Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spirit

In Mezcal , two-time James Beard Award–winning author Emma Janzen explores what sets this cousin of tequila apart from the rest of the pack. *Nominated for the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book Award in the Beverage category* Produced in Mexico for centuries but little known elsewhere until recent years, mezcal has captured the imagination of spirits enthusiasts with its astonishing complexities . And while big liquor is beginning to jump aboard the bandwagon, most mezcal is still artisanal in nature, produced using small-batch techniques handed down for generations , often with agave plants harvested in the wild. Join author Emma Janzen as she presents an engaging primer on all things mezcal that includes: Mezcal’s long and captivating history in Mexican culture The craft of distilling mezcal, from growing and harvesting the agave to roasting and grinding it, all the way to distilling and aging A thorough guide to many of the most common agaves used in production and how they shape the resulting spirit A selection of nearly 50 cocktails that accentuate mezcal’s distinguishing qualities, contributed by top mezcal bars across the United States and Mexico With lush photography , an elegant design featuring a foil-debossed cover , and authoritative yet enthralling text , Mezcal is the definitive guide to exploring and unraveling the mysteries of this extraordinary handcrafted spirit. — ASIN: 0760352615 | ISBN13: 9780760352618 | ISBN-13: 978-0760352618