1001 Whiskies You Must Taste Before You Die


Book Description

This latest volume in the hugely popular 1001 series supplies the connoisseurs’ scoop on the finest spirits from the Scottish highlands to the exotic new whiskies emanating from Japan and the evolving world of American micro-distilleries. The book also covers bourbons and ryes, making this the go-to volume for the serious whisky connoisseur as well as the passionate beginner. This essential guide represents the collective, subjective wisdom of an international team of critics who winnow the world of spirits down to the “must-try” whiskies—from high-quality, mass-produced brands to small-batch specialty bourbons from micro-distilleries. Each entry includes critical tasting notes, a history of the distillery, and temperature recommendations. From grain to glass, everything important is covered—including storing and serving whiskies, making whisky cocktails, and pairing whisky with food—making this the most important illustrated exploration of whisky published in years.




1001 Whiskies You Must Try Before You Die


Book Description

Time-honoured, luxurious and naturally made, whisky has a noble heritage unparalleled by any other spirit. 1001 Whiskies You Must Try Before You Die takes you on a fascinating global whisky tour - from Scotland and Ireland through North America, Japan, India and the rest of the world, providing insight into the 1001 best and most exciting whiskies ever made - from the established classics, such as Scotland's Springbank, to emerging greats from Japan. Each evocative review traces the heritage of the single malt, grain, blend or bourbon selected, and reveals the particular production methods used in its formation. Detailed and tantalizing tasting notes complete the text - whether tempting your palate with light citrusy flavours, warm, spicy overtones, or hints of everything from earthy peat and bitter chocolate to sweet syrup. An invaluable resource for whisky afficionados everywhere, 1001 Whiskies You Must Try Before You Die explores the traditional tipple's incredible diversity, introduces you to a host of often new, and sometimes rare, finds, and is sure to enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the drink in all its forms. A unique and inspirational guide to the mouthwatering world of whisky.




1001 Wines You Must Try Before You Die


Book Description

If you're after a good quality wine to try, you are no longer restricted to the greats of the Old World - Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhine Valley and Barolo to name but a few. Countries everywhere from Argentina to Australia, and even China, Canada, India and Thailand are now producing great wines at affordable prices. So what to choose?1001 Wines You Must Try Before You Die is here to lift you out of the grapey confusion. Entries written by experts cover everything you'll need to choose between the Chardonnay or the Grenache, including evocative tasting notes, informative and entertaining reviews, suggestions as to when the wines will be at their best and recommendations for other great vintages and similar wines. Accompanied by images of the wine labels and beautiful photographs of the wineries and vineyards, this book is a sumptuous guide to discovering the world's most interesting and exciting wines.




World's Best Whiskies


Book Description

Revised and Updated. Whisky is one of the world’s most revered spirits, with connoisseurs spending a great deal of money and time on the appreciation of rare expressions and limited edition bottles. In addition, many whisky connoisseurs travel direct to the source to see and experience the world’s best distilleries at first hand. Since the publication of the first edition in 2010, many changes have occurred in the world of whisky which are fully explored in this completely new edition. Over 200 of the 750 whiskies are updated, along with over 20 of the 38 features to reflect the ‘new world of whisky’, from the growing US single malt craft distillery movement (including Balcones in Texas), Japan (Yoichi),Taiwan (Kavalan), India (Paul John), Australia (Overeem), France (Warengem) and Sweden (Mackmyra, Spirit of Hven). Aimed at beginners as well as connoisseurs, the book encompasses everything you need to know to increase your appreciation of this complex and fascinating spirit. Iconic distilleries such as Lagavulin, Highland Park and Glenrothes in Scotland are fully explored alongside the bourbon innovators of Kentucky such as Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark. From global brands to tiny craft distillers, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the best dram the world over.




