Pioneering Spirits by David Stirk
This book, written by David Stirk, is a must-read for all whisky fans, particularly those with an interest in independent bottlers.
Pioneering Spirits, A Tour of Scotland's 21st Century Whisky Distilleries is a must-have for all whisky-lovers, and would make an ideal gift.
More whisky distilleries were built in Scotland during the first two decades of the 21st century than in the previous millennium.
A new movement gripped the Scotch whisky industry: small to medium-sized distilleries, often independently owned and fiercely singular in their vision and strategy, all striving to make extraordinarily good whisky. But have no fear; this is not a whisky book. There are scant tasting notes and little to no information about the whiskies. Nor does this book attempt to sway you one way or the other on which whisky to buy. Instead, this is a jolly jaunt, a cheerful trek around all four corners of Scotland, taking in the sights, sounds and pulse of the people, wildlife and customs.
Having lived in Scotland for most of his adult life, industry veteran David Stirk considers much of life in this small country and how the world-conquering drink, known everywhere - except in its home country - as Scotch, slots into the story.
About the Author, David Stirk
David has spent over two decades in the whisky industry. He’s travelled all around the whisky world and gained an unrivalled knowledge of the industry.
His career in the Spirits industry started in the late 90s, hosting whisky tastings and events at the newly launched Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. In 2000, he joined Paragraph Publishing as Tastings Co-ordinator and Journalist for the newly launched ‘Whisky Magazine’.
He published his first whisky book, ’The Malt Whisky Guide’, and shortly afterwards joined WM Cadenhead’s as their Sales & Marketing Manager. While at Cadenhead’s, David was responsible for selecting all of the casks to be bottled. While he was living in Campbeltown, he wrote ‘The Distilleries of Campbeltown’, which was published in 2004.
David started The Creative Whisky Co. Ltd. in 2004 with the purchase of a single cask. Since that modest start, The Creative Whisky Co has gone on to bottle more than 1,500 casks of malt, grain, blended, and international whisky and whiskey.
