Distilling the South : a guide to Southern craft liquors and the people who make them

Intrepid Kathleen Purvis traveled extensively throughout the South to create this first-ever guide to the region's burgeoning craft-liquor movement, capturing her journey in the creation of six original Liquor Trails. As fascinating as the craft itself are the distillers' experiences and backstories. Purvis chronicles them with verve and insight, bringing her knowledge of southern foodways and traditions to bear on the flourishing of the distiller's art. She shows how new entrepreneurs, part of the all-American food and drink renaissance, are positioning themselves to find both the inspiration and land ranging from West Virginia to Louisiana for their farm- or farm-ingredients-based distilleries. They are creating new and sought-after bourbons, whiskies, rums, gins, and much more. Their cordials are flavored with pumpkins, raspberries, peaches, and other local products; not long ago, a West Virginian's black walnut liqueur won the prize for the best nut cordial at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Driven by legacy and passion, today's distillers are creating a new southern tradition--one that you can now explore with an inimitable writer. Each Liquor Trail covers one or several states and features particularly worthy distilleries that Purvis has personally selected. The trails also feature maps, a complete listing of distilleries in each territory, on-site photographs, and some dynamite drink recipes direct from the distillers. Tips for touring: watch your step Getting crafty: the basics of the distilling world Stills and the basics of distilling Know your alcohols Liquor trail 1: Virginia and West Virginia How to taste: no swirling, no spitting Liquor trail 2: North Carolina A different beast: barrel-rested gin Liquor trail 3: South Carolina The dark history of Dark Corner Liquor trail 4: Kentucky and Tennessee Oscar Getz: the sweetest little whiskey museum in Kentucky Bitter pill: prohibition and the medicinal license Liquor trail 5: Georgia, Alabama, and Florida MGP: right or wrong Liquor trail 6: Mississippi and Louisiana Medals: does the bling mean a thing? Intrepid Kathleen Purvis travelled extensively throughout the South to create this first-ever guide to the region's burgeoning craft liquor movement, capturing her journey in the creation of six original Liquor Trails. As fascinating as the craft itself are the distillers' experiences and backstories. Purvis chronicles them with verve and insight.