Review by Library Journal Review
Broadly encompassing a survey of alcoholic beverages from beer and wine to spirits, this title, cowritten by McFarland, author of the excellent Boutique Beer, and Sandham (World's Best Cocktails) is occasionally funny but shallow. Information is presented in readily digestible one- to two-page spreads, including superb but limited purchase recommendations and cocktail recipes. The authors frame alcohol within historic and modern cultural contexts (politics, literature, film, celebrity) but devote too much attention to an odd mix of so-called legends and distinguished drinkers (William of Orange, Jesus Christ, two pages of Thinking Drinking Cowboys with a small blurb on Lively Ladies). The writing has a British laddish tone that may be attractive to only a narrow cross-section of readers. VERDICT Though some will appreciate the breeziness and humor, readers would do better with in-depth guides to specific alcoholic beverages. Optional.-Peter Hepburn, Coll. of the Canyons Lib., Santa Clarita, CA (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
