20 Best Books On Bourbon (2023 Update)

Go beyond the glass and discover the secrets behind your favorite style of whiskey. over the past three decades, lew bryson has been one of the most influential voices in whiskey—a longtime editor of whisky advocate and author of the definitive guide tasting whiskey. in this book, lew shares everything he's learned on his journey through the worlds of bourbon, scotch, rye, japanese whiskey, and more (yes, there are tasty canadian and irish whiskeys as well!). in this book, you'll find it all:an overview of the different types of whiskeys, including the rules and identities of each. he also includes information on craft whiskeys, which tend to be more creative and freewheeling than the styles made by traditional producers. – exploration of the key whiskey ingredients, with a close look at the flavor contributions of malt, peat, corn, rye, wheat—even water matters. – distillation for non-distillers and the beauty of barrels: whiskey is both an art and a science, and what's in the glass is affected by things like pot stills vs. column stills, barrel char, and of course, time. numerous interviews with master distillers, still makers, and other artisans at the top of their field. – tasting notes throughout so you can identify the whiskeys you might want to try next. – every chapter contains a variety of unique, often behind-the-scenes photography. and with whiskey as the subject, this is a class where you'll want to do the homework!

"the world has been waiting for this book." —jeffrey morganthaler, author of the bar book and drinking distilled in bourbon curious: a tasting guide for the savvy drinker, award-winning whiskey writer and wall street journal best-selling author fred minnick creates an easy-to-read interactive tasting journey that helps you select barrel-aged bourbons based on your flavor preferences. using the same tasting principles he offers in his kentucky derby museum classes and as a judge at the san francisco world spirits competition, minnick cuts to the chase, dismissing brand marketing and judging only the flavor of this all-american whiskey.bourbon curious groups bourbon into four main flavor profiles—grain, nutmeg, caramel, and cinnamon. while many bourbons boast all four flavor notes, one delicious sensation typically overpowers the rest. this book reveals more than 50 bourbon brands' predominate tastes and suggests cocktail recipes to complement them. in addition, minnick spends some time busting bourbon's myths; unraveling its mysteries; and exploring distiller secrets, disclosing the recipes you won't find on a bottle's label. this updated edition contains all the best new bourbons and revised tasting notes on any bourbons that have undergone a substantial change since the original edition. and like good-tasting bourbon, bourbon curious is approachable to all!

Once and for all, america learns the likely inventor of its beloved bourbon.bourbon is not just alcohol–this amber-colored drink is deeply ingrained in american culture and tangled in american history. from the early days of raw corn liquor to the myriad distilleries that have proliferated around the country today, bourbon has come to symbolize america. in bourbon: the rise, fall, and rebirth of an american whiskey, award-winning spirits author fred minnick traces bourbon's entire history, from the 1700s with irish, scottish, and french settlers setting up stills and making distilled spirits in the new world through today's booming resurgence. he also lays out in expert detail the critical role this spirit has played throughout the cultural and even political history of the nation–from congress passing whiskey-protection laws to consumers standing in long lines just for a glimpse of a rare bottle of pappy van winkle–complemented by more than 100 illustrations and photos. he studies the men who've been championed as its inventors over time–from daniel boone's cousin to baptist minister elijah craig–and, based on new research and never-before-seen documentation, answers the question of who deserves the credit.

