Joel Harrison

With a foreword by Charles MacLean MBE, the celebrated 'world authority' on whisky The Whisky World Tour takes you beyond the glass to discover 52 of the very best whisky distilleries open to the public, around the globe. Discover their unique stories and histories from the comfort of home, along with bottle recommendations, too. Award-winning whisky writer Joel Harrison kicks off The Whisky World Tour in North America, taking in key bourbon producers, before moving on to the traditional whisky powerhouses of Ireland and Scotland. Along the way 'new world' whisky-makers from South Africa to Scandinavia are explored, before finishing in Japan, home to some of the world's most lauded whiskies. Each stop along the way is a window into the world of whisky, so settle in, pour a dram and allow yourself to be taken on this grand and spirited journey. Featuring distilleries across the globe including:USACanadaScotlandIrelandJapanDenmarkAustraliaNew ZealandIndiaChina

*A DECANTER BEST SPIRITS BOOK OF 2024*'[In Fine Spirits offers] an approachable and informative introduction to the world of distilled drinks. The writing is clear, engaging yet authoritative, able to break down complexity with unpretentious accuracy. Anecdotes, cocktail recipes and recommendations add dashes of colour throughout.' Decanter'If you're looking for something to lift spirits, this is it: an utterly authoritative and fabulously entertaining guide to the world of distilled drinks...Harrison and Ridley are entertaining guides to their history, politics and flavours - plus some recipes.' Daily Express *From the winners of the Fortnum & Mason Drink Book of the Year 2015*The culture of enjoying quality spirits and liquors is now in a new golden age. In Fine Spirits is an accessible and authoritative guide to the world of distilled drinks. Across gin, whisky, tequila, rum and vodka , as well as no and low-alcohol alternatives, it examines not just how each spirit is made, but also the culture, history, cocktails and characters key to the success of each. From award-winning experts Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley, In Fine Spirits is designed for anyone who wants to understand more about the bottles in their cabinet, as well as the colourful history and narratives of the countries, drinks, bars and people that have helped create the global renaissance of luxury liquor and fine spirits.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the sounds and stories that have shaped American music.Pity the Genius: A Journey through American Guitar Music in 33 Tracks is a deep dive into the often-tumultuous lives of 33 extraordinary guitarists, capturing their brilliance, triumphs, and struggles through biography and musical analysis of seminal tracks. From Arthur Rhames' volcanic performances to the introspective elegance of Pat Martino, Joel Harrison encapsulates the essence of these musicians in a way that is both intimate and illuminating. The tracks he selects tell the story of American music across time and genre, representing jazz, rock, blues, country, folk, roots music, and more."This is really profound, evocative stuff-Joel is not only a great player, he's a great writer. Everyone should read this book." -Mike Stern, Jazz Guitarist "What a wonderful series of essays. While Harrison is writing about guitarists, his subject really is how people deal with the need to make art, what happens at the intersection of creativity and personality. Deep, deep stuff, sometimes profoundly sad, sometimes ecstatic, but always illuminating." -Peter Watrous, NY Times jazz critic (1986-2000)Pity the Genius is a must-read for music lovers, historians, and anyone intrigued by the interplay of creativity and human experience.HighlightsArthur Rhames: An extraordinary talent whose life and career were cut tragically short.Pat Martino: A journey of recovery and rediscovery after a near-fatal aneurysm.Danny Gatton: The highs and lows of a guitarist whose virtuosity was matched only by his personal demons.Emily Remler: Breaking barriers as a female jazz guitarist and her tragic struggle with addiction.Blind Willie Johnson: The spiritual and soulful depth of his music-and the hardships he endured.Jerry Garcia: The iconic figure of the Grateful Dead, known for his improvisational genius, blending of genres, and impact on rock and counterculture.Allan Holdsworth: The innovative genius who pushed the boundaries of guitar technique and tone.Roscoe Holcomb: His unique style and contributions to the Appalachian folk music tradition.Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The godmother of rock and roll, whose gospel music influenced countless rock legends.Prince: The multifaceted musician whose groundbreaking work in funk, rock, and R&B changed the music landscape forever.Joni Mitchell: The legendary songwriter and guitarist whose poetic lyrics and unique guitar tunings have inspired generations.Curtis Mayfield: The soulful guitarist and social activist whose music became the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement.Jim Hall: A master of subtlety and nuance, whose contributions to jazz guitar set new standards of excellence.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the sounds and stories that have shaped American music.Pity the Genius: A Journey through American Guitar Music in 33 Tracks is a deep dive into the often-tumultuous lives of 33 extraordinary guitarists, capturing their brilliance, triumphs, and struggles through biography and musical analysis of seminal tracks. From Arthur Rhames' volcanic performances to the introspective elegance of Pat Martino, Joel Harrison encapsulates the essence of these musicians in a way that is both intimate and illuminating. The tracks he selects tell the story of American music across time and genre, representing jazz, rock, blues, country, folk, roots music, and more."This is really profound, evocative stuff-Joel is not only a great player, he's a great writer. Everyone should read this book." -Mike Stern, Jazz Guitarist "What a wonderful series of essays. While Harrison is writing about guitarists, his subject really is how people deal with the need to make art, what happens at the intersection of creativity and personality. Deep, deep stuff, sometimes profoundly sad, sometimes ecstatic, but always illuminating." -Peter Watrous, NY Times jazz critic (1986-2000)Pity the Genius is a must-read for music lovers, historians, and anyone intrigued by the interplay of creativity and human experience.HighlightsArthur Rhames: An extraordinary talent whose life and career were cut tragically short.Pat Martino: A journey of recovery and rediscovery after a near-fatal aneurysm.Danny Gatton: The highs and lows of a guitarist whose virtuosity was matched only by his personal demons.Emily Remler: Breaking barriers as a female jazz guitarist and her tragic struggle with addiction.Blind Willie Johnson: The spiritual and soulful depth of his music-and the hardships he endured.Jerry Garcia: The iconic figure of the Grateful Dead, known for his improvisational genius, blending of genres, and impact on rock and counterculture.Allan Holdsworth: The innovative genius who pushed the boundaries of guitar technique and tone.Roscoe Holcomb: His unique style and contributions to the Appalachian folk music tradition.Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The godmother of rock and roll, whose gospel music influenced countless rock legends.Prince: The multifaceted musician whose groundbreaking work in funk, rock, and R&B changed the music landscape forever.Joni Mitchell: The legendary songwriter and guitarist whose poetic lyrics and unique guitar tunings have inspired generations.Curtis Mayfield: The soulful guitarist and social activist whose music became the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement.Jim Hall: A master of subtlety and nuance, whose contributions to jazz guitar set new standards of excellence.

