It’s not often one gets the opportunity to read about their passion and experience it at the same time, but luckily for any whisky drinker, you can learn and imbibe from the comfort of your La-Z-Boy. Read, sip, ponder and welcome the “aha” moment as it wheedles its way through your web of firing synapses.

We have the advantage over someone who may have the hobby of skydiving, where turning pages with all that wind is a little challenging, or pole dancing, where the audience can easily lose the mood when you shut off the music and turn on the lights to glance at the manual, or even hunting, where animals on the other side of the barrel are going to be much less patient while you thumb through the last chapter, searching for the exact mark on their bodies to place in front of the crosshairs.

From that perspective, we’ve got no worries. And speaking of angst, you should have none when it comes to running out of material to keep your mind engaged and your learning on track. There is a plethora of individuals churning out page after page of spirit-related information today, saturating the market with their knowledge of the industry, their review of products and availability, and in some rare occasions, their personal experience.

As is true for many pastime pursuits, others enjoying the same activities want to share their thoughts with the hopes that you will have a richer adventure, an expanded awareness and a sumptuous memory to tuck away for future delight. It’s simply human beings acting benevolently.

With that in mind, here is a small list of wintertime whisky reading meant to keep you snug in your favorite chair, learning a little, enjoying a lot and loving it all.

Slainte!

The World Atlas of Whisky by Dave Broom

A top-notch book, a must-have in my opinion and one that will have you grateful for the short, sweet and synoptic method of writing.

The World’s Best Whiskies by Dominic Roskrow

For me, a winner in that it touches upon not only the spirits themselves, but the places and the people behind them.

Peat Smoke and Spirit by Andrew Jefford

This book is more dog-eared than my hound. It is a must-have for anyone with an insane love for Islay and all she has to offer the whisky world.

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2013

The latest updates on distilleries (worldwide), viewpoints from knowledgeable experts, tasting notes, cocktails and recipes, interviews, a look back at trends and news-makers and hundreds of pictures to whet the appetite. Truly, a yearly event worth waiting for.

Malt Whisky Companion by Michael Jackson

One of the most authoritative voices the spirit (and beer) world has enjoyed. And a book you’ll find on most whisky aficionado’s shelves.

Wort, Worms & Washbacks by John McDougall and Gavin D. Smith

A peak behind the curtain–something many of us wish we had more of–in a delightful book filled with personal tales of truths not often told.

Beam, Straight Up by Fred Noe

Part memoir, part method, part mission. A look at Noe’s bourbon world from the Beam command post.

Don’t forget to check out what I blethered on about this week on the main post page (here) and find out what’s cookin’ in the scullery too (here)!