This charming book first published in 1947 is a fictionalized version of an actual event that occurred off the Scottish island of Eriskay in 1941. During WW II and before the U S entered the war, Great Britain was in dire need of armaments which it could not produce for itself in sufficient quantities, nor could Britain pay for the armaments entirely in cash. The deal eventually brokered was that the U S would ship munitions in convoys of “Liberty Ships” to Britain. In return, Britain would pay for the munitions is cash AND whisky, this made whisky scarce in Scotland where it was – and is – a crucial component of Scottish island life from taking a few daily drams to high ceremonial occasions.

I am in two minds about this book, for I am sure that had I read it in print or on kindle, I would have given it 3 stars only, but the awesome narration by David Rintoul, whom I just cannot praise highly enough!!, rendered it much more enjoyable. His style and Scottish accents delighted my Scotland-loving ears and soul and I could have gone on listening for an ever longer period. Perhaps better known for his fiction, Iain Banks takes us on a fascinating journey around Scotland as he searches for the perfect dram. This is not your dry and informative look at scotch; this is a witty and anecdote-filled travelogue that touches on culture, people, and politics – and of course, whisky! Written in 2003 (which will become apparent when you see the meandering monologues on Tony Blair), this is an alternative take on your classic whisky book, but certainly an entertaining one. Whiskies Galore – Ian Buxton We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular whisky books out there, covering everything from Japanese whisky to taste maps. The Way of Whisky – Dave BroomThis cookie is set by Rubicon Project to control synchronization of user identification and exchange of user data between various ad services.

Perhaps there is a kernel of truth in the stereotypes. Perhaps members of the stereotyped groups find a certain comfort and amusement in accepting the widely-held beliefs about them and repeating them. Perhaps the only way of producing commercially acceptable products is to reproduce those familiar representations. I am not sure. Murray describes Kailyard as "images of Scotland that portrayed it as parochial, cut off from the modern world, small-town, hapless lads, winsome lassies. They certainly weren't something you could recognise yourself in". [52] Another book that’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. Whiskies Galore sees Ian Buxton explore Island distilleries, taking in Islay, Skye and the Orkneys. What’s great about this book, is that it isn’t just facts and tasting notes, it’s full of asides and opinion. As the author travels up the west coast, we hear his thoughts on everything from Arran to Talisker, but not just on the whisky – the people, the visitor centres and even a distillery’s standing in the industry all get assessed by Buxton. This is an entertaining read on one of the lesser written about regions of whisky. Rawlings, Roger (2017). Ripping England!: Postwar British Satire from Ealing to the Goons. Albany, NY: SUNY Press. ISBN 978-1-4384-6733-7.As stated, the book is charming, filled with Scots Gaelic speech with a glossary at the end for Sassenachs who speak no Gaelic (like “Muggles” in Harry Potter). It describes island life and island attitudes and beliefs, from the deep importance of whisky in Scots’ lives to encounters with various kinds of “Little People” and Skerries – seals who come on land and become people, but who can also return to the sea as seals! Alcohol may make people more belligerent, but you can be sure that this extra boost will only make them better. They will not engage in fighting or violence. It will merely make them more likely to stand up to other people.

Coupe, Rosemary (2010). "The Evolution of the 'Eightsome Reel' ". Folk Music Journal. 9 (5): 693–722. ISSN 0531-9684. JSTOR 25654208. By 1943, the notes had turned up in London, across the south of England, in Stoke-on-Trent and in the north of Scotland. Honri, Baynham (November 1967). "Milestones in British Film Studios and Their Production Techniques – 1897–1967". Journal of the SMPTE. 76 (11): 1116–1121. doi: 10.5594/J13675. ISSN 0361-4573.Scottish folk music is used for the accompaniment of the eightsome reel, which is danced at the rèiteach. According to the music historian Rosemary Coupe, the dance and music are "a vibrant expression of the Scottish spirit, second only to the ' water of life' itself". [45] Themes [ edit ] The authorities, however, did not share this view, not least because the whisky was destined for the United States – and so no duty had been paid on it. Chorge will neffer be having the courage to tell Mistress Campbell he's going to be married to her. Neffer!' he declared. 'Not unless he'd trunk a tram the size of Loch Sleeport itself, and then I believe it would turn to water inside his stamac when he saw his mother gazing at him.' "

After passing the Isle of Man, the weather had worsened, the winds had risen to gale force and the ship’s Captain, Beaconsfield Worthington, changed course as a result. This was an unwanted distraction and difficulty for a crew anticipating a winter crossing of a U-Boat-infested Atlantic.Daubney, Kate (2006). "Music as a Satirical Device in the Ealing Comedies". In Mera, Miguel; Burnand, David (eds.). European Film Music. Aldershot, Hampshire: Ashgate Publishing. pp.60–72. ISBN 978-0-7546-3659-5. The action is set on the two fictional Scottish islands of Little and Greater Todday. It might be an exaggeration to say that they are a whisky-based culture, but certainly whisky is an important social oil in this place. How much was taken by the sea, and how much fell prey to the impromptu salvage operations mounted by the locals of Eriskay, Barra, North and South Uist, and Lewis? Another shout out for the prolific Dave Broom, with this book, The World Atlas of Whisky. While there’s information here on more than 200 distilleries, where this one really stands out is its guide to flavour profiles. With the help of Diageo, Broom has devised six flavour camp charts to help beginners and enthusiasts discover whiskies that match their taste. These are split into different styles such as ‘rich and round’ or ‘malty and dry’ and can help readers discover new favourites or step out of their comfort zone completely. Malt Whisky Yearbook – Ingvar Ronde You probably know that it has parallels with a real event in 1941 when the SS Politician suffered a similar fate off the island of Eriskay. However, the book (unlike the 1949 film) only has the latter part of its content dedicated to the islanders making off with their alcoholic spoils; the grounding of the ship doesn't happen until half way through the book and the actual search is contained in one chapter.