Cognac: A Liquid History [Paperback]

Salvatore Calabrese (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2005

It's called the noble spirit and king of brandies--and who better to explain why than the celebrated bartender and world expert on cognac?  This royal drink is his obsession, and before you're through with these elegantly illustrated, information-filled pages, it will be yours, too. Calabrese introduces the leading families and houses in the business and, decade by decade, gives the fascinating, sinful, and seductive history of cognac. Here, too, are the personal stories of those in the small area in France who produce the golden liquid, a summary of the distillation process from grape to cask to bottle, tasting notes for a selection of the finest vintages, tips of the trade, and handsome photography. An insightful reflection on a very special liquor.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Salvatore Calabrese is Bar Manager at the prestigious Lanesborough Hotel in London. Well known throughout the world as an author, cognac expert, and creator of many unique drinks, he is one of only a few experts on vintage cognac.  Among the many honors he has received are The Campari Bartender of the Year award; the Chevalerie du Verre Galant, the Chevalier l'Ordre des Côteaux de Champagne, and winner of the Lea & Perrins International Healthy Cocktails Competition. His books include the bestseller Classic Cocktails, which has sold more than 150,000 copies.

 

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Cassell (August 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844034755
• ISBN-13: 978-1844034758
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,212,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Journey, August 28, 2008

By 

Porterfiend (Moorestown, NJ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cognac: A Liquid History (Paperback)

I have read a number of books on the subject of cognac. If you are paying $20 or more for a book, you need to know what kind of book you will be getting. Some cognac books give you a sense of the region and how to enjoy a visit. Some concentrate on the major producers such as Remy, Martel, etc. Some will give you a description of each blend (and almost every bottle of cognac is a blend) and, often, the author's evaluation of it. All can be helpful depending on your needs. Calabrese knows his cognac and his love of it comes through in every chapter. The book is carefully put together with high quality photos and illustrations on fine paper. If you are interested in how a batch of cognac is goes from grapes to distillation to cask to bottle, it is all here. If you are interested in the history of cognac and its role in history, this book will meet your needs. Calabrese also speculates on where this substantial industry is headed. This book is for those who already like brandy and want to have a greater appreciation of this special liquid. It will not help you decide which cognac to try or your next bottle to buy. It gets very personal when Calabrese reminisces about the more "exotic" and rare cognacs he has tasted. He takes his chosen job of bartender seriously and it would be great fun to sit across from him and discuss the subject while imbibing. This book comes close.