Barrels & Drams: The History of Whisk(e)y in Jiggers and Shots

by William M. Dowd (Editor)

Whiskey is one of the world's great spirits--distilled, sipped, and dissected for centuries, and still thoroughly enjoyed today. Follow veteran journalist and spirits authority William Dowd down the worldwide whiskey trail with this outstanding collection of articles on the intricacies of whiskey making, whiskey history and its foremost producers (George Smith, Jack Daniel, John Jameson, John Power; the Beams--they're all here), and whiskey collectors and collecting. There's even insight into home vatting. Begin your tour with Dowd's personal overview of the spirits world and drink in his friendly yet informative tone throughout the book. Whether a connoisseur or novice, you are sure to develop a taste for this storied spirit.

Genres: History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 2011

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fo many years been someone who enjoys a fine single malt. When whisky schools were the rage in Scotland I participated in making 750 gallons of Bladnoch whisky. That was quite an experience.

If you enjoy spirits, be in Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Canadian, etc. then you will enjoy this book. It is humorous and educational and makes you want to explore the marketplace of whisky.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it's a "history in jiggers and shots," but some of the chapters like one about Irish whiskey end too abruptly.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of articles about the history and production of whisk(e)y. I've read a few of these recently and did not find much in here that was new or different. It provides a decent introduction/overview but I think there are better books on the subject.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both a quick read and a good one, the editor provides the reader with a little history and a little information on the distiller's craft. From selections on prohibition to one on the importance of the barrel, you get a little bit of a lot of stuff.

[Niki Ganong · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine compendium of whisk(e)y minutiae in an attractive package. Perfect for short attention spans.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read.