Whiskey: A Global History

(Hardback)

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Description

In Whiskey, Kevin R. Kosar delivers an informative, concise narrative of the drink's history, from its obscure medieval origins to the globally traded product that it is today. Kosar charts how the technique of distillation moved from ancient Egypt to the British Isles. 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.

Reviews

'Scotch purists may splutter over Kosar's planet-wide perspective: note his spelling. But open-minded readers, and drinkers, will raise a glass to his elan and expertise.' - I (Independent) 'the perfect primer for the person who wants to quickly learn the basics ... his book is for more typical folks, many of whom have difficulty sorting out their single-malt Scotches from their bourbons from their Irish whiskeys.' - Washington Post 'a brief, informative, and endlessly diverting history of whiskey - in its many incarnations - that is not exactly intoxicating, but deeply satisfying ... it would be difficult to find, in the holiday season, a superior gift to this tasty, eye-opening, gem of light scholarship.' - The Weekly Standard 'Kevin Kosar might be the most thoughtful boozehound you'll ever meet' - The Washingtonian 'Once seen, the photograph on page 116 of the flared head of a pickled baby cobra inside a bottle of greenish whiskey from Thailand is liable to resist even the strongest attempts to scotch it from memory. Fortunately the other pages of this pocket-size guide are filled with sufficient charm and erudition to compensate.' - Diplomat magazine 'Kevin R. Kosar tells the story of whiskey from its obscure medieval origins to the global product that it is today. Focusing on Scotland, Ireland and the USA, Kosar explains how bourbon, corn, rye, Irish and Scotch differ, with a list of recommended brands and classic cocktail recipes for the thirsty reader to enjoy.' - Living North 'equips readers with the basics to navigate the world of whiskey in straightforward terms, breaking down not only the language so that consumers can interpret what the labels mean ... but also give readers an understanding of how so much of the whiskey industry around the world is tied to government policy and legislation. With maps, antique illustrations and advertisements, charts and photos, this global history distills the spirit in a way that's accessible and engaging.' - Liza Weisstuch's Annual Gift Guide, Beverage Business 'an informative, concise narrative of the drink's history, from its obscure medieval origins to the globally traded product that it is today.' - Eat-Drink-Etc.com 'Whiskey ... peels away the mythology to examine the real history of this legendary drink. Kosar shows that its history is at least as fascinating as the legend ... a delightful book' - Galveston Daily News

Author Bio

Kevin R. Kosar is the founder of AlcoholReviews.com. His writings on alcoholic beverages have appeared in American.com, the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America (2004) and the New York Press and New York Hangover newspapers. He lives in Washington, DC.