Giving the Gift of a Scotch Guide - Your Recommendations?

[artificer]

Is the new (2010) Michael Jackson's still the way to go, or is there another guide you prefer?

I'm planning on a package of Scotch related goodies for my brother-in-law, who I got hooked on Laphroaig last holiday season.

ith:

[TurboKittie]

Given a choice, I like Balvenie or Macallan.

[brewerpaul]

Edradour 10 yr is my choice for a great dram.

[LitTrog]

In answer to the question, I still prefer Jackson. Two other gentlemen I know with whom I was having a similar discussion feel exactly the same--and, they, unlike me, actually know what they're talking about when it comes to malts!

[artificer]

In answer to the question, I still prefer Jackson. Two other gentlemen I know with whom I was having a similar discussion feel exactly the same--and, they, unlike me, actually know what they're talking about when it comes to malts!

LOL! SOMEBODY read the question carefully. I've always regarded Mr. Jackson as an excellent authority, but hadn't researched any new books lately. It's good to hear that people still think so highly of his work (and what difficult work it must have been )

In addition to the guide (presumably Jackson's) I'm going to get him several Glencairn tasting glasses, I'm making him a small leatherbound tasting book for his own notes, and probably a nice bottle of something similar to Laphroaig, but new to him- probably Ardbeg.

ith:

[Father Bill]

For my birthday, my beloved got me a set of 9 small soapstone cubes - about the size of sugar cubes. They are stored in a small cloth bag in the freezer, and apparently, three of these will cool your whiskey without of course diluting it. Bill the Younger will be here this weekend, and I think we'll try them out!

[AKScott]

Michael Jackson died 30 Aug 2007 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson_(writer) ).

Not sure who ghost wrote the 2010 edition, but I would make an effort to find an earlier edition. I didn't realize until just now he was also a whisky writer, his works on beer are well known to me.

I was right that he had died lately...

[brewerpaul]

I was taken back a bit to see a 2010 edition of Michael Jackson's scotch guide. He had unfortunately died in 2007 leaving the scotch and brewing world without one if it's greatest writers. I had chance to me Mr Jackson in the mid 90s and later received a call from him when he was writing a book about American brew pubs. He was quite a nice gentleman and enjoyable to talk to. I also brewed beer for 8 years using his descriptions of beers as my guide for brewing styles. So with that in mind I dont think anyone can go wrong with an older version of his book but a newer one wont have near the style he put into writing. As newer scotches have hit the American market the book may be outdated so maybe there are other good writers.

To the other topic, a bit of gifts scotch related. Always a flask is in good taste, especially when filled with a nice scotch. Along with a couple of dram glasses nice coasters would be appreciated to protect any wood surface a person might set their dram. Here is one I got in Scotland, Im sure they could be found elsewhere.





I like the Gaelic saying on the coaster "Water of Life"

[artificer]

Michael Jackson died 30 Aug 2007 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson_(writer) ).

Not sure who ghost wrote the 2010 edition, but I would make an effort to find an earlier edition. I didn't realize until just now he was also a whisky writer, his works on beer are well known to me.

I was right that he had died lately...

I was taken back a bit to see a 2010 edition of Michael Jackson's scotch guide. He had unfortunately died in 2007 leaving the scotch and brewing world without one if it's greatest writers. I had chance to me Mr Jackson in the mid 90s and later received a call from him when he was writing a book about American brew pubs. He was quite a nice gentleman and enjoyable to talk to. I also brewed beer for 8 years using his descriptions of beers as my guide for brewing styles. So with that in mind I dont think anyone can go wrong with an older version of his book but a newer one wont have near the style he put into writing. As newer scotches have hit the American market the book may be outdated so maybe there are other good writers.

You're both correct, the newest edition is not by Jackson himself, but the reviews seem positive and point to the new editors making updates and additions that are very much in the spirit (pun fully intended) of Jackson's original entries.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/075...SIN=0756658985

I wouldn't want an older edition, as for a new Scotch drinker especially, the more comprehensive the better, even if the newer entries don't have quite the wit and insight of the older Jackson originals.

Thanks all for the other ideas. I've got a touch more thinking to do.

ith:

[Bill aka Mole]

I'm planning on a package of Scotch related goodies for my brother-in-law, who I got hooked on Laphroaig last holiday season.

ith:

And, Ladies and Gents, this is how the addiction is spread. Not as quickly as a Zombie apopcalypse (because those afflicted can not convert everyone they meet into a Single-Malt Lover).