The Complete Book of Spirits: A Guide to Their History, Production, and Enjoyment (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "In the past several years vodka has become the best-selling spirit in the world, and its popularity is still growing..." (more)
Key Phrases: medium amber color, lush nose, reddish amber color, Year Old, United States, Puerto Rico (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Many bartending guides provide scant information about drink ingredients themselves. So a Mai Tai calls for rum—what kind? If you’re mixing a Vodka Tonic, how should the vodka smell? Why does a Bombay Sling require bitters? (And what are bitters, anyway?) Blue, who is Bon Appétit’s wine and spirits editor, intelligently answers these questions and others in this full analysis of libations other than beer and wine. He covers vodka, aquavit, gin, rum, tequila, scotch and Irish whiskey, North American whiskey, brandy, liqueurs and bitters, addressing what each spirit is made of, how it’s made, its history, the various flavors that exist and even the numerous brands available. Blue’s historical outlines of each spirit are fascinating; for example, in the chapter on vodka, he tells the saga of the Smirnov (later changed to Smirnoff) family and their exile from Russia to Paris. But with the history comes up-to-the-minute information on popular beverages like the mojito, a rum drink that’s currently "one of the hottest drinks on the club scene." Although the guide isn’t lighthearted, it’s casual enough to inspire page-flipping and informal perusal.
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Product Description

An indispensable follow-up to his classic Complete Book of Mixed Drinks, Anthony Dias Blue presents The Complete Book of Spirits, a comprehensive collection of history, lore, and tasting tips, along with recipes for select cocktails. Here, in one concise and easy-to-use volume, is all the information a consumer needs to shop, mix, and sip like a spirits expert.

From bathtub gin to mojito madness, Blue brings the dynamic history of the spirits industry alive, demonstrating that spirit making is not only one of mankind's oldest pursuits but also perhaps its most colorful. In ten captivating chapters, readers are treated to everything they ever wanted to know about their favorite liquors, including vodka, aquavit, tequila, and whiskey. Blue also provides step-by-step instructions on how to host spirit tastings to educate your palate and to help you and your friends discover your favorite brands and blends. For every chapter and every spirit, there is also a handy tasting-notes section, with Blue's expert comments and his favorites, along with price points.

If you've ever wondered about the difference between potato and wheat vodkas, or between mescal and tequila or American and Irish whiskeys, or what makes single malt Scotch so desirable, look no further. With Anthony Dias Blue, America's leading wine and spirits expert, and The Complete Book of Spirits as your guides, you will take your enjoyment to a new level.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Cookbooks (October 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060542187
• ISBN-13: 978-0060542184
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #99,070 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All you could ever want to know about spirits, July 3, 2008

By	Suzie Riga (Columbia, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Spirits : A Guide to Their History, Production, and Enjoyment (Hardcover)

The Complete Book of Spirits by Anthony Dias Blue is a marvelous guide for a retail store. It is an easy read, incredibly informative, and can make you an instant expert on all spirits, even includes barware and glasses. I bought it for our liquor managers in each store and they have found it to be an excellent storehouse of knowledge from beginning to end about all types of spirits. I needed this 35 years ago when first became a liquor retailer. Awesome book!!!

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars knowledge for a new job, August 21, 2006

By	B. Irvine - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was recently hired as spirit sales person and needed to learn more about the subject i was selling. This book was very useful for me and contains a lot of great information about the history of spirits and how they came about for today's consumption.

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the business owner!, January 11, 2009

By	Lisa M. Deboer - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Complete Book of Spirits : A Guide to Their History, Production, and Enjoyment (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my dad who owns a liquor store.. He read it from cover to cover and now uses it as a reference.. Tons of information!!