Arthur, Helen
The Single Malt Whisky Companion

Apple, ISBN 1-85076-793-9, GBP 15, First Published 1997, 256 Pages, 20 x 15 cm, Hard Cover

Whisky-from the Gaelic for "water of life"-takes its finest form in that of a single malt, which comes in many distinctive flavours and bouquets. The Single Malt Whisky Companion provides information on every major Scottish distillery and their single malts as well as the premier whiskies produced in Ireland and Japan.

Here you will explore the intricacies of the malt-making process, from fermenting the barley and distilling the spirit twice or even three times, to taste-testing the whisky during cask maturation. Maps of the regions where the malts are produced, photographs of labels and bottles, and a glossary of terms associated with whisky make this a useful reference for connoisseurs and novices alike.

At the heart of the book is a comprehensive directory that features brand-by-brand coverage of more than 100 major distilleries in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Japan. Each brand is identified with a full-colour photograph of the bottle and label, and a summary of key information.

Finally a resource guide offers a list of suppliers and notable pubs, restaurants and hotels with extensive whisky collections where one can go to savour a fine single malt.

Covering 500 years of Scottish Tradition associated with this unique beverage, The Single Malt Whisky Companion is the essential guide to enjoying the finest premier single malts available.

HELEN ARTHUR, has been working in the whisky industry as a public relations and advertising consultant for over 20 years. Her clients have included Seagrams with whom she worked on the Glen Grant heritage campaign in the 1970s. Helen promoted both the Famous Grouse and Highland Park brands for Matthew Gloag & Sons Ltd for many years. She and her partner, the late Patrick Gallagher, were responsible for the first Famous Grouse bottle collar competition, which attracted over 55,000 entries for proof of purchase. For Teacher's she handled public relations activity and launched their City Scribblers competition in aid of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Life Saver Scheme. Helen also organizes charity events and whisky tastings including The National Trust for Scotland's bi-annual Malt Whisky Tasting held in the City of London.

Helen has written many histories and tasting notes for whisky distillers on their single malts.