Cask Strength

The story of the unsung hero of the world of spirits, wine, and beer and an invention as ancient and important as the wheel—the humble barrel. Without the barrel, we would have no bourbon, no oak-aged chardonnay, no barrel-aged stouts . . . and no tabasco sauce, either. From its first use by the Ancient Egyptians, the barrel has left an unmistakable imprint on human history. The Romans used it in all corners of their vast empire, and explorers could not have charted the globe or opened up trade routes without them to store their food and water. And in all its thousands of years of use, the barrel’s basic design has barely changed at all—a testament to its sheer and simple perfection. Cask Strength is more than a history book. In it, Mike Gerrard, an award-winning travel and drinks writer, investigates the making, buying, and selling of barrels and details how drinks like wine, tequila, rum, cognac, and others are enhanced by specific kinds of barrel production. Modern distillers, brewers, and wine-makers continue to use them in new, creative ways—with the barrel providing up to 60-70% of their flavors. Gerrard’s expertise and palpable passion for beverages will ignite the curiosities of booze fans and history buffs alike as Cask Strength traces the simple splendor of the barrel.

“The second book in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series is a romp of an M/M romantic suspense”—from the author of Single Malt (RT Book Reviews). Professionally, the FBI team of Aidan “Irish” Talley and Jameson “Whiskey” Walker is as good as it gets, closing cases faster than any team at the Bureau. Personally, it’s a different story. Aidan’s feelings for Jamie scare the hell out of him: he won’t risk losing another love no matter how heart-tripping the intimacy between them. And loss is a grim reality with the terrorist Renaud still on their trail, leaving a pile of bodies in his wake. Going undercover on a new case gets them out of town and off the killer’s radar. They’re assigned to investigate an identity theft ring involving a college basketball team in Jamie’s home state, where Jamie’s past makes him perfect for the role of coach. But returning to the court brings more than old memories. As secrets and shocking betrayals abound, none may be more dangerous than the one Jamie’s been keeping: a secret about the death of Aidan’s husband that could blow his partner’s world apart and destroy forever the fragile bonds of trust and love building between them. Praise for Single Malt “Full of explosive chemistry, captivating characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. A must read for any romantic suspense fan!” —Megan Erickson, USA Today–bestselling author “Sexy, smart and suspenseful—this book has it all.” —HelenKay Dimon, author of Guarding Mr. Fine “This book had a bit of everything for me—romance, suspense, intrigue, dirty dealings, love lost, love gained, family, heartache—it’s all here.” —The Romance Reviews

"A singular story, and an inspiring journey with one of the original characters of the contemporary scotch whisky world. Find out how an ordinary man discovers his first dram of single malt, and unwittingly departs on a journey over time, ... and then online. Ralfy relates stories, tales and anecdotes full of real characters, real events, real places, and real whisky."--Page 4 of cover.

Greetings, fellow seekers of the agave's elixir, As I set out to unravel the stories and mystique that lie behind each pour, "Sipping on Tentacion: The Allure of Tequila Unveiled" beckons us into a realm where passion meets liquid poetry. Inspired by the vision and fervor of a true tequila enthusiast, Shawn Roten, whose soon-to-be tequila haven in Edmonds, Washington, named "Tentacion," awaits its moment of unveiling. In the heart of Edmonds, where the sea breeze whispers tales of distant lands, Shawn's imminent establishment, Tentacion, promises to be more than a bar—it is poised to be a sanctuary for tequila lovers. I am inspired by Shawn's love affair with tequila, a romance that transcends the confines of a glass and spills into the very essence of his forthcoming establishment. "Sipping on Tentacion" is not just a journey through the rich tapestry of tequila; it's a narrative woven with threads of passion, discovery, and the anticipation of moments yet to unfold. Shawn, a maestro in the art of tequila, is not merely opening a bar; he is extending an invitation to savor the allure of a spirit that has been embraced by cultures, celebrated in rituals, and shared in the company of friends. As we navigate through the pages of this odyssey, guided by the impending existence of Tentacion, we'll explore the agave-laden fields of Jalisco, where the heart of tequila beats in harmony with the land. We'll venture into the distilleries, where the alchemy of tradition and innovation fashions tequila into an art form. It is within these pages that the essence of Tentacion and Shawn's love for tequila come to life—a testament to the anticipation that surrounds the creation of a space dedicated to the allure of this remarkable spirit. Join me on this journey, where the love for tequila intertwines with the dreams of a tequila haven called Tentacion. May "Sipping on Tentacion" be a companion to your own explorations, a guide to the flavors that dance upon your palate, and a celebration of the moments when the allure of tequila is most captivating. Here's to the imminent unveiling of Tentacion and the boundless allure of tequila, Salud,

