Craft Spirits

226 Pages·2016·45.82 MB·English

by  Eric Grossman

CC RRAAFFTT
SPIRITS

CC RRAAFFTT
SPIRIT S
Eric Grossman
Project Editor Martha Burley
Project Art Editor Vicky Read
US Editor Rebecca Warren
US Consultant JT Robertson
US Senior Editor Shannon Beatty
Pre-Production Producer Rebecca
Fallowfield
Producer Stephanie McConnell
Jackets Team Francesca Young,
Harriet Yeomans
Creative Technical Support
Sonia Charbonnier
Managing Art Editor Christine Keilty
Managing Editor Stephanie Farrow
Art Director Maxine Pedliham
Creative Director Mary-Clare Jerram
Illustrations Vicky Read
Photography William Reavell
First American Edition, 2016
Published in the United States by DK Publishing
345 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
Copyright © 2016 Dorling Kindersley Limited
DK, a Division of Penguin Random House LLC
16 17 18 19 20 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
01–280241–Apr/2016
All rights reserved.
Without limiting the rights under the copyright
reserved above, no part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any
means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise), without the prior written
permission of the copyright owner.
Published in Great Britain by
Dorling Kindersley Limited.
A catalog record for this book is available
from the Library of Congress.

ISBN 978–1–4654–4384–7
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Contents
Introduction 6 Mix it Up 142
Infusing Rum 142
GETTING IN THE SPIRIT 8 Daiquiri 144
Hurricane 146
VODKA 30
Mojito 148
Craft Spirits: The A–Z 32 Rum and Ginger 150
Behind the Scenes Hangar 1 Mai Tai 152
Vodka 40
BRANDY AND COGNAC 154
Mix it Up 50
Craft Spirits: The A–Z 156
Infusing Vodka 50
Behind the Scenes Grosperrin
Bloody Mary 52
XO Fine Champagne 160
Cosmopolitan 54
Moscow Mule 56
Mix it Up 166
White Russian 58
Infusing Brandy and Cognac 166
Sidecar 168
GIN 60
Vieux Carré 170
Craft Spirits: The A–Z 62 Pisco Sour 172
Behind the Scenes Sacred Gin 70 Corpse Reviver No. 1 174
Mix it Up 80
AGAVE SPIRITS 176
Infusing Gin 80
Craft Spirits: The A–Z 178
Martini 82
French 75 84 Mix it Up 184
Gimlet 86
Infusing Agave Spirits 184
Gin Fizz 88
Margarita 186
Gin Sling 90
Paloma 188
WHISKY, BOURBON, AND RYE 92 ABSINTHE, BAIJIU, AND MORE 190
Craft Spirits: The A–Z 94
Craft Spirits: The A–Z 192
Behind the Scenes Hudson
Behind the Scenes Jade
Baby Bourbon 100
1901 Absinthe Supérieure 198
Mix it Up 112 Behind the Scenes Mizu Shochu 204
Infusing Whisky, Bourbon, Mix it Up 210
and Rye 112
Infusing Absinthe, Baijiu,
Mint Julep 114
and More 210
Sazerac 116
Caipirinha 212
Manhattan 118
Negroni 214
Old Fashioned 120
Absinthe Frappé 216
Blood and Sand 122
Index and Acknowledgments 218
RUM 124
Craft Spirits: The A–Z 126
Behind the Scenes Clément
VSOP Rhum Agricole 132
6 CRAFT SPIRITS
Introduction
Featuring the best craft spirits in the world, this book shows you the
producers to watch, the spirits to try, and the cocktail techniques to
master. Each bottle has its own unique story to tell, and is made with
a passion and an attention to detail that warrants the “craft” title.
What are Craft Spirits?
A Matter of Size
It is difficult to categorize craft spirits for many Craft distilleries usually start small, making top-
reasons—mainly because there are few official notch spirits in tiny batches, and develop a devoted
authorities regulating what distilleries can produce audience who clamor for more. Soon, these producers
and how spirits are marketed. Although some spirits, need to decide whether to expand to keep up. Some
such as Cognac, are quality-controlled by regulatory believe that a producer can only create the best
bodies, producers often identify their spirits as spirits when making them in a limited, tightly
“craft” without explaining what that means, or controlled fashion, and for many producers one of
disclosing key details about their product. the greatest challenges is striking a balance between
This book presents more than 250 top-tier craft meeting demand and maintaining consistency from
spirits from all over the world, helping you to choose batch to batch. However, distilleries of all sizes can
the best from an intimidating range. Although no entrust Master Distillers or Blenders with making
two are identical in style and approach, all of the sure every batch meets the highest standards.
producers have a similar commitment to detail and For these reasons, this book includes a balance of
quality, and a transparent philosophy that ensures small, upstart companies who limit their production
each bottle delivers an unparalleled experience. volume and make spirits in tiny batches to best
INTRODUCTION 7
control the quality of the final product. However,
a selection of medium-sized, more established craft
distilleries are included too—these have expanded
to meet demand, but still produce high-quality spirits
featuring distinctive characteristics.
People Power
Every spirit in the book has a person, or group
of people, behind it. Any producers that have
anonymous ownership have been omitted from
the selection. A large proportion of the distilleries
in the book are fully independent so maintain
complete control of their production process.
However, there are also several distilleries that have
been acquired by larger companies but that still
adhere to their original methods and levels of quality.
Although some believe that producers must stay
fully independent to be truly “craft,” many leading
craft producers have embraced the opportunity to
work with larger companies whose support—both
financial and intellectual—helps them to be
more experimental and innovative.
Care in the Process
All craft producers have an extreme commitment
to quality, which manifests itself in different ways.
Many employ painstaking techniques, some
of which are rooted in time-honored traditions,
and won’t compromise their vision or ethos in the
name of efficiency or shortcuts. Artisanal processes,
such as grinding or macerating ingredients—actions
automated by larger companies—are often achieved
by hand. Some producers embrace a “farm-to-bottle”
ethos, supporting communities and sustainability
by using local ingredients.
With Craft Spirits as your guide, discover the world’s
most respected producers. Find out how to create
incredible infusions and develop your very own
signature cocktails. Cheers!
W craft spirit
hat is a ? How is it made?
Starting with the origins of alcohol, these
pages take you through the story of the modern
revolution
craft spirits —showing you how
innovators and trailblazers all over the world have
shaken up
the spirits industry. Uncover the
secrets behind the most awarded and mysterious
liquors on earth and find out how producers
distill, blend, age
and
spirits to
get the desired results. Packed with expert advice
about tasting, serving, and infusing, these pages
make the most
will help you of what you
drink and get you into the spirit.