The Complete Book of Spirits: A Guide to Their History, Production, and Enjoyment (Drinking Guides) - Hardcover

Blue, Anthony Dias

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060542187 ISBN 13: 9780060542184

Publisher: William Morrow & Company, 2004

Synopsis

An indispensable follow-up to his classic Complete Book of Mixed Drinks, Anthony Dias Blue presents The Complete Book of Spirits, a comprehensive collection of history, lore, and tasting tips, along with recipes for select cocktails. Here, in one concise and easy-to-use volume, is all the information a consumer needs to shop, mix, and sip like a spirits expert.From bathtub gin to mojito madness, Blue brings the dynamic history of the spirits industry alive, demonstrating that spirit making is not only one of mankind's oldest pursuits but also perhaps its most colorful. In ten captivating chapters, readers are treated to everything they ever wanted to know about their favorite liquors, including vodka, aquavit, tequila, and whiskey. Blue also provides step-by-step instructions on how to host spirit tastings to educate your palate and to help you and your friends discover your favorite brands and blends. For every chapter and every spirit, there is also a handy tasting-notes section, with Blue's expert comments and his favorites, along with price points.If you've ever wondered about the difference between potato and wheat vodkas, or between mescal and tequila or American and Irish whiskeys, or what makes single malt Scotch so desirable, look no further. With Anthony Dias Blue, America's leading wine and spirits expert, and The Complete Book of Spirits as your guides, you will take your enjoyment to a new level.

About this title

Synopsis:

Here, in one concise and easy-to-use volume, is all the information a consumer needs to become a spirits expert. Organized by category, the ten chapters include everything from the history of bathtub gin to the best brands of aquavit to the origins of the mojito. Blue's introduction gives a fascinating history of distillation and traces the evolution of basic distilled spirits to the sophisticated and varied products available today. Each chapter includes the history of a specific spirit, where and how it is produced, its development and subsequent refinements, and how aspects of production affect the quality of the end product. Blue rates each of the major brands on the market, enabling readers to shop, mix, and serve like the pros. Spirits and classic cocktails have become increasingly popular in recent years, and consumers are hungry for reliable, comprehensive information about drinks, from favourite standbys to the unusual and exotic. Blue's expertise in the field makes him a trusted resource, and this handbook is a must for every home bar and anyone who enjoys serving or sipping cocktails.

About the Author:

Anthony Dias Blue is the author of several books, including The Complete Book of Mixed Drinks and American Wine: A Comprehensive Guide. For twenty years he has been Wine and Spirits editor of Bon Appétit. His reviews have appeared in magazines and newspapers across the country, including Wine Spectator, Robb Report, epicurious.com, American Way, and Decanter. Mr. Blue's Lifestyle Minute is broadcast several times daily on CBS radio. He lives in California.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0060542187
• ISBN 13: 9780060542184
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336