"Some books are to be sipped, others to be chug-a-lugged, and some few to be savored over many a snifter, tumbler, tankard, goblet, or steaming cup. I raise my glass to Mr. Barr for whipping up such an effervescent account, a book well worth savoring."
-- James Trager, author of The Food Chronology

"Like a good barroom argument, brash, always engaging, full of surprising insights."
-- Richard Panck, author of Seeing and Believing: How the Telescope Opened Our Eyes and Minds to the Heavens