The Whisky River: Distilleries of Speyside | Robin Laing

For whisky lovers who want to go beyond the glass, this book by Robin Laing offers a captivating journey into the heart of Scotland’s whisky country.

Which river has half of Scotland’s distilleries along its banks? Why were monks instrumental in the development of whisky? And which distillery in Speyside hosts an annual migration of toads? These intriguing questions are just the beginning of a rich and engaging exploration.

Robin Laing, singer-songwriter, author of The Whisky Muse, and chair of the tasting panel at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society set out to visit every distillery in Speyside, from Benromach to Tomintoul. The result is a detailed and atmospheric guide featuring more than 50 distilleries.

Iconic names such as The Macallan, The Glenlivet, Cardhu, Aberlour, Glenfiddich and Glen Grant are all explored in depth.

What makes this book stand out?

• Detailed profiles of over 50 Speyside distilleries
• A unique blend of history, travel writing, and industry insight
• Personal reflections, stories, poetry, and song excerpts
• Fascinating comparisons between past and present whisky production

Throughout his journey, Laing is guided by the spirit of Alfred Barnard, author of the classic The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom. By comparing Barnard’s 19th-century observations with today’s distilleries, the book offers a rare perspective on how the whisky world has evolved and what has remained unchanged.

Perfect for those searching for Speyside whisky guides, Scottish distilleries, whisky travel inspiration, or deeper knowledge of whisky heritage, this book is an essential addition to any enthusiast’s collection.

Step into a world of winding rivers, historic distilleries, and timeless craftsmanship and experience whisky like never before

English, Softcover, 208 pages