Baijiu: The Essential Guide to Chinese Spirits


Book Description

Drawing on interviews with baijiu aficionados, distillers and key players in the alcoholic beverage industry, Sandhaus introduces the history and development of alcohol in China – the birthplace of grain-based alcohol. Distillation and production processes, the landscape of the industry today, and a page-by-page guide to the major varieties, distilleries and brands all feature in Baijiu: The Essential Guide to Chinese Spirits.




Drunk in China


Book Description

2020 Gourmand Award in Spirits Gold Medal winner in the Independent Book Publishers Awards China is one of the world's leading producers and consumers of liquor, with alcohol infusing all aspects of its culture, from religion and literature to business and warfare. Yet to the outside world, China's most famous spirit, baijiu, remains a mystery. This is about to change, as baijiu is now being served in cocktail bars beyond its borders. Drunk in China follows Derek Sandhaus's journey of discovery into the world's oldest drinking culture. He travels throughout the country and around the globe to meet with distillers, brewers, snake-oil salesmen, archaeologists, and ordinary drinkers. He examines the many ways in which alcohol has shaped Chinese society and its rituals. He visits production floors, karaoke parlors, hotpot joints, and speakeasies. Along the way he uncovers a tradition spanning more than nine thousand years and explores how recent economic and political developments have conspired to push Chinese alcohol beyond the nation's borders for the first time. As Chinese society becomes increasingly international, its drinking culture must also adapt to the times. Can the West also adapt and clink glasses with China? Read Drunk in China and find out.




Drunk in China


Book Description

2020 Gourmand Award in Spirits Gold Medal winner in the Independent Book Publishers Awards China is one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of liquor, with alcohol infusing all aspects of its culture, from religion and literature to business and warfare. Yet to the outside world, China’s most famous spirit, baijiu, remains a mystery. This is about to change, as baijiu is now being served in cocktail bars beyond its borders. Drunk in China follows Derek Sandhaus’s journey of discovery into the world’s oldest drinking culture. He travels throughout the country and around the globe to meet with distillers, brewers, snake-oil salesmen, archaeologists, and ordinary drinkers. He examines the many ways in which alcohol has shaped Chinese society and its rituals. He visits production floors, karaoke parlors, hotpot joints, and speakeasies. Along the way he uncovers a tradition spanning more than nine thousand years and explores how recent economic and political developments have conspired to push Chinese alcohol beyond the nation’s borders for the first time. As Chinese society becomes increasingly international, its drinking culture must also adapt to the times. Can the West also adapt and clink glasses with China? Read Drunk in China and find out.




Tales of Old Hong Kong


Book Description

Pirates, plagues, pistols and poisons; with adventure of all varieties, the third instalment of the popular 'Tales' series is a rollicking journey into colonial Hong Kong. A collection of historical odds and ends - stories, quotations, cartoons, postcards and drawings - recount in thrilling detail how a 'barren rock' seemingly destined to fail rose to become one of the richest trading outposts in Asia.




Baijiu by Definition


Book Description

"Baijiu By Definition" is a captivating and comprehensive exploration of the iconic Chinese liquor. Authored by Arlo Q. Sterling, a passionate connoisseur, and adventurer, this book takes readers on an immersive journey through baijiu's history, production process, cultural significance, and health benefits. With a deep fascination for discovering new cultures and their culinary treasures, Sterling's journey into the world of baijiu began in Asia. From Japan to South Korea and eventually settling in China for over a decade, he was drawn to the enigmatic allure of baijiu, inspiring him to uncover its hidden stories, traditions, and flavors. Through "Baijiu By Definition," Sterling offers readers an experience of baijiu's rich history, tracing its roots back thousands of years to ancient China. From being a spiritual elixir connecting with the divine to becoming a beloved beverage shared among royalty and commoners, baijiu's journey is filled with cultural significance. The book delves into the intricate production process of baijiu, exploring the artistry and craftsmanship involved. Sterling provides insights into the various types of baijiu, their diverse flavors, and the production regions, offering a comprehensive understanding of this complex spirit. Furthermore, "Baijiu By Definition" highlights the health benefits of baijiu, which has been celebrated in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. From promoting heart health to aiding digestion, baijiu's therapeutic properties add to its allure. But the journey doesn't end there. Sterling presents readers with 50 unique baijiu cocktail recipes, enticing them to explore the spirit's versatile and delightful aspects. Whether classic baijiu cocktails or innovative fusions, these recipes promise to elevate the drinking experience. With an engaging narrative and a wealth of knowledge, "Baijiu By Definition" is a must-read for liquor enthusiasts, bartenders, and anyone eager to uncover the secrets of this beloved Chinese spirit. Sterling's genuine passion for baijiu shines through every page, making the book informative and a delightful adventure into the heart of Chinese culture. Discover the captivating world of baijiu and raise a toast to this truly remarkable and enlightening read.




