Staff Pick
This is the perfect book for whiskey lovers of all levels of expertise. I had been exploring the whiskey aisle for a few years before I read this, and now a small interest has grown into a passion. Risen breaks down dozens and dozens of American whiskey, bourbon, and rye while giving the reader a thorough explanation of what it means to be each. There's also extensive explanations and reviews of each whiskey. This is a great gift for a whiskey lover, whether that's someone else or yourself. Recommended By Jeffrey J., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
"A whiskey novice’s best friend.... It’s a book I plan on keeping around for constant reference." Saveur
Review
"Risen delicately walks readers into whiskey’s past, present, and future.... His words are meant for whiskey lovers, as he dissects every brand’s story and scores products on an NR (not recommended) to four-star scale. An American whiskey treasure worthy of four stars." Whiskey Advocate
Review
"Risen is something of a Renaissance man... a Leonardo da Vinci of whiskey. American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye... should have a proud place on the bookshelf (or by the bar) of anyone who is an enthusiast of bourbon and other American whiskeys. Very useful for shopping purposes... Bring this book with you." Los Angeles Review of Books
Review
"A comprehensive and opinionated guide for the intermediate tippler.... It’s a detailed, admirably cranky directory. Risen’s tasting notes for each are erudite and fun." Wall Street Journal
About the Author
Clay Risen has covered spirits and beer for the Atlantic website since 2009. He was formerly the managing editor of Democracy: A Journal of Ideas, and in 2011 he became an editor of the Op-Ed section of the New York Times. He has published in the New York Times Magazine, Smithsonian, and Inc., among many other publications. He is also the author of A Nation on Fire: America in the Wake of the King Assassination (Wiley).