The Artisan's Guide to Crafting Distilled Spirits

This book is a thoroughly revised translation of its original "Schnapsbrennen als Hobby", the most popular do-it-yourself book about producing spirits and fruit brandies in German. The English edition is not a pure translation, it expands on regional features of North America and Great Britain. Nevertheless it's not just another Whiskey-book, the focus is on the German / Austrian way of producing spirituous beverages: fruit mash is used for distilling in these countries, a much easier method to get flavorful distillates.Now I understand the great popularity of the German version: the text is easy to follow, scientific backgrounds - necessary to understand the whole process - are described clear and from a practical point of view. Even beginners (like me) are able to start immediately after reading the numerous step-by-step instructions.

I really enjoyed this book. I found some of the information contrary to conventional wisdom ( methanol, fermentation). The authors are scientists and I look forward to trying their processes.

Great book on distilling. Worth having in the library. Lots of great infusion ideas.

A good book for just starting out. Give you several meaningful hints and ideas. It is a translation from German and some of the products mentioned are not available in the US under the name used in the book. Still worth a read. Four star because of the price, it's at least $10 overpriced for an older translated book.

All titleds by these aurhors are best instruction and resource.

Excellent book, perfect for everyone from beginners to people just wanting to freshen up their knowledge. Includes many recipes (basic) and most needed formulas. It's a great jumping off book and worth the purchase.

See my comments about these authors for their book on Essential Oils. These authors are very experienced, and their writing is very practical. Highly recommrnded. Buy both books!

There is some very good information in this book but by and large there is no where near enough. It is more of a very broad view of distilling. It only covers one kind of “mash” recipe. As well as completely lacking the basic information that one needs to make recipes. Every fruit has a different amount of natural sugar so every “mash” needs a different amount of added sugar. Also the kind of yeast they say to use can not be purchased anymore.This book is a good place to start but it is by no means the only book you would need to distill spirits of your own. Also note: it is illegal to make moonshine in the USA,