picture from maltwhiskyyearbook.com

Since 2006, Ingvar Ronde has edited one of the most consistently interesting yearly whisky publications to date. I’ve been a huge fan for the last three volumes. The Yearbook is a compilation of new releases, current portfolios, distillery info, whisky bios, and informative articles about the industry. It’s always been an engaging read and an easy way to stay current with the whisky scene.

I happen to have an extra copy of this year’s release, the 2014 Yearbook, and like I did with Davin de Kergommeaux’s book, I thought it was a shame to see it sitting untouched on my shelf. Here’s a chance to get a free copy and check it out for yourself!

You may have seen my Glenmorangie review where I renamed my Boston terrier David-Blackmore-kicks-ass in exchange for a box of whisky samples. Well, I have a pug, too, and she’s feeling a bit left out. Help me give her an awesome new name for a chance to win a free copy of the 2014 Malt Whisky Yearbook. All you have to do is leave a comment below with your vote, or a unique suggestion for what her name should be. On February 24th I’ll select one entry at random and announce the winner here.

Remember your email address so I know how to contact you if you win. Your email will remain private and I won’t use it for anything other than delivering your prize.

Should her new name be:

A: Ingvar-Ronde-is-a-swell-guy
B: Marie Curie
C: Grumbles McStinkyLump
D: Mortlach
E: She-who-won’t-poop-when-it’s-cold-out
F: Frito-feet
G: Carl (what… girls can be named Carl, too)
H: other – please specify

Good luck!

Canadian whisky definitely gets a bad rap. It’s partly due to its scarcity outside of its native borders, though the dominant tides it swims against are ignorance and preconception. The people who turn to Canadian whisky from Scottish or American styles don’t find a familiar spirit. It is it’s own distinct style.

While there are books that have touched on the subject before, none have been quite as visible or taken on such a wide and in-depth scope as Davin de Kergommeaux‘s latest book, Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert.

The book contests many of the myths surrounding Canada’s whisky and provides a detailed history of the industry. It features an extensive set of tasting notes scattered throughout the chapters and lays a strong foundation for understanding Canadian whisky as a style. This should be mandatory reading for anyone who loves whisky.

This isn’t hollow praise, either; I own two copies, myself. I bought one right when it came out and another a few months ago at a book-signing. It’s a  shame to see two copies resting on my shelf, so to make room I’ve decided to hold a contest! Grand Prize: a free copy of Davin’s book!

To enter, just name the fictional band pictured below or leave a short comment about seeing them in concert. Leave your entry in the comments.

On November 22nd, I’ll pick one name out of a hat and announce the winner on this page. One entry per person and don’t forget to leave your email so I can notify you directly and find out where to mail your prize. All email addresses are private and won’t be shared or used for anything other than participation in this contest. Cheers!