The high point of malt whisky production was in 1899 when there were 148 operating malt whisky distilleries. In 1997 there were 86 distilleries in production and a further 12 capable of re-opening. These statistics disguise the fact that in 1900 only a limited quantity of whisky was bottled as a single malt and even that tiny amount was often only available in the vicinity of the distillery.

Today there are some 120 different malt whiskies on the market and even though a handful of these are rare, never in history have so many varieties been on offer.

by Charles MacLean Author of five books on Scotch. Charles is also Editor of the world's best selling whisky magazine - 'Whisky' (available from publishers, Tel: +44 (0) 1795 414 883)

Around the world there are hundreds of association and societies dedicated to the discussion, promotion and enjoyment of this wonderful spirit. Here are details of the major organisations worldwide:

In the UK
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The Vaults, Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh, Great Britain EH6 6BZ
Tel: (+44) 131 554 3451

Associate office in the US:
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
9838 West Sample Road, Coral Springs Florida 33065
Tel: (+31) 165 533134

Associate office in Germany and Northern Europe
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Vijfhuizenberg 103, PB 1812, 4700BV, Roosendaal, Netherlands
Tel: (+41) 1 866 2050

Associate office in Japan
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
15/32 Nakanocho 2-Chrome, Miyakojimaku, Osaka 534, Japan
Tel: (+81) 6 351 1895

The Whisky Connoisseur
Thistle Mill, Bigger, Great Britain, ML12 6LP
Tel: (+44) 01899 221001

The Malt Whisky Association
96a Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Great Britain, TN1 2UN
Tel: (+44) 1892 513295

An Quaich - The Scotch Single Malt Tasting Society in Canada
2630 Southvale, Suite 510, Ottawa, Canada K1B 4S8
Tel: (+001) 613 738 2663

La Scotch Single Malt Whisky Society de Belgique
c/o Food from Britain
Tweedekkerstraat, 187 Rue du Biplan B-1140 Brussels
Tel: (+32) 2 245 6420

Le Club Maison du Whisky
30 Rue Voltaire, 92240 Malakoff, France
Tel: (+33) 1 46 55 9913

Soceidad Brasilia du Whisky
Av Rui Barbosa 830, Ap 102, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22250-020, Brazil
Tel: (+55) 21 551 2297