Drinking with George: A Barstool Professional's Guide to Beer

by George Wendt

Will Rogers once said he never met a man he didn't like. I feel the same about beer. George Wendt and beer have shared a lot over the good times, great stories, useless trivia, and a successful show business career. In Drinking with George, Wendt invites readers to crack open a cold one and pull up a seat at the bar as he celebrates the indelible, intoxicating beverage. Through personal stories and fascinating facts, Wendt delivers an ode to beer and all its irresistible peculiarities. In between spinning hilarious and frank tales of his own imbibing adventures -- from taking a first sip of his grandfather's Bud as a child in Chicago to a beer-fueled impromptu performance with Woody Harrelson and the U.S. Women's Synchronized Swimming Team -- he leaves no stone unturned in his quest to reveal and relish every detail about his favorite beverage. What's the real difference between lager, stout, and ale? How do you convert your lady into a beer-lover? How many different ways are there to say "drunk"? What do you do when your beer is warm and you want to drink it now? Wendt answers all of these questions and more as he explores the vast cultural history of brews and tackles basic bar theory. The next best thing to a barstool and a pint, Drinking with George is all the fun -- without the hangover.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Humor, Beer, Biography Memoir

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2009

About the author

George Robert Wendt Jr. was an American actor. Wendt was best known for portraying Norm Peterson on the NBC sitcom Cheers from 1982 to 1993, which earned him six consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. After Cheers ended, he starred in his own short-lived CBS sitcom, The George Wendt Show (1995).
Wendt also appeared in the comedy films such as Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), No Small Affair (1984), Fletch (1985), The Little Rascals (1994), Man of the House (1995), Spice World (1997), Outside Providence (1999), and Sandy Wexler (2017) as well as dramas such as Somewhere in Time (1980), Dreamscape (1984), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992), Lakeboat (2000), and The Climb (2019).
On television, he had supporting and recurring roles on the CBS sitcom Making the Grade, the fantasy sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the Disney animated series Fancy Nancy. He had guest roles on Saturday Night Live, Columbo, The Twilight Zone, Frasier, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Portlandia. On stage, he appeared on Broadway playing Edna Turnblad in the musical comedy Hairspray in 2008.

Reviews

[Tim A · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Wendt IS Norm Peterson to a great extent. Much of his professional career and notoriety is from that nectar of the gods, beer. Wanna know how to say "cheers" in 200 languages, pick up this book. Wanna know many ways to win $20 in a bar, pick up this book. Wanna know what beer goes best with salmon, read this book.
Norm, I mean George, never met a beer he wouldn't drink.
This was a very funny and very quick read. If you have every woke up in the morning and said, "I'm never drinking again" then this is the book for you.... (and we away drink again!)

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

George Wendt, most famous for his role as Norm on Cheers writes this book about his relationship with beer. He likes it a lot. Who knew?

Funny and informative. I thought it a bit odd he didn't have any liquor fueled adventures with Dennis Quaid when they both were in Dreamscape, though. Maybe he forgot all about it.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light breezy read with plenty of photos. Just the sort thing to read after finishing a long book. I hate beer but I like George Wendt. I enjoyed him as Norm in Cheers. This book is half autobiographical and half information about beer. He was more enchanted with beer than school but he seems to be an expert about beer. I like learning about different subjects, so I liked this book. It was very straight forward and Mr. Wendt's love for people including his beautiful wife came through.

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 4 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “HEY NOOORRMMIIEE! HOW BOUTA BEEERRR???
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This is a thoroughly “imbibing”…oops! Enjoyable memoir mixed with beer… of George Wendt… whom I and most of the world know as *NORM PETERSON* of “Cheers” fame. In fact when I went to pick this book up from the bookstore reserved desk I literally kept asking the clerk for “DRINKING WITH NORM”… and after a delay in finding the book… I had to laugh at myself because of the “Budweisian/Freudian” slip I un-sub-consciously made. As George/Norm shares his life story he intersperses real-life trivia regarding beers of all types… from all parts of the world. This is in addition to his actual life story which is truly more than interspersed with his own real-life experiences with beer. As George/Norm makes clear throughout this beer drinkers version of “On The Road”… he didn’t have to do much acting to nail his character Norm on “Cheers”.

After sharing with the readers all his pre-college drinking escapades which included finding a bar where he and a buddy could drink while still in high school… it so happened the bartender was blind… to fulfilling his Notre Dame graduate Father’s dream of his son attending Notre Dame… in which his Father’s graduation got him in… not his grades. Well… he sort of fulfilled his Dad’s dream... he got into Notre Dame but was asked not to return after a “perfect” junior semester with a “O.O G.P.A. UNBLEMISHED BY EVEN THE SMALLEST SPECK OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVMENT.” If they would have had a grade for pre-graduation beer consumption George/Norm would have had a 4.5 G.P.A.

