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Mary Kate Murray's avatar

Great read! And although, I am not eligible for a free book, I do want to say as a former member of the Long Beach Island Garden Club, that they need more speakers like you, Amy!! 👏👏👏💚

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Jigar Parikh's avatar

Also, a new 10th year edition of A Proper Drink would be just fantastic!!! I hope you can make this happen.

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Robert Simonson's avatar

So do I. So much more to tell.

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Michael McKinney's avatar

This is a wonderful piece! I've enjoyed the bits of DRUNKEN BOTANIST that I've read; to be honest, I've not found many other books like it—drink books that stretch slightly outside of those bounds while keeping things fairly approachable. Very interested to see what happens with a ten-year anniversary edition, especially now that entire revolutions in drink-making have started and flamed out since.

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Robert Simonson's avatar

It is definitely a one of a kind book! A must have for any cocktail library.

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Amy's avatar

I think maybe you're acquainted with my friends who own Speak of the Devil in Lorain, OH. Cheers to both you and Amy for the wonderful books!

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Robert Simonson's avatar

I am!

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Kathleen McLaughlin's avatar

And now I know exactly what to get for Mothers Day for the mother who grows hops on her terrace (just because she's plant-curious) and then saw the "harvest" added to a friend's homemade beer!

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Ginger Boden's avatar

I loved this interview with Amy! Thank you for opening my eyes to her talents. I've followed her IG and will be checking out her blog. I've begun gardening very modestly within the last few years, so I'm particularly interested. Fun fact, we went to high school together (PEHS). Your youhger sister was in my class and my older brother in yours. And of course, your mother was our music/theater teacher. I've really enjoyed your newsletter, NYTimes articles and books.

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Robert Simonson's avatar

Wow! Small world. My mother had a big impact during her years at PEHS.

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Pat Handley's avatar

I've followed a plant based diet for over 20 years. When we got into cocktails as a hobby during the height of the pandemic we had to do some research into which bottles are vegan and which are not. I already own a copy of The Encyclopedia of Cocktails but The Drunken Botanist sounds like it would be right up my alley.

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Robert Simonson's avatar

A perfect book for you!

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Anne Matasci's avatar

Happy to find you, Robert! In our house, my husband is the bartender and I am the gardener. We would definitely put either/both volumes to great use!

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Robert Simonson's avatar

A good combination!

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Judy Shertzer's avatar

Have been a fan of The Drunken Botanist since I heard Amy speak - wish I could remember if it was at a Tales, a Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium or an Atlanta Food and Wine Event. I've slept since then and may have had a cocktail or many cocktails. Great read!

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Amy Stewart's avatar

It was so great to talk to you! Thanks for doing what you do.

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Robert Simonson's avatar

Likewise!!

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Jean's avatar

Both books look like great reads!

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Robert Simonson's avatar

Thanks!

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Lauren M's avatar

This is a fascinating look into the ways the source of something (for instance, herbs and plants) are lost in the process of a desired outcome (eg, a drink that looks pretty on Instagram). To Robert's point, with the proliferation of online "sources" it's so easy to get incorrect information and then pass it along without due diligence. One of the reasons I hold onto print and traditional sources like the Times is that even as a millennial I'm hoping the "experts" and truthtellers will guide me amongst all the incorrect info floating around. And yes, it matters when it comes to food and drink!

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Robert Simonson's avatar

It does matter. And the old-school sources are the safest. Online info is often specious and poorly researched.

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Amy Stewart's avatar

Agreed!

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Jigar Parikh's avatar

I had downloaded a sample of the book a long time ago and read the first chapter which I found thrilling. I have always meant to actually purchase and read the book.

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Robert Simonson's avatar

It's worthwhile, for certain.

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The Ginhound's avatar

Now that you introduced me to the Boothby I trust your instinct for a good royale. The Red Hook Royale is next on my list.

As a news journalist by trade I share your pain when people repeat stories already debunked ten times over.

On the other hand I have enjoyed writing about cocktails exactly because it is possible to both debunk and repeat balderdash in the same stories, as long as those tall tales are called out.

(Oh, and one of Copenhagens best cocktail bars is named Balderdash - run by the amazing Geoffrey Canilao)

(And don't pick me for a free book - I have both your's and Amy's - and the shipping and tax is too expensive)

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Patricia Noonan's avatar

Having taught bar skills and product knowledge for years, these are two books I’d like to read and see added to the library shelves at colleges with a hospitality faculty. Cheers 🥂

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Robert Simonson's avatar

You and me both!

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Amy Iannone's avatar

I enjoyed reading about both of your varied interests & how they converge. Commenting for the chance to win your book for my 81 yo dad who has recently gotten into cocktails & has always been a gardener.

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Robert Simonson's avatar

Those are two great hobbies for one's golden years! Good for your dad.

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Robert Simonson's avatar

Please contact me.

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Amy Iannone's avatar

Hi there, is there a more direct way you'd like me to contact you?

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Robert Simonson's avatar

Please subscriber to the newsletter and I shall be able to email you.

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Amy Iannone's avatar

Thanks, I believe I am subscribed.

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