We like consuming words on the page almost as much as we like consuming food on the plate. Welcome to the Scout Book Club: a brief and regular rundown of what we’re reading, what’s staring at us from the bookshelf begging to be read next, and what we’ve already read and recommend.

As far as pairings go, whisky and literature are famously intimate. The Vancouver Writers Fest knows this, hence their annual Whisky & Words whisky-tasting night in support of the local literary festival, featuring distillers and importers from both near (Shelter Point, Central City Brewers & Distillers, Odd Society Spirits, The Liberty Distillery, and Craftwork Spirits in BC) and far (Glenmorangie, Isle of Harris, Tomintoul, Ardbeg, and Magnum Scotch Malt Whisky Cream Liqueur). (Alongside all of the awesome whiskies on offer, guests can also expect some cheeky but equally extraordinary non-whisky options.)

Interest piqued? This year’s event is happening on Friday, April 25th, 2025 at Performance Works on Granville Island. Tickets aren’t cheap (Early Bird ones start at $125, before jumping to $140 on April 1st) but they include unlimited pours, snacks, a silent auction, and the added warm and fuzzy feeling of supporting an important part of Vancouver’s cultural scene, natch (plus a tax receipt for 75% of the cost, it should be noted).

Whether you are able to fork over the cash to attend, or simply want to facilitate your own private reading-and-sipping event at home, we’ve solicited apropos book and spirit recommendations from six of this year’s participating distilleries – as well as VWF’s Artistic Director, Leslie Hurtig – for your consideration below:

The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries: The Portable Expert to Over 200 Distilleries and the Spirits they Make (From Absinthe to Whisky, and Everything in Between) (Appetite by Random House), by Davin de Kergommeaux and Blair Phillips | Davin and Blair are the leading local whisky and spirit advocates in Canada. The book is such good, easy reading, and makes you want to visit every single one of the 200 or so distilleries in the guide. It highlights the strength, innovation, diversity, and ingenuity of the current Canadian distillation industry. In a time when shopping locally was never more important, this book provides a go-to list of spirit producers in every backyard, from coast to coast. DETAILS*

RECOMMENDED WHISKY: I would recommend trying a whisky from our own distillery: Odd Society’s Burns Bog Smoked Malt Whisky. This whisky is special because peat from Burns Bog in Delta, BC was used to smoke some of the malt used in making the whisky. Burns Bog is the largest, raised peat bog in North America. The result is smooth and smoky, with hints of cacao, and rich burnt caramel, unlike any peated whisky you’ve tasted.

Whisky Aroma Kit (Whisky Glass Canada) including booklet, by Dr. George Dodd (Aroma Academy) | It can be argued that ‘Whisky Connoisseurs’ and Experts are ‘Made’ and not ‘Born’. A delightful little Whisky booklet (along with its training kit) is superb because it is educational, straightforward, and provides a framework to understanding the aromatics of fine spirits/whisky. It’s a hard way to learn – sorting through layers of complicated aromas. This little book and training kit offers a solid foundation to the understanding of whisky production, aroma recognition, aroma vocabulary, and time-related behaviour of individual aromas. It is a wonderful guide to the “Sense and Individuality of Smell”. It offers a much more simple and productive approach by learning the complex aromas individually, and thus making it easier to pick out elements of a crowded aroma of a complex fine whisky. DETAILS*

RECOMMENDED WHISKY: On the nose, Trust Ancient Grains has captured intriguing and complex floral notes offered by Korsan and Spelt ancient grains, but not weight. Emmer is the backbone with lots of rich concentration brimming with spice, honey, baked apple, molasses and caramel. The touch of Barley adds a nice pop of graham cracker elements and length to the finish. The result is something that is more than the sum of its parts. At 44% alc./vol., this light mahogany whiskey presents remarkable depth with long-lasting spice tones and a satisfying smooth finish.

The Dark Stuff: Stories From The Peatlands (Bloomsbury Wildlife), by Donald S. Murray | A brilliant exploration of history, culture, literature, art, and folktales surrounding this vital ingredient to the distillation of any great dram. Written by a fellow Outer Hebridean, the book connects personal stories of his island life with those who share a similar heritage of peatbogs and empty moorland across Europe and beyond. Like the wonderful peat itself, things get pretty dark as he delves into its often murky past, but his beautifully written words prove frightening, factual and fascinating in equal measure. DETAILS*

RECOMMENDED WHISKY: Enjoy with a generous pour of The Hearach Single Malt and a splash of water. Lightly peated, complex, and full of character, the whisky lends itself well to a long evening by the fire on a stormy Harris night. Flavours of smoke, toasted malt, machair flowers, mixed spices and clotted cream will reveal themselves over time and reward the reader over the course of a few good chapters.

Doctor’s Orders: Over 50 Inventive Cocktails to Cure, Revive & Enliven, by Chris Edwards and Dave Tregenza | Whip up your favourite whiskey cocktail and dive into Doctor’s Orders. Not only does this book guide you through setting up a proper starter bar — so you can craft cocktails like a pro — but it also serves up wild and fun remixes of the classics, making for an entertaining read while you sip. DETAILS*

RECOMMENDED WHISKY: I’d recommend sipping on a cognac, amaro, or Highland whiskey. The Scallywag Sherry Cask by Douglas Laing or an Amaro Nonino (any variety) offers a rich burst of sweet red fruits and depth – the perfect companion for facilitating your cocktail adventure through the book.

The Making of Scotch Whisky, by John R. Hume and Michael S. Moss | This book gives a factual representation of the industry up until the 1980s, which is when it started to go through some terrible times. For such a historic and influential industry, the Scotch world wasn’t as well researched and publicized until this book was released. It’s a great resource of facts and figures, and doesn’t fall into the trap of most books on Scotch, which are more sounding boards for opinions on the industry. DETAILS*

RECOMMENDED WHISKY: When reading this book, it’s easy to be transported to a distillery. The Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old is one of the classic malts, with aromas and flavours of sweet malted barley like you would find at a distillery.

Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals, by Gary Paul Nabhan & David Suro Piñera | As a mezcal enthusiast, I’m always eager to deepen my understanding of agave varieties and the diverse regions of Mexico that contribute to the spirit’s unique character. This book offers insightful and eloquent perspectives on agave, and the importance of sustainable mezcal production in Mexico. DETAILS*

RECOMMENDED SPIRIT: The Los Danzantes Mezcal Reposado (Oaxaca, Mexico), aged for nine months in French and American oak barrels, features notes of vanilla bean, maple syrup, and toasted coconut, with a mild sweetness and a robust, full-bodied finish.

The Falls, by Ian Rankin | The Rebus Series by Ian Rankin has provided me with some of my coziest, most intoxicatingly immersive reads. The central character of these books, Detective Inspector John Rebus, enjoys his drink, particularly Scotch whisky. It’s often used as a way to highlight his rough-around-the-edges, introspective personality. Rebus is frequently found contemplating his latest case in social settings, whether at a pub, with colleagues, or in more reflective, solitary moments. A glass of malt is never far from Rebus’ hand. DETAILS*

RECOMMENDED WHISKY: I’m pairing my reading with a peaty, smoky glass of Laphroaig, one of Rebus’ favourites. And, at Whisky & Words, we’re excited to announce a rare and coveted Rankin-themed auction item that is sure to thrill any fan of whisky, reading, and travel, donated by Ian Rankin himself.

*It would be remiss for me not to mention Vancouver’s various independent and used book stores, and encourage you to pay them an in-person visit to seek out these and other titles.