Booklist Review

If a restaurant, bar, or hotel was limited to one written reference source on alcoholic beverages, this book would be an excellent choice. Containing far more than a thorough and concise summarization of wine, this text also offers valuable information on every aspect of serving alcohol, including stocking and preparation, sales techniques, cleanup, and safety. The interests of both customers (good service) and business owners (high, sustained sales) are considered, with instructions on such important yet underaddressed subjects as teamwork, customers' complaints, and drunken patrons. Whether it's how to maintain a bar, the specific honey in Drambuie, the names of Chablis' vineyards, or fire procedures, this accessible text has the answer. It is hard to imagine a book that is more helpful for alcoholic beverage sales or more encouraging regarding professionalism in food and beverage service. Includes appendixes and self-assessment questions on each chapter. --Dane Carr