November 11, 2012
The Book of Gin
A Spirited World History from Alchemists' Stills and Colonial Outposts to Gin Palaces, Bathtub Gin, and Artisanal Cocktails
James Bond's preferred beverage in Ian Fleming's first Bond book, Casino Royale, was the Vesper Martini – part gin, part vodka, and a touch of Kina Lillet. But gin is the whole story in Richard Barnett’s new book. He traces the history of this beguiling spirit from monastic kitchens in medieval times to bathtub gin in the Roaring Twenties to our modern day, when small batch distilling and artisanal cocktails have made this juniper berry flavored drink fashionable again. Cheers!