Tequila: The Spirit of Mexico [Hardcover]

Enrique F. Martinez Limon (Author), Michael Calderwood (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

An appreciation of one of the most popular liquors in the world, including ratings of more than 100 brands.

Long considered a lowbrow liquor, tequila today is one of the fastest-growing beverages in the world, and the growth is decidedly upscale. An entire tequila culture has developed not only throughout Mexico but in sophisticated restaurants and bars all over the world, from New York to Los Angeles, London to Tokyo.

Despite this trend, little has been published about tequila and its origins, varieties, and method of production—until now. In this delightfully visual book, author Enrique Martínez Limón takes the reader on a fascinating anecdotal journey through the history of tequila, complete with information about how it is grown and produced, and descriptions of its legends, heroes, songs, and artistic manifestations. The lively text is enhanced by Michael Calderwood’s beautiful photography and the specially commissioned artwork. This revised edition includes a new chapter on mezcal, a "first cousin" of tequila that has been attracting a great deal of attention in recent years with high-end and single-village bottlings coming onto the market.

The final chapters provide recipes for tequila-based cocktails and for dishes using tequila, as well as professional ratings of more than a hundred brands, extensively updated for this edition.

Other Details: 155 full-color illustrations

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Carlos Monsiváis is a highly respected journalist and one of Mexico’s most distinguished contemporary writers. His publications include anthologies of twentieth-century Mexican poetry and an important work on the golden era of Mexican cinema. Enrique F. Martínez Limón is an editor, researcher, and writer living in Hermosillo, Sonora, in northwestern Mexico. English-born photographer Michael Calderwood has lived in Mexico since 1973. His published works include Mexico: A Higher Vision and Mexico City: An Aerial Portrait of Hidden Splendour.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 181 pages
• Publisher: Abbeville Press; Second Edition edition (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789208377
• ISBN-13: 978-0789208378
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,251,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Myths, facts and incredible pictures, November 5, 2002

By 

Enrique Torres "Rico" (San Diegotitlan, Califas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Tequila: The Spirit of Mexico (Hardcover)

The book begins with an excellent introduction by Mexican soclal commentary critic at large Carlos Monsivais. His thoughts set the groundwork for a book that is not only beautiful but fascinating. The contributing authors have worked together to produce a table top book that is interesting and a spectacular visual delight. The highlight of this book is the superb photographs by Michael Calderwood ; he shows his love for Mexico through his absolute stunning photography. The book has a sprinkling of information from various areas of interest on the subject of tequila. Beginning with a clarification on the myths surrounding tequila and it's source, the book is lucid, entertaining and informative. Reading this book is like taking a journey, discovering the past , present and future of tequila and the culture surrounding Mexico's national drink. The history discussed is interesting but covered only slightly for nice light reading. Included is the process of extracting the liquid and fermenting this traditional drink that is steeped deep in the culture. Other drinks are discuused for clarification , most notably pulque and mezcal. I found the procees of extracting and making the liquid most interesting. Much of the book is devoted to discussing the top brands, many of which are hard to find but for the dedicated aficionado obtainable. Included are recipes that have made tequila known besides the classic international margarita. In short, there is something to learn by most people in this book. If you are interested in knowing a little something about tequila than get this book. An excellent introduction to the subject that has pictures worth the price of the book. For those that would like to read this book in Spanish there is a version available. So, get this book, sit back, serve yourself some anejo, sip and enjoy the trip through Mexico and the areas that produce tequila.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exquisite tribute to tequila and Mexico, February 9, 2002

By 

Ian Chadwick (Waterside in Ontario) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tequila: The Spirit of Mexico (Hardcover)

Limon's warm, often poetic text is well-complemented by Calderwood's beautiful photography. This coffee-table book presents not just tequila, but Mexico. It is a tribute to the people who make it, to the land where the agave grows, and to tequila's place and role. This is not an in-depth guide like Cutler or Emmons offers, but it embraces the variety and depth of tequila's rich culture in Mexico. It's an enjoyable read and a terrific presentation.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Spirited Tequila, April 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tequila: The Spirit of Mexico (Hardcover)

With luxurious photography, Tequila the Spirit of Mexico cannot go wrong. But there is something schizophrenic about it: so much good background information, but too much minutae that quickly puts such a book out of date. Distillery production in 1999, names, addresses. As a resource book, it is still good: but I would also have liked a stronger hand in its editing: the definition of joven or white/silver contradicts itself in two different areas, and the mention of the Mexican movie industry's influence on the beverage could easily have been consolidated. All in all, I would have preferred a cheaper edition in paperback that I could easily replace when the text soon falls out of date. But the photos are stunning.