Kindred Spirits 2
by F. Paul Pacult
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Book Summary Information
Author: F. Paul PacultEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-02-01
ISBN: 0980123836
Number of pages: 652
Publisher: Spirit Journal, Inc.
Book Reviews of Kindred Spirits 2
Book Review: Astounding encyclopedic omnibus of booze: key to the mysteries.
Summary: 5 Stars
Paul Pacult's rainbow of 2400 spirit reviews, "Kindred Spirits 2", is eminently useful and very entertaining. Pacult is independent and of impeccable integrity and authority. This isn't some snobby book that lauds all the expensive fancy quaffs and denigrates the familiar favorites. He sniffs out the gems regardless of price and debunks overpriced rarities that are past their prime. (This doesn't mean that some of the top ranked items aren't expensive; sadly the marketplace is what it is). The reviews are single paragraph paragons of brevity - but never lacking in descriptive detail. Pacult knows his craft and has a well developed palate and vocabulary. His reviews are instructive, insightful, sometimes moving, and often funny. Time after time I find his reviews spot on. I can't think of single instance where I thought he was just flat out wrong. This is quite a new experience for me with liquor reviews.
It's ridiculously ambitious to attempt a book that reviews the full spectrum of spirits spanning whiskey (scotch, irish, bourbon, rye and more), brandy (cognac, armagnac and much more), vodka, tequila, rum, gin, grappa, cachaça, slivovitz, eau de vie, and liqueurs - but "Kindred Spirits 2" does a credible job. The VAST majority of spirits I know are included. It's virtually impossible to be completely comprehensive, however, and I noticed a few omissions such as Jägermeister, Sortilege (an obscure but amazing maple liqueur from Quebec), and some manner of Kummel Caraway. There seems to be only a single listing for an Akvavit (but it's a cracker). All the Springbank malts are covered, except the 21, my personal favorite. You could nit pick any attempt. However, the deep strength overall more than compensates. The reviewed selections are eclectic - highbrow and lowbrow. There are many single cask and limited editions included - as well as standards and classics. The vast breadth makes for both interesting reading and a definitive reference. In addition to the listings of reviews there are brief section introductions that orient the reader, a brief FAQ (Appendix A:) and a listing of the authors 111 favorite spirits regardless of type (Appendix B:). Appendix B: is the only place where Mr. Pacult ranks hierarchically within a given star level. This is the land of the 5 stars and they're all great - but Pacult takes a stand on which is better than which. This is a lot of fun - but it's the most slippery ground and it's here that I find I disagree with him most - but it's a happy disagreement. Everything on this list is KILLER. Degrees of love is a happy debate.
The real power and magic of this book comes in discovering these highest rated five star gems. I recently attended a tasting of the top ten from Appendix B: and found the experience utterly astounding. Virtually every selection was revelatory and blew away my preconceptions of what these various types of spirits were (e.g. the bourbon tasted so good it almost wasn't recognizable as bourbon - don't even get me started on the Rum Agricole - an amazing variant I had never even heard of). The flavors were huge and complex - transcending expectations. Mr. Pacult's taste preferences emerged - sweetness, purity, floral and citrus notes, huge long finishes. I find myself heartily in accord. Incredibly, 6 of the 10 retail for under $100 a bottle. The big lesson of this book is that artistry and genius are not synonymous with rarity and cost. This is a great desk reference - but it can be far more; a gateway to epicurian experience (especially if you have the courage to use it to go beyond your "comfort zone" (i.e. try types you don't normally drink)). Using this book as a guide will save you a ton of money in bad choices. Much more importantly than this, it will expose you to the best spirits the world has to offer - highlight experiences you might otherwise disastrously miss. Many of these lofty spirits will be surprisingly affordable - and many will utterly blow you away. My highest recommendation.
Postscript - 05/18/09. I find that I've picked up some of Pacult's habits when drinking spirits now. Of the greatest value is the insight that the bloom and flavor of many spirits (and particularly my favorite- malt whisky) improves after 5-10 minutes of breathing time in the glass. I used to warm the whiskey in my palm - imagining that it was the warmth that made it taste sweeter and richer. Pacult has taught me that it's the time, not the temperature. His discussions about flavor profiles over time in the glass has made me a wiser drinker and I enjoy my snorts more now than ever now that I know to wait some moments before starting.
Summary of Kindred Spirits 2
2400 Reviews of Whiskey, Brandy, Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Gin, and Liqueurs from F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal.Bartending Books
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