Saintsbury, George Edward Bateman (1845–1933), was an English writer, literary historian, educator, and critic whose lively ideas and writings about wine and, to a lesser but still significant degree, spirits helped form the foundation for modern criticism and description of alcoholic beverages in general.
In Notes on a Cellar-Book (1920), his views on drinking, dining, social life, Rum Punch, Whisky Toddy, Holland gin, and the joy and solace that drink can provide brought a genial but thoughtful significance to beverages in an unprecedented manner. The book’s whimsy only adds to the sense that drink is fun, at times meaningful, and at other times nothing more (and need be nothing more) than drink. Throughout, he demonstrates that drink is personal, writing, “I have never yet given a second-hand opinion on any thing, or book, or person.”
Saintsbury promoted the “proper order” of wines with dinner as well as beverages “after-dinner.” He railed against Prohibitionists and maintained that “all fanatics and faddists are dishonest.” Nonetheless, he had his firm opinions and preferences: as he wrote, “All alcoholic drinks, rightly used, are good for body and soul alike, but as a restorative of both there is nothing like brandy.”
Saintsbury, George. Notes on a Cellar-Book. London: Macmillan, 1920.
By: Doug Frost