The world’s three best spirits books of 2012 were named in Paris on February 21, at the annual Gourmand Book Awards. Books from 171 countries were entered in the competition and from these 294 books from 86 different countries were named finalists in 66 categories. Six spirits books made it through to the finals.

Steffos Spritbibel, written by Sweden’s Steffos Törnquist and Helen Pe was named the Best Spirits Book in the World for 2013. Second place went to Germany’s Rainer Schillings and Ansgar Puden for their book Sake, while Canada’s Davin de Kergommeaux garnered third best spirits book in the world for his Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert.

The competition is held annually in conjunction with the Paris Cookbook Fair and celebrates outstanding quality cookbooks, wine books and spirits books.

(Paris, February 21, 2013)