I Suck at Girls


Book Description

From the #1 New York Times bestseller author of Sh*t My Dad Says, Justin Halpern, comes a laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching collection of personal stories about relationships with the opposite sex, from a first kiss to getting engaged and all the awkward moments in between. Fans of biting, honor-infused memoirs such as Me Talk Pretty One Day and Assassination Vacation will find Halpern’s I Suck at Girls an unforgettable journey into the best and worst moments of one man’s adventures in romance. "Human beings fear the unknown. So, whatever's freaking you out, grab it by the balls and say hello. Then it ain't the unknown anymore and it ain't scary. Or I guess it could be a shitload scarier." Fans of the #1 bestseller Sh*t My Dad Says will recognize the always-patient voice of Justin Halpern's dad as it crackles through the pages of this hysterical new book. The story begins when Justin takes his dad out to lunch to announce that he's decided to propose to his girlfriend. "You've been dating her for four years," his dad replies. "It ain't like you found a parallel fucking universe." But eventually he gives Justin some advice: that he should take a day off and think back over everything he's learned in life about women, relationships, and himself before making his decision. And that's just what Justin does—revisiting everything from his disastrous childhood crushes to the night he finally lost his virginity while working as a dishwasher at Hooters. I Suck at Girls is full of his dad's patented brand of wisdom. But it's also full of new characters just as funny as his dad—from his brother, who provides insights into wedding night rituals ("You stand in one corner of the room, and she stands in the other. You each take off one piece of clothing at a time") to his first boss, who warns Justin to man up: "That's what a man does. He takes his shots and then he scrubs the shit out of some dishes." The result is a pilgrim's progress through the landscape of sex and love—by one of the funniest writers at work today.







101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die (Revised & Updated)


Book Description

Revised and updated in 2013, 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die is a whisky guide with a difference. It is not an awards list. It is not a list of the 101 'best' whiskies in the world in the opinion of a self-appointed whisky guru. It is simply a guide to the 101 whiskies that enthusiasts must seek out and try in order to complete their whisky education. Avoiding the deliberately obscure, the ridiculously limited and the absurdly expensive, whisky expert Ian Buxton recommends an eclectic selection of old favourites, stellar newcomers and mystifyingly unknown drams that simply have to be drunk. The book decodes the marketing hype and gets straight to the point; whether from India, America, Sweden, Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens and islands of Scotland, here are the 101 whiskies that you really want. Try them before you die - Slainte!




The Wasp Factory


Book Description

The polarizing literary debut by Scottish author Ian Banks, The Wasp Factory is the bizarre, imaginative, disturbing, and darkly comic look into the mind of a child psychopath. Meet Frank Cauldhame. Just sixteen, and unconventional to say the least: Two years after I killed Blyth I murdered my young brother Paul, for quite different and more fundamental reasons than I'd disposed of Blyth, and then a year after that I did for my young cousin Esmerelda, more or less on a whim. That's my score to date. Three. I haven't killed anybody for years, and don't intend to ever again. It was just a stage I was going through.




American History Through a Whiskey Glass


Book Description

Experience American history like never before with this unique, informative, and fun guide for history buffs, whiskey enthusiasts, folks who like to cook at home, and fans of popular music. American History Through a Whiskey Glass presents a unique perspective on American history. It describes how bourbon and rye whiskey played a role in the most important events in American history, including the voyage of the Mayflower, George Washington’s failed and successful political campaigns, the Civil War, pioneers moving west, Prohibition (of course), plus many more into the twenty-first century. It does so with descriptions of historical events but also with amusing anecdotes and humorous quotes from the historical figures themselves. The book carefully aligns five elements: a narrative about whiskey’s role in eight periods of American history descriptions and tasting notes for American whiskeys that represent distilled spirits in each historical period tutorials on how whiskey is produced and its numerous varieties period-specific food recipes drawn mostly from historical cookbooks playlists of the popular music during each period The book gives readers an integrated and entertaining perspective on popular culture in America at different times, revealing how Americans have politicked, drank their native spirits, ate, and sang. But it does more; readers will not only learn about America’s history, they can experience it through numerous illustrations, whiskey tasting, food, and music. It provides an opportunity for readers to be involved in a truly immersive approach to life-long learning . . . and it’s fun.




Rum: More than 100 of the world’s best rums (Collins Little Books)


Book Description

This beautifully presented Little Book is an excellent introduction to the world of rum. It includes the very best product from the Caribbean, UK, and US as well as new and emerging markets. With a fascinating history of the product itself, how it’s made, and details of the world’s best rums, this is perfect for all rum lovers.