Few if any alcoholic drinks have the dramatic and multi-faceted history of gin. In this fascinating new instalment of the British Library's pocket philosophies, gin is explored through its origins in Holland, where it was popularised by William of Orange; its roots in medicine; its capacity to provide an albeit destructive escapism during the Gin Craze; its influence on language - responsible for the coining of 'dutch courage'; and its current status as a popular social beverage and a pastime for those keen to experiment with flavouring their own gins. The Philosophy of Gin covers the historic transformation of the beverage, ideal flavour pairings for the gin connoisseur, and how a spirit once given a wide berth by the middle and upper classes now attracts such a large proportion of the British public to choose gin as their tipple of choice.

Whether you're planning a lavish party or just indulging in a nightcap, The Classic Cocktail Bible gives you a range of inspirations to create the best of the exotic and the timeless cocktails. Cocktails are soaring in popularity as the nation's tastes grow more sophisticated and people are thirsty for new flavours and experiences. Beautifully illustrated with mouth-watering full colour photography, the book includes long and short drinks, still and sparkling, fruity and refreshing as well as creamy and indulgent - you'll never tire of trying the new concoctions.Includes 200 recipes with age-old classics such as the daiquiri, dry martini, margarita and Long Island ice tea. Each spirit is thoroughly explained to give you advice on selecting what to buy and perfecting its accompaniments. There's also a selection of fantastic insider tips, a full glossary of terms and step-by-step guides to mastering different techniques.A history of the evolution and culture of cocktails immerses you in a more glamorous era and The Classic Cocktail Bible allows you to taste it for yourself.

From antique bottles to closely guarded recipes and treasured historic architecture, breweries have a special place in American history. This fascinating book brings the material culture of breweries in the United States to life, from many regions of the country and from early 16th century production to today's industrial operations. Herman Ronnenberg traces the evolution of techniques, equipment, raw materials, and architecture over five centuries, discusses informal production outside of breweries, and offers detailed information on makers marks, patents, labels, and beer containers that allows readers to identify items in their own collections. Heavily illustrated with photographs and line drawings, this book will be popular with collectors and general readers, and a key reference in historical archaeology, local history, material culture, and related fields.

From antique bottles to closely guarded recipes and treasured historic architecture, breweries have a special place in American history. This fascinating book brings the material culture of breweries in the United States to life, from many regions of the country and from early 16th century production to today's industrial operations. Herman Ronnenberg traces the evolution of techniques, equipment, raw materials, and architecture over five centuries, discusses informal production outside of breweries, and offers detailed information on makers marks, patents, labels, and beer containers that allows readers to identify items in their own collections. Heavily illustrated with photographs and line drawings, this book will be popular with collectors and general readers, and a key reference in historical archaeology, local history, material culture, and related fields.

Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things. While wine drunk millennia ago was the humble beverage of the people, today the drink is inextricable with power, sophistication, and often wealth. Bottles sell for half a million dollars. Point systems tell us which wines are considered the best. Wine professionals give us the language to describe what we taste. Agricultural product and cultural commodity, drink of ritual and drink of addiction, purveyor of pleasure, pain, and memory - wine has never been contained in a single glass. Drawing from science, religion, literature, and memoir, Wine meditates on the power structures bound up with making and drinking this ancient, intoxicating beverage. Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.

Learn about one of the most impactful distilleries in American history in this comprehensive tale Buffalo, Barrels, & Bourbon tells the fascinating tale of the Buffalo Trace Distillery, from the time of the earliest explorations of Kentucky to the present day. Author and award-winning spirits expert F. Paul Pacult takes readers on a journey through history that covers the American Revolutionary War, U.S Civil War, two World Wars, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. Buffalo, Barrels, & Bourbon covers the pedigree and provenance of the Buffalo Trace Distillery: The larger-than-life personalities that over a century and a half made Buffalo Trace Distillery what it is today Detailed accounts on how many of the distillery's award-winning and world-famous brands were created The impact of world events, including multiple depressions, weather-related events, and major conflicts, on the distillery Belonging on the shelf of anyone with an interest in American spirits and history, Buffalo, Barrels, & Bourbon is a compelling must-read.

Does this Bonnes-Mares really have notes of chocolate, truffle, violets, and merde de cheval? Can wines really be feminine, profound, pretentious, or cheeky? Can they express emotion or terroir? Do the judgements of 'experts' have any objective validity? Is a great wine a work of art? Questions like these will have been entertained by anyone who has ever puzzled over the tasting notes of a wine writer, or been baffled by the response of a sommelier to an innocent question. Only recently, however, have they received the serious philosophical attention they deserve. Touching on issues in metaphysics, epistemology, the philosophy of mind, and aesthetics, this book provides a clear and engaging discussion of the philosophical significance of wine that will be accessible to all wine lovers, specialists and non-specialists alike. The author offers throughout a sustained defence of the objectivity of wine judgements, a demystification of the nature of expertise, and a theory of the aesthetic value of wine and its appreciation.

