Beverages Books

If you could see me now, you'd notice that I'm just the slightest shade of green. This happens everytime I read a book by Kermit Lynch. No, I'm not ill, just envious. Is it really fair that Kermit was blessed as one of our nation's greatest palates AND one of our greatest writers? And if I ever get a chance to hear his band, I understand I'd be jealous of that too.

I found this, his latest collection of wine missives, difficult to put down. His engaging writing style allowed me to clearly imagine tagging along on each of his European sojourns. I imagined standing next to him in every cellar he described, sitting at every meal he journaled.

If you're anything like me, somewhere in the middle of chapter two or three, you'll begin plotting ways to convince your family a vacation in the French wine country beats Disneyland any day.

Dave Chambers, Wine Merchant
Sideways Wine Club

I quickly became addicted to the Kermit Lynch Newsletters (and wine) after moving to San Francisco in 1999. My stack of collected newsletters was often revisited and rearranged for convenience (ascending, descending, seasonally), and I eventually had to buy those scary extra large sized binder clips to hold them together. I've always regretted the relative lateness of my enlightenment (through Kermit's book (Adventures), store, and newsletters) to unfiltered, properly shipped, traditional, un-chaptalized wine. This book makes that regret even more painful.

I relived that moment when, as a child (hopefully), you discover time did not start with your birth. "What, Trignon was produced before 1998? And I'll never get to taste it? And it cost how much?"

While Inspiring Thirst did show me that the next Vieux Telegraphe is very likely lurking in my binder clipped collection of newsletters for very cheap, one thing I've realized is that just knowing the facts and history behind a wine (as most books give you) does nothing for the experience. A good storyteller is invaluable, and can make seemingly ordinary wines as special as anything the Bruniers have produced.

Order this book, subscribe to the newsletter, and hope they decide to release volume two soon before that binder clip starts to give way.

WOW! What a great book. It came from Amazon yesterday and I can't put it down. Humorous, clever, insightful, educational, entertaining and fun.
This 400 page book of selections from the 1974 to 2003 Kermit Lynch wine brochure rather reminds me of the old Peterman's catalogues. It is full of great wine stories and personalities interspersed with food and travel tips.
Lynch is quite opinionated, but an entertaining writer. I have learned a lot from this book and it has truly changed how I think about wine.

Nearly 20 years ago I had the pleasure of reading Kermit Lynch's first book, "Adventures On the Wine Route." Back then I thought it was by far the best wine-related book I had ever read and my opinion hasn't changed. I would look forward to receiving the monthly Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant newsletters because they were so well-written. I would save them because they were such great reading material, and thought what a good book they would make.

Well, that's just what Mr. Lynch did, turned them into a book. His writings make me thirst for the wines he describes. The thing is, of course he is a salesman since he owns a wine shop, but he backs himself up by importing some mighty good wines. Seeing his name as the importer on a bottle of wine inspires confidence.

Inspiring Thirst is a collection of selections from Mr. Lynch's monthly wine letter and I found it fascinating to follow the journey from its beginnings up to the time the book was published. And also to be in wonderment at how low the prices used to be on such great bottles of wine - unbelievable.

The author definitely has a way with words and leaves no doubt that he loves what he does. The selections in the book, just like every newsletter or brochure he has printed, is a learning experience. It is far from the typical wine shop mailing that screams the point score awarded it by Robert Parker or the Wine Spectator and how limited the production is of that latest boutique find. You will find no point scores in Mr. Lynch's world, nor will you find attempts to stir up a frenzy over the most recent "vintage of the century" that needs to be touted. I love his own "vintage chart" (which happens to be a blank piece of paper). I laughed when it first came in the mail, and laughed upon seeing it again in the book.

This book gets a most enthusiastic thumbs up. Oh, and by the way, while it is a rather expensive book, the quality of the pages and binding (not to mention the reading material itself) make it worth the money.

The first of two unusual and fun cookbooks, the recipes are tasty, and put "Jack" to work in the kitchen.
Some of the dishes make you feel like you're passing the bowl at a boarding house, not to mention the Lynchburg, Tennessee history involved.

