For those of you who love to read – these may be of interest. The books pictured have broadened my understanding in different aspects of the alcohol industry. Please excuse and ignore the tags throughout – I am still using these as reference points. Each book is so very different in their perspectives.
‘The Business of Spirits’ by Noah Rothbaum unveils the mystic of spirits. It takes an enlightening view of the renaissance of spirits, the history behind it and examines innovative marketing influences on the gin, tequila, whiskies and other spirits we choose to drink.
‘Proof: The Science of Booze’ is a must read. Well-structured and detailed in the science and history and biology of spirits, Adam Rogers follows the process path from the discovery of yeast, to fermentation, distillation and aging of different alcohols to its effect on us biologically and neurologically in such an unusual and entertaining read. It is full of fascinating facts, chemical interactions and great anecdotes right down to the effects of hangovers and the science behind it.
Le Nez du Whisky by Jean Lenoir and Hubert Richard is one I think I will be reading using for a while. It begins by giving a general overview of whisky regions in the world, a brief history and process of distilling. It is designed to be instructional tool in improving olfactory memory. Along with the book are 54 tiny bottles with different aromas and an aroma wheel to help identify qualities and develop a shared language when discussing whisky. Our eight year old son Mark had a go at naming aromas from the bottles in the kit and had more accuracy than Gareth or I. Never know – we may have a whisky connoisseur in the making!
