The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Potent Potables [Paperback]

Bill Owens (Editor), Alan Dikty (Editor), Fritz Maytag (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

This book is a backstage pass into the world of small-scale distilling of whiskies, gins, vodkas, brandies, and more. The reader, the ultimate spirits aficionado, will learn how water and grain are transformed into the full range exquisite, timeless liquors. There are few books available that explore the actual craft of distilling in such detail. Most of the other spirits books chronicle the historical side of the distilling world or focus on the flavors of various vintages. Our book will be the consummate insider's guide to distilling techniques. Bill Owens' original photography, the result of two cross-country road trips, offers comprehensive illustration of the microdistilling world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Distiller, publisher, photographer, brewer, and raconteur, author Bill Owens is president of the American Distilling Institute. His website, www.distilling.com, is the most comprehensive source of industry and hobby information for the distilling enthusiast. Owens spent nearly two decades as the publisher of Beer and American Brewer magazines and he is the author of How to Build a Small Brewery.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Quarry Books; First Printing edition (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592535690
• ISBN-13: 978-1592535699
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Drinks & Beverages > Spirits

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a how to book., February 6, 2010

By 

Fredrick Fraase "Fred Fraase" (TACOMA, WA, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Potent Potables (Paperback)

I found the book fascinating. How different still types effect flavors etc. It's a quick read. However, don't look for any how to stuff. It's wonderfully illustrated and well, made me thirst for whiskey. The part on rum I found really interesting. I would have liked to see more on Absinthe though. More of a coffee table book. If you've had questions about spirits this will get you started.

Fred Fraase
Tacoma Beer Preservation
and Education Society.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars book perfect-title misleading, December 8, 2010

By 

Domenic V. Scotto - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Potent Potables (Paperback)

The book was in perfect condition but the title totally mis lead me to thinking it was about the art of distilling whiskey and other spirits../
it will never teach anyone anything about distilling
There are some brief overviews which are not in the least way instructional.

If you want beautiful pictures however this book is loaded with them. the pictures are of buildings and bottles.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Top Books on Distilling, December 24, 2009

By 

G. Robinson (Midwest, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Potent Potables (Paperback)

I own most every book written about distilling liquor. This is truly one of the best. The explanations of how each type of liquor is made are more detailed than most. I also found some very good practical information about distilling techniques, such as when to make cuts, that you don't find in other books. Also contains some real good information about commercial micro distilleries. This is a must read for the serious distiller.