This book illustrates the production, history, and appreciation of Irish pot still whiskey and will introduce casual drinkers to the richness of these whiskeys as well as being a collectors item for established whiskey connoisseurs.

Chronicles the sensational 1905 Absinthe Murders through its modern cult followings, noting important figures in history whose lives were affected by absinthe as well as recent pharmacological studies that uncovered how it affects the nervous system. Original.

Born in a Russian village in 1831, Pyotr Smirnov relied on vodka to turn a life of scarcity and anonymity into one of immense wealth and international recognition. Starting from the back rooms and side streets of nineteeth-century Moscow, Smirnov exploited brilliant grassroots marketing strategies to popularize his products and ensconce his brand in the thirsts and imaginations of drinkers around the world. His vodka would be gulped in the taverns of Russia and Europe, be praised with accolades at world fairs, and become a staple on the tables of tsars. But his improbable ascent would be halted by the chaos of the Bolshevik Revolution, and only a bizarre set of coincidences—including an incredible prison escape by one of Smirnov’s sons in 1919—would prevent Smirnov’s legacy from fading into obscurity. Set against a backdrop of political and ideological currents that would determine the course of global events, The King of Vodka is much more than a biography of a humble serf who rose to create one of the most celebrated business empires the world has ever known. It is a work of sweeping narrative history on an epic scale.

So you enjoy a dram or two, but do you know how whiskey is made? Do you understand how to nose and taste whiskey, and can you tell the difference between regional and national varieties? Pour yourself a measure, take a seat, and let this book take you on a journey from the very first distillers to the latest brands around the world. Know-It-All Whiskey demystifies the origins, history, production, and varieties of one of the world’s favorite spirits. Compiled by whiskey experts, this beginner’s guide serves up all you need to read the message in the bottle in 50 small nips—or rather, with 300 words and an image. Entries explain everything from the history of whiskey production, including the ins and outs of the whiskey trade, to which foods to pair and which whiskey festivals to visit. Distilled with spirited graphics and supported by glossaries and biographies of key figures, here’s how to enjoy whiskey—or whisky—from the single malts and blends of Scotland to their acclaimed Irish, North American, and Asian counterparts.

50 20th century cocktail recipes, illustratedwith vintage postcards

In this groundbreaking and deeply personal book, Ron Cooper--a leading voice in the artisanal mezcal movement, and the person largely responsible for popularizing the spirit in the United States--shares everything he knows about this storied, culturally rich, and now hugely in-demand spirit, along with 40 recipes. In 1990, artist Ron Cooper was collaborating with craftspeople in Oaxaca, Mexico, when he found mezcal--or, as he likes to say, mezcal found him. This traditional spirit was virtually unknown in the United States at the time, and Cooper founded Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal in order to import it. Finding Mezcal recounts Cooper's love affair with the spirit and the people who make it; its meteoric rise in popularity; and the delicate balance between sharing mezcal with the world and facilitating its preservation. Each chapter introduces a new mezcal, its producer, and its place of origin, while also covering mezcal production methods and the botany of the maguey (aka agave) plant, from which mezcal is distilled. Featuring 40 recipes developed for Del Maguey by chefs and bartenders from around the world, the book is copiously illustrated with photographs, as well as Cooper's artwork and that of his friend Ken Price, who illustrated Del Maguey's now-iconic labels.

Matt Whiley, AKA The Talented Mr Fox, traces the evolution of the modern bartender against the backdrop of cocktail history with this stylish cocktail recipe book. With more than 60 recipes made from spirit bases including gin, vodka, whiskey, bourbon and cognac, alongside expert advice on equipment and glassware, this is the complete kit to modern cocktail making at home! Learn to make delicious and original cocktails such as the Bangkok Penicillin or the Marmite Martini, Pea Wine or the Rok House Bellini Fermented Cucumber Syrup. From highly acclaimed mixologist and drinks consultant Matt Whiley, this unique cocktail recipe book is the perfect inspiration for creating your own modern drinks cabinet and the perfect how to guide to making delicious and highly creative cocktails from scratch.

Award-winning drinkslinger Johnny Michaels, along with the North Star Bartenders’ Guild, move beyond the traditional Martini and Manhattan to offer 125 crafted cocktail recipes with modern flavors.

A Field Guide to Whisky is a one-stop guide for all the information a whisky enthusiast needs. With the whisky market booming all over the world, now is a perfect time for a comprehensive guide to this popular brown spirit. What are the basic ingredients in all whiskies? How does it get its flavor? Which big-name brands truly deserve their reputation? What are the current whisky trends around the world? And who was Jack Daniel, anyway? This abundance of information is distilled(!) into 323 short entries covering basic whisky literacy, production methods, consumption tips, trends, trivia, geographical maps and lists of distilleries, whisky trails, bars, hotels, and festivals by an industry insider. Boasting 230 color photographs and a beautiful package to boot, A Field Guide to Whisky will make a whisky expert out of anyone.