Robin Laing, The Whisky River: Distilleries of Speyside

[Iain]

Got a copy today. Haven't had time to read it yet, but it's a handy size and well-presented.

[Frodo]

I'd really like to hear about this one!

[Iain]

I'll write a wee review - it'll be my bed-side reading for the next few evenings.

[Deactivated Member]

Is this the same Robin Laing who sings so eloquently of the beauty of a dram?

[Iain]

The very same...

[Lawrence]

How do you go about purchasing a copy? Which shop has copies? I looked at LFW but no luck.

[les taylor]

How do you go about purchasing a copy? Which shop has copies? I looked at LFW but no luck.

Lawrence Amazon UK are listing it. But quoting 4 to 6 weeks. Do you have Amazon or similar in your neck of the woods.

[Lawrence]

Thanks Les, I've ordered a copy, not sure why I didn't think of amazon.co.uk



Lawrence

[Iain]

From what I've read so far, I can certainly recommend it. Especially as a handy-sized companion for folks visiting Speyside distilleries. A good, light balance of history, local folklore and tasting/production notes, and the author has a good, easy writing style. Along with a few songs, anecdotes and poetry at the end of each distillery section.

The artist Bob Dewar isn't to my taste, but I know lots of folks like his stuff - he does the artwork for the SMWS among other things.

[BruceCrichton]

Robin Laing is appearing in Dufftown at the Autumn Festival: http://www.dufftown.co.uk

[corbuso]

From what I've read so far, I can certainly recommend it. Especially as a handy-sized companion for folks visiting Speyside distilleries.

I can only agree with you and everyone will learn something in this book. Not too serious and too detailed, it reads easily and smoothly. A very good read and highly recommended, as his latest CD.

Corbuso
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http://www.whisky-news.com

[corbuso]

Robin Laing is appearing in Dufftown at the Autumn Festival: http://www.dufftown.co.uk

And he appreciated the Dregs Party quite well He was amongst the last one to leave the shop.

[BruceCrichton]

Robin Laing is appearing in Dufftown at the Autumn Festival: http://www.dufftown.co.uk

And he appreciated the Dregs Party quite well He was amongst the last one to leave the shop.

I noticed him later and he was well refreshed. It was a pleasure to meet him and hear his songs and I have a signed copy of his bookwhich my mate is getting for his christmas.

[famork7]

Too much reference to Barnard (1887). There is so much happening today that history has its place for those who want to know it. There has been a clutch (too many - and why?!) of Barnard revivals recently. Let us keep him in his historical context.

'The Whisky River' is a book that lacks what Speyside is all about - an exciting area of Scotland with the river and hills yearning to be photographed. Cartoons of Dewar's particular style are not really relevant.

Yes, there are good tales and anecdotes, and poems and other literary goodies, but a new book in the oversubscribed world of books on Scotch whisky needs a purpose - a raison d'etre - and The Whisky River is not quite in touch.

[jmrl]

It is certainly a point to ask what is there left new to be written on Scotch whisky and the ease of re-hashing of earlier offerings. However this doesn't mean there is no benefit from reference and comparison. Personally I like both Barnard's old fashioned use of language and Robin's style of writing. To talk about a distillery as part of the land and people is so much more engaging than mere facts bullet pointed. Although the latter style is just as valid in its own context. i would recommend The Whisky River to somebody looking for an informal and informative text on Speyside and its distilleries. I hope this is the start to a series. It would be great if every distillery had a contempory review in this style or the comprehensive and less poetic approach of Ulf Buxrud in his marvelous Rare Malts. The illustrations are perhaps too quirky for some tastes but by the same measure offer a refreshing break from the norm. In my opinion (obviously)

[BruceCrichton]

I read the book and found it entertaining, though I was surprised that he missed out the distilleries near Huntly like Glendronach and Ardmore.

The book was light and enjoyable and describes a little about the history of the distilleries and the people who work there, plus a short piece, in some cases, about the whisky itself.

Recommended reading.