Here, in one concise and easy-to-use volume, is all the information a consumer needs to become a spirits expert. Organized by category, the ten chapters include everything from the history of bathtub gin to the best brands of aquavit to the origins of the mojito. Blue's introduction gives a fascinating history of distillation and traces the evolution of basic distilled spirits to the sophisticated and varied products available today. Each chapter includes the history of a specific spirit, where and how it is produced, its development and subsequent refinements, and how aspects of production affect the quality of the end product. Blue rates each of the major brands on the market, enabling readers to shop, mix, and serve like the pros.

The Complete Book of Spirits is a companion volume to Blue's classic Complete Book of Mixed Drinks, revised in 2002. Spirits and classic cocktails have become increasingly popular in recent years, and consumers are hungry for reliable, comprehensive information about liquors, from favorite standbys to the unusual and exotic. Blue's expertise in the field makes him a trusted resource, and this handbook with recipes is a must for every home bar and anyone who enjoys serving or sipping cocktails.