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Books > Food & Drink > Beverages > Alcoholic beverages
A celebration of beer-its science, its history, and its impact on human culture "Curatorial eminences Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall serve up a potent scientific brew. . . . A marvellous paean to the pint, and to the researchers probing its depths."-Barbara Kiser, Nature "Forced to choose between this book and a pint of hazy IPA, I would be at a loss. Better to consume them at the same time-both will go down easily, and leave you in an improved condition."-Bill McKibben What can beer teach us about biology, history, and the natural world? From ancient Mesopotamian fermentation practices to the resurgent American craft brewery, Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall peruse the historical record and traverse the globe for engaging and often surprising stories about beer. They explain how we came to drink beer, what ingredients combine to give beers their distinctive flavors, how beer's chemistry works at the molecular level, and how various societies have regulated the production and consumption of beer. Drawing from such diverse subject areas as animal behavior, ecology, history, archaeology, chemistry, sociology, law, genetics, physiology, neurobiology, and more, DeSalle and Tattersall entertain and inform with their engaging stories of beer throughout human history and the science behind it all. Readers are invited to grab a beer and explore the fascinating history of its creation.
Shortly after graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1934, Elizabeth "Bessie" Williamson began working as a temporary secretary at the Laphroaig Distillery on the Scottish island Islay. Williamson quickly found herself joining the boys in the tasting room, studying the distillation process, and winning them over with her knowledge of Scottish whisky. After the owner of Laphroaig passed away, Williamson took over the prestigious company and became the spokesperson in America for the entire Scotch whisky industry. Impressing clients and showing her passion as the Scotch Whisky Association's trade ambassador, she soon gained fame within the industry. Whiskey Women tells the tales of women who have created this industry, from Mesopotamia's first beer brewers and distillers to America's rough-and-tough bootleggers during Prohibition. Women have long distilled, marketed, and owned significant shares in spirits companies, including Bushmills, Johnnie Walker, and Maker's Mark. Williamson's story is one of many among the influential women who greatly influenced Scotch, bourbon, and Irish whiskey. Until now their stories have remained untold.
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.
The Art of Distilling, Revised and Updated presents the techniques and inspirations of the most innovative micro-distillers working today and ties it together with incredible insider photography. In this comprehensive guide to artisan distilling, American Distilling Institute founder Bill Owens will teach you how contemporary master distillers transform water and grain into the full range of exquisite, timeless spirits. The Art of Distilling, Revised and Updated is your exclusive backstage pass into the world of small-scale distilling of whiskies, gins, vodkas, brandies, and many other spirits. Like no other book on the subject, The Art of Distilling goes to lengths to explore the actual craft of distilling, in detail. Beginning with a brief history of distilling and introduction to the process itself, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the art of distilling today. The revised and expanded edition includes even more practical tips, tricks, and instruction and has been updated to include growth and development in the artisan distilling space over the past decade. The Art of Distilling, Revised and Updated is the consummate insider's guide to distilling and its techniques.
Craft delicious, creative mixed drinks using pantry staples with this essential recipe book guaranteed to satiate any cocktail craving. We all want to be the type of host who can put together a tasty meal or a delicious appetizer for unexpected company by creatively using the odds and ends from our pantry or fridge. That same improvisational approach can be applied to home bartending with impressive (and tasty!) results. Knowing how to enlist the everyday basics cluttering up your kitchen, like condiments, jams, pickles, and sauces, means you can craft inventive, flavorful cocktails on the fly, satisfying cravings and fulfilling your guest's requests. Pantry Cocktails is an organized, easy-to-follow guide that not only includes cocktail recipes but accompanying themed food boards (such as The Warming Hut Board inspired by New Mexico flavors), helpful tips and hacks, and useful pantry suggestions. Recipes include: -A Sushi Mary with the wasabi and white miso pastes in your fridge (from that sushi delivery last week) -A Basil-Cello Frosecco or Ginger-Orange Shrub Shandy from your garden -Off-Season Bellini using peaches from your cupboard You will learn which key bottled spirits to keep in your liquor cabinet, which fridge and cupboard staples you can repurpose, and how to use seasonal herbs from your patio or garden to create outstanding cocktails that are sure to satisfy and impress.