60 great cocktails that you can put together in the time it takes to open and pour a bottle of wine.

Mixology in a minute This cocktail recipe book from award-winning drink experts offers 60 delicious cocktails you can create in 60 seconds or less. Whether you have classic or adventurous taste, this guide to easy cocktail creation is the perfect addition to your home bar. The recipes include original drinks as well as tasty twists on the classics. Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley prove that mixing cocktails at home doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated; it's fun, simple, and affordable Featuring 60 cocktails that utilize a variety of spirits--including tequila, gin, rum, whiskey, vodka, and more--this recipe book is divided into three sections: No Shake, Sherlock: The easiest to make, using standard spirits and mixers. Includes a Simple Paloma, a Sloe Gin & Soda, a Douro Spritz, and the Berliner, made with wheat beer. Shake It Up: Slightly more complex drinks requiring a quick shake or a stir. Includes a Bellini, a Firecracker Margarita, a Wonder Mint Julep, and a new Classic Sour. Magnificent Mixes: Specialty cocktails requiring a little more prep or an unusual ingredient. Includes the Best Ever Pi a Colada, an Elderflower Gimlet, and the Sazerac.

Secrets of master guitarists, revealed in conversation. Guitar Talk is a collection of interviews with twenty-three of the most creative guitarists of our time. The book celebrates the enormous range of approaches and sounds that exist in the modern guitar. The instrument can howl, scrape, scratch, scream, sing, pluck, and soothe. What stands out in this book is not so much the instrument itself but rather, the wonderful and idiosyncratic personalities of these bold souls, their sometimes wild, often zigzagging, and ultimately profound journeys toward beauty, meaning, and excellence in their work. We find out that jazz icon Bill Frisell won a high school band contest playing R&B tunes, beating out future members of Earth Wind and Fire. We learn which of Nels Cline's compositions he wishes to have played at his funeral. Michael Gregory Jackson recounts painful episodes of racism as he stretched between the chasm of avant jazz, rock, and R&B in the 1980s. Many more revelations, amusements, and philosophies abound from maestros like Pat Metheny, Fred Frith, Ralph Towner, Bill Frisell, Mary Halvorson, Henry Kaiser, Ava Mendoza, and many more of the most interesting guitarists working today.

Why should we care about religious liberty? Leading commentators, United Kingdom courts, and the European Court of Human Rights have de-emphasised the special importance of religious liberty. They frequently contend it falls within a more general concern for personal autonomy. In this liberal egalitarian account, religious liberty claims are often rejected when faced with competing individual interests – the neutral secular state must protect us against the liberty-constraining acts of religions. Joel Harrison challenges this account. He argues that it is rooted in a theologically derived narrative of secularisation: rather than being neutral, it rests on a specific construction of 'secular' and 'religious' spheres. This challenge makes space for an alternative theological, political, and legal vision. Drawing from Christian thought, from St Augustine to John Milbank, Harrison develops a post-liberal focus on association. Religious liberty, he argues, facilitates creating communities seeking solidarity, fraternity, and charity – goals that are central to our common good.

'Excellent' - Susy Atkins, the TelegraphFor everyone and anyone who wants to understand more about gin, this is the definitive guide - covering the best gins the world has to offer, history and production methods, and the countries that have helped make gin a global success story.Never has there been a more striking revolution in the world of distilled spirits than the current renaissance of gin. With small craft distilleries popping up all over the world, from Texas to Tasmania, more varieties and techniques being used than ever before, and a tapestry of tastes from light and citrusy to big bold savoury notes, gin's appeal is extraordinarily wide and varied.From gin made in small batches from local botanicals, through to large facilities which make some of the world's most recognized gin brands, World Atlas of Gin looks at everything from the botanical to the bottle: how and where botanicals are grown and harvested and their role within the flavour of gin; producers and the stories behind their brands; exactly where, and how, gins are made; and, country by country, the best examples to try. Global cocktails are covered too, including the history and country of origin of some of the best-known mixed gin drinks.

Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards Drink Book of the Year 2015.Annual Spirited Awards - Nominated for Best New Spirits Book 2015.Today's world of spirits is experiencing an explosive increase in craft distillers and pioneers of new distillates. It's about men and women tearing up rule books and creating new spirits with extraordinary personality and passion. This book uncovers the best spirits the world has to offer. These are not necessarily the best-known examples on the planet - though if they are good, they have a place here - but the best crafted and most interesting. Spirit by spirit Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley explain what you need to know to appreciate a spirit - its ingredients, its classic forms, the choices a distiller makes in creating it - and offer their picks to 'Drink Before You Expire' - the world's best examples of their type, from gin and rum to shochu and tequila. There are plenty of suggestions for how to drink too, with innovative and classic cocktails and their insider tips on getting the best out of your spirits.