What follows are multiple trips to Europe with enough beer consumed to offset any potential debt in foreign trade for centuries to come. He becomes part of the “Second City” acting group where along with meeting his future wife he consumed keg after keg of beer… and at intervals throughout are helpful tidbits such as “COLD BEER IN A MINUTE OR LESS”…”THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BAD BEER”… “MY FAVORITE BEERS FOR A CELEBRATION”… “MY FAVORITE WEDDING TOAST”… “HOW I LEARNED THE PERILS OF DRINKING AND DRIVING”… and countless other beer lover classics. One of my personal favorites that must be mentioned here individually is his list entitled: “MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED WAYS TO SAY THAT YOU’RE DRUNK”. Here simply as an enticement for a potential reader… is a mere inkling of some of the gems in this book: numbers 61-81: NUKED/OBLITERATED/OFF THE WAGON/ON A BENDER/ON FIRE/ OUT OF IT/PICKLED/PIE-EYED/PIFFLED/PISSED/PLASTERED/PLOTZED/POTTED/PUT ONE ON/ REEKED/REELING/RIPPED/ROCKED/RUINED/RUMMY/SAUCED.

The only slightly disappointing part of the book is that despite eleven years on “Cheers”… considering how much fun material and experiences there must be from over a decade of *NOOORRRMMMM!* there’s very little shared. But I guess since his entire life as George was really a life of Norm… life certainly imitates art. This is a must read for every beer lover.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't tend to like beer very much, but I found this memoir awfully charming. Wendt has a light touch that is friendly and funny and honest. I listened to the audio and it kind of felt like sitting at the neighborhood bar and getting to know one of the regulars sitting next to you, which is probably exactly what it should be.

[Kevin Findley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically, this is an autobiography as seen through beer googles. That's a good thing! George Wendt has melded both his personal history with the history of beer and (therefore) civilization. It is one of the funniest books I have read in 2021 and well worth your time!

Find it! Buy it! READ IT!

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because it was by the late George Wendt & from the title, expected a humor book about beer. Was pleasantly surprised that it was in fact his memoir, with beer-related stories along the way (just didn't like the pig story!). Maybe it needs a different title?

[Will Manly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than what I was expecting. I even learned a few things!

[Rick Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to have a beer with George 🍻

[Paul Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read, IMO - Thanks, George!

[Chris Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy drinking a cold one...or six, you'll absolutely love this audiobook. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's fantastic. It's really funny and oddly educational.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read. It's a lighthearted approach to beer and the life of George. If I learned anything, I would love to have a beer with George as well as make sure he's buying ;)

[Matt Johnsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, fun read for those who love beer. Not much structure to it, but that seems like how a book by a beer lover speaking of his love of beer would be.

[quinnster · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick book of anecdotes about George Wendt’s life interspersed with beer facts. Entertaining, but not very deep in either facts or stories.

[William Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big George Wendt fan without ever realizing it. Growing up I loves the Super Fan sketches. I always focused on Farley in those sketches but going back and rewatching them George was just as great. I love that this guy turned his lifestyle into a huge character of Norm on Cheers. The fact that he’s able to be this big beer advocate is amazing. Reading these stories reminds me a lot of my dad telling me stories of him in college. I’ve heard a number of midwesterners making the Colorado trip for that Rocky Mountain high and bringing back a trunk full of banquet beers. I’ve often dreamt about back packing through Europe, and though I know those days are over for the type of adventures George had, the way he writes about it makes me feel like I was there. In regards to beer, I wish I could live up to the standard that has been set by George. What a great read for fans of good drinking stories, fans of Norm from cheers, and fans of comedy.

[Leon Sammartino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norm is somewhat of a hero to me, I aspire to be as cool as Norm, I wish I was as quick with a one liner and had the time to devote to beer drinking as Normy does. Any man (or women for that matter) would be happy to have a local like Cheers, where indeed everyone knows your name, you never appear to actually pay for a beer, and your drinking buddies are always there.

So given my well know love for all things Norm it was only a matter of time before someone bought me this book. I started reading when I was hungover one Saturday morning, again how apt is that?

Hungover is not usually the right state to be exploring literary tomes. But this book seems to have been written for the hungover (playing to their market obviously) as it’s an easy read.

The whole book reads like you are actually in the pub with George Wendt and he is telling you the story of his life as seen through beer goggles (I understand this style of writing quite well). And the reason this works is because George comes across as a genuinely likeable fellow who has led an interesting life filled with beer.

The book isn’t all stories of George getting drunk, spread throughout the book are facts about beer (I feel this is where ghost writer Jonathan Grotenstein comes in) such pearls of wisdom as The fastest way to cool a beer, What Irish handcuffs are (a beer in each hand), 100 ways to say your drunk and which came first beer or bread (sadly there is no discussion of the link between beards and beer, but maybe they are leaving themselves open to a sequel)

So long story short, buy this book, it’s the next best thing to actually having a beer with George Wendt, and who wouldn’t want to do that.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. Anybody who would write a book about their love of beer is ok with me. And George Wendt does NOT disappoint! While recalling his earliest memory of his first encounter with beer, to the present day and all he has drank, and what he would like to drink, this book is full of laughs, chuckles and good humor.

