Malt whisky distilleries use local waters which have percolated through the ancient rocks of Scotland, whose origins may lie in a great continental collision, huge granite masses, the earliest fishy seas, great fiery volcanoes or as far away as South America. This book describes the geology of Scotland and Northern Ireland in relation to the important malt whisky producing districts, and offers new insights into the influences on the taste of a good single malt. Fully illustrated throughout by renowned wildlife artist Richard Bell.