Cheers to Michigan is a toast to cocktail culture in the Mitten and the state's flourishing craft cocktail and distillery movements. Based on Cheers!, Lester Graham and Tammy Coxen's popular cocktail segment on Michigan Radio (NPR), this book gathers forty-five of the authors' favorite cocktail recipes celebrating the Great Lakes State-its history, its people, its culture, even its weather! Throughout, the authors mix in dashes of Michigan's fascinating drinking history, entertaining profiles of award-winning cocktail bars, distilleries, and individual spirits from the region, as well as helpful tidbits for preparing top-shelf cocktails on your own. Learn how to mix a Bullshot, the Detroit-born cocktail containing Campbell's Beef Broth-Marilyn Monroe famously called the drink 'a horrible thing to do to vodka.' Or try out the authors' Whiskey Sour recipe honoring the true story of Valentine Goesaert, a Dearborn woman who challenged the constitutionality of a Michigan law prohibiting female bartenders and in 1948 took her case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Whether you're a fan of whiskey, gin, or vodka-of the latest cocktail trends or all-time classic drinks-there's something in this book for all tastes. What's constant is that each drink showcases a uniquely Michigan twist, making this book perfect for anyone who loves the state, its history and culture, or simply the delicious, delightful, and distinctive cocktails it has inspired.

For many people, wine is an anxiety-inducing mystery as arcane as quantum physics, and with so many varieties, it's difficult to know what to choose. As New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov argues, that puzzling uncertainty often prevents people from buying and ordering wine, depriving them of an exquisite, deeply satisfying experience. In How to Love Wine, Asimov examines why the American wine culture produces such feelings of anxiety and suggests how readers can overcome their fears and develop a sense of discovery and wonder as they explore the diversity and complexity of the world of wine. With warmth, candor, and intelligent authority, Asimov interweaves his professional knowledge and insights with engaging personal stories of his love affair with wine, a lifelong passion that began when he was a graduate student on a budget. In a direct, down-to-earth manner, Asimov discusses favorite vineyards, wine's singular personalities, the tyranny of tasting notes -those meaningless, over-written wine descriptions that often pass for criticism today-and current wine issues. Throughout, he incorporates in-depth discussions of beautiful wines, both easy to find and rare, and pays special attention to those that have been particularly meaningful to him. Thought-provoking and enjoyable, How to Love Wine will help diminish readers' anxiety, bolster their confidence, and transform them into true wine lovers.

The Complete Joy of Homebrewing is the essential guide to understanding and making beer, from stouts, ales, lagers, and bitters, to specialty beers and meads. Everything to get started is here: the basics of building a home brewery, world-class proven recipes, easy-to-follow instruction, and the latest advancements in brewing. Master brewer Charlie Papazian also includes the history and loreof beer, the science behind brewing, and tips on how to create your own original ale. The fully updated edition of the book expands on various styles of beer using easy to follow charts, different varieties of hops and their uses, and tons of new recipes and tips. Paired with the newly revised Homebrewer's Companion Second Edition, this set will transform you from beginner to expert in homebrewing. Charlie is viewed by thousands as a visionary brewmaster and his laid-back style and easy-to-follow instructions have inspired millions to try their hand at homebrewing.

For a long time vodka has been more than just Russia and Poland's national drink. From Asia and Great-Britain to the United States: this fire water has conquered the world and is now the most sold spirit internationally. The term 'fire water' refers to its most distinguishable quality: a neutral spirit, without smell and with a pure taste. It turned vodka also into a bar-tender's best friend and the basis of every Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule or Bloody Mary. Vodka - The Complete Guide tells the whole story, from the origin and production method to an overview of the numerous vodka brands and the most delicious cocktails. The book also teaches you the best way to enjoy it to the fullest.

Learn how to plan, pack, and whip up great drinks in the great outdoors. Cabin trips, hikes, patio parties, camping adventures-however you enjoy the great outdoors, it should be fun and easy. And so should the drinks! Simplicity, though, doesn't mean you're limited to a bottle and a mixer. With Camp Cocktails, you'll have a variety of options for simple and tasty drinks that are ready to go wherever you go. Cool off after a hot day spent hiking through the woods with a Flask Boulevardier or the Northwoods Sidecar. Break in the campsite with a Grilled Orange Cobbler or the ultimate beer-based cocktail. Bundling up around the fire? Warm up with the Salted Nutella Hot Chocolate, the Penicillin Toddy, or a spiked hot apple cider. Every recipe comes with easy-to-follow instructions, and many feature expert bartender tips and hacks. A variety of occasions are all here, from stargazing to boating. And to round it all out, there's a whole chapter dedicated to foraging/found ingredients, and integrating nature into your favorite cocktails.

