The Independent On Sunday

As a judge for the annual Andr Simon book awards, RICHARD EHRLICH names a few of his favourites, including Cognac by Nicholas Faith (20; Mitchell Beazley): 'It ranges so widely through history, politics and economics that you can never take another sip without thinking about Cognac in a more globally enlightened way. Faith loves Cognac as much as any drinker on the planet, but he is not a purist. He likes to mix the stuff when it's appropriate, either in cocktails or with a mixer - but not tonic, which he and I both consider to be one mixer with which the amber nectar is totally unsuitable.'