Boozehound: On the Trail of the Rare, the Obscure, and the Overrated in Spirits [A Travel and Cocktail Recipe Book]

I picked this book up a few weeks ago, and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! It's such a fun read that it's one of those books you go through in just a few sittings. My partner did the same a week later, so I know it's not just me.In addition to being a great storyteller, of course it's a very informative book on the world of liquor as it exists today. It does mention several different obscure spirits, but if you're willing to hunt, and you have a penchant for trying new things and/or a broad palate, you'll be sure to find something you enjoy. For example, the experience of trying genuine sloe gin was a revelation!This isn't a book of mostly recipes, so don't buy it for that reason (for recipes alone, my go-to books are the seminal Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff, and the books Speakeasy by Kosmas & Zaric and Mix Shake Stir from the Meyer restaurant group. I'm also eagerly awaiting the soon-to-be released work from the PDT cocktail crew). But this book is a fantastic combination of a review of various obscure spirits, a travelogue, a memoir, a history of the world of spirits, and a list of recipes for the liquors he mentions.Oh, and try the cocktail the Last Word, whose recipe is included-- it's amazingly well balanced given the strength of the flavors involved. Even if it isn't your favorite, you'll at least thank him for the experience!

Love this book. A very interesting and educational book that reads like a fun memoir. I use several of the cocktail recipes found in this book and learned more about obscure liquor than would’ve ever imagined.

I bought this for my husband, who is admittedly, "not a reader". He rarely finishes an entire book before getting bored with it. However, he is a fan of old cocktails and strange spirits, so I chanced it and bought him this book for Christmas. Pat on the back for this wife, because he LOVES it and read it cover to cover. He said that Jason was good at balancing the information with funny, personal anecdotes and observations. Yes, we refer to the author as "Jason" now, as though he was an old friend, which means that this book will stay on our shelves long after others have been pawned off on friends and libraries.

After reading this book, I felt like i had channelled the flavor knowledge of 10,000 bartenders and that I could create a speakeasy to rival the best in the world. So influential that if i ever build a liquor cabinet alcohol collection everything this book points out as good I will be adding to it.

Pretty cool book. The author is excellent. He realizes he's writing a book about getting drunk so doesn't take it too serious, but you can tell he takes booze very seriously.After reading you won't want to drink vodka anymore. All of the drink recipes in the book are outrageous and there is a pretty good chance I never try any of them because they're complicated to make.Book will make you thirsty for an old fashioned. I suggest having one nearby while reading.

Jason is a phenomenal writer who knows how to keep you engaged throughout the book. It reads part memoir, part history lesson, and part editorial.That combination may sound like the book doesn't know what it is, but Wilson balances each element perfectly. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys drinking as a past time as it will open your eyes to all the things you have been missing by shying away from the unknown.

I bought this book for my husband and he loved that it's full of great stories and background information. It's certainly given us reasons to try some great liqueurs and classic cocktails. It feels like it was fun to write.

This is a lovely book almost the author's memoir of his relationship with spirits and writing about distilled spirits. It's a very personal account and a glimpse into his obsession with finding awesome beverages!

Worth a read if you're into your cocktails as there's lots of interest regarding the history of various spirits. But some of the writing - ouch. At least it's entertaining!

Prompt delivery. If it wasn't a great book I'd send it back because it's very, very used.

Funny and easy reading - Great book about experiencing the booze and not so much about recipes

Libro molto interessante, scritto bene, anche il linguaggio non è troppo tecnico.Ottimo punto per prendere ispirazione, lo consiglio a chiunque sia del settore e voglia crescere in conoscenza e tecnica.Un po' deludente.

A friend of mine lent me this book. I had no expectations. It is a great little book. Easy to read, yet really entertaining and honest. The only downside is that everyday after reading a chapter or so, I felt like having a cocktail or trying some strange and exotic aperitif that I hadn't tried before.