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Top new spirits books for summer 2017

A whisky tube map, a manual on all things mezcal and the boozy history behind the Bloody Mary – these are our top spirits books for summer 2017.

We present our pick of the top spirits books for summer 2017

Whether you’re planning on taking a beach break this summer or just want to unwind with a good read in your garden, we’ve got the books that will keep you in high spirits all season long.

From 80 cocktails around the world to a 400-page journey exploring Japanese whisky, get ready for those long summer nights with our essential reading list for the spirits aficionado.

Click through the following pages to discover our selection of the top new spirits books to hit the shelves this season.

Have you read a new book that deserves a spot in our line-up? Let us know in the comments section below.

Looking for more? Here’s our spring 2017 new book selection for other recent spirits publications.

The Pocket Guide to Whisky by Blair Bowman and Nikki Welch

A must-have for any Londoner with a penchant for whisky, this unique map links world whiskies by flavour, making it easy to navigate from well-known names to undiscovered gems. The book details everything from what to look for in whisky and what to avoid, to getting the best value for money to the perfect accompaniments to your dram and the ideal whisky for every occasion. The Pocket Guide to Whisky was written by whisky writer Blair Bowman who founded World Whisky Day in 2012, and co-authored by Nikki Welch who wrote WineTubeMap.

The Pocket Guide to Whisky is available now in major bookstores and on Amazon at an RRP of £7.99.

The Curious Bartender’s Rum Revolution by Tristan Stephenson

The Curious Bartender’s Rum Revolution is the fifth book by esteemed cocktail expert Tristan Stephenson. Explore rum’s remarkable history, and learn about how it’s made, from the science of sugar cane and molasses to distillation and unique ageing technique. The book also includes a section on The Rum Tour which provides information on rum distilleries around the world, with tasting notes to guide you along the way. Try your hand at mastering Mai Tais and Mojitos, as well as Brazil’s famous Caipirinha and Batida cocktails, made with rum’s sister spirit, cachaça.

The Curious Bartender’s Rum Revolution is available now on Amazon at an RRP of £14.88.

Chasing the Dram: Finding the spirit of whisky by Rachel McCormack

Interspersing an engaging mix of anecdotes, history and information on distillers and recipes, this book will appeal to everyone from the cooking whisky connoisseur, to the novice learner looking for some guidance on what to eat and cook. Food writer McCormack travels the length and breadth of Scotland, holding interviews with key people who have created whisky around the country, as she visits well-known distilleries as well as the more home-grown variety.

Chasing the Dram: Finding the Spirit of Whisky is available on Amazon from 29 June 2017.

The Bloody Mary by Brian Bartels

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and beyond – could there be a better book than one dedicated to the Bloody Mary? Brian Bartels – beverage director for several New York venues – delves into his favourite cocktail with musings on garnish idiosyncrasies as well as the history and lore surrounding this classic drink. Featuring more than 50 eclectic recipes from top bartenders around the US, The Bloody Mary will have mixologists rethinking the way they make this Brunch-time classic.

The Bloody Mary is available to preorder now from Amazon.

Whisky Rising by Stefan Van Eycken

Whisky Rising is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Japanese whisky, and features profiles on distilleries new and old, interviews with master distillers and blenders, and reviews and tasting notes, plus a definitive catalog featuring all of the must-drink whiskies. The book is an immersive, 400 pages of recipes, history and infographics beautifully presented with considered layout and design choices.

Whisky Rising is available now on Amazon at an RRP of £16.58.

Around the World in 80 Cocktails by Chad Parkhill

Around the World in 80 Cocktails celebrates the globetrotting history of the cocktail through eighty different serves – each with its own story to tell.

Australian bartender and writer Chad Parkhill depicts the history of the cocktail from its birth to the present day, with recipes that can be followed along at home. Accompanied by gorgeous vintage-styled illustrations, read on for the history of the Venetian Spritz to the origins of the Black Russian.

Around the World in 80 Cocktails is available for preorder on Amazon.

Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spirit by Emma Janzen

Booze writer Emma Janzen presents all things mezcal from its long history to a thorough guide of the most common agaves used in production and how they shape the resulting spirit. Readers can also make their own cocktails with top mezcal bars across the US and Mexico contributing a selection of nearly 50 recipes featuring the Mexican spirit.

Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spirit is available for preorder on Amazon.

A field guide to whisky by Hans Offringa

Written by renowned whisky expert Hands Offriga, A Field Guide to Whisky is a one-stop guide for all the information a whisky enthusiast needs. There are 323 short entries covering basic whisky literacy, production methods, consumption tips, trends, trivia, geographical maps and lists of distilleries, whisky trails, bars, hotels, and festivals by an industry insider. Boasting 230 colour photographs and a beautiful package to boot, A Field Guide to Whisky will make a whisky expert out of anyone.

A Field Guide to Whisky is available for preorder on Amazon.

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