When it comes to alcohol, sometimes being truly educated on the matter is best. From the history of whisky (without the e) to a distillery-by-distillery evolution, we’ve compiled a hefty list of socially-lubricated literature so you can stock your bookshelves as well as you stock your bar cart.
The Bar Book was recommended to me by my favorite bartender and it’s my go-to. It’s filled with perfected recipes crafted by Jeffrey Morgethaler and answers just about any question you might have when whipping up something tasty in your kitchen.
Dale DeGroff’s original work was highly influential as a guidebook both to consumers and professionals on what to do with excellent ingredients at the bar. The new version expands on this and traces the craft cocktail renaissance throughout the country.
Lew Bryson breaks down all of the elements of whiskey flavor in his new book, discussing where the vast array of flavors come from, the chemistry, the grain, and much much more, in this explainer.
"The World Atlas of Whisky includes detailed maps, samples single malts from Aberfeldy to Tormore, great blends from Bushmills to Yoichi and the best of the bourbons and ryes from Barton to Wild Turkey. It offers tasting notes on over 300 selected expressions. In-depth descriptions of all the key Scottish distilleries can be found here, while Ireland, Japan, the USA, Canada and the rest of the world are given exhaustive coverage.”
Written by Hall Full’s Senior Drink Columnist David Wondrich, this definitive guide to classic American cocktails presents the little known history of American drinks, making it the ultimate mixologists guide.
Half Full Editor Noah Rothbaum’s The Art of American Whiskey is a visual guide to the most famous whiskey labels. It traces the arc of whiskey from the Colonial era through the current craft-distilling boom, making it a perfect gift for the whiskey aficionado in your life.
“In Bourbon Empire, Reid Mitenbuler shows how bourbon, America’s most iconic style of whiskey, and the industry surrounding it, really came to be—a saga of shrewd capitalism as well as dedicated craftsmanship.”
“Award-winning author and internationally recognized whisky expert Dave Broom has visited Japan 25 times in the past 12 years, studying and learning about its whiskies. In this major new book he shares his personal journey around Japan's whisky distilleries and the unique whisky culture of the country.”
“An original book on the craft of mixology is a rare gem. Gary Regan’s The Joy of Mixology is such a gem, one whose genius lies in Regan’s breakthrough system for categorizing drinks that helps bartenders—both professionals and amateurs alike—not only to remember drink recipes but also to invent their own.”
“A Drinkable Feast reveals the history of more than 50 cocktails: who was imbibing them, where they were made popular, and how to make them yourself from the original recipes of nearly a century ago. Filled with anecdotes and photos of the major players of the day, you'll feel as if you were there yourself, walking down the boulevards with the Lost Generation.”
Scouted is internet shopping with a pulse. Follow us on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter for even more recommendations and exclusive content. Please note that if you buy something featured in one of our posts, The Daily Beast may collect a share of sales.
