McHARRY, Samuel. The Practical Distiller: or an Introduction to Making Whiskey. Harrisburgh, PA: John Wyeth, 1809.
8vo (200 x 120 mm). (Some overall browning and spotting.) Contemporary calf, red morocco lettering-piece gilt (some wear and repairs, joints rubbed). FIRST EDITION, one of the earliest American distilling manuals. "The following receipts are intended to convey all the instruction necessary in the science of distilling, and producing from the growth of our own farms, the best spirits of every description, and such as I flatter myself will supersede the use of all imported liquors" (Introduction). McHarry includes directions for producing spirits using rye, corn, buckwheat, apples, peaches, pumpkins, and turnips, and includes instructions on how to purify whiskey and produce spirits similar to French Brandy.