Absolutely perfect gift for my friend who is a J.D. fan and a fantastic cook. He will love this birthday gift!

This is one of my favorite cookbooks. It's full of beautiful pictures and really great recipes.

As you might expect, it has lots of recipes with the sponsor's product in it, and of course, they are really good. The chocolate velvet cake with Jack Black and the "tipsy sweet potatoes" are definite keepers. But so are the many recipes from Miss Bobo's boarding house. Miss Bobo did not allow spirits on the premises. One of my favorites that always draws raves is the artichoke, spinach, and mushroom casserole.

I have been cooking with Jack Daniels Black Lable Whiskey for many years. Today I was sitting in the isle of a book store looking at cook books and ran upon this unknown book. After spending at least a half hour pouring over it I was impressed beyond words. I realized that my cooking with this whiskey had only touched the tip of the iceberg. The book is beautifully laid out and written; the range of recipes is great and the pictures and stories rich with the Tennessee heritage. Of course I put the book back on the shelf so I can purchase it here at Amazon since the savings is much better. But I can honestly declare you will be totally delighted with the book and the great eating you will gain.

I can already see the positive effect the concepts in this book have had and will continue to have on my life. The book doesn't present thoughts from only a single point of view. You create your own life plan using very simple and basic principles. I look at people differently now. I have a greater level of respect for myself and I will never allow anyone to lower that level of self-respect again. I'm just not afraid to ask for the things I need anymore. This one tops my list because it really works.

I picked up this book about a month ago. I was able to read straight through it in about 1 1/2 hours and understood everything, however, I'm slowly absorbing it as each day I pick it up, flip to a random page, read a section, and keep that with me throughout the day. What I like best about the book is how it makes me look at my world and my actions differently; it makes me consider what I do more carefully and it keeps reminding me of all the chances I have every day to do what I want to do. The technique I have of reading a small section and absorbing that to the fullest isn't how one has to read this book. It provides questions for those who like to sit and ponder things or write about them, and it has affirmations for people who want to get the point quickly. I think this book gives few boundaries and excellent options for ANYONE to absorb the important messages it contains. I love knowing this book is sitting in my book shelf.

On a whim I picked up this book for leisure and ended up using it to take another look at my life. This beautiful book is small but absolutely crammed with remarkable insights. It could even be a magic bullet. Really! It makes so much sense. Dont' get me wrong. You still have to do the work. but it's so much fun to really pick apart the questions and feel the pieces of your life just falling in place. Now I carry this book everywhere with me. I ask my friends some of the questions in the book and we talk at a deeper level than we ever have. Anyone who loves life or wants to must read this book.

There is no denying the validity of the principles defined in this book. This is some fascinating stuff! It's refreshing and revealing all in one. Javahouse Journals is not a fluffy self-help book. It is a book that will make you think and put things in perspective. I keep this book on hand for a daily dose. A must read for anyone trying to fall back in love with life.

I have never had a bartending book that is so well organized and fun and easy to use! I especially love the lamination. Are these guys single? Ryan and Robby, you ROCK!

I found this giant little bar tenders guide an easy to navigate book and a must have for bartenders and consumers alike. I have spent years looking high and low for a quick and concise bartenders tool which addresses the high demand and trendy cocktails and now I can say that it has been written. And well written too. The coauthors are no doubt very knowledgeable about their craft. They have written a fun and important cocktail book. The construction and page coating will no doubt make it a standard in the industry for many years. I strongly recommend that every bar in the english speaking world have a copy on hand for employees to reference and several additional copies for customers to order from and purchase to take home! I have enjoyed over thirty years on both sides of the counter. I know that the customer could use this important book as a menu of sorts and by the same token the house could standardize their drinks and presentation by deferring to "Keep it Simple Baby: Guide to Mixology". I look forward to the next book by Misters Jonsson and Waddell or even a television show on the same topic!

Got turned on to this book after receiving a "Transfusion" (see shot section) at a private club in the west end. I then had the privilege to sample a "Chuckie",- delicious- and an "Irish Fog" (or was it a Snow Cap?) I nearly bribed the bartender into getting his "original" recipies- finally he showed me the truth. I've since used this book to enhance the entertainment at my own parties. Very enjoyable results!

