American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation's Favorite Spirit - A Cocktail Book

If something like Clay Risen's American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye had existed when I became interested in the finer points of the nation's favorite spirit a decade ago, I'd have enjoyed better whiskey and saved a lot of money over that period. If you want to initiate or enhance your enjoyment of the burgeoning American whiskey renaissance -- and do so without wasting a lot of time and money -- there is no guide that I would more highly recommend.If you are not familiar with Mr. Risen's impressive resume, this could also serve as your introduction to this talented young writer's work. In this case he reveals his incredible passion for whiskey by working diligently to share his vast knowledge and experience with the reader. After you read it there will be no doubt in your mind that the author is the right man to guide you on your tour of American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye.Without pretension or arrogance, Mr. Risen first offers a gestalt view of American whiskey -- defining what it is and is not, its history, how the stuff is made, demystification of labels and nomenclature, and good advice on how best to enjoy it. But the real gold is in the Whiskey Accounts, which offer fundamental metrics and simple, descriptive notes on more than 200 whiskeys. This section is spot on, and has the potential to lead readers of all experience levels to countless enjoyable sips. I'd suggest sampling nearly any of the recommendations that feature more stars than dollar signs in the simple and intuitive rating/cost scheme. If you are an American whiskey novice or intermediate, investing in this book will quickly return value for you. I admit that over the years I have unfortunately wasted many times the cover price of this guide trying to find affordable brown liquor gems like the one revealed at the bottom of page 133. And if like me you'd rather spend your hard-earned $$$ on a baseball glove than on a rye whiskey that tastes like one, be sure to note the "NR" ratings that indicate the bottles you may want to avoid.These digital days I buy very few hardcovers but this is a beautifully bound volume that is not too massive to carry along on a visit to your liquor store. Unlike a lot of references this is an attractive book that will look great on any bookshelf, bar or coffee table. Inside, the page design is a sensible marriage of form and function, with easily digested presentations of information and rich color photographs that pop off the page and also serve as search images to help you spot the next bottle you decide to target for purchase.The book closes with even more functional bits: a reference list, glossary, and index. In the next edition I would love to see a quick-look summary of good values, or maybe a few lists of personal favorites in various categories. Like all good things this book leaves you wanting even more, and an app or e-pub with some kind of sort/filter/search functionality might be the next logical step for this invaluable content. In the mean time, buying this book is probably the most affordable and entertaining way a non-expert can increase his or her knowledge and enjoyment of American whiskeys.

Excellent book. Explains the real interesting subject of Whiskey. It gives a simple and detailed account of all the popular brands, rating them for the whiskey enthusiast. It shows the details of the distilling process, what and why they do a particular process different from the other distillery. Interestingly it shows that there are some whiskeys that are excellent and responsibly priced and some that are expensive and not very good. And that some whiskeys are a blend of several a particular distillery makes. While another might be a blend of several distillers. A five star rating system for quality and the cost in $20-$30 per ($), plus details about the distillery, the different flavors of the particular whiskey and their honest opinion. It is packed with information on the whole whisky business history. Plainly explains questions about how they proof a whisky, the aging process, and the real key to any whisky , the charred wooden barrels they are aged in that gives them there unique flavor. It’s without a drought probably the best book I’ve ever read on the subject and I highly recommend it to anyone interested

The Internet is full of scattershot whiskey reviews that lack context and, all too often, are written by over-exuberant cheerleaders who won't give you the straight dope out of fear distilleries will stop sending them free bottles. Risen is way above that. He puts it all in one place and isn't afraid to deep-six the overpriced dreck flowing out of many hip craft distilleries; nor is he too cool to praise the efforts of big, unglamorous brands whose craftsmanship deserves it. On the flip side, he'll readily point you to the upstarts stepping out on the road to stardom, and deflate the lackluster efforts of big labels coasting through life on their marketing budgets. Fair and keen, it's a lucid roadmap for navigating an increasingly complex landscape.Whiskey writers are a lot like film or music critics. Even if you've never met, it's important to feel like you know the reviewer a little bit and understand where his particular tastes and boundaries sit. Otherwise, opinions mean very little. Risen's large body of engaging, consistent work makes him the rare trustworthy go-to. Even if your own tastes don't always entirely match up, his consistency makes his advice useful. He'll help whiskey newbies gain the footing to develop their own opinions, and connoisseurs who already have their sea legs will appreciate sound advice for sailing unfamiliar waters. His sharp, concise history section and his analysis of market trends will only enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of American whiskey.

Super polecam do czytania książkę o whisky

Good whisky book about individual it whisky expressions. Many of which I cannot obtain, but I did gain some good Insight from this book

Great for finding flavor profiles on most commonly sought oft names at the liquor store along with a few other ones.

Visto in un negozio di Las Vegas, ho deciso di ordinarlo online per un regalo. Molto gradito dal ricevente. Pratica guida, pratica e comoda da fruire, contenuti confermati da amici appassionati della materia. Ottimo per appassionati di American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye.

Got this for my husband. He wanted it last year but the release date kept being put back. He says it's very interesting as he likes to sample his bourbon.