Strong, Sweet and Dry: A Guide to Vermouth, Port, Sherry, Madeira and Marsala

(Hardback)

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Today fortified wines are enjoying a renaissance, re-discovered by discerning imbibers and modern mixologists all over the world. Once a popular tipple to savour before or after dinner, fortified wines Sherry, Port, Madeira and the like had fallen out of favour in recent times. But now, in pubs and wine bars, high-end restaurants and homes, these wines are finding their way into innovative cocktails, and are being appreciated anew for their fine qualities and strong, complex tastes.

This is the ultimate guide to these freshly rediscovered beverages that are sweeping the globe. In lively style, Becky Sue Epstein surveys the latest innovations and trends, along with their colourful history the merchants, warriors and kings that helped create them. Featuring fine images, along with anecdotes, facts, history and recipes, this is a superb tour of the long history of fortified wines, and their global resurgence today.

Reviews

"What do Vermouth, Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala wines have in common They are all fortified wines (the 'strong' part of the book title). You probably have bottles of several if not all of them stashed away somewhere in the back of the wine closet, although you might not have thought about them in a while. And they are all delicious. Time you brought them out of the closet and onto the table where they belong! Epstein's entertaining and informative new book is just the nudge you need to do it. . . . Strong, Sweet and Dry inspired us and I think it will inspire you to try something new that's also something old. Highly recommended."-- "Choice"
"Strong, Sweet and Dry is an extraordinary voyage demystifying the aromatized and fortified wine world, and the timing couldn't be better. Americans are enjoying the world of port, sherry, vermouth, and Madeira in some cases for the first time in their cocktails! We have officially rediscovered the wet Martini and we have amazing choices for vermouth in our Manhattans. This book needs to be on your reading list."--Dale "kingcocktail" DeGroff
"Epstein's fresh take on these oft-overlooked treasures takes you through the fascinating past, where the origins of vermouth, port, sherry, madeira, and marsala are revealed, traces their contemporary trends, and discusses their modern relevance. Strong, Sweet and Dry is a wonderful read for professionals and passionate connoisseurs alike!"--Debra Meiburg MW, master of wine & director, Meiburg Wine Media
"Sip, sip, hooray, for a new book on some overlooked stars of the drinks world. . . . Strong, Sweet and Dry delves into the complex history of these aromatic fortified wines and makes a case for the current revival among mixologists. This is a serious book, crammed with facts, but it's clearly written, with some intriguing glimpses into the past, plus there's a section on cocktails for getting more out of these vinous gems."-- "Delicious Magazine"
"Y'all, it's been a year for our dads. March Madness, baseball, and just life in general have been canceled thanks to COVID-19. But you know what's not canceled Father's Day. That's right, to help y'all celebrate this Sunday, we've rounded up a list of luxurious bar cart items to gift Dad. Why stuff for the bar cart Because, after being stuck at home with us for months, Dad just needs a drink. It's been a year. . . . Ever wondered the difference between a vermouth and a sherry and when you should be drinking them Refine Dad's palate--and your own--and learn about fortified wines (plus, cocktail recipes!) with this new book by Epstein."-- "Houstonia Magazine"

Author Bio

Becky Sue Epstein is an author and journalist in the fields of wine, spirits, food and travel based in Massachussets, USA. She is the author of many books on wine, spirits and food including Champagne: A Global History and Brandy: A Global History, both published by Reaktion Books.