This Great informative book contains a lot of interesting information on the world’s distilled alcohol (Whisky, Vodka, Gin, Brandy, Rum, Tequila and some infused spirits like Schnapps). Iy can’t really be classified as a ‘coffee table’ book as there is way too much information. But it is a great starter to understanding the history and processes of some of the world’s most interesting and great tasting alcoholic beverages.
Its positives is that is give a good, brief understanding of some of the different techniques and categories. Its weakness is on the cover “American Distilling Institute”. Too much emphasis is placed on the American styles and some of the other greater, some would argue the more influential and greater styles are relegated to, ‘and the rest’ classification. Non greater than the whisky section which is mostly about the American Bourbon whisky styles and what could be argued to be the more significant and more significant Scotch Whisky style is grouped in the Scotch, Irish, Japanese, New Zealand and Australian styles. I have to be honest, I lost interest after seeing that. There is great info here but the American bias is too much. If I am going to have an ‘art of distilling’ book – its got to cover the worl of distilling proportionally.
Good overview… but
Lynden Jones – On The Page
