descriptions and opinions are accurate and they are fun to read. Running Press has done a first rate job in publication of the material; it is a beautiful book.If you are new to the world of single malts and want a single reference, this is the place to start (although you should also seek out the writings of such authors as Charles MacLean and Jim Murray). If you already have an earlier edition of this book, the 1999 edition is still worth getting for all of the new reviews. Thanks to Michael Jackson for his outstanding work.
A "Must Have" Book for Malt Whisky Drinkers January 29, 2000
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
This is one of two "must own" books for serious Malt Whisky drinkers. It contains the most comprehensive list of Single Malt Scotch Whisky available. For each, Mr Jackson provides a history of the distillery, his ranking (1-100 points) and (most valuable) detailed tasting notes on each. Michael Jackson is perhaps the most highly respected figure in Scotch Malt Whisky tasting. Photographs of the labels are provided for many selections. If you love the variety and expirience of sampling Single Malt Scotch Whisky, buy this book.
The Bible December 18, 1999
7 out of 25 found this review helpful
This is the "Bible" of single malt scotch. You are not a scotch drinker if you don't own this book. A Masterpiece!
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