9Over the past decade, the craft distilling movement has grown to approximately 1500 small batch distillers in the USA, 300 in the UK, 150 in Canada and 100 in Australia.Whether your passion is to start distilling as a hobby or to start a licensed small batch craft distillery, the key to successfully making top quality spirits is a thorough understanding of raw materials and a solid grasp of the science behind mashing, fermentation, distillation, oak ageing and the use of water and yeast.As well as the history of alcoholic beverages and the legal definitions of spirit types, this 4th Edition of Field to Flask explores the legislation that governs craft distilling in Canada, the UK and the USA and the complex science behind mashing, fermenting, distilling and oak ageing of alcoholic spirits. This edition also examines marketing strategies for gaining market attention as a small distiller, manufacturing of alcoholic beverages by commercial distilleries, and wraps up with recipe ideas to stimulate the imagination of both the hobbyist and potential licensed craft distiller alike. Malcolm Bucholtz B.Sc., MBA has been making beer, wine and mead for over 30 years. In 2014, he completed the General Certificate in Distilling from the UK-based Institute for Brewing and Distilling (IBD) which propelled him headlong into the world of distilled spirits. Malcolm has gained a reputation in Canada for teaching distillery courses, and for assisting start-up craft distilleries with business plan development, recipe formulation, and contract distilling services. He is currently completing his M.Sc. in Brewing & Distilling at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.