Fancy something for the holiday, fed up of trashy airport novels, or the latest copy of Radcom, why not order a copy of one of these for the trip abroad, or even local, why not sit on a nice Loch with a good book and a beverage of your choice although I can recommend a good wee dram
Bunnahabhain 12 year old malt from Islay.
The Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, hailing from the northern tip of Islay, is a standout for its gentle, unpeated profile—a refreshing departure from the island’s typical peat-heavy offerings. Bottled at 46.3% ABV, non-chill filtered, and with no added color, this 70cl dram showcases a rich amber hue from its double maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. On the nose, expect a complex bouquet of floral notes, honey, citrus peel, and a subtle salty brine, evolving into hints of wet hay and pepper with time. The palate delivers a creamy, full-bodied experience with milk chocolate, honeysuckle, melon, and a touch of earthy minerality, balanced by its higher strength. The finish is lingering, blending mocha, dried herbs, and a slight salty tang, encouraging another sip.This whisky shines for its balance and versatility, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned drinkers with its nutty, sherry-influenced sweetness and coastal character. Priced around £40-£50 (depending on the retailer), it offers excellent value, though some note it benefits from a few months of oxidation to smooth out initial bitterness. While not a peat bomb like Laphroaig, its unique Islay twist makes it a must-try, especially for those exploring lighter malts. A solid 8/10—perfect for savoring neat or with a fine cigar!
Holidaying Books June 2025
“ARRL Antenna Book – 25th Edition,” a comprehensive guide for amateur radio enthusiasts. This 800+ page hardcover, published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), covers antenna design, construction, and installation with detailed diagrams, practical projects, and updated content on modern materials and techniques. Priced at around £47.99, it’s a valuable resource for beginners and experts alike, offering insights into dipoles, Yagis, and more, alongside software tools for modeling. However, its dense technical nature may overwhelm novices without prior radio knowledge, and the physical book lacks the interactivity of digital formats. Ideal for hands-on learners building custom antennas, it’s a solid investment for the ham radio community, though some may prefer online resources for quicker updates.
ARRL Antenna Handbook 23rd Edition
The “ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications – Twenty-Third Edition” (available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/ARRL-Antenna-Radio-Communications-Twenty-Third) is a must-have for amateur radio enthusiasts. This hardcover, priced around £96.67, delivers over 800 pages of antenna theory, design, and practical projects, covering wire, vertical, and VHF/UHF Yagi antennas. Updated with modern modeling tools like a demo version of EZNEC 6.0, it’s ideal for hands-on builders and seasoned hams. Its comprehensive nature and included CD with models make it a shack essential, though the dense content may challenge beginners, and the demo software’s 20-segment limit might frustrate advanced users. A solid 4.5/5 for its value and depth!
The “Work the World with DMR: Digital Mobile Radio Explained” eBook (available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Work-world-DMR-Digital-Explained-ebook), authored by Andrew Barron, is a practical guide for amateur radio operators diving into Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). Priced affordably as a Kindle edition, it demystifies DMR’s complex terminology, networks, and talk groups, offering a clear introduction for beginners and valuable insights for experienced hams. It covers purchasing, programming radios, and setting up hotspots and repeaters, though it lacks detailed programming steps, leaving some users to deduce specifics. Praised for its real-world tips and approachable style—especially for analog-to-digital transitions—it earns high marks (around 4.5/5) from users, despite minor gaps in depth. Ideal for those eager to connect globally via DMR, it’s a must-read for newbies, though supplementary resources may be needed for advanced setup.
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Hi I am Marcus, MM0ZIF, a licenced Radio Amateur, Doctor of Musicology, amateur weather enthusiast. I over the years have been a Amateur Radio Tutor, Examiner, and a Regional Manager for the Radio Society of Great Britain.
This site is dedicated more towards Amateur Radio and Weather, with an angle on Technology too. I also maintain https://havenswell.com/ which is my other blog which is more aimed at cooking, hobbies and life in general as well as businness and networking.
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