"Outstanding ... among the most important books about whisky ever written." Charles MacLean

BRINGING TOGETHER LANDSCAPES, geology, history, people and their whisky, and addressing the key role of peatlands in mitigating climate change, Peat and Whisky: The Unbreakable Bond is a love letter to Scotland and the unique substance that forms part of the DNA of Scotch whisky.

Through epic journeys around Scotland and back in time, Mike Billett dives deep into the science and stories of ancient peatlands and bogs, capturing the spirit of places where whisky has been distilled for centuries. He sheds light on how peat imparts its distinctive aroma and flavour to the world's finest single malts. He looks back to tradition and heritage, as well as forward to a future in which the dark matter will remain part of the recipe for liquid gold, while at the same time becoming an increasingly precious living sponge for atmospheric carbon. He takes us to places where the bond between peat and whisky is growing around the world.

Whether you're a whisky connoisseur, a lover of Scotland's environment and beautiful landscapes, an armchair traveller or a history buff, this unforgettable book will deepen your appreciation for the land itself and help you to understand the profound connection between peat and the unmistakable character of uisge beatha, the water of life.

About the Author
As well as being a whisky connoisseur, Mike Billett is a highly regarded peatland scientist with a background in geology, soil and water science. During his 40-year career in research and education - at the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling and at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - he researched and wrote extensively on the peatlands of the British Isles, Scandinavia and the Arctic, focusing on water quality, carbon, peatland management and environmental change, writing many research papers, book chapters, reports, and articles. In recent years he has immersed himself in the landscapes, taste and qualities of Scotland's single malt whiskies and has applied his deep understanding of the science of peatlands to this passion. Peat and Whisky is his first non-academic book. Dave Broom is a world-renowned whisky expert who has written thirteen books, including The World Atlas of Whisky, now in its second edition. He has won many awards, including two Glenfiddich prizes and the prestigious IWSC Communicator of the Year Award. He has been a contributing editor to Whisky Magazine, scotchwhisky.com and Malt Advocate. His film The Amber Light, an examination of whisky and Scottish culture, won Best Programme at the 2020 Fortnum & Mason awards. He is actively involved in whisky education and also acts as a consultant to major distillers on tasting techniques as well as training professionals and the public.

Reviews

'A unique work ... a journey through ancient peatlands ... Billett reveals the special relationship peat has had with the Scotch whisky industry ... essential reading for anyone with an interest in whisky.'

-- Neil Wilson, whisky historian



Book Information
ISBN 9781913393908
Author Mike Billett
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Saraband
Publisher Saraband