25 Best 「whiskey」 Books of 2024| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for whiskey. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. Hacking Whiskey: Smoking, Blending, Fat Washing, and Other Whiskey Experiments
  2. Whiskey Master Class: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and More
  3. Whisky Wit and Wisdom: Light and Quirky Stories from Inside the Whisky World
  4. Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey
  5. Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey
  6. The Whisky Dictionary: An A–Z of whisky, from history & heritage to distilling & drinking
  7. The Complete Whiskey Course: A Comprehensive Tasting School in Ten Classes
  8. A Field Guide to Whisky: An Expert Compendium to Take Your Passion and Knowledge to the Next Level
  9. Le Snob Guide to Whiskey
  10. The North American Whiskey Guide from Behind the Bar: Real Bartenders' Reviews of More Than 250 Whiskeys - Includes 30 Standout Cocktail Recipes
Other 15 books
No.1
100

2019 BEST NEW BOOK FINALIST -- Tales of the Cocktail Spirited AwardsThis is not your ordinary whiskey book, it's a collection of ingenious ideas and shortcuts to help you temper your whiskey to greatness in the privacy of your own home. Aaron Goldfarb, a whiskey geek (and writer), is reporting from the field, where he's gathered tips, recipes, and insider secrets about the weird yet delightful ways in which whiskey is being used today. Things like making cheap homemade blends that taste fancy, infusing whiskey with marijuana smoke, adding it to infinity bottles, and doing bone marrow luge shots, to name a few. So get your hands wet (and your house smoky) and take him up on the challenge of upgrading your whiskey (just don't forget to brag about it online).

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No.2
91

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:\nAn 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.\nExploration of the key whiskey ingredients, with a close look at the flavor contributions of malt, peat, corn, rye, wheat—even water matters.\n\nDistillation 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. \nNumerous interviews with master distillers, still makers, and other artisans at the top of their field.\n\nTasting notes throughout so you canidentify the whiskeys you might want to try next.\nEvery 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!

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No.3
85

Jokes, quotes and stories about whisky to entertain from the lighter side of the whisky industry. A selection of leading whisky industry personalities give their favourite stories about the 'cratur' and the text is lively with a series of historic Punch and modern cartoons.

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No.4
82

Best New Spirits Book, 2017 Tales of the Cocktail's Spirited Awards Smithsonian Magazine: One of the "Best Books About Food of 2016"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 whiskey 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. And most importantly, Minnick explores the mystery of who most likely created the sweet corn liquor we now know as bourbon. 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.

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No.5
82

Best All-Time Booze Book, Eater.com2013: GOLD Winner for Women Studies, ForeWord Reviews 2014: Silver, Independent Publisher Award in Women's IssuesFinalist, Spirited AwardsWithout women, whiskey may not exist. InWhiskey Women, Wall Street Journal-bestselling author Fred Minnick tells the tales of women who have created this industry, from Mesopotamia's first beer brewers and distillers to America's rough-and-tough bootleggers during Prohibition. Women have long distilled, marketed, and owned spirits companies. These strong women built many iconic brands, including Bushmills, Laphroaig, and Maker's Mark. Until now their stories have remained untold.

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No.6
80

This is the drinker's guide to every aspect of whisky, from Scotch to Japanese, rye to bourbon and beyond. With hundreds of entries covering everything from history, ingredients and distilling techniques to flavour notes, cocktails and the many varieties of whisky from all around the world, renowned whisky expert Ian Wisniewski explores and unlocks the wonderful world of a drink like no other. Entries include... Ageing Process Bourbon Craft Movement Fermentation Flavour Compounds Irish Whiskey Japanese Whiskey Master Distiller Old Fashioned Organic Whisky Prohibition Tasting Techniques Wine Casks ...and many more.

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No.7
78

A must-read for aspiring connoisseurs, and a thorough refresher for seasoned whisky lovers.”—Whiskey AdvocateThe definitive book on understanding and appreciating the exploding world of whiskey.Winner of the Gourmand Award in the Drink Education category (US). Renowned whiskey educator Robin Robinson demystifies the “water of life” in a definitive, heavily illustrated tome designed to take readers on a global tour of the ever-expanding world of whiskey. Across ten robust “classes,” Robinson explains whiskey history, how it defined the way whiskey is made in different countries and regions, the myriad styles, how aging and finishing works, and the basics of “nosing” and tasting whiskey. In chapters dedicated to American whiskey (including bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye), American Craft whiskey, Scotch, Irish, Canadian, Japanese, and world whiskies, Robinson presents the best offerings from new and historic producers, how to choose among them, and how to build a collection of your own. Each “class” is a journey into a country’s whiskies and makers, including recommended bottles and styles, as well as insider information on how distilleries make their unique offerings. Each chapter includes themed tastings organized by bargain, value, special occasion, and splurge price categories. This thoroughly up-to-date and wide-ranging guide also offers helpful recommendations on how to lead your own tasting, a glossary of terms, food pairings, and tips on everything from glassware to whiskey festivals and how to read a label.

