OP: Punch: A Voyage of Discovery
This elegant little (6-¾” x 5”, 46 pages) book was curated by two of the most prominent names in contemporary cocktail culture, Dave Wondrich and Jim Meehan, as promotional material for Bacardi’s acquisition of Banks Rum in 2016.
The first half of the book includes a history of punch written by Wondrich, comfortably within his element as a renowned cocktail historian and commentary on the revival of communal, large batch drinks in the early 2000s by Jim Meehan. The latter half includes nine punch recipes from notable bartenders—like The Life in Paris from Joel Fraser of two bars in Singapore and the Baume de Coeur adapted from Carina Tsou of several Parisian establishments.
Unlike many other branded pamphlets and promotional productions, Punch: A Voyage of Discovery (not to be confused with Wondrich’s 2010 history titled Punch: The Delights [and Dangers] of the Flowing Bowl) was designed to last and to be taken seriously. Bound in a handsome royal purple cloth, the title plate stamped with copper foil, the book would not be out of place alongside other full-length bar manuals.
We’re not aware of any other copies available on the market, as the book was produced in limited quantities and had minimal distribution. Our copy is in Very Good Plus condition and signed by both Wondrich and Meehan.