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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 the unique substance that forms part of the DNA of Scotch whisky.
Through epic journeys around Scotland and elsewhere, 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 flavor to the world's finest single malts. He looks back to tradition and heritage, as well as forward to a future in which peat will remain part of the whisky recipe, 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 beautiful landscapes, an armchair traveler 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.
Shortlisted for the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2024
"This is an outstanding contribution to whisky literature, indeed I believe it to be among the most important books about whisky ever written." Charles MacLean, noted whisky writer and connoisseur."A seminal work on whisky, informative, fascinating and very well-written.” Hans Offringa, whisky connoisseur and writer
"Fascinating, thorough, engaging and charmingly written, Peat and Whisky is not only a joy to read, it also makes a vital contribution to understanding our precious environment." The Keeper (Keepers of the Quaich magazine), Winter 2023 ed
“An indispensable read for any whisky lover.” Scottish Field
"If you consider yourself a connoisseur of the amber nectar, this is a compulsory read." The Ìleach
“Compelling and entertaining … This is a vast work of research, and clearly a labour of great love. It should be essential reading for all whisky lovers.” Gavin D Smith, whisky writer
“Peat and Whisky is a unique work … essential reading for anyone with an interest in whisky.” Neil Wilson, whisky historian and writer
“A timely book, indeed one long overdue.” Brian Townsend, whisky historian and writer
“A must-read for any whisky fan, especially as we enter a time where the use of peat to create ‘just’ a drink is being more closely examined.” Billy Abbott, drinks writer, educator, whisky ambassador at The Whisky Exchange
“There is much to be learned from this publication and its high readability is a quality rare in most scholarly writings. The author takes you with him on a journey to old and forgotten peat bogs in Scotland, entertaining the reader with all kinds of interesting stories along the road concerning biology, history, earth science, geology, water, sustainability or a mixture of these elements.” The Charleston Mercury
Glossary; Introduction; The Story of a Piece of Peat; Peat and Whisky – A Golden Age; Peat Shed to Electric City; Unlocking the Smoky Gene; ‘Every Peat has its Own Smoke’; Walking on Ninety Per Cent Water; Whisky Water – Pure, Soft and Peaty; Peat and Whisky – A New Age; Postscript; ‘On the windy edge of nothing.’; Acknowledgements; Notes and References; Distilleries and Distillers Featured in the Book; Maps and Illustrations; Index