This survey of the full range of single-malt Scotch whiskies covers over 200 different varieties in detail, explaining the alterations that age, strength and geographical location make on the taste. The author has also included a section on malts made in Ireland, Asia and Japan. This text is systematically organized starting with an introduction explaining the term single malt and a description of the classic malts. Michael Jackson then goes on to describe how malt whisky is made - the influence on the taste of geographical location, water, soil, climate and even the wood used in the casks. The book describes the art of whisky appraisal, the terms used such as colour, nose, body palate and finish, and what they mean. The main part of the book is an A-Z catalogue of over 250 single malt scotches. This comprehensive guide begins by explaining how the malts were chosen and how the distillery rating and whisky score system works. It then takes the reader systematically through each brand and bottling. A detailed description of the source, pedigree and manufacture, tasting notes and a numerical appraisal of each malt on the basis of the physical characteristics is accompanied in every case with a colour reproduction of its label. A section on vatted malts describes the major whiskies in this category - single malts which have been blended to make a smooth consistent flavour.