Alcademics

Below should the last batch of new cocktails and spirits (mostly) books that come out before the new year. Next week I'll post my annual round-up of all the boozy beverage books that came out in 2017. 

As always, the text below comes from the publishers and is not a review by me. Links are to Amazon.com. 

The Drinkable Globe: The Indispensable Guide to the Wide World of Booze by Jeff Cioletti 

Join international beverage journalist and expert Jeff Cioletti as he explores the tradition, consumption, and production of alcohol on every continent. The Drinkable Globe circumnavigates the planet from the Land Down Under, to the Bluegrass state - and even to Antarctica - to uncover the boozy cultures and concoctions that make the world go ’round.

Ever tried soju mixed with beer and Coca-cola? How about making your own onion-infused vodka for a bold bloody Mary? You’ll get to drink along with 130 recipes from exotic brands and renowned international cocktail personalities.

Jeff Cioletti’s tenure in liquid literacy has exposed him to some of the best libations the world has to offer and given him access to the producers and purveyors of such fine refreshments. He combines his love of drink with a passion for travel and one usually involves the other. He served for fourteen years as an editor at Beverage World magazine, including eight years as editor in chief of the publication. He’s also the author of the books “The Year of Drinking Adventurously,” “Beer FAQ” and “The Drinkable Globe.” Jeff is the founder of beverage and travel site, The Drinkable Globe (DrinkableGlobe.com) and a frequent contributor to publications including Draft Magazine, All About Beer Magazine, FSR, CraftBeer.com SevenFifty Daily, Beverage Media and BevNet. Additionally, he’s a Certified International Kikisake-shi (sake sommelier) and the winner of multiple North American Guild of Beer Writers awards.

The Way of Whisky: A Journey Around Japanese Whisky by Dave Broom 

Since 2002 (the year it appeared on export markets) Japanese whisky has been consistently winning major international spirits awards. As export production increases and export markets - the USA and France in particular - open up to embrace the quality of these fine malt whiskies, all eyes are on Japan.

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.

Each chapter details the history of the distillery in question, its production and current whiskies (with tasting notes). Dave considers along the way why Japanese whisky is different, questions of tradition vs innovation, and how whisky links with many aspects of Japanese culture. Breathtaking photography from Kohei Take leads the reader deeper into the philosophy behind the drink, making this a must-have edition for any whisky lover, whisky drinker, whisky collector or Japanophile.

The Imbible: A Cocktail Guide for Beginning and Home Bartenders by Micah LeMon 

Micah LeMon had one slight problem when he started bartending nearly twenty years ago: he had no idea what he was doing. Mixology, he came to understand, is based on principles that are indispensable but not widely known. In The Imbible, LeMon shares the knowledge he has gained over two decades, so that even beginning bartenders can execute classic cocktails--and riff on those classics to create originals of their own.

A good cocktail is never a random concoction. LeMon introduces readers to the principal components of every drink--spirit, sweet, and sour or bitter--and explains the role each plays in bringing balance to a beverage. Choosing two archetypes--the shaken Daiquiri and the stirred Manhattan―he shows how bartenders craft delicious variations by beginning with a good foundation and creatively substituting like ingredients.

Lavishly illustrated in color and laid out in an inviting and practical way, The Imbible also provides a thorough overview of the bartender’s essential tools and techniques and includes recipes for over forty drinks--from well executed classics to original creations exclusive to this book. Both a lesson for beginners and a master class for more experienced bartenders, LeMon’s book opens the door to endless variations without losing sight of the true goal--to make a delicious cocktail.

Best Beers: the indispensable guide to the world’s beers by Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont

Written by two of the world's leading beer experts, with the help of a team of international contributors, The Pocket Beer Book takes you from the Bock beers of Germany to the Trappist beers of Belgium, the complex bitters and stouts of Britain to the cutting-edge brews of North America. This expert selection covers the extraordinary variety the world's beers now have to offer.

Tasting notes, organised by country, provide succinct commentary on the chosen beers and cover the brewery and each beer's key characteristics. With 4,300 beers featured, this book encompasses more familiar established beers as well as exciting new discoveries from the myriad craft breweries that are emerging around the world, covering 80 countries.

Punctuating the tasting notes is information on "beer destinations", specific places where you can best experience a beer in situ. An extensive introductory chapter to the book also covers styles of beer and food and beer pairings.