An instant new york times bestseller from the bestselling author of the cost of these dreams the story of how julian van winkle iii, the caretaker of the most coveted cult kentucky bourbon whiskey in the world, fought to protect his family's heritage and preserve the taste of his forebears, in a world where authenticity, like his product, is in very short supply. forty years ago, julian would have laughed in astonishment if you'd told him what lay ahead. he'd just stepped in to try to save the business after his father had died, partly of heartbreak, having been forced to sell the old distillery in a brutal downturn in the market for whiskey. julian's grandfather had presided over a magical kingdom of craft and connoisseurship, a genteel outfit whose family ethos generated good will throughout kentucky and far beyond. there's always a certain amount of romance to the marketing of spirits, but pappy's mission statement captured something real: "we make fine bourbon – at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon." but now the business had hit the wilderness years, and julian could only hang on for dear life, stubbornly committed to preserving his namesake's legacy or going down with the ship. then something like a miracle happened: it turned out that hundreds of very special barrels of whiskey from the van winkle family distillery had been saved by the multinational conglomerate that bought it. with no idea what they had, they offered to sell it to julian, who scrambled to beg and borrow the funds. now he could bottle a whiskey whose taste captured his family's legacy. the result would immediately be hailed as the greatest whiskey in the world – and would soon be the hardest to find. but now, those old barrels were used up, and julian van winkle faced the challenge of his lifetime: how to preserve the taste of pappy, the taste of his family's heritage, in a new age? the amazing wright thompson was invited to be his wingman as he set about to try. the result is an extraordinary testimony to the challenge of living up to your legacy and the rewards that come from knowing and honoring your people and your craft. wright learned those lessons from julian as they applied to the honest work of making a great bourbon whiskey in kentucky, but he couldn't help applying them to his own craft, writing, and his upbringing in mississippi, as he and his wife contemplated the birth of their first child. may we all be lucky enough to find some of ourselves, as wright thompson did, in julian van winkle, and in pappyland.

"this is not a diet book," says author morgan murphy, who takes readers on a rollicking trip as he explores the south's favorite flavors. a high-proof adventure, bourbon & bacon includes 140 of the south's most amazing recipes that use one (or both) of these smoky ingredients. morgan's collections of cocktails, new infusions, punches, appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts will be a hit, whether you're hosting a cocktail party, backyard barbecue, or elegant dinner. for bourbon enthusiasts, morgan rates more than 75 of his favorite whiskeys and takes readers on a cheerful tour of many of the south's top distilleries. bacon lover? well, of course you are. bourbon & bacon is full of bacon secrets, farm tours, bacon ratings, and tips and tricks to make the best of everyone's favorite meat.this authentic handbook to the south's most flavorful products has a forward by the two most famous voices in the food industry, julian van winkle iii of old rip van winkle distillery and allan benton, of benton's smoky mountain country hams. together, with morgan's hilarious southern tales and irresistible recipes, bourbon & bacon is an essential guide for anyone who loves either bourbon or bacon.

Once thought to be only the tipple of southern gentlemen and the companion of confederate roughnecks, bourbon has gained a steady resurgence in popularity over the years with an ever-expanding and diverse audience. a beverage distilled almost exclusively in kentucky, bourbon has attained prominence and appreciation for its complexity, history, and tradition. in the kentucky bourbon cookbook, albert schmid provides readers with the best recipes using the famous spirit of the bluegrass. from classic kentucky cocktails such as the mint julep, to bourbon inspired desserts, such as bourbon-pecan crème brulée with chocolate sauce, and more savory fare, such as steaks with bourbon ginger sauce, this book supplies recipes for every course. schmid uses the four distinct seasons of the bluegrass state to guide the reader through this rich collection of bourbon dishes and color photographs. in many ways a lesson on the flavor profiles that pair with and improve the flavor of bourbon, this book can be used by the home cook and the professional chef alike for inspiration to create new dishes. much more than just a cookbook, the kentucky bourbon cookbook recounts bourbon lore, food traditions, and kentucky history, giving the reader a full appreciation of america's native spirit.

Raise your glass to the bourbon renaissance with this must-have cocktail collection. made in america and aged in charred new american oak barrels, bourbon is the quintessential us spirit–but the best part is mixing it up into tasty drinks. here are the best of the best. whiskey experts jane danger and alla lapushchik offer timeless classics and forgotten gems, such as the old fashioned and the boulevardier, as well as cutting-edge craft concoctions, including the brown derby and paper plane. they also serve up a short history of bourbon, tips for making delicious infusions and syrups, sidebars chronicling bourbon's influence on american culture, short profiles of the country's best bourbon-focused bars, and a calendar of bourbon festivals and events–everything a bourbon lover could want.