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No.8
76

A Field Guide to Whisky is a one-stop guide for all the information a whisky enthusiast needs. With the whisky market booming all over the world, now is a perfect time for a comprehensive guide to this popular brown spirit. What are the basic ingredients in all whiskies? How does it get its flavor? Which big-name brands truly deserve their reputation? What are the current whisky trends around the world? And who was Jack Daniel, anyway? This abundance of information is distilled(!) into 324 short entries covering basic whisky literacy, production methods, consumption tips, trends, trivia, geographical maps and lists of distilleries, whisky trails, bars, hotels, and festivals by an industry insider. Boasting 230 color photographs and a beautiful package to boot, A Field Guide to Whisky will make a whisky expert out of anyone.

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No.9
76

Le Snob Guide to Whiskey

Lamond, John
Hardie Grant Books

Whisky has been credited with medicinal properties and, while that claim is regularly disputed, its benefit as personal central heating has been enjoyed for centuries. Do you have a taste for perfection? If so, Le Snob: Whisky is for you. Evocative and richly appointed with little known facts, this book is about savouring the world's most sophisticated spirit to the full. It celebrates the fine distinctions between name, place, tradition and taste that elevate whisky appreciation to an art in itself. With the cachet knowledge every expert must possess, plus authentic insights into the lives and skills of distillery artisans, Le Snob: Whisky offers impeccable advice on all aspects of this venerable spirit, from pronunciation to professional tasting techniques. The book also features an authoritative directory of rare and prestige whiskies to help you explore the very finest international styles in greater depth. Witty, assured and informative, this book is the perfect fuel for your passion for craft whiskies in all their satisfying variety.

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No.10
69

A Must-Have Guide for Every Whiskey LoverWhiskey has become one of the most popular spirits, and with so many different kinds it's hard to keep track of them all and select great new ones to try. With reviews of 250 different whiskeys, the historical background of each type, 30 of the best cocktail recipes and even the perfect cigar pairing, this guide has everything a person needs to find some of the most interesting whiskeys available.Chad Berkey is the general manager of The Aero Club Bar in San Diego, which boasts one of the largest collections of whiskey of any bar in America, with over 900 different kinds. With his help, you'll discover the best whiskeys to try; many that won't break the bank.Top bartenders blind taste-tested every whiskey, so you get real, honest comments for each listing. Not only will this help you find whiskey similar to ones you already like, but it will also allow you to pick the best tasting whiskey for your palate and preference.Packed with all the information you'll ever need on whiskey, this book is what every whiskey enthusiast should have in their library.

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No.11
69

The latest groundbreaking tome from Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek.From the author:“For the last two years, I’ve interviewed more than 200 world-class performers for my podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show. The guests range from super celebs (Jamie Foxx, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc.) and athletes (icons of powerlifting, gymnastics, surfing, etc.) to legendary Special Operations commanders and black-market biochemists. For most of my guests, it’s the first time they’ve agreed to a two-to-three-hour interview. This unusual depth has helped make The Tim Ferriss Show the first business/interview podcast to pass 100 million downloads.“This book contains the distilled tools, tactics, and ‘inside baseball’ you won’t find anywhere else. It also includes new tips from past guests, and life lessons from new ‘guests’ you haven’t met.“What makes the show different is a relentless focus on actionable details. This is reflected in the questions. For example: What do these people do in the first sixty minutes of each morning? What do their workout routines look like, and why? What books have they gifted most to other people? What are the biggest wastes of time for novices in their field? What supplements do they take on a daily basis?“I don’t view myself as an interviewer. I view myself as an experimenter. If I can’t test something and replicate results in the messy reality of everyday life, I’m not interested.“Everything within these pages has been vetted, explored, and applied to my own life in some fashion. I’ve used dozens of the tactics and philosophies in high-stakes negotiations, high-risk environments, or large business dealings. The lessons have made me millions of dollars and saved me years of wasted effort and frustration.“I created this book, my ultimate notebook of high-leverage tools, for myself. It’s changed my life, and I hope the same for you.”

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No.12
66

Malt Whisky

Maclean, Charles
Mitchell Beazley

Portable sized edition of the award-winning Malt Whisky, from Charles MacLean, a world authority on the subject of malt whisky. This edition is produced in a smaller format than the original Malt Whisky to allow the whisky enthusiast to carry it as a portable companion for reference when buying, tasting, or visiting distilleries. Full color maps locate the key distilleries, while over 150 photographs capture the essence of the spirit and how it is made. Charles MacLean describes how to appreciate and get the most out of tasting malt whisky, and a detailed A-Z directory features all of Scotland's key distilleries and their whiskies with full color labels. Also included are tips on buying malt whisky, as well as a guide to distillery visitor facilities and the best whisky societies and websites. This book offers all the information any malt lover could ever need to appreciate this magical spirit to the full.

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No.13
66

This is the world’s most influential book on whisky. Thanks to industry guru Jim Murray and his internationally acclaimed annual Whisky Bible, the Japanese are now running out of their own single malt and people have fought in Toronto liquor stores to grab the last bottle of his World Whisky of the Year. Rye, Irish Pot Still and Bourbon have all seen a massive resurgence in recent years not least thanks to the visionary campaigning of the world’s first-ever full time professional whisky writer. Murray has tasted nearly 20,000 different whiskies for the Whisky Bible since it first hit the shelves in 2003. For this 2020 edition, he reflects on over another 1,200. The 4,700 whiskies included in this 2020 edition range from Scottish Single malts to Australian; from Canadian to Austrian. The whiskies from over 30 different countries are included. And evaluated in his forthright, honest, amusing, fiercely independent and non-pretentious style.

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No.14
66

In the populist tradition of Andrea Immer, New York City’s first female whiskey sommelier translates today’s hottest spirit for a new generation of imbibersWhiskey is in the midst of a huge renaissance. Ten years ago, the United States housed sixty-nine craft distillers; today, there are more than four hundred. Exports of Scotch whisky grew 12 percent just last year. Sales are skyrocketing, and specialty bars are popping up around the country, from New York City to Chicago to Houston.Yet whiskey drinkers—especially novices—are more confused than ever. Over the past decade, whiskey expert Heather Greene has been bombarded with thousands of questions, including Can I have ice in my whiskey? Why is it sometimes spelled “whisky”? What makes bourbon different? As New York City’s first female whiskey sommelier, Greene introduces audiences to the spirit’s charms and challenges the boys’ club sensibilities that have made whiskey seem inaccessible, with surprising new research that shows the crucial importance of “nosing”whiskey. Through lively tastings, speaking engagements, and classes such as the popular “Whiskey as an Aphrodisiac,” Greene has been demystifying whiskey the way Andrea Immer did wine a decade ago.In this lively and authoritative guide, Greene uses bright visuals, an easy-to-read format, and the familiar vocabulary of wine to teach readers about whiskey and encourage them to make their own evaluations. Peppered with wry anecdotes drawn from her unusual life—and including recipes for delicious cocktails by some of today’s most celebrated mixologists—Whiskey Distilled will be enthusiastically greeted by the whiskey curious as well as by journeymen whiskey drinkers thirsty to learn more about their beloved tipple.

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No.15
65

In this expanded and updated edition of Forgotten Cocktails and Vintage Spirits, historian, expert, and drink aficionado Dr. Cocktail adds another 20 fine recipes to his hand-picked collection of 80 rare-and-worth-rediscovered drink recipes, shares revelations about the latest cocktail trends, provides new resources for uncommon ingredients, and profiles of many of the cocktail world's movers and shakers. Historic facts, expanded anecdotes, and full-color vintage images from extremely uncommon sources round out this must-have volume. For anyone who enjoys an icy drink and an unforgettable tale.

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No.16
65

The perfect accompaniment to your whiskey tasting journeyThe best - and most enjoyable - way to find out about whiskies is by drinking them. This truly hands-on handbook takes you on a tasting journey to discover your own personal whiskey style, and helps you to expand your horizons so you can find a world of new whiskies to enjoy.Through a series of guided at-home tastings, you'll get familiar with the full spectrum of whiskey aromas and flavours on offer - from the smokey tang of Islay peat to the aromatic scent of Japanese oak. Find out how to engage all your senses to navigate the range of malts, grains and blended whiskies and get to grips with different whiskey styles. Take a tasting tour of the world's finest makers, including iconic Scottish distilleries and the small-scale artisan producers all over the globe.And as you become more whisky-confident, you can break out of your whisky comfort zone. Do you love the honeyed sweetness of a Kentucky Bourbon? If so, why not try a smooth malt that's been aged in ex-Bourbon barrels? Or a creamy, oat-infused Irish craft whiskey?Guides to whiskey prices and ages will help you to make smart buys. Discover how to pour, store and serve whiskies and match them with foods. Learn to mix cocktails, from a classic whiskey sour to your own signature creation.With 20 step-by-step whiskey tastings, clear infographics and jargon-busting advice - taste your way to whiskey wisdom.

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No.17
65

On the trail to America's signature spirit! The definitive field guide to the American Whiskey Trail! Big Whiskey features profiles of distilleries new and old, interviews with distillers and blenders, cocktail recipes, tasting notes, food pairings, and rare bottles.Discover the storied history and renaissance of America's premier whiskey region with this definitive field guide to its signature spirit. Devoted entirely to the quintessential American whiskeys of Kentucky and Tennessee, Big Whiskey takes you behind the scenes at distilleries throughout both states. This book is bursting with in-depth, up-to-date profiles from esteemed heritage brands to distilleries whose first barrels are still aging. This elegant book includes: *fascinating interviews with Master Distillers, *profiles on 80 distilleries and even more labels, *incredible histories and facts about North America's most influential whiskey region, *stunning, original photography from the trails. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or are simply looking to discover the difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, Big Whiskey is your essential guide to America's whiskey trails.

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No.18
65

The newly updated edition of David Wondrich’s definitive guide to classic American cocktails.Cocktail writer and historian David Wondrich presents the colorful, little-known history of classic American drinks--and the ultimate mixologist's guide--in this engaging homage to Jerry Thomas, father of the American bar.Wondrich reveals never-before-published details and stories about this larger-than-life nineteenth-century figure, along with definitive recipes for more than 100 punches, cocktails, sours, fizzes, toddies, slings, and other essential drinks, along with detailed historical and mixological notes.The first edition, published in 2007, won a James Beard Award. Now updated with newly discovered recipes and historical information, this new edition includes the origins of the first American drink, the Mint Julep (which Wondrich places before the American Revolution), and those of the Cocktail itself. It also provides more detail about 19th century spirits, many new and colorful anecdotes and details about Thomas's life, and a number of particularly notable, delicious, and influential cocktails not covered in the original edition, rounding out the picture of pre-Prohibition tippling.This colorful and good-humored volume is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the timeless appeal of a well-made drink-and the uniquely American history behind it.

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No.19
65

This smart guide to whiskey introduces a new generation of would-be connoisseurs to the hottest new-again spirit. And with upstart distillers reviving varieties like white dog (moonshine to prohibition-era folks), now is the best time to start learning about it. Drink More Whiskey is the reference for those want to discover the provenance, styles, differences in quality, and ideal uses of whiskey in a fresh, fun-to-read format. In addition, more than 20 recipes are sprinkled throughout, from classics like the Old Fashioned to thoroughly modern tipples like the Manchester (made from single malt Scotch whisky and fresh herbs), so readers can take their learning from book to glass.

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No.20
64

Founders and award-winning distillers of Kings County Distillery Colin Spoelman and David Haskell follow up their successful Guide to Urban Moonshining with an extensive history of the figures who distilled American spirits. The book presents 50 fascinating—and sometimes morbid—biographies from this historic trade’s bygone days, including farmers, scientists, oligarchs, criminals, and the occasional US president. Readers may be surprised to find the names George Washington, Henry Frick, or Andrew Mellon alongside the usual suspects long associated with booze—Jasper “Jack” Daniel, Jim Beam, and Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle. From the Whiskey Rebellion to Prohibition to the recent revival of craft spirits, the history of whiskey, moonshine, and other spirits remains an important part of Americana. Featuring historical photos, infographics, walking-tour maps, and noteworthy vintage newspaper clippings, it’s a rich visual and textual reference to a key piece of American history.Dead Distillers is a spirited portrait of the unusual and storied origins of forgotten drunkenness.

