The Curious Bartender: An Odyssey of Malt, Bourbon & Rye Whiskies

by Tristan Stephenson

An innovative, captivating tour of the finest whiskies the world has to offer, brought to you by bestselling author and whisky connoisseur Tristan Stephenson.

An innovative, captivating tour of the finest whiskies the world has to offer, brought to you by bestselling author and whisky connoisseur Tristan Stephenson.

In his characteristically engaging, witty style, Tristan explores the origins of whiskey, from the extraordinary Chinese distillation pioneers well over 2,000 years ago to the discovery of the medicinal ‘aqua vitae’ (water of life), through to the emergence of what we know as whiskey. Explore the magic of malting, the development of flavor and the astonishing barrel-aging process as you learn about how whiskey is made. In the main chapter, Tristan takes us on a journey through 56 distilleries around the world, exploring their remarkable quirks, unique techniques and flavors, featuring all new location photography from the Scottish Highlands and Ireland to Kentucky and Tennessee. After that, you might choose to make the most of Tristan’s formidable bar skills with some inspirational whiskey-based blends and cocktails. This fascinating and comprehensive book is sure to appeal to whiskey and bourbon aficionados and novices alike.

Genres: Cocktails, Nonfiction, Booze, Reference, Food and Drink

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2014

Reviews

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes a great case for print books. It's beautiful; lush photographs on almost every page, thick card stock, rustic design. One of the more beautifully printed books in my library. And the writing is solid too. 

It is not a how-to-taste book (although it does touch on this a bit); I would recommend a couple others for a complete whisky beginner. Instead, in the authors own words, it's a "sweeping campaign of whisky propaganda...". At this, excels beautifully!

[Chris Rhodovi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the more entertaining books on Whiskey that I have read. truly, the author manages to write a book, with text-book like information, yet does so in conversational and at times with a story like ability, resulting in a very enjoyable read. Material, that could be very boring, and laborious to read was always kept fresh, and informative and without sacrificing the material. The only complaint I have is a map of the United States, where the book puts an Upstate New York distillery in the south east. However, in the writing content on the distillery it is correctly located in up state New York, but on the map not even close. I recommend this book especially if you are newly engaging in the art of whiskey and seeking knowledge on the many different process, styles, and traditions. As an aside this is a beautiful book, with fantastic images, well put together, very creative and compelling example for the case to keep real printed books.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book I'd give a solid 5 stars, interesting, gives a detailed account of the origins of the still, alcohol and a history of whisk(e)y. He explains the differences between a Scotch, a Bourbon and an Irish whisky and he gives a detailed explanation of the processes of making whisk(e)y.

The second half of the book I'd give 3 stars with the caveat that had I had the individual whiskies he describes so I could put a flavor to what he describes I'd bump my rating up to 4 stars, but as I didn't how much can be gleaned from fruity, smoky, oily etc... Well, without a taste, I just don't know. Perhaps I'll give it a second try when I have a few more whiskies at my disposal.

Still an excellent read.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book for learning everything whiskey. From its beginnings, through its creation, to its consumption.
This isn't a book of lists; it's an anti list book showing that there's so much more to whiskey than just drinking it.
If you are a whiskey fan and have already dabbled in trying to find expressions to your liking, but then start asking how and why whiskey tastes the way it does, this is the book for you.

[Zoe Carney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, informative book, written in an accessible style with a good balance of facts that were known to me and new to me. A little repetitive in places, which is why the 4 stars rather than 5, but a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys whisk(e)y and wants to know more about the history, production and the differences between the various styles. I'm intrigued to try the cocktails listed at the end.

[Dāvis Dakša · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read starting from creation and history of whisky, to distilleries around the world - Scotland to Tasmania, Japan to Sweden. Great read!

[Yasin S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just another masterpiece from Mr. Stephenson! Every page is full of new and interesting information about whisky. Must read for every whisky lover.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I primarily bought this book as a gift (so this review won't find its way to my blog until after Christmas!) and at the same time I wanted to learn a bit more about the process of how whisky is made. So I was focusing on the history and how-to sections (around half the book); skimming the descriptions of various distilleries from across the globe and specifics on the tastes of the many products. There are also a few recipes in the end also. I learned basically how to distill alcohol (not that I'm going to try it at home... the equipment looks complicated and likely expensive - and I'm pretty sure that you're not allowed to create an unlicensed distillery!).

Written in an anecdotal style and containing explanations and descriptions of scientific processes in a clear way without becoming a technical manual, but also without talking down to the reader.

[Eric Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephenson needs an editor for this book. For an essentially snooty little trip through the whiskey-tasting world, there are an awful lot of typos. He'd also do well to steer clear of historical writing. The first section of the book is a bland review of whiskey's history and could use a more professional hand.
When we finally get to tour the distilleries and read about the making and taste of their spirits, things get a lot better! The author's passion for the distilling process and the different flavors that result from aging are really fun to read. This book will have you wanting to try every whiskey he describes in his tasting notes.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read on the various styles and brief histories of the worlds whiskies.
Set out in parts starting with the origins of whisky and distilling, then covers whiskies by type under what is a whisky.
The book then takes you in a tour of some of the worlds distilleries. As with all books of this subject it centres largely on the Scottish distilleries followed by the American staples and then brushes over the Irish and rest of the world.
Still took away something from the book and would recommend it to a whiskey fan.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information in this book, but it reads like a rushed term paper, which makes sense when you consider that Stephenson keeps pumping these books out. Worth it if you want a very general overview of a lot of things.