The bible of american whiskey has been updated–now with more than 300 entries organized in an a-to-z directory by distillery, then brand, this second edition of american whiskey, bourbon & rye features more than 330 whiskeys, including more than 120 new entries. each section includes a brief history of the maker, along with its location, followed by a full account of each bottling, including details on age, proof, nose, color, body, palate, price, as well as an overall rating. a comprehensive primer provides a short history of the spirit, how it's made, and how to enjoy it, including tips on organizing tasting sessions. also included are a glossary of terms, a selection of top whiskeys by value and ratings, a handy checklist, and two helpful indexes. with this book, choosing from among the many whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes made in america has never been easier.

A stylishly designed gift book to celebrate all things whiskey, with recipes, quotes, history and trivia. the perfect gift for whiskey lovers scotch or irish? bourbon or rye? however you like your whiskey, this book is a masterful blend of history, terminology, tips and memorable quips. topped up with dozens of recipes to suit any whiskey lover's palate – from classic cocktails to scotch-imbued fudge and smoky bourbon glaze – this neat little miscellany will deepen your appreciation of this superlative spirit

Take a whirlwind trip down the bourbon trail with whiskey professor, bernie lubbers and learn about our nations native spirit. in the pages of this funny and easy-to-read book, youll learn how bourbon is made, the history of bourbon in kentucky, america, and the world, the difference between whiskey and bourbon, and how to read labels of bourbon and whiskey bottles. included is an updated and expanded guide to where to go to visit the kentucky distilleries as well as other bars, restaurants and hotels nearby to make the most of your visit. there is also a guide to louisvilles urban bourbon trail. readers will find an expanded section on drinks and recipes to make with bourbon at home, and how to host your own bourbon tasting. also new is a whos who of the names on bourbon labels, a history of the evolution of the drink from corn whiskey to bourbon whiskey, hints on how to host a kentucky derby party in your home (with accompanying bourbon recipes), a list of approved bottled in bond restaurants in the united states, and lots of new facts and trivia about this uniquely american beverage. just like a fine dream, drinkers will savor bernie lubbers bourbon whiskey. its a personal and very enjoyable guide to americas native spirit.

For more than a hundred years, bourbon whiskey has been a topic of conversation and controversy from capitol hill to hollywood. there are rules for making it, standards for drinking it, and stories behind every bottle. so what is it that makes america's native spirit so special? talk bourbon to me takes a look at these questions and more, offering readers a bird's eye view inside the bourbon culture. this one-of-a-kind guide combines how-to's for the age-old process of distilling as it was done in 1808 with twenty-first century insight and humor. a crash course on the art of distilling, the modern phenomena of bourbon, and a sampling of recipes that highlight kentucky's favorite spirit, talk bourbon to me is a must-have for any bourbon lover's collection.

An enlightening, accessible, and highly entertaining guide to the guru-disciple relationship, the heart of tibetan buddhism the humility and compassionate activity of the dalai lama is something many people can connect with, but how can one understand the stories about some other buddhist teachers’ unorthodox behavior? the centrality of and reliance on a guru is one of most misunderstood elements of tibetan buddhism—and one that is most often veiled in mystery. because the guru can and will use whatever means it takes to wake us up, this relationship may require us to drop our most deeply held beliefs and expectations. dzongsar jamyang khyentse addresses some of the most misunderstood aspects of this powerful relationship and gives practical advice on making the most of this precious opportunity for transformation. through stories and classical examples, he shows how to walk the path with eyes wide open, with critical-thinking skills sharpened and equipped to analyze the guru, before taking the leap.

Bourbon is booming, and this guide will teach you all you need to know about america's favorite spirit. eric zandona – spirits specialist at the american distilling institute – explores 100 of the finest bourbons in the world, from the big-name classics to tiny craft distilleries, with flavor profiles and recommendations for the best way to drink each one. also featuring recipes for 20 classic bourbon cocktails, as well as chapters on the history of bourbon, how the drink is made and the key things you need to understand when buying a bottle, the bourbon bible is the ultimate guide to the ultimate drink.

