Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Tasting Journal and a Tasting Logbook?
A Tasting Journal starts with a few introductory pages on the basics of the subject, plus full-page flavour wheels. After that come 85 tasting scorecards, each with 44 checkboxes, then an index and extra pages for notes.
A Tasting Logbook skips the introduction and gives you more room for tastings. It has 100 scorecards in the same 6 × 9 inch size, each with 30 checkboxes. The flavour wheels are built into the scorecard itself instead of sitting on separate pages.
So if you'd like some guidance along the way, the Journal is the one for you. If you already know how you like to record a tasting and just want more space to do it, go for the Logbook.
Are the books suitable for beginners?
Yes, both are.
The Journal is the easier place to start. The introductory pages explain the basics, and the flavour wheels and checkboxes help when you can smell or taste something but can't say what it is.
The Logbook works for beginners too. It has the wheels and checkboxes on every scorecard, just with less to read first.
You don't need any special knowledge for either.
Do I need to be an expert to use the flavour wheels or checkboxes?
No. They're only prompts. You don't have to fill in every section or tick every box, and your notes don't need to match anyone else's.
Taste is personal. The point is to notice what you like and keep a record of it over time.
Are the interiors printed in colour?
No, the insides are printed in greyscale. The covers are in colour. The books are designed so the scorecards, flavour wheels and writing space stay clear and easy to use in black and white.
Which languages and editions are available?
Most of the books are in UK English. The exceptions are the Whisky Tasting Journal and Whisky Logbook, which also have a separate US-English edition (spelled Whiskey). There are German editions of a few titles too, and the German range is still catching up with the English one.
The edition options on each book's page show what's available right now.
Does choosing an English or German edition determine which Amazon store I have to use?
No, the two are separate choices. You can buy a German book through Amazon UK, or a US-English edition from Amazon Sweden. Where there's a choice, pick the edition on the product page first, then choose the Amazon store that suits you.
Where can I buy D. Prior books?
The printed books are on Amazon, and each product page links to the different Amazon stores. Some of the Tasting Journals are also available through Barnes & Noble.
Some of the quiz books also come as Kindle editions. Availability, prices and delivery times are set by each retailer and vary by country.
Are the Trivia & Quiz books available on Kindle?
Yes. The Coffee and Gin trivia books come in paperback and Kindle editions, and are also in Kindle Unlimited where the Kindle edition is currently enrolled.
The quiz books are a different kind of book from the Tasting Journals and Logbooks. They're for reading, not for writing in: questions, answers and extra facts about the culture, history and odd stories behind each subject.
Can I see inside a book before buying it?
For the Tasting Journals and Logbooks, the product pages show some of the interior pages, so you can see the layout, the scorecards, the flavour wheel or wheels, and other example pages.
For the Trivia & Quiz books, previews are on Amazon. Depending on the format and store, you can use Look Inside or Preview, or download a free Kindle sample before you buy.
Do you sell printable or tablet editions?
Not yet. Printable PDFs and editions for tablets and devices such as the reMarkable are in the works, but they aren't for sale on the website at the moment.
Do you offer books for wholesale or retail stockists?
Yes. Enquiries are welcome from distilleries, breweries, coffee roasters, specialist shops, gift shops and other businesses that would like to stock D. Prior titles. Please use the Wholesale Enquiries page or email contact@dianaprior.com.
Who is D. Prior Publishing?
D. Prior Publishing is an independent publisher based in Fife, Scotland, making practical books for people who are curious about flavour, tasting and interesting facts.
Right now the catalogue has tasting journals, tasting logbooks and trivia books on whisky, gin, coffee, wine and beer.