Distilled: A Natural History of Spirits
 An imaginative natural history survey of the wide world of spirits, from whiskey and gin to grappa and moonshine

In this follow-up book to A Natural History of Wine and A Natural History of Beer, authors Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall yet again use alcoholic beverages as a lens through which to gain a greater appreciation of natural history.
 
This volume considers highly alcoholic spirits in the context of evolution, ecology, history, primatology, molecular biology, physiology, neurobiology, chemistry, and even astrophysics. With the help of illustrator Patricia Wynne, DeSalle and Tattersall address historical and cultural aspects and ingredients, the distillation process, and spirits and their effects. They also call on an international group of colleagues to contribute chapters on brandy, vodka, tequila, whiskies, gin, rum, eaux-de-vie, schnapps, baiju, grappa, ouzo, and cachaça.
 
Covering beverages from across the globe and including descriptions of the experience of tasting each drink, this book offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the scientific dimensions of spirits.
1140041405
Distilled: A Natural History of Spirits
 An imaginative natural history survey of the wide world of spirits, from whiskey and gin to grappa and moonshine

In this follow-up book to A Natural History of Wine and A Natural History of Beer, authors Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall yet again use alcoholic beverages as a lens through which to gain a greater appreciation of natural history.
 
This volume considers highly alcoholic spirits in the context of evolution, ecology, history, primatology, molecular biology, physiology, neurobiology, chemistry, and even astrophysics. With the help of illustrator Patricia Wynne, DeSalle and Tattersall address historical and cultural aspects and ingredients, the distillation process, and spirits and their effects. They also call on an international group of colleagues to contribute chapters on brandy, vodka, tequila, whiskies, gin, rum, eaux-de-vie, schnapps, baiju, grappa, ouzo, and cachaça.
 
Covering beverages from across the globe and including descriptions of the experience of tasting each drink, this book offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the scientific dimensions of spirits.
22.99 In Stock
Distilled: A Natural History of Spirits

Distilled: A Natural History of Spirits

Distilled: A Natural History of Spirits

Distilled: A Natural History of Spirits

eBook

$22.99  $30.00 Save 23% Current price is $22.99, Original price is $30. You Save 23%.

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers


Overview

 An imaginative natural history survey of the wide world of spirits, from whiskey and gin to grappa and moonshine

In this follow-up book to A Natural History of Wine and A Natural History of Beer, authors Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall yet again use alcoholic beverages as a lens through which to gain a greater appreciation of natural history.
 
This volume considers highly alcoholic spirits in the context of evolution, ecology, history, primatology, molecular biology, physiology, neurobiology, chemistry, and even astrophysics. With the help of illustrator Patricia Wynne, DeSalle and Tattersall address historical and cultural aspects and ingredients, the distillation process, and spirits and their effects. They also call on an international group of colleagues to contribute chapters on brandy, vodka, tequila, whiskies, gin, rum, eaux-de-vie, schnapps, baiju, grappa, ouzo, and cachaça.
 
Covering beverages from across the globe and including descriptions of the experience of tasting each drink, this book offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the scientific dimensions of spirits.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780300265101
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication date: 07/12/2022
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 352
File size: 9 MB

About the Author

Rob DeSalle is a curator at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, Ian Tattersall is curator emeritus, Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History. In addition to A Natural History of Wine and A Natural History of Beer, DeSalle and Tattersall are coauthors of The Brain: Big Bangs, Behaviors, and Beliefs. They both reside in New York City.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Spirits in History and Society

1 Why We Drink Spirits 3

2 A Brief History of Distilling 14

3 Spirits, History, and Culture 30

From Ingredientsto Effect

4 The Ingredients 49

5 Distillation 63

6 To Age or Not to Age? 78

7 Spirits Trees 89

8 Spirits and Your Senses 111

Market Leaders: The "Big Six"

9 Brandy 127

10 Vodka 138

11 Tequila (and Mezcal) 152

12 Whisk(e)y 168

13 Gin (and Genever) 186

14 Rum (and Cachaça) 199

Crossing Borders: Other Spirits, Mixed Drinks, and a Lookahead

15 Eaux-de-Vie 213

16 Schnapps (and Korn) 222

17 Baijiu 228

18 Grappa 236

19 Orujo (and Pisco) 245

20 Moonshine 251

21 And for Good Measure … 260

22 Cocktails and Mixed Drinks 270

23 The Future of Spirits 284

Further Reading 295

Guest Contributors 305

Index 307

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews