A bit dull but it covers EVERYTHING you might want to know on the subject mater of Beverage service. Suplier was very easy to work with and the book came in great condition.

The 2008 edition is a wonderful and informative romp through the Old School viewpoint. If this was in ANY other industry (tech and such)it might be sniffed at for structure and copy proof, but all hail Julyan for in-depth information...Just a bit toffee nosed for me (see other reviewers). If you have to read this alone to pass THE test...good luck.

I have been using various editions of this book for 10 years. It is perfect study tool for front of house wait-staff, bartenders, wine, beer, and spirit educators as well as for the average fine alcohol aficionado. The attention to important detail in this tiny tomb is spot on. It is written to be accessible and useful to all. As a student of wine professionally and scholastically; as well as a passionate lover of fine (esp. Old World) wine, this book earns my full recommendation.

It is good to have a simple explination for so many confusing things, but it is important to have those simple explinations still be accurate and true. A varietal does not thrive on rich soils, a variety does. A varietal is when you bottle one variety without blending it. Variety: grape type. Varietal: wine type. There are many, many more mistakes such as this one throughout the book.

Up to date, with new areas expanded, color plates and maps. Excellent resource for anyone running a bar program with emphasis on wine.

Sometimes the British nomenclature is different than here.

This book is a must if you are on your way to becoming a sommelier, in wine distribution, or really yearn for a deeper understanding of life on & off of the vine brought close to the classroom... You will be ultimately satisfied with the in depth perspectives that bring you closer to the world that is wine today. From the diseases, chemical composition, to the construction of the juice that is so deeply adored. You will find this piece of literature a gem you can constantly rely on for precise factual information. Cheers, MD

I enjoy having the book as a reference but I would never sit down and ready it from front to back. I did appreciate the clean black and white graphics espically when they were describing a product I have never used. I purchased this item as a supplement to a college class and it has worked out well when I need technical support for project reports.