I started drinking blended scotches at College and gradually tried an occasional single malt scotch at bars or at parties and found that I liked the taste better. The cost of the Single Malt Scotches are significantly higher, so I thought it would be a good idea to find out more about the flavor and distillation before walking in and putting down $50 to a $100 dollars a bottle. This book has a spot on my desk and each time I buy or receive as a gift a wonderful bottle, I note my opinions next to those of the authors. Now I can be an educated consumer. Also has pictures of the labels so its easy to match up if you want to take it with you on a scotch hunting trip to the local liquor store. Manny Moe