Spirits Distilled: A Guide to the Ingredients Behind a Better Bottle

by Nat Harry

In Spirits Distilled, San Francisco World Spirits judge Nat Harry travels the world from Oaxaca to Islay and Okinawa to Louisville to explore the raw ingredients and skilled hands that form the backbone of the world’s most popular (and underappreciated) spirits. Filled with maps, photos, infographics, and bottle and cocktail recommendations, Harry approaches spirits by plant, from the ground up.

Genres: Nonfiction

316 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[Elena Gaillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a drinker of various spirits, I was curious to find out more about what I've been imbibing. I love reading about food and beverages, especially their origins. I was absolutely delighted with this book. The writing is clear and concise, the recommendations for specific brands of each type of spirits are really interesting, the details of the how and why and where of the ingredients are fascinating. AND the book's design is excellent! Lovely illustrations, lots of photographs, lots of sidebars. Terrific stuff if you're at all interested in what's in your favorite bottles.

[Michael Koerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book while visiting my brother-in-law. Looking at the contents, I thought it would be an encyclopedia of grains and their corresponding boozes. This book is so much more. I learned about history, regional agriculture, culture, entomology, and various processing techniques. Harry also hits on sustainability topics connected to the agribusiness (past & present) as related to various distilled spirits. I can't imagine ever buying a bottle with scrutinizing the label including what's missing.

[Mary Robinette Kowal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spirits Distilled is such an engaging read. As an enthusiastic amateur, it gave me a lot to think about and makes me feel more confident in seeking out new (to me) spirits. I started recommending it to people before I even finished it.

If you are into cocktails or spirits, this should be on your bookshelf.