Single Malt: A Guide to the Whiskies of Scotland: Includes Profiles, Ratings, and Tasting Notes for More Than 330 Expressions - Hardcover

Clay Risen is an editor at The New York Times, where he has written extensively on whiskey, rum, and other spirits. He has also written for Smithsonian, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. He wrote American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation's Favorite Spirit in 2013. Risen grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and two young children. Follow Clay at clayrisen.com and twitter.com/risenc.

"Clay Risen brings a light and unfussy tone to his descriptions of distilleries and the many variations each distillery makes. How reliable are his ratings? He wins me over by consistently scoring bottlings from the obscurish but excellent Springbank above the exposed Glendfiddich."
―The Wall Street Journal


"Regardless of where the whiskeys fall on the single malt spectrum, Risen and his tasting panel have created a definitive reference on the topic. This is a must-have guide for novices and aficionados alike."―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"There are numerous Scotch books on the market, but Risen's is the best introduction to single malt Scotch to hit the shelves since Michael Jackson's Complete Guide. If you know a beginner or intermediate Scotch drinker, it would be hard to find a better gift."― K&L Wine Merchants

Praise for American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation's Favorite Spirit

"Risen rates and describes 200+ whiskeys in direct honesty, and delivers a fine, concise history and guide to American whiskey. Tuck it in your hip pocket and go drinking."
―Whisky Advocate


"A comprehensive and opinionated guide for the intermediate tippler . . . It's a detailed, admirably cranky directory. Risen's tasting notes for each are erudite and fun."
―Wall Street Journal


"Smart and stirring."
―New Republic


"A whiskey novice's best friend . . . It's a book I plan on keeping around for constant reference."
―Saveur

"Ideal for the hobbyist and neophyte alike, it makes for a great reference for building your perfect at-home bar."
―Wine Enthusiast