The Gaelic word for whisky is Uisge beatha, translated literally as 'water of life'. That is as a good a starting place as any to enjoy whisky, as a connoisseur, taster or just an occasional tippler. This beautifully produced volume, Scotch Whisky: The Essential Guide for Single Malt Lovers goes on an incredible journey around Scotland and back in time too. Written by a Scotsman who considers it a blessing to grow up with Scotch whisky, you will learn about the history of whisky distillation, the famous men whose passion can be found in their special malts, and take tours of the main whisky regions, including the Western Isles, Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, and Campbeltown, visiting some of the greatest names in the production of Scotch, The Glenlivet, Ardbeg, Glenmorangie, Balvenie, Talisker - other brands (more than 100 of them) are available. Written with a passion and love for the subject Scotch Whisky: The Essential Guide for Single Malt Lovers is complemented by stunning photographs, maps and artworks. It make this superb book a unique insight into Scotch whisky, one of the world's most loved drinks.
WINNER 'BEST BRANDY & COGNAC BOOK UK' IN GOURMAND WORLD COOKBOOK AWARDS. This superb little book contains a selection of 50 brandy recipes, from best-loved blends such as Memphis Belle, Strawberry Daiquiri and Sidecar to trendy new mixes such as Sundowner, Stinger and Dizzy Dame. The book's introduction outlines the history of brandy and its increasing popularity amongst cocktail connoisseurs, and describes the different types of brandy, from the finest Cognac and Armagnac from France, to the Spanish Brandy de Jerez, the Greek Metaxa and the Latin American Pisco. There are guidelines on how to serve brandy, 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, and making fruit twists, as well as professional bartending tips. The recipes explain the cocktail's history, include anecdotes, and give expert tips on how to prepare and serve the finished drink. From the classic Brandy Alexander and Lake Como to Apple Sour, Brandy Melba, Savoy Hotel and The Last Goodbye; 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 brandy in a myriad of ways.
Interest in wine and mead making is on the rise as hobbyists discover that you don't need expensive equipment or elaborate calculations to make your own "bottled sunshine." This revised and updated edition of Storey's 1992 title Country Wines offers concise instructions, a glossary of terms, and 125 recipes -- forty of which are brand-new! Even beginners can create delicious wines using common kitchen equipment and ingredients, and experienced winemakers will love the unique recipes! "Making Wild Wines & Meads" includes offbeat but absolutely delectable recipes for fruit, flower, and herb wines; wine coolers and punches; and meads, a fermented beverage made from honey.
A booming popularity has produced endless wine selections to choose from. Our wine expert Fred Swan (WSET, CS, CWAS, CSW, FWS, IWP, WSET L3 Sake, Sud-France Wine Master) has authored the ultimate cheat sheet. Every important descriptor, wine vocabulary word, region and grape is covered so you can pin point the tastes you are searching for. Enough experience is packaged in these 6 laminated pages that you can be knowledgeable enough to swirl glasses with a wine master or sommelier at the vineyard, dinner with friends, or your own tasting party. Whether a new wine drinker or a connoisseur this reference is a must-have. 6-page laminated guide includes: How to Taste Wine Common Wine Descriptors Selecting & Buying Wines Serving Wine Food & Wine Pairing Conducting a Wine Tasting Grape Profiles Climate Regional Profiles Grape Growing Making Wine
An elegantly bound collection of fine wine writing past and present - the perfect gift for wine lovers everywhere (or the wine lovers in their life). With contributions from Michael Broadbent on good and bad vintages, Ian Maxwell Campbell on Bordeaux vs Burgundy, George Orwell and PG Wodehouse on the complementary pleasures of wine and tea, Randall Grahm on the search for California's 'magic grape' and Andrew Caillard MW on the art of the wine label, it brims with wit and wisdom from some of the most erudite wine writers ever to raise a glass. Also includes Steven Spurrier, Jason Tesauro, Jane MacQuitty, Giles MacDonogh, Philippe de Rothschild, Fiona Morrison MW, Dan Keeling, Charles Walter Berry and many more. Like Cyril Ray's classic Compleat Imbiber before it, In Vino Veritas might rightfully be described as 'the quintessential late-evening or bedtime book for those who like wine'. 'Denied wine's bridge to gregariousness, "cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in to saucy doubts and fears," as Macbeth once complained, we need an antidote, and rummaging around in this anthology of wine writing is a good one: It's a set of keys to open the windows and let some sun shine in.' - World of Fine Wine
Wine insiders called Andre Tchelistcheff the "winemaker's winemaker," the "wine doctor," and simply "maestro." After Prohibition brought Napa Valley and its wine industry to the brink of catastrophe, Tchelistcheff (1901-94) proved essential in its revitalization. Tchelistcheff's unique background-a sickly child, a Russian emigre forced from his homeland during the Bolshevik Revolution, a White Army lieutenant who fought in the Crimea, a physical laborer in a Bulgarian coal mine, a Czechoslovakian-trained agronomist, and a French-schooled viticulturist and enologist-prepared him for a remarkable winemaking career. He spent thirty-five years in Napa Valley's Beaulieu Vineyard and nearly two "post-retirement" decades doing freelance consulting work for more than thirty wineries. His early struggles forged his principal character traits, which he passed on to an entire generation of winemakers. His students, including some of the most accomplished winemakers of the post-Prohibition period, marveled over their mentor's sense of authority, profound insight, humble presence, and abundant wisdom. This inspiring account of Tchelistcheff's life includes interviews with friends, family, and mentees, which reveal how one man used his passion and knowledge to help save a community on the edge of disaster. In Maestro James O. Gump preserves the memory of a fascinating individual and one of the most influential winemakers of the modern era.
