Drinks

August 1, 2016

McDowell, drinks columnist for the Toronto-based National Post, pinpoints early on the need for his book. While other titles offer in-depth guidance on wine or beer or cocktails, McDowell's provides a blunt yet witty comprehensive guide to all. A brief chapter skewering vodka is smart and funny, and may yet convince some to try a proper gin martini instead. The author's approach is that if liquor of all sorts (including vodka) is to be enjoyed, not consumed mindlessly, readers should know about reliable brands, pairings, and other useful tidbits. To that end, among his recommendations are an assortment of recipes and informative sidebars. The sometimes tart but usually encouraging writing is the star of the book. Readers will be able to dip into chapters of interest and glean just enough insight to imbibe with confidence and greater appreciation. VERDICT Abundant advice and a smattering of recipes served refreshingly directly are but a few of the highlights of this highly recommended guide.--Peter Hepburn, Coll. of the Canyons Lib., Santa Clarita, CA

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2016
Do you have very little interest in booze? Or, on the other hand, do you think drink responsibly means don't spill it ? Readers of both persuasions are likely to find this guide useful, particularly if the author is correct in claiming we're entering a new golden age of drinking. It's also a splendidly funny book, in the manner of McDowell's idol, the revered author and legendary tippler Kingsley Amis. As when McDowell finds American beer a suitable beverage while assembling patio furniture. He suggests minimal requirements for a home bar (start with a junipery London dry gin and a Polish vodka, since they tend to be nicer ), and he gives solid advice on wine ( Trust the experts. At first ). He attempts to correct addled booze scholarship: no, gin is not vodka with flavoring. Jack Daniel's is not bourbon; neither is Canadian whiskey. And, best of all, he gives drink recipes mercifully free of obscure ingredients, though he does mention Herbsaint and Peychaud's bitters. His anti-establishment tendencies surface near the end with Ad-Hoctail recipes, like a Manhattan with Canadian whiskey and cherry cola. A smart, funny, and even useful manual.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)