101 Whiskies To Try Before You Die

I've just finished Ian Buxton's recently updated '101 Whiskies To Try Before You Die' which I received for Christmas. Rather than rushing through it I treated it like a good Islay malt and sipped it slowly - reading only 5 reviews a night!

This is the third edition of the book first published in 2010, Ian has updated it each time when his selected whiskies fall outside of his two rules : either no longer available in a decent whisky specialist or online retailer or have been priced outside of his affordability limit. As he says "This book is for whisky drinkers not Russian plutocrats"!

There are no ratings just a 'simple' alphabetical list of 101 whiskies which Ian suggests you should "try before you die!" The book includes whiskies from all over the world - 65 from Scotland and others from Japan, Ireland, India, Australia, Wales and the USA. Most are single malts, some are blends and others made from rye or corn.

Each selection is given a two page spread with simple details about the whisky above a photo of the bottle followed by a whole page description (or story) of the whisky and distillery, some are very funny! Most then finish with brief tasting notes - one doesn't as Ian didn't receive a sample and another because as Ian says "try it in a cocktail .... as taste isn't really the point" !

Ian is obviously passionate about whisky and this book clearly shows that - his little anecdotes make this a fun book to read and I'd recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in Whisky.

 As with all things whisky this list is Ian's and some of us may not agree with all of his choices! Whilst he includes some of my favourites, he excludes others and even include a couple I wouldn't clean my toilet with (You know who you are WR.....)

The book is published by Headline and can be purchased for around £10.