Nov
06
99 Drams of Whiskey: The Accidental Hedonist’s Quest for the Perfect Shot and the History of the Drink
By
Kate Hopkins knew there had to be more to whiskey than using it as a mixer. She had an unquenchable thirst to learn more about “the drink” and set out on an ambitious itinerary researching its history. Combining comprehensive research with informal narrative, Hopkins entertains and educates the readers on whiskey’s place in the history of the world. She visited historians and pub owners, went to distilleries owned by corporations who sell thousands of gallons per day, and artisans who sell thousands of gallons per year, and interviewed the aficionados and the common drinkers, because one of the best aspects of whiskey is not just its taste, but the stories about the drink that are told around the bar. As an added bonus, she discusses the fine art of distilling, the proper ways to drink whiskey, and provides tasting notes on different brands, all in the hope of discovering the best shot of the liquor.
Features
- ISBN13: 9780312638320
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
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Travel + History + Good Drink = Bliss
The publisher’s description of “part travelogue, part distillery guide, and part history book” is accurate but lacking. This book is fun! My curiosity grew to interest and giggles while reading 99 Drams. Ms. Hopkins kept her book an easy read by balancing the density of history with whiskey tasting notes and anecdotes from her visits to renowned distilleries.
Great book, easy read and great as a gift.
Great gift for fathers along with a few samplings that are highlighted within the book. Very easy to read and interesting.
Fun, engaging read; touristy
This is a good book. It’s a fun read–light and enjoyable. It’s a road-trip travelogue interspersed with enjoyable asides that cover topics that all true fans of whisky and whiskey will enjoy reading. Specifically, historical insights into the distilleries and the development of regulatory history in Ireland, England, and Scotland that shaped the industry. As to the “true fans” comment, there are two kinds of whisky drinkers: Those who drink whisky, and those who are whisky drinkers. My comment is targeted at the latter–true whisky fans.
I have spent a lot of my professional life writing, including authoring a couple of books and numerous magazine articles. As a result, I pay attention to details like the difference between “whisky” and “whiskey” in context. Whisky and whiskey are not synonymous to me; I stumbled over every reference to Scotch as “whiskey.” The author addresses this in the introductory material, and I get what she’s saying, but this practice still nagged at me. Furthermore, the book could have stood better copyediting. In the span of one page, the Johnnie Walker brand was referred to by both its correct spelling and as “Johnny Walker.” Not earth-shattering stuff, but it makes a difference to the discriminating reader.
I found the whisky and whiskey reviews in the book to be amusing, rather than serious whisky-writer stuff–a diversion that I enjoyed. There are lots of places to find serious reviews; I found this book’s reviews light and different with an fun twist.
I’d have enjoyed some photos to add to the travelogue angle.
As I said, this is a fun read. I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to sharing it with a couple of whisky-loving friends who I know will appreciate it for the same reasons.
Love the dryness of the Hedonist
I’m a fan of Kate Hopkin’s immensely pleasurable site Accidental Hedonist. My bias is towards enjoying her personal writing style and discovering her idea of the where to go and what to taste on her quest to find that perfect shot. She’s a smart women with loads of great taste. I hope to read more from her, I like her dry, intelligent and humorous perspective. Great reading for the foodie (or in this case drinkee) who likes to geek out on facts and personal asides.
my husband loved it so much....
That we are planning a whiskey tour this year!!!
He says that it’s a very down to earth written book, not snobbish like many wine books, tons of information and I’ve heard him laugh a lot while reading the book.
Happy reader.
99 Drams???
This book is not for people wanting to get a lot of information on whisk(e)y in general. I have a few things say about the book. First of all, 99 drams??? The author doesn’t taste 99 drams in the book nor there are 99 tasting notes. Why the title, 99 Drams of Whiskey? I am not sure. Most likely the publisher recommended the title to sell more books… Second of all, if you’re writing a book about a whisk(e)y journey, wouldn’t you start your trip at the epicenter of whisk(e)y, which is Scotland? I understand that there are arguements back and forth as to Irish may have broght whiskey to Scotland but given the importance of Scotch whisky in today’s market place I would say Scotland is probably the best place to start. The auther starts her journey in Ireland and dedicates a small portion of the book to Scotland. Third of all, just not enough information about whiskey in general. I just expected more insightful information. For those want insightful information on whisky. I would highly recommend “Peat Smoke and Spirit” by Andrew Jefford. (There are chapters dedicated to Islay’s history, culture, nature, etc. but if you don’t want to read them just skip over the chapter.) By the way, Andrew’s writing is just amazing – much better than mine!