Spirits Distilled: With Cocktails Mixed by Michael Butt

by Mark Ridgwell, Michael Butt (Contributor)

Every bartender must know each and every ingredient behind the bar. The third edition of Spirits distilled , by Mark Ridgwell, is a comprehensive guide to all of the major spirits categories. Taking the reader through the principles of distillation to an explanation on how to taste spirits, Ridgwell reveals the history and legends behind vodka, gin, tequila, genever, rum, brandies, liqueurs, eaux-de-vie, flavoured white spirits and the entire range of whiskies. Lovers of spirits will find this book to be an invaluable resource for understanding and appreciating the world of spirits from a qualitative rather than quantitative perspective. Professionals too will find the quizzes in Spirits distilled a particularly useful tool for understanding better the spirits they sell. This edition of Spirits distilled contains a new chapter on cocktails by drinks consultant Michael Butt, with a section at the end of each spirit chapter detailing the best cocktails featuring that spirit.
An essential book that belongs on the reference shelf of everyone who works with or enjoys spirits, Spirits distilled is a classic in the making.

278 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2014

Reviews

[Randal White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spirits Distilled is a bible for anyone interested in the world of alcohol and cocktails. Target audiences would be bartenders, and people interested in impressing their friends with their knowledge of such. Very, very thorough, it covers everything from the distillation of alcohol, and it's history, to many types of liquor. Covered are vodka, tequila, gin, rum, brandy, liqueurs, and whiskey. Also the different cocktails to be made from these liquors. If you're really interested in learning all you can about the subject, then this book is for you!

[January Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adding this book to my Christmas gift giving list! I have several friends and family members who will enjoy this book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

This book is great. It is not only for Bartenders who want to know what goes in to making the products they work with, but it is also also a very informative and interesting read for anyone who is curious about the production and/or manufacturing and social history of alcoholic spirits and liqueurs. It would make an excellent gift, especially at Christmas, for anyone who simply enjoys a tipple.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is very informative (detailing the production of ingredients that go in to making each type of spirit and the distilling) but at the same time it is very entertaining (quizzes). Rather than just knocking back a shot of tequila (which is actually made from blue agave, a member of the lily family) or sipping a cocktail this book encourages the reader to think about what is in their glass using all of our senses to enjoy the drink to the max.

Oh, and there are lots of cocktail recipes in the book too. Space Gin Smash sounds delicious and Voodoo Rum Punch sounds like it will get you drunk as a skunk. Cheers!