Distilled: From absinthe & brandy to vodka & whisky, the world's finest artisan spirits unearthed, explained & enjoyed

by Joel Harrison, Neil Ridley

A guide to exploring the burgeoning world of craft spirits.

Today's world of spirits is experiencing an explosive increase in craft distillers and pioneers of new distillates. It's about men and women tearing up rule books and creating new spirits with extraordinary personality and passion.

This book uncovers the best spirits the world has to offer. These are not necessarily the best-known examples on the planet - though if they are good, they have a place here - but the best crafted and most interesting. Spirit by spirit Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley explain what you need to know to appreciate a spirit - its ingredients, its classic forms, the choices a distiller makes in creating it - and offer their picks to 'Drink Before You Expire' - the world's best examples of their type, from gin and rum to shochu and tequila. There are plenty of suggestions for how to drink too, with innovative and classic cocktails and their insider tips on getting the best out of your spirits.

Joel Harrison & Neil Ridley are at the forefront of providing expertise and innovation in the spirits world. From whisky to gin, cognac to exotic drinks, the duo has a wealth of knowledge to share with audiences across the globe. They write about whisky on their award-winning website Caskstrength.net and regularly pen articles and whisky features for a number of different publications such as Whisky Magazine, Imbibe and the Evening Standard, as well as becoming judges for the World Whisky Awards and the prestigious I.W.S.C. awards.

Joel and Neil approach the drinks world with an irreverent, independently-minded spirit and, in the last two years, the duo have hosted over 250 whisky and other spirits tastings around the world from Japan to Lithuania.

Genres: Nonfiction, Alcohol

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2014

Reviews

[George Hamilton-jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Distilled is an excellent primer on the world of spirits for someone like myself who has sampled a few but not in every category. I am excited to try some of the recommendations.

At the heart of what makes this book successful is its marriage of each spirit's respective production process with the eventual enjoyment of the consumer. The additions of excellent production and photography round out the book well. I particularly liked the sections on maverick producer in each spirits category.

[Les Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of the major and obscure spirits of the world. Interesting facts abound, and unique spirits highlighted.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is interesting and informative. You may want to read it sitting next to a well stocked liquor cabinet. Right from the introduction I felt that the book had been written for me. If you enjoy, or want to see if you enjoy a variety of liquors, the authors help you improve your palate and enhance your enjoyment of these concoctions.

[Josef Horký · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moc hezká knížečka. I vizuálně (byť nepochopím, koho napadlo některé části textů podtrhovat...). Narazil jsem na ni úplně omylem, v hypermarketu, ve slevě stála ani ne kilo - ale bude mě stát mnohem, mnohem víc, tím jsem si jistý. Alkoholové obzory se musí rozšiřovat!

[Max Khrapak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding introduction into the world of spirits and mixology even for those who are not a freshman. Maybe a bit superficial for a professional but I particularly liked the way how these guys explain some stuff and their style.

[Em Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really informative, but easy to digest read!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introductory review, presented in an unpretentious manner.