Physical copies of these books were kindly provided by the publisher,
in exchange for honest reviews.

Title: Stuff Every Wine Snob Should Know
Author: Melissa Monosoff
Type: Nonfiction
Genre: Food & Drink
Publisher: Quirk Books
Date published: February 6, 2018

From tips for tasting at home to picking the perfect bottle for a BYOB, this how-to handbook is a must-have for wine lovers everywhere.

Wine may be one of the world’s oldest beverages, but it’s never been a better time to pour a glass. Whether you prefer robust reds or crisp, zippy whites, you’ll find lots to drink in in this pocket-sized guide packed with information, how-tos, and trivia for wine enthusiasts of every variety. Seasoned sommeliers and newbie wine fans alike will learn expert tasting techniques, which glassware to use and when, how to pair wine with food, how to build a wine collection (no fancy cellar needed!) and even how to open a bottle of wine when no one brought a corkscrew. Plus, guides to wine lingo, proper serving temperatures, and the best wines for every price point. Like all STUFF titles, the handy size and attractive package make this book perfect for a gift. Sante!

Title: Stuff Every Beer Snob Should Know
Author: Ellen Goldstein
Type: Nonfiction
Genre: Food & Drink
Publisher: Quirk Books
Date published: February 6, 2018

From the bestselling STUFF series comes this handy pocket guide to buying, tasting, and appreciating beer.

From classic craft beers to trendy microbreweries, beer is booming nationwide. Whether you prefer light lagers or hearty stouts, you’ll find lots to drink in in this pocket-sized guide packed with information, how-tos, and trivia for beer enthusiasts of all stripes. Seasoned craft-brew connoisseurs and newbie beer drinkers alike will learn expert tasting techniques, which glassware to use and when, how to pair beer with food, and even ways to support local breweries. Plus, guides to beer lingo, brewing industry publications, beer apps, and much more. Like all STUFF titles, the handy size and attractive package make this book perfect for a gift–just in time for Oktoberfest. Cheers!

– Wine Snob Review –

Although this book is small, it is quite full of information! It starts off with a very useful index, so that people who are new to wine, as well as experienced wine drinkers can find whichever information is more important to them. The book starts out with a history of wine, which I found to be pleasantly brief, while also informative. The book also includes terms that every wine snob should know about, and how to use. And that is only the beginning of what’s covered in the “basics” section! After more basic info is provided, the book goes into other info, such as how to pair wine with food, or how to pour a glass of wine.

The last section is devoted to how one can “live the wine snob life,” and includes info such as travel information for famous wine destinations, or how to host a wine tasting party! This is a very good book for those new to wine, as well as those who are already experienced wine fanatics, to read, as well as own! This is definitely a book that I will be revisiting, because I for one, would love to live that “wine snob life!”

– Beer Snob Review –

Since I enjoy beer just as equally as wine (and I only choose between the two based on the occasion), I of course had to request and review Stuff Every Beer Snob Should Know as well! Since the book about wine, and this one about beer are from the same series (Stuff You Should Know), and have similar covers, I just wanted to point out that the authors are completely different. Therefore, it came as no surprise to me, that while this book meant for beer snobs also starts out with a handy index, it then goes into a quiz that readers can take in order to determine whether they are a beer snob or not! I found that to be super neat.

The book then goes into the basics of beer, and a brief overview about what types of beer are out there (such as ale, pilsner, etc.). Beer Snob then goes into the history of beer, before covering some beer-related terminology. The layout of this book then very much mirrors that of the wine book (which is great, because I find that layout to be quite organized, and easy to navigate). I definitely recommend this book for all of the beer snobs out there, and those looking to join the club!

– About the Authors –

Melissa Monosoff is a sommelier, restaurant consultant, and wine and spirits educator. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she served wine for years in some of Philadelphia’s top restaurants before relocating to Texas, where she now lives and works.

Ellen Goldstein is a writer and editor living in eastern Massachusetts. A graduate of Carleton College and Emerson College, she has written, edited, and contributed to many popular history, craft, design, cooking, and other lifestyle books.

– Wine Snob Purchase Links –

– Beer Snob Purchase Links –

THANK YOU FOR READING MY FIRST MINI DUAL REVIEWS POST! HAVE YOU READ THESE BOOK? WHAT DID YOU THINK? AND IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THEM YET, DO YOU WANT TO, OR NOT? HOW COME? WHAT ABOUT ANY OF THE OTHER “STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW” BOOKS? ALSO, WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE LAYOUT/SETUP THAT I USED FOR THIS POST? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!