Spirits distilled

by Mark Ridgwell and Michael Butt

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org

*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Pub Date Sep 05 2016 | Archive Date Jan 31 2017

Infinite Ideas

Cooking, Food & Wine | Reference

Description

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, flavored 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.

Advance Praise

“Given the increased interest in spirits, this is a wonderfully timely book."
--Wine-searcher.com

"Those who work with spirits or simply enjoy them should take a look at a new book on the intoxicating subject."
--So Tunbridge Wells Magazine

"An excellent reference manual for industry professionals."
--Foodepedia.com

"This is a decent addition to the bookshelves."
--The Vodka Guy

"An absolutely fascinating book."
--Foodytraveller.com

"I don’t really like drinks books. They normally preach to me and I feel SMALL. [Mark Ridgwell’s Spirits distilled, however, in particular], the mescal and tequila page [was] so good. I finished it. What an oeuvre."
--Rupert Ponsonby, Director R and R Teamwork Media Relations

"This is an absolute must for anyone who is thinking of becoming a bartender, the information in here is invaluable for them. I would definitely recommend it."
--Michael John Sweetman, National Vice President of UKBG

"Great book. Rare to get such a conversational tone along with so much factual material. It’s normally one or the other."
--Graham Holter, The Wine Merchant Magazine

"It all makes an essential read for the bartender wanting to further their knowledge."
--Australian Bartender

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781908984784
PRICE	$39.95 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 7 members

See all member reviews

Featured Reviews

Michelle H, Reviewer

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!

Was this review helpful?

Randal W, Reviewer

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!