Possibly the most important book ever to be published on the subject of whisky is Alfred Barnard's classic

"The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom". In the mid-80s of the 19th century, Barnard and several

companions undertook an extraordinary journey - utilising every mode of transport available at the time,

from steamer to horse drawn carriage, they traveled the length and width of the United Kingdom in order

to visit every whisky distillery they could. The commission for this journey came from Harper's Weekly

Gazette, who subsequently published Barnard's book in 1887.



Alfred Barnard began his journey in the spring of 1885 and ended his travels toward the end of the

following year having visited and chronicled an amazing 129 distilleries in Scotland, 28 in Ireland and four

in England. In reading his book, three things become evident. For one, Barnard openly loved the scenery

presented to him in his travels. Secondly his enthusiasm for whisky and the distilling industry and finally,

his interest and attention to the technical details of production. His historical and technical chronicles are

invaluable when looking at whisky making in the late 19th century.



To give you a flavour of the book, here is the introduction to his visit to the Ardbeg distillery:



RESUMING our journey in pursuit of Distilleries, we left the vast Whisky centre, Campbeltown, at the

early hour of six in the morning, bound for the port of Tarbert, to catch the boat to Islay. The air was

crisp and the first few hours of the long drive chilly, but the morning sun soon filled our hearts with

gladness, and we were nabled once aain to enjoy the delightful scenery through which we passed and

which has been described in a former chapter. Upon due arrival at West Tarbert we boarded the steamer

bound for Port Ellen, a journey occupying some hours, yet withal rendered pleasant by weather that was

all that could be desired. Tired and hungry after our long day we were glad to reach our destination, and

immediately on landing proceeded to the "White Hart Inn " where for several days we took up our

quarters, and found the accommodation excellent and the attendants obliging . Read more .

