The Practical Distiller An Introduction To Making Whiskey, Gin, Brandy, Spirits, &c. &c. of Better Quality, and in Larger Quantities, than Produced by the Present Mode of Distilling, from the Produce of the United States

"The Practical Distiller" by Samuel McHarry is a comprehensive manual instructing readers how to create superior whiskey, gin, brandy, and other spirits. Written in the 1800s, it seeks to improve both the flavor and output of spirits distilled at home, using ingredients common to the United States. McHarry imparts the wisdom he gained from his hands-on learning and experimentation, providing advice on all the steps needed. The book starts with McHarry's own story of how he started distilling, talking about how little he knew about the processes of fermentation at first. He outlines the issues he had because of few resources and a lack of know-how in his area, which resulted in cautious experiments. He systematically honed his ways of improving the distillation of spirits and pinpointed techniques, all of which which he offers in his guide. All told, the book promises an examination of distillation by stressing the importance of sanitation, good ingredients and productive processes for those hoping to become distillers.