The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Potent Potables by Bill Owens


The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Potent Potables
Title : The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Potent Potables
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1592535690
ISBN-10 : 9781592535699
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 176
Publication : First published November 1, 2009

This book is a backstage pass into the world of small-scale distilling of whiskies, gins, vodkas, brandies, and more. The reader, the ultimate spirits aficionado, will learn how water and grain are transformed into the full range exquisite, timeless liquors. There are few books available that explore the actual craft of distilling in such detail. Most of the other spirits books chronicle the historical side of the distilling world or focus on the flavors of various vintages. Our book will be the consummate insider's guide to distilling techniques. Bill Owens' original photography, the result of two cross-country road trips, offers comprehensive illustration of the microdistilling world.


The Art of Distilling Whiskey and Other Spirits: An Enthusiast's Guide to the Artisan Distilling of Potent Potables Reviews


  • David Schwan

    This is an ok book about the art of distilling spirits. About 1/3 of the book covers the art, about 1/3 is an overview of many distilled spirits, and the last 1/3 is pictures and descriptions of many American craft distilleries. What's funny is how overly tall some people make their columns on their stills, almost Freudian in nature.

    Overall an informative book.

  • Norman S

    A lovely coffee table book that you can actually read. It's got a bit of everything from history, to mechanics, to process, to vocabulary, with a great little bios of distillers. All with a generous helping of glossy photos. If you'd like a better general sense of how that wonderful brown liquour gets into your little brown jug, then this is the book for you!

  • Spike Gomes

    I was initially disappointed after receiving this book from the seller. I thought it was going to be instructional, but instead it seemed to be a coffee table book filled with excellent shots of stills, bottles and distillers. Reading it, I found that while it wasn't an instructional book on how to distill your own whiskey, it still was a very good book on the history and production of craft distilled beverages; not to mention it does make a great coffee table book! If you're looking for an instructional book, I urge you to try another, but if you're interested in the art of distilling, the history, and some nice photos, it's worth the money.

  • Cole

    Well written and informative book. It is a coffee-table style book, with lots of pictures, but that doesn't stop it from being full of useful information (and quite a bit of trivia, too). This is not a how-to book, but none the less a good place to start if you are interested in distilling. The list of resources and books in the back does have some how-to books you can follow up with if desired. Overall an educational and entertaining read.

  • Junio

    Some very good photography & interesting text combine to make it like a DK picturebook for adults. It is pretty good at explaining different styles of distilled spirits, and has a great part at the end of each section where it tours notable smaller and regional distilleries.

  • Smellsofbikes

    Good broad-focus discussion of distillation equipment, techniques, styles, and drinks, with a lot of sidebar material -- so much so that it's sometimes distracting to the thread of the book -- and a number of one-page sections on specific distillers and distilleries.

  • Janet

    A good intro to the art of distilling, with explanations of the various types of spirits and the terminology that distillers use.

  • Amber

    Went into great detail, photos and illustrations are wonderful. A good reference book.

  • Laura Barkett

    This is a good starter book for anyone interested in distilling whiskey.

  • Matt

    Very good overview.