Gin: The Essential Guide for Gin Aficionados

Geraldine Coates writes a wonderful book about gin. She previously authored the Beefeater gin book and this book fully expands the various gin brands in the market today. Good reading for the connoisseur.

What more do we need than the useful and entertaining material in this charming little book? We receive a generous history of the development of this beloved potable, including a full account of the 18thc’s ‘gin craze’ (often termed the ‘gin madness’ by 18thc historians), a discussion of the manner(s) of its distillation, the nature of its so-called ‘botanicals’ (the juniper berry, et al.), a list of the major exemplars on sale today and a set of cocktail recipes. There is even a list of ‘gin places’ that one can visit. In Hampshire for the day? Check out the distillery of my brand of choice—Bombay Sapphire.The book is filled with both color and b/w illustrations, the equivalent of ‘tasting notes’ describing the various brands and suggestions for those brands’ most effective use. For example, try Hendrick’s in an elderflower Martini. For an everyday brand, the author suggests Burnett’s White Satin for Gordon’s drinkers who have been put off by the latter’s reduction in alcohol strength.The pictures of the cocktail concoctions are particularly inviting. Readers will want to have spirits and mixers on hand so that they can go from the reading room to the tasting room with all due speed.A delightful book and a good value.

Excellent read for any gin lover

interesting book

A great book about Gin as usual from Geraldine Coates. The expert in the field. Highly recommended.

Fantastically well written and easy to read despite being packed with information.

great