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No.21
64

Look at the back label of a bottle of wine and you may well see a reference to its terroir, the total local environment of the vineyard that grew the grapes, from its soil to the climate. Winemakers universally accept that where a grape is grown influences its chemistry, which in turn changes the flavor of the wine. A detailed system has codified the idea that place matters to wine. So why don't we feel the same way about whiskey? In this book, the master distiller Rob Arnold reveals how innovative whiskey producers are recapturing a sense of place to create distinctive, nuanced flavors. He takes readers on a world tour of whiskey and the science of flavor, stopping along the way at distilleries in Kentucky, New York, Texas, Ireland, and Scotland. Arnold puts the spotlight on a new generation of distillers, plant breeders, and local farmers who are bringing back long-forgotten grain flavors and creating new ones in pursuit of terroir. In the twentieth century, we inadvertently bred distinctive tastes out of grains in favor of high yields--but today's artisans have teamed up to remove themselves from the commodity grain system, resurrect heirloom cereals, bring new varieties to life, and recapture the flavors of specific local ingredients. The Terroir of Whiskey makes the scientific and cultural cases that terroir is as important in whiskey as it is in wine.

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No.22
64

This new, fully updated edition of The World Atlas of Whisky provides an in-depth, comprehensive journey through the history, process, distilleries and expressions of world whiskies"The best whisky book ever - a must-read for drinkers!" - Forbes"The perfect go-to reference guide for the whisky lover's bookshelf." - Whisky MagazineAward-winning author and whisky expert Dave Broom explores over 200 distilleries and examines over 400 expressions. Detailed descriptions of the Scottish distilleries can be found here, while Ireland, Japan, the USA, Canada and the rest of the world are given exhaustive coverage. There are tasting notes on single malts from Aberfeldy to Tormore, Yoichi (and coverage of the best of the blends). Six specially created 'Flavor Camp Charts' group whiskies by style and allow readers to identify new whiskies from around the world to try.This extensively updated and extended edition features new material on burgeoning areas, including detailed coverage of many recently opened US craft distilleries, new distilleries in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and discussion of the growing whisky scene in Latin America.With over 200 beautiful color photographs and 21 color maps locating distilleries and whisky-related sites, this is a stylish celebration of the heritage, romance, craftsmanship and versatility of whisky.

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No.23
64

A clever distillation of America’s favorite libation, by the New York Times best-selling authors of The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert Whiskey fever is sweeping the nation. Every day, craft distilleries are popping up in remote counties and urban centers, offering a wealth of great choices to consumers—and just as many puzzlements. Does the introduction of a simple “e” to go from whisky to whiskey mean anything? What’s the difference between Scotch and Rye? What’s Canadian whisky anyway? And what about the whiskeys of Scotland, Japan, and Ireland? Where's a humble Joe to start? In this witty kid-style book on an adult topic, Richard Betts boils down his know-how into twenty pages, cooling our “brown-sweat” anxieties and dividing whiskey into three simple categories: Grain, Wood, and Place. While most whiskey tomes are about as fun as a chemistry lesson, Betts makes the learning slide down easy, reassuring us that this exalted spirit is just distilled beer and, through a nasal romp, helping us figure out which kinds we love best. Humorous illustrations and scratch-and-sniff scents (vanilla, sandalwood, grass, and more) help would-be connoisseurs learn their personal preferences. Language label and Map to Your Desires included.

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No.24
64

A deluxe illustrated history of and guide to Kentuckybourbon, featuring framing-quality reproductions of archival photographs, rare bottle labels, and more, all in an elegant boxed set with a pull-out drawer. Bourbon, we soon realized, was not just a good drink. It was a drink with a story, from a place, with an unbreakable tie to the people and the land that produced it. Whiskey expert ClayRisenexplores the origins, history, and evolution of America's distilling craft and culture in this luxurious boxed set. From boom to bust and back again,Risentells the engrossing story of Kentucky whiskey, using interviews, photographs, and archival material to illuminate the singular region where bourbonwas born. This meticulously researched book details howbourbonis made, how best to enjoy it, and how to build your own collection, along with profiles of the distilleries and makers that form the landscape ofbourboncountry. The one-of-a-kind boxed set features a pull-out drawer that holds beautifully reproduced distillery maps and blueprints, rare bottle labels, and historical photographs.

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No.25
64

Proof: The Science of Booze

Rogers, Adam
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Title: Proof( The Science of Booze) Binding: Hardcover Author: AdamRogers Publisher: HoughtonMifflin

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