Spirits Distilled - by Nat Harry (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Do you know what's in your drink? Which grains are in your favorite bourbon? How artisanal tequila is made? Or why molasses-based rum is richer than its sugarcane counterpart? In Spirits Distilled, San Francisco World Spirits judge Nat Harry travels the world from Oaxaca to Islay and Okinawa to Louisville to explore the raw ingredients and skilled hands that form the backbone of the world's most popular (and underappreciated) spirits. Filled with maps, photos, infographics, and bottle and cocktail recommendations, Harry approaches spirits by plant, from the ground up"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Do you know what's in your drink? Which grains go into your favorite Bourbon? What makes an artisanal Tequila? Or why molasses-based rum is so different in flavor from its sugarcane juice counterpart?

In ​Spirits Distilled, San Francisco World Spirits judge and spirits educator Nat Harry travels the world from Oaxaca and Islay to Okinawa and Louisville to showcase elixirs from the ground up-3/4from the raw ingredients and skilled hands that form the backbone of the world's most popular (and underappreciated) spirits. Filled with maps, photos, infographics, and bottle and cocktail recommendations.

Review Quotes

"As a chef, I want to know what ingredients I'm putting into my dishes, where they came from, how they were grown or raised. I want to feel and taste that connection to the source. So why not apply that same concept to your evening cocktail? Spirits Distilled is a great farm-to-bottle exploration that will make a helluva hapyp hour to book." -- GUY FIERI, restaurateur, author, and Emmy Award-winning television presenter

"Great for both the casual drinker and the avid spirits connoisseur, Spirits Distilled is a valuable resource that goes beyond mere reference guide to show us the intricacies of the agriculture, politics, and culture that go into every bottle of gin, vodka, tequila, and beyond. Nat Harry's genuine curiosity, thorough research, and welcoming approach to sharing their insights makes them the perfect guide for this delicious adventure." -- EMMA JANZEN, award-winning spirits & cocktail journalist, author of The Bartender's Pantry

"Harry has succeded in writing a unique book that needs to exist. Whether you're an avid enthusiast or someone who works in the spirits of hospitality industry, this is a book that needs to be added to your library." -- JACOB KIPER, Drinkhacker

"In Spirits Distilled, Nat Harry expertly uncovers the often overlooked but vital foundation of every great drink -- the fines raw materials. Blending engaging narrative with in-depth reference, this essential volume is a must-have for any spirits enthusiast's library." -- JEFFREY MORGENTHALER, award-winning bartender and author of The Bar Book

"With clear and concise writing, helpful diagrams, and unbounded enthusiasm, Harry provides drinkers with everything they didn't realize they needed to know about the contents of their glass." -- BETH SQUIRES, Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash

About the Author

NAT HARRY is a cocktail professional with more than 20 years' experience in the beverage industry. They fell in love with artisan spirits in the course of running the farm to table bar program at Berkeley's Revival Bar & Kitchen and curating the spirits portfolio as a buyer for fine spirits distributor Cask. Harry has been a judge for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition since 2020 and is currently serving as Director of Education for the US Bartenders' Guild's San Francisco chapter.