num_pages: 144
description: A Manhattan or a Sazerac; neat on the rocks or with a splash of sodano matter how its served up whiskey is synonymous with the poets inspiration and the devils spirit. Be it bourbon rye corn Irish or Scotch whiskey has an infamous and celebrated history from a sometimes lethal herb-infused concoction to a high-quality meticulously crafted liquor. In Whiskey  Kevin R. Kosar delivers an informative concise narrative of the drinks history from its obscure medieval origins to the globally traded product that it is today. Focusing on three nationsScotland Ireland and AmericaKosar charts how the technique of distillation moved from ancient Egypt to the British Isles. Contrary to popular claims there were no good old days of before the twentieth century consumers could never be sure just what was being poured in their cupunscrupulous profiteers could distill anything into booze and pawn it off as whiskey. Eventually government and industry established legal definitions of what whiskey is and how it could be made allowing for the distinctive styles of whiskey known today. Whiskey explains what whiskey is how it is made and how the types of whiskey differ. With a list of suggested brands and classic cocktail recipes for the thirsty reader this book is perfect for drink and food enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
language: English
title: Whiskey: A Global History
publisher: Reaktion Books