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Holy Smoke! It's Mezcal!
Holy Smoke! It’s Mezcal! is being acclaimed by leading experts in the mezcal and spirits world: “An amazing accomplishment”, "For those of us that live and love mezcal, we finally have a book", “The best book on this beautiful artisan spirit”, and “A playful yet responsible thesis of the history, lore, and science that infuses every bottle”. Mezcal is finally being counted among the world’s leading beverages for its quality, complexity and authenticity. John McEvoy, the author of the outstanding blog Mezcal PhD (www.mezcalphd.com), pens his first book on this magical elixir. Holy Smoke! It’s Mezcal! is a passionate journey into everything you want to know about mezcal. Among other things, the author explores the history of mezcal and how it differs from tequila, the hand-crafted production process that has been handed down from generation to generation, the wide variety of agaves which are used to make mezcal and how each varietal can alter the flavor, all the mezcal brands found in the U.S., mezcal cocktails with over forty tasty recipes, and the differences between tequila, mezcal, pulque, bacanora, raicilla, sotol and more. Holy Smoke! is rich with photographs, diagrams, charts and details while maintaining a light-hearted and approachable tone throughout. Contributing to the polished style of the book is a top notch team including A-list food and spirits industry photographer Noah Fecks, renowned book designer Patty Fabricant, and former Associated Press editor Dave Ivey. Whether you are just becoming interested in this seductive spirit or are already a convert, this book is for you.
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 18, 2023
I love this book! For a new mezcal enthusiast, the information presented is invaluable! I especially liked the fun quips and wit (read, criticisms), and the chapters on terroir, harvest, processing and the future of the wild maguey. For anyone remotely interested in mezcal, just buy this book! Absolutely great job! It will be one of my reference books for some time!
May 7, 2019
Awesome
If you are into mezcal, this book is an excellent read. A little bit of everything culture, history, production, recommendations and a few cocktail recipes as well. I really enjoyed this book.
If you are into mezcal, this book is an excellent read. A little bit of everything culture, history, production, recommendations and a few cocktail recipes as well. I really enjoyed this book.
June 12, 2019
Very good book
Thank to the author because explains in an excelent way how the mezcal is produced and how we can enjoy it.
I will be waiting for then next autor’s book
Thank to the author because explains in an excelent way how the mezcal is produced and how we can enjoy it.
I will be waiting for then next autor’s book
July 2, 2019
just the most detailed and comprehensive book on mezcal out there, a lot to learn and at times dense, but loved all the detail.
August 19, 2020
It's been three years since the first time I «kissed» the mezcal, ever since then I have been intrigued by this fascinating drink. At my first trip to Oaxaca last year I discovered this book and decided to get it to learn more about mezcals history, production and more. Found several other cool books on the topic, but this was the only one in English that I have found.
I enjoyed reading this as it gives plenty of explanations on all things mezcal. Not only does it contain lots of explanations, but also lists of agave types, (some) commercial available mezcals etc, it also has a nice list of cocktail recipes at the end. Nice touch!
I only have a few slight reservations. The book is written from a very strong 1.st person view, almost like a blog. At it's best, this gives energy and drive to the storytelling of the book. It does feel like you're being guided into the world of Mezcal by some obsessed, recently converted Mezcal-worshipper. FUN! But also intense... Other times it feels a bit unnecessary, as if the personal story is more important than the content (it might be the analytical academic in me speaking here...). For example the authors dislike of the gusano (worm), which is repeated endlessly at every chance (hey man, we got it the first time...).
Secondly, for better or for worse, the book is written from a US perspective, for a US audience. Still, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic. It's the best book I have found on Mezcal so far.
I enjoyed reading this as it gives plenty of explanations on all things mezcal. Not only does it contain lots of explanations, but also lists of agave types, (some) commercial available mezcals etc, it also has a nice list of cocktail recipes at the end. Nice touch!
I only have a few slight reservations. The book is written from a very strong 1.st person view, almost like a blog. At it's best, this gives energy and drive to the storytelling of the book. It does feel like you're being guided into the world of Mezcal by some obsessed, recently converted Mezcal-worshipper. FUN! But also intense... Other times it feels a bit unnecessary, as if the personal story is more important than the content (it might be the analytical academic in me speaking here...). For example the authors dislike of the gusano (worm), which is repeated endlessly at every chance (hey man, we got it the first time...).
Secondly, for better or for worse, the book is written from a US perspective, for a US audience. Still, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic. It's the best book I have found on Mezcal so far.
March 14, 2015
Excellent book on Mezcal, including the history, the current distilleries, the controversy, and even how to taste it. I read this while visiting Oaxaca; it enabled me to really enjoy the Mezcal there.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews