In the winter of 1920, the 25 year-old Masataka Taketsuru, with his new wife Rita in tow, arrived in Campbeltown, a small town on the west coast of Scotland. With the help of Professor Wilson of the Royal Technical College in Glasgow, the young Japanese had been fortunate enough to secure an invitation to undergo practical training in pot still whisky manufacture at the Hazelburn Distillery, then the largest of the Campbeltown distilleries. Under the guidance of chief technician Peter Margach Innes, Taketsuru was able to delve into all aspects of whisky manufacture. Four months later, he had completed this report. Taketsuru would go on to establish his own company - Nikka Whisky. Today Nikka's whiskies are known the world over, and frequently win awards.

Get into the party spirit with a masterclass in mixology Swap the drab for the dazzle with this concoction of moreish recipes and nifty tips that will equip you with everything you need to create a delicious array of incredible drinks. This book is the perfect companion for every cocktail lover. Whether you're a budding bartender or a maestro mixologist, this handy guide will teach you everything you need to know to host an unforgettable soiree. In this book, you will find: Delicious and crowd-pleasing cocktail recipes, including the Margarita, Tom Collins, Pina Colada, Negroni and Mai Tai Expert tips, tricks and techniques on blending the perfect drink Essential equipment for stocking the ultimate home bar Ideas and instructions for creating your own party decor Insights into the history and origins of each cocktail Shaken or stirred, flaming or fizzy, let these cocktails make any occasion all the more memorable and marvellous.

From its roots in ancient Greek herbal medicine, the popular spirit we now know as gin was established by the Dutch in the sixteenth century as a juniper-infused tincture to cure fevers. It gained notoriety during the London 'gin craze' in the eighteenth century before enjoying a recent resurgence and a profusion of new botanical flavourings. Garnished with sumptuous illustrations depicting the plants that tell the story of this complex and iconic drink, this enticing book delves into the botany of gin from root to branch. A diverse assortment of aromatic plants from around the world have been used in the production of gin over the course of several centuries. Each combination of botanicals yields a unique flavour profile that equates to more than the sum of its parts. Understanding the different types of formulation, and the main groups of plants used therein, is central to appreciating the drink's complexities and subtleties. As this book's extraordinary range of featured ingredients shows, gin is a quintessentially botanical beverage with a rich history like no other.