Wow!!! What a fantastic book, an absolute classic. I have many bartending and cocktail books on my shelf but nothing compares to this. Buy it now and forever hold your peace, baby!

This is an amazing book on wine that will attempt to drastically improve your knowledge on wine. Incredibly well organized and put together with pictures. Graphically stunning and impeccably written.

MUCH MORE USEFUL THAN "DUMMIES" BOOK. HAS A HUGE LIST OF WINE AND FOOD PARING AS WELL AS COLOR PICURES (UNLIKE DUMMIES). OH. AND IT IS SNOB FREE! IF YOU ARE INSULTED BY A BOOK TEACHING YOU COMMON SENSE, HOWEVER, THEN MAYBE A MORE INTELLECTUAL BOOK WILL WORK FOR YOU.

As a person who appreciates drinking wine I keep looking for books that will help me appreciate it even more. As soon as I started thumbing through this book, I knew I had found a winner.

While the book doesn't go into any great depth on the many aspects of wine, it does give the reader a foundation in just about all the topics that make wine drinking enjoyable. In a very short period of time, the reader will know how to select, buy, store, and serve the right wine for the right occasion. It won't make you an expert, but, it will give many of you a way to make a wonderful hobby even more enjoyable.

I highly recommend this book to most people who enjoy drinking wine.

KISS puts out many "Keep it Simple Series" books that cover topics in an easy to understand manner. In this guide, a big-nosed dog helps you through the tasks of understanding and learning about wines. It does its job well!

The book begins with the basics - the history of wine, what wine is, and a brief overview of wine and health. Then it moves into section 2 - learning how to taste wine. It talks about the basic moves involved, and then gets into the flavors you will find. It goes into acidity and sweetness, with simple explanations of both. It even goes into what you should NOT taste in a wine, and describes what a 'corked' wine is like. It points out that cork bits floating in your wine do NOT cork it, and that this is perfectly harmless :)

Another area tries to explain styles of wine by comparing them to celebrities - from Shirley Temple to Arnold Schwarzenegger. It's an interesting exercise, although not all readers will have seen movies with all of the people mentioned!

The book goes in to how to buy wine in stores, how to store it, and how to serve it. It then goes into the main grape varieties, and how each differs from its relatives. And then it gets into the meaty last portion - the region by region reviews. It goes through each - France, Spain, Italy, the US and others - with interesting facts and history, plus recommendations for what to buy and try. It discusses how Chablis should come from France and Port from Portugal, and what to beware.

The end area has a glossary of terms, vintage charts and other handy references.

While it doesn't give you much information about any one topic, this is a great way for a newcomer to wine to gain a solid grounding!

This book will make any party an instant success. Even if you don't use every recipe -- the book alone is a conversation piece. Throw on a hip CD and the night will be anything you want it to be.

If snapping a poptop on a brewski is the limit of your bartorial abilities, then this is your book. Especially if you are going to invite me over. Get creative with Babs Harrison Kitschy Cocktails, and lets start partying!!!

This is one of those things that it's hard to tell what it's going to be like online, but when it arrived, it was exactly what was described. A cool book with drink recipes and lots of little plastic drink "accessories." A great gift for someone who likes mixing cocktails! The recipient of the gift was impressed with it.

I thought I knew cocktails but the "kitschy cocktail muse" -- author Babs Harrison -- knows much more, a point she vividly makes in this book which stands as a pocket-sized guide to everything from Cosmopolitan Martinis to the Gombey Smash. There are plenty of recipes but what makes the book is the author's lively (even a bit twisted) sense of humor. And it doesn't hurt at all that the book is packaged with a set of kool kitschy stirrers and paper umbrellas for dressing up drinks! Read it Before your next cocktail party!

This book is meant to be savored. It is all things wine and the appreciation of wine. Johnson's actual presence, his life's tale wanders in and out of the narrative. We learn about his schooling, his early university days, about his wife, his early work and publications but that's just part of the beauty of reading this book.

