Book Review: In Fine Spirits: A Complete Guide to Distilled Drinks
The pull quote on the back cover of Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley’s In Fine Spirits declares “The culture of enjoying quality spirits and liquors is in a new golden age.” While economic reports from Discus and crisis clickbait headlines from major media outlets would suggest otherwise, the appearance of new distilleries and breweries (macro- and micro-), vineyards, and speakeasies from Portlands stretching from Maine to Oregon provides a strong counterargument to the Chicken Little industry doomsayers writing the checks and annual reports. Is it a golden age? I suppose it all depends on who is reading the map to the promised land. But judging from the product launch invites our inboxes receive weekly, I am inclined to agree with our authors.
For most of its 200-plus pages, In Fine Spirits takes an enthusiastic tone to its writing and doesn’t ever let up. It serves the book well, as it provides a welcoming framework ideal for beginners looking to dive into spirits for the first time (i.e. wine or beer drinkers) but simply have no idea where to begin, or which spirit will align with their taste preferences. There’s a lot of ground to cover in a short period and Harrison and Ridley do it quite well, starting with the heavy-hitting popular spirits (tequila, gin, rum, whiskey) and working their way down to the niche-based and international favorites gathering momentum in the world of mixology. Along the way, there are interviews, recipes, profiles of big industry celebrities interspersed with product reviews, listicles, and thorough explanations of each spirit. The book delivers what’s promised in clear, accessible language that never veers into academic or tech-speak, and is an ideal starting point if you’re looking to shift from hops or grapes into something new.
224 pages.
A- / $25 [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]
The post Book Review: In Fine Spirits: A Complete Guide to Distilled Drinks appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.