Time is Short. There is Thirsty Work to Be Done.

Just today received my copy of 1001 Beers You Must Try Before You Die. That's the UK title. The US title is 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die. Maybe someone at the publisher decided that Americans don't like to try things, and the British prefer not to taste things.

I'm one of 1001 writers who contributed to this behemoth. Well, OK, there are only 42 of us. That might still sound like a lot, until you do the math. An average of 23.833333333 beers per person. That's a hell of a party if you ask me. (And when I read the other names, frankly, I'm honored to be among them.)

My slightly biased review: It's a much better read than any book of 1001 Anythings has a right to be. It's organized only by color — amber, blond, white and dark. Plus a specialty section for the odd ones. Then alphabetically. The result is that reading from page to page takes you rapidly from country to country, brewery to brewery, style to style. It's comparable to putting 1001 great tunes, most of which you haven't heard yet, on shuffle. You don't know what's next, but it's hard to go wrong.

The book is large. It makes a statement. Put it on your most visible bookshelf, so that visitors will see its wide spine and understand both your priorities and seriousness of purpose. There is never much time left, and if they're not with you they're against you.