Imagine if you had a friend who not only spoke eloquently but who could talk at great lengths about a subject he held dear to his heart. Imagine this friend to be well-traveled, with many connections and stories to tell. Hugh Johnson might be that ideal friend. He doesn't talk down to the reader, he doesn't namedrop the way some wine writers do, glorifying personalities in the wine trade. Johnson is certainly living a comfortable life but his presentation of facts, experiences and meetings with great wine and great winemakers is lively and surprisingly modest.

The book is divided into several sections: Prospects, Bubbly, White, Red and Sweet. Throughout these sections he explores past episodes of his life, the people he met and the wines he encountered. His style is direct, light, poetic and friendly, an approach in prose that both informs and involves the reader. You never feel like you're being lectured to, mostly that he is here to mentor, to share and express his love of the great fermented grapes of the world.

I would recommend this book to all kinds of readers, especially the wine lovers. If you're starting out or know the difference between a Pouilly-Fusse and Pouilly-Fume, then read this. For wine writing, this work is a treasure. I wish there were more writers like Johnson working in the industry.

A Life Uncorcked is a celebration of the vine. It is a fun read and very informative. I especially love his take on the current wine rating systems, finally someone with sense!

I recently published a brief review of this wonderful book in the print edition of The Washington Examiner newspaper (www.examiner.com -- April 29 & 30th Weekend Edition). Here is that review:

Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with world-renowned wine writer Hugh Johnson as he breezed through town promoting his new memoir on the inner workings of the wine world, A Life Uncorked. This is a deeply personal book. Yet, as Johnson admits, it is not an autobiography. Rather, this memoir is a personal journey, as much about wine as it is about his life.

For Johnson, wine is essentially "a social game" not merely an interest or a hobby. Wine is "about human relations, hospitality, bonding-all the maneuvers of social life-and all under the influence, however benign, of alcohol." Who can argue with that?

This social experience is richly transformative: "However good a wine may be, sentiment can make it better" and "with the right companion, a single wine can be a continuing conversation." In person, as in his writings, Johnson comes off as witty, personable, and charming, and his approach to wine is wonderfully infectious.

Never one to shy from a fight, Johnson (a Brit) takes issue with Robert Parker, the preeminent American wine critic. Johnson criticizes Parker's wine scoring system, which treats wines "like American high school students"-50 points just for showing up, 60 = dreadful, 70 = pretty poor, 80 = not bad, etc. Johnson decries the effect this approach has had on the wine industry, where wines are Parkerized to get higher scores.

Ultimately, Johnson's unpretentious and highly enjoyable attitude towards wine appreciation is compelling. As he plainly explains, "It depends on whether you see wine primarily as a drink or as a recreational substance. In a drink you look for something refreshing and satisfying without too loud a voice, not too intrusive on your food or your thoughts each time you take a sip." So take a page from Hugh's book, and enjoy a jolly good read with glass in hand.

I must admit that I've never followed the author's wine advice but I cut my wine teeth on his fantastic wine atlas. I bought this book on a whim and it's taken me months to drift through it - not because it's a hard read rather it's sort of a wine vacation experience best experienced without haste.

If you're a wine fan who needs a vacation but can't get away; read a chapter or two and live vicariously.

btw, yes, there is an oft-quoted sentence disparanging GWB and RP in the same whack. Not entirely off the mark though, is it?!

Liquid Mexico: Festive Spirits, Tequila Culture, & The Infamous Worm is a 'must' for any who love Mexico: it examines the locales, festivities and history surrounding Mexican drinks, using specific beverage as cultural indicators for exploring Mexican heritage. Chapters blend in the authors' travel experiences throughout Mexico in chapters which range from 'Margarita' and 'Beers' to 'Sangrita'. An inspired blend of travelogue and cultural insight makes for lively reading indeed.

I was impressed by the numerous bibliographical references at the end of each chapter. I was expecting a simple book on drinking and traveling, but obviously a lot of serious research went into this book. Great reading for the beach or library.

This is a great book. Even though it's about alcohol, it's not really about drinking. It's way more about the history and culture that surrounds the drinks. If you like Mexico, even if you're a teetotaler, you'll like this book.

