All you need to know. Gin now has its own geek's bible, a heady cocktail of information, enthusiasm and authority. -- Observer Food Monthly All alcohols have a social history and this book tells the story of gin. The spirit has a long and lively history and its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries. But it is in demand again -- and rising -- and many would say that only now is it getting the recognition it truly deserves. At the same time, new makers populate the scene, many of them small, craft distilleries. The great G& T (gin and tonic) has earned new respect and is more fashionable now than when it was created by the English during Queen Victoria's reign. From Glenfiddich Food & Drink Award-winning writer Simon Difford comes this beautiful guide to the 'juniper jewel.' Gin brings comprehensive coverage of the white spirit. It provides a detailed history of the rollercoaster ride gin has taken over the centuries, a full explanation of gin styles and production methods, in-depth reports on 16 distilleries, and production and tasting notes on nearly 175 different gins. It is a true celebration of arguably the world's most dynamic and fashionable spirit.