Book Description
An inside look at two brands that made Scotland's national drink a global phenomenon
A Double Scotch tells the intertwined success stories of Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet-two Scotch whisky brands recognized the world over for their unparalleled quality. Founded by Scottish grocers on Aberdeen, Chivas Regal stands as the world's most popular prestige blended Scotch. First distilled by a pistol-packing Highlander, The Glenlivet is today the top-selling single-malt Scotch in America. F. Paul Pacult explores these two iconic spirits, and tells a compelling business story of the remarkable and resourceful families who endured government interference, the threat of physical violence from illicit distillers, wars and Prohibition, and fierce competition to build two winning brands. A Double Scotch is a business book and historical account that goes down easy. Told against the backdrop of Scotland's intriguing distilling history, A Double Scotch also tells the story of a nation that's inextricably linked to its national beverage.
F. Paul Pacult (Wallkill, NY) is one of the most accomplished and respected authorities on beverage alcohol. Currently, he is Publisher/Editor of F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal, Special Projects Editor of the New York Times Magazine, judging director for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and spirits-tasting coordinator for Wine Enthusiast magazine. He is also the author of American Still Life (0-471-44407-3), from Wiley.
A Double Scotch tells the intertwined success stories of Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet-two Scotch whisky brands recognized the world over for their unparalleled quality. Founded by Scottish grocers on Aberdeen, Chivas Regal stands as the world's most popular prestige blended Scotch. First distilled by a pistol-packing Highlander, The Glenlivet is today the top-selling single-malt Scotch in America. F. Paul Pacult explores these two iconic spirits, and tells a compelling business story of the remarkable and resourceful families who endured government interference, the threat of physical violence from illicit distillers, wars and Prohibition, and fierce competition to build two winning brands. A Double Scotch is a business book and historical account that goes down easy. Told against the backdrop of Scotland's intriguing distilling history, A Double Scotch also tells the story of a nation that's inextricably linked to its national beverage.
F. Paul Pacult (Wallkill, NY) is one of the most accomplished and respected authorities on beverage alcohol. Currently, he is Publisher/Editor of F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal, Special Projects Editor of the New York Times Magazine, judging director for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and spirits-tasting coordinator for Wine Enthusiast magazine. He is also the author of American Still Life (0-471-44407-3), from Wiley.
Back Cover copy
Praise for A DOUBLE SCOTCH
"A Double Scotch tells the tale of how two men from farming stock, George Smith and James Chivas, found themselves as central figures in the birth of the modern whisky industry and who by hard work, hard-nosed determination--and some luck--created what were to become known as 'brands.' The pace is fast, the tone light but punchy, witty, and informed. Pacult has also uncovered facts that have been ignored by other whisky scholars and along the way, punctures some of the myths which have sprung up around the drink. Pour yourself a dram and dive in."
--Dave Broom Whisky journalist, United Kingdom
"Clear, concise, informative, and full of wonderful personalities, A Double Scotch is a fascinating look at the distiller's art and the business that supports it. F. Paul Pacult's research is meticulous and his storytelling fluent. I enjoyed it mightily. What more could one want?"
--David Wondrich Esquire
"F. Paul Pacult has literally poured himself into his work (and, to be sure, his work into him). . . . A Double Scotch is as vital and aromatic as a wee dram sitting by the reader's side. Make it a double!"
--Duncan Christy Editorial Director, Sky magazine
"Scotch whisky, Scotland's gift to the world, developed, grew, and succeeded through the skill and tenacity of colorful and resourceful individuals. In A Double Scotch, these characters and the tribulations they had to overcome are brought to life, making the book a joy for all who wish to understand what has made Scotch whisky the global success it is today."
--Campbell Evans Scotch Whisky Association Edinburgh, Scotland
"A Double Scotch tells the tale of how two men from farming stock, George Smith and James Chivas, found themselves as central figures in the birth of the modern whisky industry and who by hard work, hard-nosed determination--and some luck--created what were to become known as 'brands.' The pace is fast, the tone light but punchy, witty, and informed. Pacult has also uncovered facts that have been ignored by other whisky scholars and along the way, punctures some of the myths which have sprung up around the drink. Pour yourself a dram and dive in."
--Dave Broom Whisky journalist, United Kingdom
"Clear, concise, informative, and full of wonderful personalities, A Double Scotch is a fascinating look at the distiller's art and the business that supports it. F. Paul Pacult's research is meticulous and his storytelling fluent. I enjoyed it mightily. What more could one want?"
--David Wondrich Esquire
"F. Paul Pacult has literally poured himself into his work (and, to be sure, his work into him). . . . A Double Scotch is as vital and aromatic as a wee dram sitting by the reader's side. Make it a double!"
--Duncan Christy Editorial Director, Sky magazine
"Scotch whisky, Scotland's gift to the world, developed, grew, and succeeded through the skill and tenacity of colorful and resourceful individuals. In A Double Scotch, these characters and the tribulations they had to overcome are brought to life, making the book a joy for all who wish to understand what has made Scotch whisky the global success it is today."
--Campbell Evans Scotch Whisky Association Edinburgh, Scotland
