Birlinn Pocket Guides

There's a whole new world of beer out there to explore, but do you know your Pilsner from your Pale Ale? Tired of your usual tipple and in need of something different? The Pocket Guide to Beer will point your taste buds in new directions. This handy, fun and informative guide takes you on a journey using the BeerTubeMap, a unique flavour map that links beers by taste and style. Covering a huge range from around the world, it includes both traditional and new-wave beers. It also includes specific recommendations for each style, as well as practical tips about buying beer, what to eat with it, and lots more besides. Its straightforward, no-nonsense style makes it a great starter guide for beer newbies whilst providing inspiration for more seasoned drinkers too.

The ever-expanding world of whisky can be a daunting one, with a deluge of new brands, distilleries and literature on the subject making it all but impossible for the amateur whisky drinker to find their feet in the industry. Following on from the bestselling Pocket Guide to Wine, Blair Bowman provides a compact and accessible, easy-to-use guide to help budding whisky enthusiasts on their way. Uniquely, The Pocket Guide to Whisky explores every kind of whisky, from the well-known Scottish giants of Glenlivet, to the exotic Japanese Hibiki, and includes the ever-growing and hotly debated blended whiskies too! This little volume will tell you everything you need to know, from what to look for in whisky and what to avoid, to getting the best value for money to the perfect accompaniments to your dram and the ideal whisky for every occasion. From novice to expert, this guide enables whisky lovers to find out more about the brands they already like and to make informed choices as they explore further.