"for generations, the bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege–as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, easterly. upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable bradford facade. and never the twain shall meet. for lizzie king, easterly's head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. falling in love with tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted–and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. now, after two years of staying away, tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. no one will be left unmarked: not tulane's beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets. as family tensions–professional and intimately private–ignite, easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive"–

Demystify the world of whisky.whisky experts nick morgan and the whisky exchange open the lid on the whisky industry, revealing what makes one of the world's simplest spirits just so popular. everything you need to know about whisky will answer all of your burning questions; from what makes the perfect scotch and how to drink it like a pro to an exploration of distilleries around the world and their fascinating (often scandalous) histories. this indispensable guide is filled with insider tips on finding your new favourite bottle and brewing up the very best whisky based cocktails – essential reading for all whisky fans, novices and experts alike.

“the definitive history of bourbon.”—sacramento beea southern independent booksellers alliance bestsellera rollicking biography of bourbon whiskey that doubles as “a complex and entertaining” (wall street journal) history of america itselffew products are so completely or intimately steeped in the american story as bourbon whiskey. as dane huckelbridge's masterfully crafted history reveals, the iconic amber spirit is the american experience, distilled, aged, and sealed in a bottle.

“the definitive history of bourbon.”—sacramento beea southern independent booksellers alliance bestsellera rollicking biography of bourbon whiskey that doubles as “a complex and entertaining” (wall street journal) history of america itselffew products are so completely or intimately steeped in the american story as bourbon whiskey. as dane huckelbridge's masterfully crafted history reveals, the iconic amber spirit is the american experience, distilled, aged, and sealed in a bottle.

Nestled in the rolling hills of central kentucky, just outside the sleepy little town of loretto, lies the maker's mark distillery. already declared a national historic landmark, it is also considered by many bourbon lovers as the mecca of fine bourbon. thousands of visitors make the trek to loretto each year to tour this historic place, see the distilling process first hand and enjoy the scenic grounds. the vision of this book, the ambassador of bourbon: maker's mark and the rebirth of america's native spirit, was to visually capture the distillery grounds at every season of the year and every time of day. this book conveys, through photographs, the history, the heritage and that special something that makes maker's mark, well… maker's mark! photographer david toczko tells the story of what sets maker's apart from other bourbons, and takes the reader on a visual tour of the distillery. the beautiful photographs will hopefully entice those who have never been to loretto to come and experience this special place for themselves. for those who have already taken the walking tour, this book will serve as a source of reflection and fond remembrance of their visit. with over 10,000 photographs shot at the distillery, mr. toczko presents his favorite 250+ images, including several historic shots from the samuels' family archives, that demonstrate why maker's mark truly is the ambassador of bourbon

From classic cocktails to bourbon-infused desserts and more, the best bourbon cookbook features recipes for every course. whether you use it as a glaze for chicken wings, beat it into brownies, or mix it in a milkshake, one thing is for sure; america's native spirit is a versatile ingredient. choose from 40 sweet and savory best bourbon recipes including: * bacon & bourbon stuffing* shrimp bisque with bourbon* cherry & bourbon glazed meatloaf* pan-seared cod with kentucky bourbon* mint julep fro-yo* bourbon ice cream* grapefruit bourbon yule mules* kentucky coffee this must-have cookbook is the ultimate guide for anyone hosting a dinner party or planning a special occasion. for the best bourbon recipes to help you, your family and your friends get in the party spirit read on and discover the ultimate cookbook for bourbon lovers everywhere!

From classic cocktails to bourbon-infused desserts and more, the best bourbon cookbook features recipes for every course. whether you use it as a glaze for chicken wings, beat it into brownies, or mix it in a milkshake, one thing is for sure; america's native spirit is a versatile ingredient. choose from 40 sweet and savory best bourbon recipes including: * bacon & bourbon stuffing* shrimp bisque with bourbon* cherry & bourbon glazed meatloaf* pan-seared cod with kentucky bourbon* mint julep fro-yo* bourbon ice cream* grapefruit bourbon yule mules* kentucky coffee this must-have cookbook is the ultimate guide for anyone hosting a dinner party or planning a special occasion. for the best bourbon recipes to help you, your family and your friends get in the party spirit read on and discover the ultimate cookbook for bourbon lovers everywhere!