Without Britain, none of the world's favourite wines would exist.
Neither would champagne, port, rum or whisky. Not even beer. How did one
small nation come to exert such a lasting influence on the world of
booze?
Empire of Booze is a loose history of Britain, cleverly and humorously
told through its contributions to alcohol, charting the rise of British
power from its small corner of Europe to global pre-eminence. Each
chapter features a historical period and a drink - tracing its origins
and examining its impact on British culture, literature, science,
philosophy and religion. Learn about how...
...the champagne we drink today is owed to British technology for making
sparkling wine.
...rum and India Pale Ale were developed so they could withstand the
long, hot journeys to Britain's burgeoning overseas empire.
...whisky became the drink of choice for weary empire builders far from
home.
...without alcohol, the pre-twentieth century global economy could not
function.
With drink recommendations offered throughout, you can booze while you
read along. So raise a glass to Britain, the Empire of Booze, whose
alcoholic innovations are some of its greatest, lasting gifts to the
world.
