Wilson, Neil
Scotch and Water

Neil Wilson Publishing LTD, ISBN 1-897784-05-8, First Published 1985, 128 Pages, 25 x 19,5 cm, Hard Cover

Along Scotland's Atlantic coast lie the islands of the Inner Hebrides - home to a people who are proud of their ancestry and proud of the robust malt whiskies which they produce.

The fascinating history of the island distilleries was discovered by the crew of the ketch Alystra when she sailed from Islay to Jura, Mull and Skye in search of the island drams. They recorded the stories of the early distillers who, when the 'water of life' first gurgled from their farmyard stills centuries ago, struggled to establish an industry which now boasts multi-million dollar exports. They met the islanders, photographed their remote homelands and, best of all, sampled their malts.

Lovers of Scotland's rugged west coast, its islands, beautiful sailing grounds and its excellent whisky will savour SCOTCH AND WATER. Illustrated with breathtaking photographs, it is a pilgrimage which begins on Islay's southern coast where we visit Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, and Port Ellen before crossing the island to Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila. Sailing north brings us to Jura and the distillery at Craighouse, then on to Tobermory distillery on Mull and finally Talisker on the misty Isle of Skye.