Aug 28 2009

Cognac (Mitchell Beazley Classic Wine Library)

Published by at under Wine Books

This illuminating study of cognac—written by an internationally recognized expert and leading authority on the subject—explores the fascinating, often dramatic history of this spirit and the world-famous town of its origin. Nicholas Faith tells an extraordinary story of fraud and reveals how it helped provide the foundation for the system of control that now protects its manufacture and sale. He closely examines every aspect of cognac’s increasing prominence in today’s markets, gives detailed profiles of cognac’s key producers, and presents a full account of the intricate production techniques used to make cognac. To top it off, there’s a complete guide to drinking and enjoying the wide range of cognacs available worldwide.

Nicholas Faith’s first wine book, The Winemasters, was published in 1978 and won the André Simon award. He is the author of Mitchell Beazley’s Classic Wine Library Cognac, which won the Gourmand Best Spirit Book 2004, as well as other well-received works on Champagne and on major Bordeaux châteaux.

Customer Review: A fascinating history, not a "drinker's guide"

I recently got "into" cognac and ordered this book to further my understanding of this ambrosial elixir. While not quite what I'd hoped for, the book turned out to be much more interesting than I had expected.

The book starts with an overview of the making of cognac, including information about the geography of the Cognac region and how it influences the quality of the brandies produced in the various sub-region This is followed by a detailed history of the region and the drink. I found Nicholas Faith's writing about the trials and tribulations of Cognac to be to be quite engaging. At the end, there is a short section on the enjoyment of cognac, followed by a listing of cognac houses and very terse comments on their various cognacs (just a few words each).

My only disappointment is that I was hoping for more a "drinker's guide" to Cognac with detailed reviews, something along the lines of the books the late Michael Jackson wrote about beer and whiskey. I'm thinking that Cognac (Mitchell Beazley Drink) might be more what I was looking for, so I'll order it next.

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