The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart (Author). Sake started with a grain of rice. Scotch emerged from barley, tequila from agave, rum from sugarcane, bourbon from corn. Thirsty yet? In The Drunken Botanist, Amy Stewart explores the dizzying array of herbs, flowers, trees, fruits, and fungi that humans have, by way of ingenuity, inspiration, and sheer desperation, contrived to transform into alcohol over the centuries.
Of all the extraordinary and obscure vegetation that have been fermented and distilled, a number of are harmful, some are downright bizarre, and one is as historical as dinosaurs-however each represents a novel cultural contribution to our world ingesting traditions and our history.
This fascinating concoction of biology, chemistry, history, etymology, and Mixology-with more than fifty drink recipes and growing tips for gardeners-will make you the preferred guest at any cocktail party.
I cherished this book. While the format is something like an encyclopedia, I read it cover-to-cowl, and was sad once I reached the top; the entries had been so informative and effectively-written that it was more participating than some novels I’ve learned recently.
I knew some of the background data, however quite a bit was new to me. As a species, we’re clearly keen on fermenting anything that is likely to be fermentable!
The strategies of the way to discover extra- like with tequilas and liqueurs- had been actually interesting, and our bar storage goes to be increasing. The drink recipes included labored very well primarily based on these I tried. I additionally appreciated the information about what makes a premium spirit worth extra cash vs. the basics.
Whereas I originally received an ARC of it via LibraryThing, as soon as I would learn it I ordered the printed version- sure, I preferred it that much. The duvet is splendid, and the 2-shade printing in the interior works beautifully. It is also nice to have an index.
In case you are interested within the history of booze, or in cocktails, or spirits in general- I HIGHLY suggest this book. It is not solely really informative, it’s an awesome read, and a superb reference.
For those who’re searching for an e-book filled with recipes, this isn’t it. Yes, there’s some delicious concoctions in here however this e book is de facto for us plant and gardening geeks. In case you actually wish to know what’s in your favorite drink (even when it’s straight tequila), that is your reference. All the things Amy Stewart writes is a pleasurable learn – you will not even understand how a lot you are learning!
The Drunken Botanist
Amy Stewart (Author)
400 pages
Algonquin Books; 1 edition (March 19, 2013)
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