In the introduction “101 whiskies to try before you die” the author describes this book as a list with a difference

“It is not an awards list

It is not a list of the 101 “best” whiskies in the world

It is simply,(as it says in the title) a guide to 101 whiskies that an enthusiast should seek out and try- love them or hate them- to complete their whisky education, what’s more it’s practical and realistic.”

But, I think it’s a lot more than this. Forget the enthusiasts, they already have an array of books, and a veritable cacophony of experts clamouring for your last shilling. This little book deliberately avoids the obscure malt, deliberately shies away from any pseudo holy grail of the whisky aficionado, and by narrowing its vision to Single Malts, Blends, and Vatted Malts, that, with a little effort it is possible to track down. The author has produced one cracking little book, suited to any one with an interest no matter how slight.

This is a book that cuts through the clutter, decodes the marketing hype and gets straight to the point; whether from India, America, Sweden, Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens and islands of Scotland, here are the 101 whiskies that you really want to taste.

http://parrishlantern.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/ian-buxton.html ( )

The opening lines of the introduction say it all:

[This] is not an awards list.

It is not a list of the 101 'best' whiskies in the world.

It is simply, as it says in the title, a guide to 101 whiskies that enthusiasts really should seek out and try—love them or hate them—to complete their whisky education.

The author has selected 101 whiskies from around the world representing a range of tastes and styles. There are single malts and blended whiskies, bourbons and ryes, whiskies from major producers (Scotland, Ireland, the US), and from places you wouldn't expect (India, Sweden).

Buxton comes across as straight-foward and honest. He tells you what he likes about the whiskies, and also what he doesn't like. Not all of these drinks are his personal favorites. He also includes a bit of history and local color about many of the items, as well as the to-be-expected descriptions of their taste.

Buxton also wants you to actually have a chance of trying these whiskies, so he avoids limited bottlings and other hard-to-find items. And most of the items are affordable, too (although he does include a small number of whiskies that will set you back $500 - $1000 per bottle---such as a 40 year old Highland Park).

By my count I've had 16 of the whiskies described here. This book has given me a number of ideas for new things to try. Only 85 more to go!