Science & Technology

The Thinking Drinker's Guide to Alcohol: A Cocktail of Amusing Anecdotes and Opinion on the Art of Imbibing by Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham and other books are reviewed. Broadly encompassing a survey of alcoholic beverages from beer and wine to spirits, this title, cowritten by McFarland, author of the excellent Boutique Beer, and Sandham (World's Best Cocktails) is occasionally funny but shallow. Information is presented in readily digestible one- to two-page spreads, including superb but limited purchase recommendations and cocktail recipes. The authors frame alcohol within historic and modern cultural contexts (politics, literature, film, celebrity) but devote too much attention to an odd mix of so-called legends and distinguished drinkers. Though some will appreciate the breeziness and humor, readers would do better with in-depth guides to specific alcoholic beverages.