Charles MacLean
is a writer whose special subject is Scotch whisky, about which he has published eight books to date, including the standard work on whisky brands, Scotch Whisky and the leading book on its subject, Malt Whisky, both of which were short-listed for Glenfiddich Awards. More recent publications include Whisky: A Liquid History, published in 2003 and short-listed for the Andre Simon Award for Best Drinks Book of the Year, and MacLean's Whisky Miscellany.
He was founding editor of Whisky Magazine, has been whisky correspondent to Scottish Life (U.S.A.) since 1996, and regularly contributes articles to magazines in Britain, The Netherlands, the U.S., Canada and Russia.
He was trained in 'the sensory evaluation of potable spirits' by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute in 1992 and has presented numerous tastings and talks in the U.K. and abroad for whisky companies, corporations, universities and clubs, and on radio and TV. He is a member of the Judging Panel (Spirits) of the International Wines & Spirits Competition, and was runner-up as 'Communicator of the Year' in the 2003 IWSC Awards.
He acts as a consultant to the whisky industry on a variety of matters, and over the past 20 years has written promotional materials for all the leading companies and brands.
He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1992 for 'his services to Scotch over many years'.
He has also chaired the nosing committee of Adelphi Distillery since 1993, helping to maintain their incredibly rigorous selection of only the very best single casks.