Mr. Wendt recalls his upbringing, education, and career and how it is all centered around his favorite beverage ever: BEER. He talks about his various trips to Europe, all in the search of the next great beer. This book also goes into a little bit of beer history, beer knowledge, and drinking games. All go hand in hand, really.

While I think this book can be read by anyone who enjoys light-hearted fare, the true "Beer Snobs" will truly enjoy this, as Mr. Wendt goes on to talk about various styles and makers that might be unknown to the non-beer Connoisseur.

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was highly entertaining, serving as both a brief history of the life of George Wendt as well as a delightful guide to some of the more subtle points of beer. Often, these writing intertwine, as one would expect in a beer-lovers life, and they prove to be often hilarious, sometimes heartwarming, and always entertaining. And as a fellow resident of the great city of Chicago, I find a certain kinship in his Midwest attitude and vernacular that is certainly charming and affable.

I keep this book in a collection on my nightstand and will reach for it when I'm in the need of some levity or some beer facts or trivia. An easy read by all stretches of the imagination, but not an unpleasant one.

If you love Cheers, George Wednt, comedy or beer, you may very well love this book.

Norm!
-Nate

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Drinking with George” is written by George Wendt, the barstool hugging character Norm Peterson from the TV series Cheers. Full disclosure: I went to grammar school with George many years ago, but fell out of touch soon after. Part biography and part beer seminar, his book was entertaining.

While the book is written most often tongue in cheek as George flashes his comedy roots, he does manage to provide the reader with a brief biography of his past. The biographical parts are mainly a series of anecdotes from George’s life that began on the far southside of Chicago right after World War II. He has had an interesting path that brought him from Second City in Chicago to Cheers in Los Angeles. As to the beer asides that fill one third of the book, they run the gamut from meh to interesting.

This is a quick and light read…and an interesting autobiography of George Wendt.

[Scott Breslove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Wendt's book is an easy, quick read that is totally enjoyable from start to finish. Now, don't get things confused here by saying that this book is an easy, quick read should not, by any means, connote anything negative. Mr. Wendt comes off throughout the book as an affable, easily likeable character whom I always wanted to hear more about. He seemlessly combines a semi-autobiograpy with an educational tome about beer. What's not to love?! Not only does he come off as an excellent story teller I also get the feeling he would be the ultimate drinking buddy. (and I'm not just basing that off his role on Cheers)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part autobiography, part beer history/appreciation. It was a quick easy read with lots of humor. George looked back over his life and the influence that beer has had on it. Amid the funny stories and memories are facts about beer and interesting tidbits of knowledge. If you are a big beer fan (as I am), pick up this book. It is light and easy, but full of good information. Cheers!!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An autobiography of George Wendt told through the lens of beer. Every story in his life involves beer -- what a wonderful thing. He also includes plenty of beer asides and facts, some most beer lovers will already know, but always entertaining and interesting. I got a kick out the part where he mentioned Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot as one of his favorite microbrew names.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very funny book. What would you expect, though, from a man who started with Second City and moved on to play Norm on Cheers. It's a series of drinking stories that, when put together, paint a picture of George Wendt's life. It's a memoir. And a very enjoyable one at that. I highly recommend this book for anyone who like George Wendt, beer, or just wants an enjoyable quick read.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book caught my eye because my husband is such a fan of beer ... plus I enjoy a pint or two of beer too!

It's a funny high level account of George's life and his love for beer.

There are also other chapters that list 100 expressions that mean "drunk", how to say "cheers" in different languages and some drinking games.

[Chris Panasuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not happy with this book. I do not think I would have minded that it was more biography and less about beer if it was up front with that. But basically this boils down to a mildly interesting biography. With a few bits about beer thrown in that feel half hearted and in at least 1 case factually wrong.

[Mo Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book! It truly is like sitting on a barstool next to Norm, listening to him tell drinking stories. There is some great insight into the culture of beer & drinking in the 70s, compared to today. And there are some great anecdotes about John Belushi & Woody Harrelson. My major takeaway: try everything, because "what if it's good?"

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really funny beer-themed autobiography. Perfect light summer fayre. It's interesting that both Shortlist magazine and BBC Radio 4's Food Programme have recently featured American micro-breweries and the resurgence of IPA style beers world wide. Cheers, Norm!

[Steve Lee Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of George Wendt (or beer) you are likely to enjoy this book. A memoir sprinkled with odds and ends about man's relationship with beer. I listened to the Audible version, which is read by the author, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Damon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read, entertaining stories and a lot of cool facts about beer and what not.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively funny. Best thing about the book was that I was able to meet "Norm" with my little guy and he signed the book for us. Go Bears!