You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired the first book from Metro drinks columnist Rob Buckhaven, The Alcorithm, a "detailed and informative guide that uses flavour algorithms to reveal drinks readers will love, based on what they already enjoy".
The publisher explained: "Using the algorithm, 'If you like this, you'll love that', The Alcorithm will lead readers by the taste buds, using their existing favourite drinks and flavours to reveal numerous other varieties that will also suit their palate. Fan of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc? Try Sancerre for similar grassy notes. Partial to Vintage Champagne? Believe it or not, you may also like a Brown Porter. Those who enjoy Scotch Single Malt Whisky should give a Californian Pinot Noir a go, while a preference for Pornstar Martinis suggests you will also be fond of Japanese Sake."
Buckhaven has over 14 years' experience in the wine and spirits industry, is the drinks columnist for Metro, a brand ambassador for Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex, and in 2018 was shortlisted for the IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year.
Ione Walder, non-fiction publisher, acquired world rights from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown, with publication scheduled for 11th November 2021.
She commented: "I know I will not be the only one who, when faced with a dizzying wine or cocktail list, has panicked and stuck to a safe old Sauvignon Blanc. So this unique book is for all of us who wish we were just that little bit braver at the bar. Crammed full of Rob’s expertise, it will help us discover all those other glorious drinks we have been missing. I cannot wait to gift it to anyone who loves a drink."
Buckhaven said: "I'm thrilled to be a part of the Penguin Michael Joseph family, who are as deeply passionate about The Alcorithm as I am. Though I write about drinks for a living, as a consumer I find the concept of trial and error risky and expensive, especially when it comes to booze. So, I wrote The Alcorithm as a breezy but detailed go-to guide for people like me, who would love to try new drinks if they had a way of using their personal flavour preferences to signpost them towards the drinks they might like."