Whiskey and Spirits For Dummies

Perry Luntz

Apr 2011 · Sold by John Wiley & Sons

About this ebook

You are invited to join in appreciating this family of noble beverages, step-by-step, flavor-by-flavor

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!

Ratings and reviews

The writer needs to return to school and correct his many mistakes. I will just point out two. In Chapter 2 page 37 he writes that US Bourbon must be aged 4 years before it is bottled. Bourbon must me aged 4 years if the distiller does not want to put the age on the bottle. Bourbon aged less than 4 years must state its age. For example a bourbon aged 3 years will usually state thet it was aged 36 months. Number 2 on page 38 his definition of straight whiskey will work for Scotch whisky or Irish whiskey, but for bourbon or any American whiskey straight means that it has been aged a minimum of two years. A single barrel whiskey would be more like what he is calling straight.

About the author

Perry Luntz, Senior Editor of Beverage Media, also publishes Beverage Alcohol Report, an international e-letter.