The Australian Spirits Guide

From clandestine convict distilleries to the world's best whisky, The Australian Spirits Guide celebrates the storied past and present of Australia's spirits industry.

Join drinks writer and bartender Luke McCarthy as he explains how spirits are made, and unearths sixty of Australia's best spirits, from whisky, gin and vodka, to rum, brandy, moonshine and other local specialties. For each spirit, discover the history and passion behind its creation, as well as expert tasting notes, serving suggestions and price guides that will steer you to the best bottle for your tastes and budget. You'll also find cocktail recipes from the country's best bartenders, as well as interviews with the trailblazing distillers of each spirit.

Whether you're a connoisseur with tastes more local than Lagavulin, or a beginner simply looking for a casual Friday night tipple, The Australian Spirits Guide is a valuable addition to any home bar.

About the Author

Once Luke McCarthy had completed studies in writing, literature and history he then, naturally, began working in bars. At the same time, travels around Europe and the UK ignited his passion for spirits, and when Luke started at Melbourne's Whisky & Alement, a bar and school of whisky that stocks more than 700 spirits, his passion turned into a working obsession. Soon he found himself writing a drinks column for Fairfax Media's Executive Style and teaching classes on whisky and spirits for industry and the public.

His writing on drinks and travel has now appeared in numerous Australian and international publications, and over the past few years Luke has hassled distillers and blenders in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, France, Spain, Taiwan and, of course, across Australia. He now divides his time between writing, bartending and trying to play cricket for Australia.