Won

The Readable Feast Award 2020: Wine, Beer, Spirits

Shortlisted

Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2020: Drink Book Category

"The drinks announced in the subtitle of Epstein’s book evoke the arcane charms of the Old World, but have, in recent years, made a comeback among bartenders and mixologists. Epstein narrates their history while also liberating them from the dusty drinks cabinet. A first chapter on vermouth, essential for the now near-ubiquitous negroni—a heady blend of vermouth, aromatics and fortifying spirit (Epstein notes its 'sultry darkness')—prepares the reader for the cocktail of genres that follows: travelogue and history mix with guidance, a glossary (for the more arcane terms of the drinking arts), and recommended reading. . . . The succinct battery of cocktail recipes at the end of the book . . . [features] unfussy preparations that showcase the wines’ varied characters."

Times Literary Supplement

"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."

Wine Economist

"Epstein takes her readers on a memorable adventure into villages and around the countryside in Spain, France, Sicily, and Cyrus (among other places), weaving the tales of these spirits through history while illuminating producers’ techniques and the flavor profiles of individual spirits. Epstein’s book contains cocktail recipes, too, so here’s a gift you could give anyone."

Martha's Vineyard 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

"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

"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

"Epstein has the ability to dig deep into the background and culture of drinks from around the world, bringing out snippets of information that evade many other writers. She dips briefly into the history of her fortified wine topics, but rather than get weighed down with how things were in the past, she is more interested in the current status of the wines. She weaves methods of winemaking, grape varieties, and ageing into an easily digested format, bring out the directions of each industry as it adapts to changing markets. She then rounds off with a selection of cocktail recipes that adds another dimension to the enjoyment of these wines."

Yorkshire Post

"Epstein, a wine commentator of huge experience, pulls on a robust pair of cracked leather hiking boots and strides gamely into this great historical sweep. As a guide she’s engaging. . . . In many ways a fascinating book. . . . You’ll find all you need to know about an increasingly fashionable family of wines."

Club Oenologique

"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