Wednesday, 2 December 2015

Tipsy: The drinkers' guide


 

THINGS YOU CAN LEARN BY GETTING TIPSY

David Ellis

WE'VE had plenty of books come across our desk in the three decades or so we've been writing this column, but none quite like a 200-odd pager that came in this month, and simply titled Tipsy.

For while the majority of the others have been pretty-much deeply thought out single-subject works covering wine, or whisky, beer or aperitifs, and how they are made or how best they should be served, Tipsy is a wonderfully expansive look at all this, and at the one time is informative, amusing, and simply an enjoyable read.

It was penned by Clare Burder who has been in the wine business in one way or another since she was just 15, and who now runs appreciation courses covering wine, beer, whisky, gin and sake – while also heading-up her boutique, family-owned Eminence Wines in Victoria's King Valley.

Tipsy takes readers through everything from how to master a daunting 40-page wine list, understand "trade talk," this-goes-with-that cheeses and drinks, to how not only are wines made, but also beers, whiskies, gins and sakes. It also covers storage and cellaring, getting the most enjoyment from rums, tequilas, ciders and vermouths, understanding the difference between a single malt whisky and a blend… even selecting the best glasses for quaffing a good beer, and tips on how to pour like a pro.

We think it a real must-have, and great value at $24.99 from all good book stores.

 


 

[] FUN and informative, a must-have for when you want to know all about that drink you've got in mind.

 

for week beginning 30 November 2015

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