Originally published by Constable in 1930, the Savoy Cocktail Book features 750 of the Savoy's most popular recipes. It is a fascinating record of the cocktails that set London alight at the time - and which are just as popular today. Taking you from Slings to Smashes, Fizzes to Flips, and featuring art deco illustrations, this book is the perfect gift for any budding mixologist or fan of 1930s-style decadence and sophistication. Updated with a new introduction and recipes from The Savoy.
Awesome games for the big night... and vital advice for the morning after Let the games begin and the good times roll! This compact collection of drinking games from around the globe is guaranteed to liven up your night. Will you play Vodka Roulette or risk a round of Nasty or Nice? Then when the alcohol has taken its toll, just flip to the hangovers section for remedies, fun facts and tasty recipes to make it all better.
In 1975 there were 125 wineries in eastern North America. By 2013 there were more than 2,400. How and why the eastern United States and Canada became a major wine region of the world is the subject of this history. Unlike winemakers in California with its Mediterranean climate, the pioneers who founded the industry after Prohibition 1933 in the United States and 1927 in Ontario had to overcome natural obstacles such as subzero cold in winter and high humidity in the summer that favored diseases devastating to grapevines. Enologists and viticulturists at Eastern research stations began to find grapevine varieties that could survive in the East and make world-class wines. These pioneers were followed by an increasing number of dedicated growers and winemakers who fought in each of their states to get laws dating back to Prohibition changed so that an industry could begin. Hudson Cattell, a leading authority on the wines of the East, in this book presents a comprehensive history of the growth of the industry from Prohibition to today. He draws on extensive archival research and his more than thirty-five years as a wine journalist specializing in the grape and wine industry of the wines of eastern North America. The second section of the book adds detail to the history in the form of multiple appendixes that can be referred to time and again. Included here is information on the origin of grapes used for wine in the East, the crosses used in developing the French hybrids and other varieties, how the grapes were named, and the types of wines made in the East and when. Cattell also provides a state-by-state history of the earliest wineries that led the way."
Now you can with this indispensable handbook, the most thorough'and thoroughly accessible'bartending guide ever created for both professional and home use. Encyclopedic in scope and filled with clear, simple instructions, The Bartender's Bible includes information on:
If you've ever wondered whether to shake or stir a proper Martini, or what to do with those dusty bottles of flavored liqueurs, The Bartender's Bible is the only book you need! A bartender, as a rule, is a person who enjoys the company of others, endeavors to solve problems, listens to the woes of the world, sympathizes with the mistreated, laughs with the comedians, cheers up the down at heart, and generally controls the atmosphere at his or her bar. A bartender is the manager of moods, the master of mixology.
Compact and easy-to-navigate, the Halliday Pocket Wine Companion 2023 distils the key elements of the bestselling annual guide, curating the best-of-the-best both by value and rating across Australia's key wine regions. For almost 40 years, James Halliday has been the most trusted name in Australian wine, and his celebrated annual is the ultimate guide to what to drink now. The Halliday Pocket Wine Companion gives wine lovers access to his expert knowledge in a small package that is convenient to read, use and carry. You'll never drink a bad wine again.
Champagne: Wine of Kings and the King of Wines guides you through the astounding history of how this delicious drink became the hallmark of celebrations, commiserations and partying across the globe. It covers the process of making champagne and the vintage years and the special cuvees; the history of champagne; individual entries on all the major Champagne Houses, the lesser estates, co-operatives, growers and variations of sparkling wine; the social and cultural impact of champagne - how it has become a part of certain traditions; by a man with great knowledge of the drinks business, the beautifully illustrated Champagne: Wine of Kings and the King of Wines is for the connoisseur and the newcomer alike.