This couple went on some fun adventures in Mexico, did some great research on the history of the drinks mentioned in the book (tequila, mezcal, margaritas, Corona, etc), and put it together in a highly entertaining format. I think any arm chair traveler would get a kick out of reading this -- I did.

Excellent book. In fact all of Dillman's books are excellent and the right length to introduce you to each particular subject all of which seem relevant and timely. The little book of Healthy Teas also passed my English Wife's scrutiny particularly for making teas. I appreciated Dillman's extensive overview of teas as well as including some that are not readily sipped in the US, such as yerba mate. The writing is sharp, witty and concise--highly recommended.

A wonderful read with excellent content. Ms. Dillman uses sharp and interesting language to provide valuable information about the ways in which we can integrate tea into a healthy lifestyle. I shall recommend it to many friends and colleagues and stay tuned for the next "Little book".

I have a condition known as ME in the UK and Chronic Fatigue inthe the USA. I found this book really helpful - just by making a sligh adjustment to my liquid intake I have been able to improve my health and overall energy. Dillman explains how including green rea (for example) or roobush can boost your flavanoid and anti-oxidant intake - which will help just about any condition - and has an anti aging effect as well! Some really interesting information is in this book - which I just didn't know. It makes a fascinating and useful read.

Great info on health benefits, how to make really good tea, stress and other relief tips, and more. I love these LITTLE BOOKS, and they are great gifts - there's a YOGA one my wife loves, and I think there are others. I'm a big tea drinker, so this TEA book is my favorite.

This is an amusing book which should bring smiles to winelovers, graphic designers and those with a taste for the unusual and quirky. Many of the labels are striking in their originality, others recall sixth-grade humor and bad puns and some actually relate to the wine inside the bottle. The text is informative.

Peter May chose this collection of wine labels with humor and with deep knowledge of wines from different parts of the world.

Peter's website is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the subject. He is constantly adding to the collection, and has a number of references to other collections of wine labels. winelabels.org

This is a fun book to spice up those quiet moments.

Peter May has been writing about wine - and collecting wine labels - for many years. He's put his prodigious talent to good use by compiling this book, which includes over 100 fantastically funny labels from around the world. Now, we all know that we should buy wine based on its merits, on its quality and cost effectiveness. However - admit it. You've bought a wine based on the label, at least once. I know I have! "Fat Bastard" springs to mind. The name was just too funny to walk past. How about Goats do Roam from South Africa, which is a clever play on the Cotes du Rhone wines of France?

Each label is shown in full page high color, so you really feel like you have your own "label collection" without going through the mess and hassle of having scraped them off by yourself. It also makes it incredibly easy to identify these wines the next time you walk into the wine store. Peter gives a full description of each wine including what makes it special. He even provides tasting notes should you actually want to drink what's inside the bottle.

Many of the labels are quite inspiring. There is Rasteau, a Cotes du Rhone that has braille markings on its label. This allows those with vision problems to easily identify and organize their wine bottles. Why don't all manufacturers do this? Rude Boy and Rude Girl have color changing labels where the cover models actually "lose their clothes" when the bottle is at the right serving temperature. A number of the bottles are great for collectors who adore certain movie stars. There's the Marilyn Merlot as well as the Presley Pinot.

Sometimes the best wine to bring as a present for someone isn't the most expensive on the shelf - sometimes it's the bottle that is tasty and has a label that will be talked about all evening. Peter rounds those up for us, and makes the journey quite enjoyable.

From the very beginning: Peter May's, and Robin Garr's, introductions to this book are a piece of great work in broadening the horizon to a really enjoyable world of wine.
The looks of the book show that Peter's May's remarkable collection of unusual wine labels has been in the hands of very good people. And, I want to tell you what my wife said when I handed the book to her to see: "It feels like one wants to touch it!" - I believe that says everything on behalf of purchasing a copy of your own. It's great to see things in the web, but the same on real paper just gives you the best vibes.

The info Peter May gives about each label, and the wine behind it, is great reading. I truly believe that the world of wine lovers needs his kind of angles to make wine the fun it should be!

This book is an excellent gift to a wine lover with an open, dionysian mind!

In a way I consider this little book to be a classic already now.
- Hannu Lehmusvuori