The Complete Handbook of Barware

This handbook is exactly what I needed when I took over the bar at our restaurant. The chapter on choosing barware saved us from buying the wrong equipment, and the maintenance section has kept our glassware and tools in shape for almost a year now. Only minor complaint: I wish there was more detail on specific shaker styles—the Boston vs. Cobbler distinction could have gone deeper. Still, easily the most practical barware resource I've found.

I'm a home bartender with a collection I've built over five years, mostly by guessing and buying whatever looked nice. Reading Chapter 1 alone made me realize I was making equipment decisions completely backwards. The neutrality is refreshing—no brand cheerleading, just 'here's what actually matters.' I've already revised my maintenance routine and returned two sets of glassware I didn't need. This is the book I wish existed when I started.

Solid reference for what it claims to be. The specifications and troubleshooting chapters are excellent—real information, not marketing. I did find Chapter 6 on suppliers less useful than I hoped; I'm already familiar with the major brands, so more depth on smaller or regional manufacturers would have been valuable. That said, it's still the most reliable barware guide I own.

Finally, a barware book written for people who actually use the tools, not people selling them. I run a small cocktail bar, and the chapters on maintenance and choosing equipment have already paid for itself in equipment I didn't waste money on. The glossary is unexpectedly helpful—I reference it almost daily. Highly recommend if you take your bar seriously.

Exactly what I was looking for—practical, no hype, just information. The real-world examples make everything concrete. I own several other barware/bartending books, and this one is the one I actually grab when I have a specific question. Well-organized, well-written, and genuinely useful for professionals.

Good information overall, but it reads a bit dry, and some chapters feel like they're padding. The business opportunities section in Chapter 6 was interesting but too brief—either expand it or cut it. That said, if you need actual technical specs and maintenance protocols, this delivers. Just don't expect an engaging read.

I appreciated the neutral stance and the effort to be comprehensive, but I'm not sure this is practical enough for me. I'm looking for more step-by-step visual guides on technique and setup—this is more reference material than how-to. It's well-written, but it assumes you already know why you need barware; it doesn't make the case as well as the marketing promised. Useful if you know what you're looking for, less so if you're starting from scratch.