Scotch Missed: The Original Guide to the Lost Distilleries of Scotland by Brian Townsend

Scotch Missed: The Original Guide to the Lost Distilleries of Scotland by Brian Townsend (fourth edition, 2015) is a richly researched and evocative exploration of Scotland’s vanished whisky heritage. Originally published in 1993 to mark the 500th anniversary of the earliest recorded mention of Scotch whisky, this edition has been significantly expanded with newly added chapters, over 35 archive photographs, updated distillery closures, Ordnance Survey maps, and reimagined illustrations.

Rather than merely listing defunct distilleries, Townsend gives readers a compelling cultural and economic narrative of their rise and fall. He examines influential factors such as the Pattison Crash, economic recessions, wartime restrictions, and the mergers that led to industry consolidation. The text is structured regionally—from Speyside to Campbeltown—providing both context and a sense of place, with chapters dedicated to each whisky-producing area.

What makes this book stand out is the human dimension Townsend brings to the subject: detailed site descriptions, interviews with those who worked at now-defunct distilleries, and even the search for bottles of whisky that still survive as rare relics of a bygone era. The inclusion of maps, illustrations, and a full index with OS grid references enhances its appeal as both a historical tribute and a visual record.

Brian Townsend is a multilingual Scottish journalist, author, and broadcaster, known for his expertise in architectural and industrial heritage. In addition to Scotch Missed, he authored The Lost Distilleries of Ireland and other works that reveal his dedication to preserving cultural history through storytelling and scholarship.

Scotch Missed is not just a directory of silent stills—it’s a moving homage to Scotland’s whisky legacy. It vividly brings to life the lost distilleries, the resilience of their people, and the changing socio-economic tides that shaped them.

The latest edition of Scotch Missed is available in India through Amazon, in both hardcover and Kindle formats—perfect whether you’d like to enjoy it as a richly illustrated collector’s piece or as a convenient digital read.