The world's best-selling book on malt whisky, now updated to include all the latest significant bottlings. This seventh edition of Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch continues to provide whisky enthusiasts with all the information, advice, and guidance they need to improve their knowledge and appreciation of single malt whisky. Fully updated with all the latest significant bottlings, Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch includes an unrivaled A– Z of single malts with background information on the distilleries and tasting notes for more than 1,000 bottlings. It even provides each whisky with an overall score. Michael Jackson, regarded as the world's foremost authority on whisky until his death in 2007, originally authored this title. His legacy lives on in the 2015 edition edited by world-leading whisky consultants Dominic Roskrow and Gavin D. Smith. By giving practical advice on buying and collecting malts and interpreting whisky labels, and providing hundreds of color images, Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch can turn any whisky novice into an informed veteran.

World Whiskey is your nation-by-nation whiskey bible to more than 700 varieties and top award-winners from around the world. Featuring an up-to-date photograph for each type to aid in recognition, this comprehensive reference guides you through every important distilling nation-from Dewar's and Macallan in Scotland to Jack Daniel's and Maker's Mark in the United States to Amrut and Lammerlaw in Asia and Australasia. Its nation-by-nation A to Z format makes it accessible for confirmed whiskey lovers and new converts alike. Tasting notes and information on the factors that contribute to each variety's unique flavor help you explore and enjoy this distinctive spirit. Learn about every aspect of whiskey production, gain insight into the operation and secrets of featured distilleries, use whiskey tour maps to plan trips around major whiskey-producing regions, and much more. With this completely up-to-date edition of World Whiskey, you are sure to find a satisfying dram wherever you are.

This ultimate guide to Scotch whisky offers an insider's look into one of the world's beloved spirits—its history, production, and traditions—along with tasting notes for more than 200 common bottlings. “Scotch whisky [has an] uncanny ability to transform a mundane moment into something special and memorable.” —Margarett Waterbury Scotch whisky is beloved around the world. But for the uninitiated, its diversity can be bewildering. This comprehensive guide to Scotch whisky history, production, and appreciation will help you navigate the world of Scotch with confidence. Along with an overview of its intricate production process and tips for visiting your favorite distillery, Scotch features profiles of more than 200 whiskies, from popular blends to coveted single malts, with a special focus on bottles you’re likely to find with ease. You’ll also find recommendations for matching the right whisky to the right occasion, from great values for everyday imbibing, to worth-the-splurge options for marking life’s biggest moments. Whether you're a whisky newbie, a die-hard fan, or simply malt-curious, Scotch will be your go-to resource for demystifying the greatest of whiskies.

Revised and Updated. Whisky is one of the world’s most revered spirits, with connoisseurs spending a great deal of money and time on the appreciation of rare expressions and limited edition bottles. In addition, many whisky connoisseurs travel direct to the source to see and experience the world’s best distilleries at first hand. Since the publication of the first edition in 2010, many changes have occurred in the world of whisky which are fully explored in this completely new edition. Over 200 of the 750 whiskies are updated, along with over 20 of the 38 features to reflect the ‘new world of whisky’, from the growing US single malt craft distillery movement (including Balcones in Texas), Japan (Yoichi),Taiwan (Kavalan), India (Paul John), Australia (Overeem), France (Warengem) and Sweden (Mackmyra, Spirit of Hven). Aimed at beginners as well as connoisseurs, the book encompasses everything you need to know to increase your appreciation of this complex and fascinating spirit. Iconic distilleries such as Lagavulin, Highland Park and Glenrothes in Scotland are fully explored alongside the bourbon innovators of Kentucky such as Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark. From global brands to tiny craft distillers, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the best dram the world over.