Raw Spirit

In Search of the Perfect Dram

Iain Banks

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A beautiful hardback gift-edition with a new introduction by Ian Rankin. Raw Spirit is a fascinating journey through Scotland's famous distilleries with legendary author Iain Banks

New introduction by Ian Rankin
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‘One of the most playful and entertaining writers of our generation’
Val McDermid, Guardian

In an absorbing voyage as interesting to non-drinkers as to true whisky connoisseurs, sci-fi and literary author Iain Banks explores the rich heritage of Scottish whisky, from the most famous distilleries to the most obscure operations.

Whisky is more than a drink: it's a culture that binds together people, places and products far across Scotland's rugged terrain. Switching from cars to ferries to bicycles, Banks criss-crosses his homeland, weaving an engrossing narrative full of fascinating traditions, peculiar people, and the downright bizarre places he encounters on his journey down Scotland's great golden road.

'The book I return to most often . . . It's is like slipping into a warm bath.'
James Graham, THE TIMES (playwright and creator of ITV's Quiz)

'Filled withinsightful and witty observations . . . this is a rip-roaringand informative delve into the unique history and enduring appeal of this iconic spirit.'
VISIT SCOTLAND, 9 'must read' books

Published: 17 October 2019
ISBN: 9781529124781
Imprint: Century
Format: Hardback
Pages: 384
RRP: $38.00

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About the author

Iain Banks

Iain Banks was born in Scotland in 1954. He came to widespread public notice in 1984 with the publication of his first novel, The Wasp Factory. He went on to gain enormous and popular critical acclaim with further works of fiction and science fiction. In 1993 he was acknowledged as one of the Best of Young British Writers. Iain Banks died in 2013 at the age of fifty-nine.

Praise for Raw Spirit

It does what every good book should manage to do, and what a hundred other books on whisky (and a thousand other books on Scotland) have signally failed to do: makes you want to go for a drink with the author.
Observer

Studded with bracing shots of pure insight and eloquence. And he's sound on the scotch as well.
Independent

A very readable and hugely informative book, and Bank’s gentle humour permeates the pages.
Time Out

It’s an engaging piece of work, part love letter, part memoir.
Esquire

A very beguiling fusion of memoir, history and current affairs.
Glasgow Herald

A beautifully realised fusion of travelogue, social commentary and drinking guide. Scotland's most famous export is decanted into full-bodied, humorous prose.
Independent on Sunday

A voyage that a malt connoisseur of any level will find as enticing and as warming as that first sip of the nectar that has a history as rugged and unpredictable as Scotland’s enticing and formidable terrain.
The AND Guide

Fiery, variegated, and full of delicious moments.
Literary Review

Banks' finely-honed sense of place make you want to get on a train, head to the Highlands and never come back.
Arena

Raw Spirit charts its own course through the social landscapes of everywhere from Skye to Lothian, where obscure distilleries compete against the world-famous, with a wide cast of characters bringing them - and the liquor - to life.
Wanderlust

The book I return to most often . . . It's like slipping into a warm bath.
James Graham, THE TIMES

Thiswritten account of aroad-trip around the country’s distilleries in search of the ‘perfect dram’ is thebest substitute for the real deal[…] Filled withinsightful and witty observationsabout the whisky-makingprocess andthe peopleand places encounteredalong the way, this isa rip-roaringand informative delve into the unique history and enduring appeal of this iconic spirit.
Visit Scotland