Demystify the world of whisky. Whisky experts Nick Morgan and The Whisky Exchange open the lid on the whisky industry, revealing what makes one of the world's simplest spirits just so popular. Everything You Need to Know About Whisky will answer all of your burning questions; from what makes the perfect scotch and how to drink it like a pro to an exploration of distilleries around the world and their fascinating (often scandalous) histories. This indispensable guide is filled with insider tips on finding your new favourite bottle and brewing up the very best whisky based cocktails - essential reading for all whisky fans, novices and experts alike.
In "Postmodern Winemaking," Clark Smith shares the extensive knowledge he has accumulated in engaging, humorous, and erudite essays that convey a new vision of the winemaker's craft--one that credits the crucial roles played by both science and art in the winemaking process. Smith, a leading innovator in red wine production techniques, explains how traditional enological education has led many winemakers astray--enabling them to create competent, consistent wines while putting exceptional wines of structure and mystery beyond their grasp. Great wines, he claims, demand a personal and creative engagement with many elements of the process. His lively exploration of the facets of postmodern winemaking, together with profiles of some of its practitioners, is both entertaining and enlightening.
How to Brew is the definitive guide to making quality beers at home. Whether you want simple, sure-fire instructions for making your first beer, or you're a seasoned homebrewer working with all-grain batches, this book has something for you. John Palmer adeptly covers the full range of brewing possibilities-accurately, clearly and simply. From ingredients and methods to recipes and equipment for brewing beer at home, How to Brew is loaded with valuable information on brewing techniques and recipe formulation. A perennial best seller since the release of the third edition in 2006, How to Brew, is a must-have to update every new and seasoned brewer's library. This completely revised and updated edition includes: More emphasis on the "top six priorities": sanitation, fermentation temperature control, yeast management, the boil, good recipes, and water. Five new chapters covering malting and brewing, strong beers, fruit beers, sour beers, and adjusting water for style. All other chapters revised and expanded: Expanded and updated charts, graphs, equations, and visuals. Expanded information on using beer kits. Thorough revision of mashing and lautering chapters: Expanded tables of recommended times and temperatures for single-infusion, multiple-step, and decoction mashing. Complete discussion of first wort gravity as a function of water to grist ratio. Complete revision of infusion and decoction equations. Revised and updated information on managing your fermentation: Yeast pitching and starters. Yeast starter growth factors. Yeast and the maturation cycle. And much more!
Fiona Morrison, awarded the coveted Master of Wine in 1994, is a talented writer and winemaker who works closely with her husband, Jacques Thienpont, helping to make the wine and manage their three Bordeaux estates - Le Pin (Pomerol, home to one of the world's most prestigious red wines), L'IF (Saint-Emilion) and Chateau L'Hetre (Cotes de Castillon). Fiona has over 30 years' experience in the fine wine trade on both sides of the Atlantic. "Fiona Morrison Thienpont has written a book from a viewpoint no other writer, as far as I know, has ever possessed: a seat at the heart of the action." - Hugh Johnson "It all comes down to succession: how a family can hold together over the course of generations, continuing to build on the success of their vines and their ancestors. Wine is one of the rare businesses in which this level of international fame and internal family politics plays out over centuries-unless you consider royalty a business. So, it makes for an unusual sociological study and compelling prose." - Joshua Greene, Wine & Spirits
Grape wine has been produced for at least 4,000 years, having been aged, stored and transported in every conceivable type of vessel. Its seductiveness has been enhanced by this packaging: primarily three strikingly different containers - amphorae, wooden barrels and glass bottles. Henry H. Work brings extensive wine experience as a cooper, working with wine barrels and living in California's Napa Valley to provide a richly detailed and vivid account of wine containers through the ages. This book delves into the history, evolution, and present use of containers, vessels, and stoppers; from animal skin sacks to barrels, from glass bottles to upstart packaging such as wine casks, and even aluminium cans. It considers the advantages and weaknesses of their construction, designs and labels, methods of shipment and storage, as well as their impact on marketing wine to customers. This is an enlightening and innovative read which draws on the most current archaeological research, scientific data and wine business trends. It is richly peppered throughout with the author's own visits to many of the locations explored in the book, bringing history to life. This book will appeal to individuals within the wine industry, undergraduates in the fields of history, archaeology, food and hospitality, as well as all people interested in wine. |
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