Cordial Waters: A Compleat Guide to Ardent Spirits of the World by Volodimir Pavliuchuk
Cordial Waters: A Compleat Guide to Ardent Spirits of the World- written by Volodimir Pavliuchuk
Cordial Waters: A Compleat Guide to Ardent Spirits of the World
by Volodimir Pavliuchuk
This book, published in New Zealand in 2008, covers briefly the topic of distillation, from its historical timeline to a (rare) write-up on the subject of Freeze Distillation. The book then moves on to the subject of what to do with the spirit once it has been obtained or produced.
The author, Volodimir Pavliuchuk, dedicates the last two chapters, respectively, to the production of base alcohols and their flavoring. The book then ends with a very useful appendix on alcohol dilutions and fortifications, clearly explaining to neophytes the mechanisms for calculating the final proof of blends comprised of ingredients with different strengths (using a technique known as the “Pearson Square”).
Despite its brevity, I was pleased to see the subject of “Perceptions of Flavour ” brought up. I hope in the future more literature for hobby/craft distillers will continue to approach this crucial topic.
The book is well organized and its size (9 inches by 6 inches, 154 pages) makes it very approachable. The bulk of the content (Chapter 6) is devoted to producing flavored spirits through a well-documented collection of traditional recipes from around the world.
The recipes range from the mundane, such as, Lemon Liqueur, to the unusual, like the Celery Cordial. Other recipes that caught my eye include:
• Drogheda Usquebaugh (USA, 1869)
• Elixir Vulnéraire (France, 1890)
• Ar tichoke Liqueur (Italy)
• Trejos Devynerios (Lithuania)
• Cola de Mono (Chile)
• Avocado Cream Liqueur
I recommend this book to anyone looking for pragmatic information on how to produce and infuse spirits at home. Those looking for fermentation and distillation information will find it lacking in those areas.
For additional information about the book, please contact the Amphora Society at www.amphora-society.com.
-Book Review by Margaret Ayala, Publisher of "Got Rum?" Magazine