07/17/2017
Anthropology professor McGovern (Uncorking the Past) continues his exploration of ancient elixirs, taking readers on a global trip through time to discover how various intoxicants were created and imbibed. McGovern and his travel and research partner Sam Calagione, the CEO of Dogfish Brewery, offer recipes for a number of these ancient quaffs. Beginning in the Cretaceous period—when, as McGovern notes, our ancestors likely discovered the wonders of fermentation—their journey takes them to the Middle East to learn about a curious Phrygian cocktail likely composed of wine, beer, and mead—and, later, to China, Egypt, and Scandinavia, among other countries. McGovern’s excitement and passion for his subject shines brightly, but it’s at times slowed by academic passages that read more like lectures than field reporting. Home brew enthusiasts, however, will appreciate that attention to detail, as McGovern offers painstakingly specific recipes for recreating these beverages as well as suggested dishes to complement them. Beer historians and home brewers are sure to find McGovern’s work a worthwhile addition to the brewing canon. (June)
Ancient Brews: Rediscovered and Re-created
Narrated by Tom Perkins
Patrick E. McGovernUnabridged — 10 hours, 7 minutes
Ancient Brews: Rediscovered and Re-created
Narrated by Tom Perkins
Patrick E. McGovernUnabridged — 10 hours, 7 minutes
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Overview
McGovern recounts how the re-created Ancient Ales and Spirits of Dogfish Head came about as he circles the globe-to China, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, Scandinavia, Honduras, Peru, and Mexico. He interweaves archaeology and science and tells the stories and struggles in making the most authentic versions possible of these liquid time capsules. Accompanying homebrew interpretations-brimming with unusual spicy, fruity, and malty aromas and tastes-help bring the past alive, as our senses and imaginations travel "Back to the Future."
Editorial Reviews
"McGovern’s mix of gee-whiz science and thoughtful historical context makes Ancient Brews a refreshing read."
"This book is worth reading now and well into the future."
"McGovern’s joyful treasure hunt through time is pint after pint of proof that the best beers have the best stories, and are best enjoyed with all the trappings of a feast. Alcohol, McGovern shows, is fundamental, setting the heavens in motion, stirring the souls of birds and bees alike. What sets us apart isn’t that we drink, but how—and that’s where this book shines. Because the beers themselves—and there are plenty of them—are only the beginnings of delicious tales of swashbuckling scientists, gods and pharaohs, warriors and kings, and, oh yes, the best roasted goose I’ve ever had."
"McGovern's mix of gee-wiz science and thoughtful historical context makes Ancient Brews a refreshing read."
"Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has rarely been put to headier use."
"Imagine: an archaeologist travels the world, testing the residue on pottery shards to unlock ancient recipes for beer and wine. And then—it gets better—he re-creates those recipes so that you, too, can raise a glass of King Midas’s brew. Ancient Brews is an extraordinary, globe-trotting journey through the remarkable history of our ancient connection with alcohol. Patrick McGovern is both a brilliant scientist and a gifted storyteller. This astonishing book belongs on the shelf of every wine and beer aficionado. The historical and scientific perspective is sure to astonish and delight, and the recipes will lead to some lively experimentation among homebrewers."
"A very enjoyable book that would intrigue anyone interested either in archaeology or beer."
"One might assume not much Venn exists between diagrams of beer and archaeology. One would be wrong. Learning what we drank and why makes for a superb adventure. Dr. Pat—America’s foremost barstool archaeologist—is back from the trenches to entertain, educate, and quench your thirst. Pull up a barstool!"
"Thanks to Dr. Pat’s research, beer is a gateway to discovery for armchair historians and bold homebrewers alike."
"Of interest to home brewer and historian alike."
"Good and fun. . . . Ancient Brews is an excellent example of science outreach."
"[McGovern is] the Indiana Jones of ancient ales and extreme beverages."
"If you ever wondered what might happen when America’s most adventurous brewer and a molecular archaeologist whose love of extreme beverages extends across ten millennia begin fiddling together, this is the book for you! Great storytelling, as ancient brews live again!"
"A very enjoyable book that would intrigue anyone interested either in archaeology or beer."
"Thanks to Dr. Pat’s research, beer is a gateway to discovery for armchair historians and bold homebrewers alike."
"Of interest to home brewer and historian alike."
"This book is worth reading now and well into the future."
"Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has rarely been put to headier use."
"McGovern’s mix of gee-whiz science and thoughtful historical context makes Ancient Brews a refreshing read."
05/01/2017
At a time when craft breweries are becoming increasingly prominent, exploration of ancient beers is an inspired move. McGovern, who directs projects on biomolecular studies at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, is an ideal guide. Taking advantage of opportunities arising in such disparate locations as Egypt, China, and Peru, his team analyzes organic deposits on artifacts to determine what may have been used in these concoctions. Better still, he partners with brewers to try to emulate their products as authentically as possible. This may involve chewing grains (saliva converts starches to sugars for fermentation) or using herbs and fruits that may be foreign to American audiences. Although the narrative often meanders, getting lost in too much background context, overall, this is a fascinating work that genuinely illuminates ancient history well beyond merely recounting myths or battles. VERDICT Rich in detail but perhaps narrow in audience, this book arrives at the intersection of beer enthusiasts and anthropology fans. Recommended where culinary history is popular.—Peter Hepburn, Coll. of the Canyons Lib., Santa Clarita, CA
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940171154851 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Tantor Audio |
| Publication date: | 06/13/2017 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
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