Free Downloads Whiskey And Spirits For Dummies
Would you like to better appreciate fine distilled spirits? Whiskey & Spirits For Dummies is your complete guide to selecting and enjoying this family of noble beverages, flavor by flavor. From whiskey, rum, and brandy to vodka, gin, and cordials, this handy reference traces the history of distilled spirits, explains how they are made, and shows you how to evaluate, serve, and savor them. Ever wonder why the Irish spell it “whiskey” and the Scottish “whisky”? This friendly book tells you as it reveals where the first whiskeys — or “dark” spirits — originated and how they came to the United States. It also explores the origins of clear spirits and the different varieties of each. You’ll compare American and European vodkas, see how to make the new and improved all-purpose Martini, and follow the spread of flavored rums across the globe. A slew of sidebars give you fascinating tidbits of information about these spirits. You’ll also discover how to: Become a sophisticated taster Shop for the best spirits Select the right mixers Use spirits in cooking Make ten classic cocktails Choose and taste cordials and liqueurs Know the nutrients in one serving of each type of distilled spirit Present spirits to guests Set up tasting events at home This thorough guide also features recipes for cooking with spirits, offering menu choices such as entrees, vegetables, and desserts that all include at least one type of spirit. Complete with an appendix of craft distillers across the United States, Whiskey & Spirits For Dummies will give you the knowledge and hands-on guidance you need to become a connoisseur of such greats as fine Scotch, Bourbon, and Cognac in no time!
Paperback: 364 pages
Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (November 12, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0470117699
ISBN-13: 978-0470117699
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #315,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #63 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Beverages & Wine > Wine & Spirits > Whiskey #295 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Beverages & Wine > Wine & Spirits > Spirits #304 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Beverages & Wine > Wine & Spirits > Wine
I have read quite a few books on Scotch Whisky over the years. Still I wanted to renew my knowledge on some of the other distilled beverages so I ordered this book for my Kindle. First, much of the Dummies series formating is lost in the Kindle version, but that didn't bother me too much. However, I quickly grew tired of all of the repetition as well as the glib nature of the book (if you are not funny, don't try to be).I agree with other reviewers that there are more errors here than one would expect in a Dummies book. The one about Sake caught my eye right away. Yes, in some parts of Japan the word "sake" is used to refer to all alcohol beverages, including "shochu", which is a distillate of any number of materials, including sweet potato, rice and soba (buckwheat). However, it most often refers to the wine-like rice brew so tightly associated with that word in the rest of the world. The author listed sake as a distilled beverage. Although he was not technically wrong, he should have explained more about sake and it's related spirits if he was going to mention them at all.Secondly, the Scottish island of Islay is pronounced "Eye-lah", not "Eye-lay" as the author wrote. It may seem like a small issue but just try pronouncing it his way to a Scotsman.Overall, not a bad book to start with, but I think that an update is called for. Try "Kindred Spirits" or Michael Jackson's "Whiskey" instead.Kindred Spirits: The Spirit Journal Guide to the World's Distilled Spirits and Fortified WinesWhiskey: The Definitive World Guide
I order liquor for a major grocery store. This book has really helped me learn the essentials and is filled with fun facts.After reading this book, I can talk to the customers with some degree of knowledge.
This book is a fun introduction to the many different distilled alcoholic beverages out there. This book describes the various kinds of distilled drinks (vodka, whiskey, tequila, etc.), what they are made from, how they are made, some of their history, and a list and description of the major brands for all the price levels. Intended for the novice, this book will disappoint most people who already know a great deal about liquor. Nevertheless, it is a useful guide for someone who knows little or nothing about the industry and hobby of alcoholic beverages. I especially enjoyed the guide for "taste testing" each specific liquor, with the advice on how to pay attention to the color, flavor, smell and feel of each drink so that you can decide for yourself which is your favorite.
The author takes the reader through a short history of each major type of spirit followed by a very readable discussion on variations within the type. Brands are mentioned, if not a complete list, and some judgements are made as to differences and value, although your opinions may well differ as mine did in some cases. Some tips on tasting for comparison may move you to hold a few tasting parties. He even gets into nutrition, which is pretty tame until he gets into liquers.
If you want a good overview on all the major spirits and whiskeys this is the place to get it in one book. You will get some history, explainations on how the various spirits are made, and walk away with a broad understanding of these distlltion and fermentation. I highly recommend if you are trying to learn the basics on this industry.
I too was disappointed by the often confusing explanations given and the poor attempts at humor. More unforgivable are the numerous factual errors (some already stated by other reviewers). In discussing Irish Whiskey the author notes how limestone adds minerality to the water used in distillation. Later, in discussing American production he states that the same process of natural limestone filtration removes all minerality from the water. Which is it? This is a tedious read and should be avoided.
This writer needs to do some research before putting pen to paper. A much better book on Bourbon is Bourbon Straight. Read it for the true facts
Good reference and is a duplicate of "The Complete Book of Spirits", but written slightly different. I recommend this to anyone who needs simplified documentation about spirits.
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