Brandy: A Global History (Edible)

Very educational and informative!

This is another title in Reaktion Book's "Edible" series. I am guessing that brandy fanciers will love the book and others, like me, who don't fancy brandy as much will simply find it an interesting account. I started to write "...account of a recreational substance" and then paused. What do we call it, a civilized recreation? A foodway? The series is called "Edible", but that seems an odd category for drink. The volume is a fast read, quite well written, well-illustrated and does contain recipes for using brandy (all the titles in this series have recipes).The book includes history of brandy, how it came to be appreciated, differentiating the variations of brandy, the origin of notable brands, and the present. I found the most interesting part to be the coverage of barrels and making brandy. There is some discussion of how brandy is appreciated in different contexts. It really is an absorbing read.

This was an okay read. I think more time could have been spent on Spanish brandy. I wasn't disappointed, but I wasn't enthralled either.

Lavishly published with gorgeous photographs, this delightfully written history of Brandy, the gentleman's (and woman's) drink, takes you through history and around the world in a joyful, tasty journey. An opening chapter is titled, for example, "Alchemy: From Classical Civilizations to Cognac." Alchemy it is! And of course educated people need to know the difference between brandy and Cognac. After buying and reading this book you will be able to shock and amaze your friends and acquaintances at the club, while sitting in those deep old leather chairs, when you tell fascinating stories about brandies from the Caucasus, great Spanish and Latin brandies, Armagnac and its mysteries, even brandy made in America (what about Canada, eh?). The piece de resistance may be the list of delicious brandy cocktails at the close of this book, a perfect holiday stocking stuffer -- or hostess/host present -- for anyone who enjoys a satisfying drink and likes to be "in the know." Don't miss this terrific book by well-known wine expert and traveler, Becky Sue Epstein.

This is a perfect gift for young and old. My husband and I enjoy a tipple after dinner and brandy is our preferred choice. (We're in the mature folk category.) It's fascinating to read how brandy is made and learn about all the various ones we can try. Recently, our son has become a brandy drinker, but he prefers his in a mixed drink. Apparently, brandy cocktails are all the rage so we gave this book to him for his birthday. He loves being able to regale his friends with information he learned from this well-written and comprehensive book. A great read even if you don't drink!

This book is packed with fascinating information- it is a perfect gift. My son was thrilled to get it this Christmas and started reading it immediatelyConcord winelover

Book is excellent

With this book you will get very interesting information about all kind of brandies. Fine paper and good color photos.

si te gusta el brandy y sabes inglés es un buen libro. lo compré para un regalo y la persona me ha comentado después de leerlo que es un libro muy interesante si te gusta este tema.recomendado para regalo

The first book of this spirit with everything you know about history and production of brandy, it's realy delicious to read! Buy it