Shake up your cocktail game with The Home Mixologist, the ultimate guide to crafting delicious and impressive cocktails right at home.

Whether you're a seasoned bartender or a beginner looking to elevate your home bartending skills, The Home Mixologist offers a wide range of classic and creative cocktail recipes to suit any occasion. Mix up your favorite classics and try out innovative drinks that use unexpected ingredients and techniques. Unleash your inner mixologist with tips for creating infusions and other bespoke ingredients. With easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, you'll learn how to create perfectly balanced cocktails and impress your guests.

Inside you'll find:

• 150 cocktail recipes
• Everything you need for your home bar
• Recipes for infusions, syrups, tinctures, and more
• Stunning, full-color photography

Cocktail culture boomed in the United States after Prohibition as America couldn't get enough of the new concoctions developed by barkeepers. Exotic drinking venues defined this era of drinking culture and were immortalised in the linen postcards used to advertise them. Transport yourself to an era of indulgence and glamour with over 50 vintage cocktail recipes (and modern twists), historical vignettes and more than 100 pieces of vintage ephemera.

The Good Beer Year Book is a must-read for anyone interested in beer, brewing and more in the UK. With entries curated by leading beer writer Emma Inch, The Good Beer Year Book is a round-up of all of the current news, stories, events, awards, festivals and more from 2022. This Book is also looking at innovations, influencers and the people to look out for in the months ahead. With articles covering Top 10 beers of the year Alco-free & 'functional beers' - what's the future? - Pete Brown Milds - not just for May - Matthew Curtis Reckoning in the industry - Melissa Cole Colour bar a racial segregation - David Jesudason Sustainability - the move to carbon Zero - Hollie Stephens Why pubs are the best places to drink - Jess Mason and more from, Jonny Garrett, Jane Peyton, Laura Hadland, Adrian Tierney-Jones, Roger Protz, Tim Webb, Andy-Parker

Following the success of Wine Trails, we now bring you 40 perfect weekends in North American wine country, introducing vineyards in regions including Sonoma, Walla Walla, Finger Lakes, Texas Hill Country and Okanagan, as well as celebrating secret gems off the beaten path. Wine Trails - United States and Canada is perfect for travel enthusiasts with a passion for wine. It includes detailed itineraries recommending the most interesting wineries and the best places to stay and where to eat in 40 wine regions near major cities. Winemakers offer personal insights into what wines to taste and why they're special, and help you understand a place, its people and their traditions through the wine that's made there. Entries are accompanied by gorgeous photos, maps and in-the-know authors. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.

Great Wines and Great Writers are a Wonderful Blend"Guides to the wide world of wine are many but this is the first book on the market to pair books with wine by an author who is a preeminent expert on both." -Thriftbooks.com #1 Best Seller in Wine & Spirits Buying Guides A fact-filled, jargon free guide to wine, bursting with entertaining anecdotes, literary quotes and compelling humor that teaches you everything you always wanted to learn about wine but were too scared to ask. The pleasures of great wine and great writers. Under the careful guidance of his father, Patrick Alexander began drinking wine with his meals at the age of five. At the same age, encouraged by his mother, he began a lifelong love-affair with books. The twin pleasures of wine and writing remained his passion up to this day. He has raised his own children in many of the world's great wine growing regions, from Bordeaux and Piedmont in Europe to the Santa Cruz mountains of California while researching and writing his definitive guide to the novels of Marcel Proust. History of wine and some of the best wines. For several years, Patrick has been teaching a sold-out wine appreciation class at the nation's No.1 independent bookstore, Books & Books in Coral Gables, Florida. The Booklovers' Guide to Wine is based on this very successful class and blends Patrick's passion for the culture and history of wine and his love of literature for the world's great writers. A literary twist on traditional food and wine pairings, this book explores how great wines and great writers can be combined to enhance the enjoyment of both. The book describes the history of wine from the time of Noah to the birth of two-buck Chuck. If you are a fan of wine books such as Cork Dork, Wine Folly, Wine Simple, or The Wine Bible, and appreciate great literature, you will love The Booklovers' Guide to Wine.

