Grossman's Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "It is important to explain the various terms we use, so that there may be no misconceptions or confusion..." (more)
Key Phrases: proof gallon basis, sherry vineyards, aromatized wines, United States, New York, Pinot Noir (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Turn to Grossman's Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits for quick answers to your questions about any alcoholic beverage and for insights into the history and origins of liquor. Whether you're looking for technical advice or interesting conversation pieces, this resource is sure to meet all of your needs.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 672 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 7 edition (June 15, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684177722
• ISBN-13: 978-0684177724
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #139,776 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get up to speed on spirits in 600 pages, September 9, 2000

By	Stephen B. Cobb "Shameless Reductionist" (Reston, Virginia USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There may be more recent books focused on wine or beer, but this is the most comprehensive guide to alcoholic beverages in general. Tired of listening to a couple of colleagues discussing a subject that I knew nothing about, I read this fascinating book, and soon turned the tables: until I showed them evidence, they simply would not believe that Amaretto was made made from apricot pits rather than almonds! Many other products, like Spanish sherry, have interesting details and histories that I had never suspected. About the organization, roughly one-third is devoted to wines (a chapter per country), one-third to other alcoholic beverages, and one-third to technical advice and appendices on menu-planning, storage, vintages, etc. A highly enjoyable and informative book, very nicely balanced.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grossman's sets a standard, January 8, 2000

By	tropic_of_criticism - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Meant principally as a textbook, _Grossman's_ is nevertheless imminently readable for fun. If you feel awkward in some social situations because you can't comment intelligently on fine drink, this is a good place to start. You'll come away from the book with a working knowledge of:

* world wine regions

* legal definitions of various liquor types

* liquor, beer and wine production

* principles of marketing and purchasing

* beverage service

* proper glassware

* liquor trivia

Certainly, this book lacks a contemporary voice. With an original copyright date of 1940, some of the text has remained unaltered for 60 years. It misses trends in recent American beer production, and doesn't give very complete information about emerging wine producers, such as post-Apartheid South Africa. But at its heart, this is a thoroughly objective textbook which has been written and continuously edited specifically to be brand-neutral. This makes it the pre-eminent textbook for use in a general survey course on liquor service, or an invaluable resource for anyone trying to gain a healthy appreciation for alcohol.