 review – Dave Broom’s definitive guide with new distilleries, maps & insights!){kind=link}
Most of us probably remember back in school lugging around dog-eared geography books and massive folders in our bags, for me it made me hate books (especially huge ones) but The World Atlas of Whisky may have changed all of that.
- About the Author: Who is Dave Broom?
- What’s New in the 3rd Edition?
- Why It Works
- Style & Structure
- 5 Things I Learned from World Atlas of Whisky
- Who Should Read This?
- Whiskey4Breakfast Take
- Verdict The World Atlas of Whisky
Fast forward to adulthood, and finally there’s an atlas worth carrying, one that lets you drink your way around the world! Dave Broom’s The World Atlas of Whisky (3rd Edition) isn’t just one of the most famous whisky book out there; it’s the one you keep returning to, no matter where you are in your whisky journey.
Whether you’re new to the game and want to understand why Irish single pot still is different from Scotch single malt, or you’re a seasoned nerd who cares about cask finishes in obscure Japanese distilleries, this book covers it all: maps, tasting notes, history, and a global sense of adventure.
Could this be the best whisky book?
About the Author: Who is Dave Broom?
If whisky had professors, Dave Broom would be head of the department. A Scottish writer and critic with decades of experience, Broom has written some of the most respected books in the spirits world while also running his website www.thewhiskymanual.uk.
His style is what makes him stand out, deeply knowledgeable without being intimidating. You get the sense he’s been everywhere, tasted everything, and still wants to learn and share a dram with you. I have never met him but through his writing I reckon he is sound as!
What’s New in the 3rd Edition?
- Updated distillery entries: Covering the explosion of new whisky distilleries around the world, from Scotland to Taiwan.
- Expanded global coverage: Beyond the “big three” (Scotland, Ireland, USA), there’s now more attention on Japanese, Indian, and emerging world whiskies like China and Mexico.
- Fresh tasting notes & maps: Designed to make the book not just a reference, but a genuine travel companion for the armchair drinker and whisky tourist alike. Although this book would out your checked baggage to the limit, so best to carry it on.
This edition isn’t just a reprint; at over 340 pages it’s a reflection of how global whisky has evolved in the last decade.
Why It Works
- Comprehensive: Covers over 200 distilleries worldwide with detail you won’t find online.
- Visual: Maps, photos, and layouts that make it feel like a journey, not a textbook.
- Accessible: Serious detail, but written so beginners won’t feel lost.
- Global Perspective: Unlike most whiskey books that obsess over Scotland, this one really takes you everywhere.
Style & Structure
- Readable: Despite its heft, it never feels like homework.
- Organized: Easy to jump between regions or distilleries without losing track.
- Tone: Broom writes with authority, but he doesn’t talk down to the reader.
This is why the The World Atlas of Whisky works: it’s a reference you can dip into casually, or binge in one sitting with a glass in hand.
5 Things I Learned from World Atlas of Whisky
- Whisky is Global Now – Scotland may be king (Ireland obviously had a wee blip), but Australia, India, and even Taiwan are producing world-class drams.
- Maps Matter – Geography isn’t just nice to know: climate, water, and local grain shape every whisky’s character.
- Casks Are King – Bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and experimental woods are the real flavour architects.
- Every Distillery Has a Story – From family-owned craft spots to corporate giants, each has quirks worth knowing.
- You Never Stop Learning – Even after years of drinking and writing about whisky, there’s always more to discover.
Who Should Read This?
- Beginners: A complete crash course that doesn’t overwhelm.
- Collectors: A reference point for building a serious whisky shelf.
- Travelers: Perfect if you’re planning whisky trips to Scotland, Ireland, or beyond.
- Whiskey nerds: Tasting notes, distillery profiles, and maps to obsess over.
Whiskey4Breakfast Take
I already had The World Atlas of Whisky (2nd Edition) which I thought was already the best whisky book, and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure I needed to spend the money on the updated release. When I first picked it up, it felt like lugging around one of those books I dreaded in school: big, heavy, intimidating. And sure, I thought, I’ve basically got the same thing sitting at home already. But here’s the twist – this update is absolutely worth it.
The expanded distillery profiles introduce hundreds of new names (around 500) I’d never even heard of, waiting to be discovered. The diagrams and maps make it easier to learn in different ways whether you’re a visual thinker or a detail-obsessed note-taker. There’s more than enough depth here for seasoned whisky geeks, but if you’re new to the game, the layout and photography keep it from ever feeling overwhelming. Honestly, the pictures do a lot of heavy lifting.
For me, it adds depth to everything I do at Whiskey4Breakfast. This world is massive, and we’re all always learning. Learning whisky from Dave Broom is like being taught by the best with none of the homework.
Verdict The World Atlas of Whisky
This probably is one of the best whisky books out there to get a top note feel on the whole whisky category. If you only buy one, make it this. Support your local independent bookshop and grab a copy. It’s a lifetime investment in your whisky journey.