This witty and diverting book, from musician and whisky expert Robin Laing, captivates the reader with folklore and history reflecting aspects of Islay life, all relating back to whisky.

Was whisky the secret ingredient in an aphrodisiac Islay cheese?
Which is the Devil's favourite malt?
Who is the angel that protects the distilleries?
Where would you hide a whisky dog?

Ranging from the ancient legends of the seal-people to more modern tales of whisky drinkers of mythic proportions, this introduction to the whisky drinkers and distillers of Islay, past and present, shows the diverse ways in which whisky forms part of island culture. With eight of the best known distilleries, it is no wonder that Islay is a mecca for whisky lovers worldwide.

Robin Laing - singer/songwriter and author of both The Whisky Muse and The Whisky River - brings together the myths and legends of the island of Islay, the whisky capital of the world, through its most famous export - whisky. The stories, poems and songs are great for dipping in and out of or, alternatively, to accompany a 'wee dram'.

From Islay I have learned that whisky is best taken with friends; but if friends are not available, stories will do. - ROBIN LAING

This witty and diverting book, from musician and whisky expert Robin Laing, captivates the reader with folklore and history reflecting aspects of Islay life, all relating back to whisky.

Simultaneously entertaining, comforting and informative, Laing uses narrative and lyric to examine the relationship between the islanders of Islay and whisky. When grouped together as a whole, the various anecdotes, poems and songs beautifully illustrate the importance that whisky plays in the lives of the people of Islay, but also of how it has shaped their history.