The English scholar and literary critic George Saintsbury (1845–1933) gained renown for his book on alcoholic beverages. *Notes on a Cellar-Book* (1920) is both a description of his personal collection and an encyclopedia of the alcohol available in Great Britain during the second half of the 19th century. Saintsbury discusses in detail the merits and drawbacks, consumption traditions, and nuances of preparation and storage regarding sherry and Madeira, port and whisky, claret and champagne, Burgundies, Rhine and Mosel wines, ciders, beer, and more. As a true gourmet and literary scholar, Saintsbury not only compares the drinks but also cites references to them in world literature. In the author's view, a love of fine books and a taste for fine wine complement one another and are qualities that distinguish a true gentleman.