Essential Winetasting


Book Description

An authoritative and inspirational winetasting course, from one of the world's leading wine educators. 'Explains the mechanics of taste and tasting better than any book I've seen.' - Richard Ehrlich, Independent on Sunday Learn how to taste wine, with one of the world's leading wine educators. This book offers a particularly clear and precise means of teaching yourself how to taste and how to get more out of your wine, whatever your level. All the major grape varieties are explored, and their key characteristics in different regions. Ten practical tastings then cover core tasting techniques. Do you want to explore Dry Whites, for example, looking at 'Old World' versus 'New World' Sauvignon Blancs? Or investigate 'terroir' in a range of Bordeaux wines? Additional information on subjects such as Wines and Age and the impact of climate change complete the picture, making this book a powerful tool for understanding and appreciating wine at all levels.




Cork Dork


Book Description

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND A NEW YORK TIMES CRITICS' PICK “Thrilling . . . [told] with gonzo élan . . . When the sommelier and blogger Madeline Puckette writes that this book is the Kitchen Confidential of the wine world, she’s not wrong, though Bill Buford’s Heat is probably a shade closer.” —Jennifer Senior, The New York Times Professional journalist and amateur drinker Bianca Bosker didn’t know much about wine—until she discovered an alternate universe where taste reigns supreme, a world of elite sommeliers who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of flavor. Astounded by their fervor and seemingly superhuman sensory powers, she set out to uncover what drove their obsession, and whether she, too, could become a “cork dork.” With boundless curiosity, humor, and a healthy dose of skepticism, Bosker takes the reader inside underground tasting groups, exclusive New York City restaurants, California mass-market wine factories, and even a neuroscientist’s fMRI machine as she attempts to answer the most nagging question of all: what’s the big deal about wine? What she learns will change the way you drink wine—and, perhaps, the way you live—forever. “Think: Eat, Pray, Love meets Somm.” —theSkimm “As informative as it is, well, intoxicating.” —Fortune




Craft Spirit World


Book Description

"Craft Spirit World" presents over 100 of the finest drinks produced by distillers around the world—from Japanese Whiskey and Californian Tequila to English Brandy and Australian Gin. Distillation is as close as mankind has come to alchemy: turning everything from the humble potato to run-of-the-mill corn into glorious liquor. But there's nothing like industrialisation to suck the soul out of a process % and, with their vast column stills and bulk-buy mentality, that is exactly what the spirit-industry behemoths have managed to do. Cue the micro-distiller—a new breed of artisan producer reigniting our love of spirits and making drinks of quality rather than quantity. Artisan spirits can not only taste better, but each microdistiller has a tale to tell about the ingredients or the dream that led them to lovingly coax each drop of spirit from still to bottle. And we all love a good story. In "Craft Spirit World," over 100 of the best examples on the market of gin, vodka, rum, whisky, bourbon, cognac, and more are revealed, , coming from producers dotted across the globe—from New Zealand and South Africa to Scotland, Italy, Canada, and the United States. Each entry then covers the history behind the drink, where to get it, and, most importantly, what it tastes like.




The Palgrave Handbook of Wine Industry Economics


Book Description

This Palgrave Handbook offers the first international comparative study into the efficiency of the industrial organization of the global wine industry. Looking at several important vineyards of the main wine countries, the contributors analyze differences in implementation and articulation of three key stages: grape production, wine making and distribution (marketing, selling and logistics). By examining regulations, organization theory, industry organizational efficiency and vertical integration, up to date strategies in the sector are presented and appraised. Which models are most efficient? What are the most relevant factors for optimal performance? How do reputation and governance impact the industry? Should different models co-exist within the wine countries for global success? This comprehensive volume is essential reading for students, researchers and professionals in the wine industry.




The nutrition and health potential of geographical indication foods


Book Description

Traditional foods, diets and food systems play an important role in people’s nutritional status. As the best products of traditional food systems, geographical indication (GI) foods have a great potential to contribute to healthy diets and curb non-communicable diseases. This paper presents five case studies around the world on the nutritional potential of registered GI foods and explores the link between the production processes and the nutritional composition of the final products. The nutritional characteristics of these foods can be largely attributed to their unique ingredients and production procedures, which are linked to their geographical origins.The paper also discusses the development of GI specifications to maintain and improve nutritional values, the role of GI foods in healthy diets, and the determination of food composition. Finally, suggestions on how to leverage GI foods for healthy diets are provided.