Bibliography

Books about drink and drinking

If you know a book that should be on this list and isn't, email me.

Spirits:

Broom, Dave Spirits & Cocktails Carlton (1998)
Large format book, very pretty pictures. A few tasting notes, and lots of information on different spirits and their making. Some cocktail recipes, too.
Pacult, F. Paul Kindred Spirits Hyperion, New York (1997)
The Spirit Journal guide to the world's distilled spirits and fortified wines. Reviews and tasting notes of lots and lots of things, this book is just like a print version of the Shrine.
Walton, Stuart The New Guide to Spirits and Liqueurs Sebastian Kelly, Oxford (1998)
Large format book. A well-illustrated spirits encyclopedia. Comprehensive coverage of types of spirits, although not of brands. Cocktail recipes scattered throughout.

Gin:

Emmons, Bob The Book of Gins and Vodkas Open Court, Chicago (2000)
Not glossy, but informative. History, general info, and tasting notes. Lists addresses of manufacturers and distributors.

Liqueurs:

Jones, Andrew The Aperitif Companion Viking, Australia /The Apple Press, London (1998)
Fairly detailed guide to a wide range of aperitifs - history, recipes etc.

Mezcal and tequila:

Kretchmer, Laurence Mesa Grill Guide to Tequila Könemann, Köln (1999)
Well-photographed info on history, manufacture, manufacturing etc. Detailed coverage of major quality brands and manufacturers. Recipes for drinks and food.

Vodka:

Begg, Desmond The Vodka Companion Running Press, Philadelphia (1998)
The most complete guide to vodka I've ever seen. Lots of information, lots of tasting notes, lots of photos.
Emmons, Bob The Book of Gins and Vodkas Open Court, Chicago (2000)
Not glossy, but informative. History, general info, and tasting notes. Lists addresses of manufacturers and distributors.

Whiskey:

Gabányi, Stefan Whisk(e)y Abbeville Press, New York (1997)
Very nice comprehensive whiskey dictionary/mini-encyclopedia. No reviews or tasting notes.
Shaw, Carol P. Collins Gem Whisky 3rd ed, Harper Collins, Glasgow (1997)
Tiny pocket guide to Scotch - over 150 brands, with information and brief tasting notes. No ratings. Covers blends and vatted malts as well as single malts.