This superb little book contains a selection of 50 rum recipes, from best-loved blends such as Caribbean Breeze, Continental and Bolero to trendy new mixes such as Havana Bandana, Monkey Wrench and Hustler. The book's introduction outlines the history of rum and its new-found popularity amongst cocktail connoisseurs; then, there are guidelines on how to serve rum, the specialist equipment you will need and the best types of glasses to use. There are step-by-step instructions on the tricks of the trade, such as crushing ice, frosting glasses, making fruit twists, and steeping white rum, as well as professional bartending tips. Each recipe explains the cocktail's history and suggests suitable garnishes. Whether you are planning a fabulous cocktail party or seeking to impress your dinner guests with a cheeky aperitif, this book will help you enjoy rum in a myriad of ways. A practical guide to rum cocktails from the traditional Daiquiri, Blue Hawaiian and Beach Peach to extravagant concoctions such as Jamaica Sunday, Goldilocks and Hurricane, short histories outline the origin of each cocktail, with expert tips on how to prepare and blend the ingredients, and how to serve the finished drink. At the front of the book is a mini guide to the different types of rum on the market, from white Bacardi, Jamaican golden and rich dark Navy rum to new artisinal spiced rums, and advice on cocktail-making equipment, glasses and tricks of the trade, with expert suggestions for preparing and presenting drinks with professional-looking garnishes.

WINNER OF THE FORTNUM & MASON FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS DEBUT DRINK BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019

WINNER OF THE LOUIS ROEDERER INTERNATIONAL WINE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2018

'Wine is alive, ageing and changing, but it's also a triumph over death. These grapes should rot. Instead they ferment. What better magic potion could there be, to convey us to the past?'

Impelled by a dual thirst, for wine and for knowledge, Nina Caplan follows the vine into the past, wandering from Champagne's ancient chalk to the mountains of Campania, via the crumbling Roman ruins that flank the river Rhône and the remote slopes of Priorat in Catalonia. She meets people whose character, stubbornness and sometimes, borderline craziness makes their wine great: an intrepid Englishman planting on rabbit-infested Downs, a glamorous eagle-chasing Spaniard and an Italian lawyer obsessed with reviving Falernian, legendary wine of the Romans. In the course of her travels, she drinks a lot and learns a lot: about dead conquerors and living wines, forgotten zealots and – in vino veritas, as Pliny said – about herself.

In this lyrical and charming book, Nina Caplan drinks in order to remember and travels in order to understand the meaning of home. This is narrative travel writing at its best.

This book is the ultimate guide for running a small brewery with an eye on improving and maintaining a high level of quality in day-to-day operations. It was written in cooperation with the European Trade Association of Brewers, representing 29 countries and more than 10,000 breweries. Detailed information is provided about raw materials, standard and alternative microorganisms encountered in the brewery, brewing processes, fermentation and maturation methods, packaging and dispensing, troubleshooting, analysis methods as well as barrel ageing and other processes common in and, in some cases, unique to smaller breweries. Though technical and in-depth, the information remains very accessible to readers of all levels of knowledge and experience. This book was written with professional brewers in mind who work in smaller facilities without access to extensive laboratory equipment or those who may be in the process of opening their own breweries. The text explores the techniques and background necessary for consistently brewing quality beer on a limited budget. All professional brewers, even advanced homebrewers, will find this book to be a helpful resource and an indispensable guide for expanding their knowledge base and improving their brewing skills.

A stylish giftbook exploring the traditional origins and modern trends of whiskey, with 25 food and cocktail recipes. The Little Book of Whiskey is a boozy gift book in the vein of The Little Pink Book of Rose, Prosecco Made Me Do It, Gin Made Me Do It, and Tequila Made Me Do It. It's a broad, fun overview of a classic spirit that's experienced renewed popularity-making it a great gift for anyone interested in whiskey. The Little Book of Whiskey includes the drink's origins and history, how it's made, its different variations, how to drink it, contemporary trends, food and drink recipes, and hospitality tips.

"Huge champion of organic and biodynamic wine making." -Simon Mayo Radio Show Gerard Bertrand decided he wished to relate his life journey and share his commitment to nature. Drawing on his experience as both a wine grower and a business leader, he demonstrates how the harmony of ecosystems, respect for nature and the preservation of living soils can be the pillars of a new paradigm, creating the conditions for a more balanced life and bringing hope for future generations. In this book, he also analyses how society is changing, and invites the reader to put fear aside and "dare" - in spite of the prevailing climate - to practice altruism, brotherhood, and an opening of the heart.

Whisky is a story. Whisky is many stories. This book brings together the most surprising anecdotes from the world of whisky and is therefore the perfect addition to other books on distilling, tasting and travelling. Enjoy heart-warming tales about secret recipes, haunted castles, hidden distilleries, generous drunks and the first whisky tourist, and discover aspects about whisky that you'll never find in any other book. For almost 40 years, whisky enthusiast Fernand Dacquin has been travelling through this wonderful world of whisky, in search of the most striking stories and images. Now he turns those experiences into 111 stories, in his own tongue-in-cheek style. The result is a wonderfully unusual book, published in a practical format that leaves one hand free for a good glass of whisky.