Cognac: A Liquid History

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.