Big Whiskey: Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, the Rebirth of Rye, and the Distilleries of America's Premier Spirits Region

by Thomas Nelson, John F Whalen Jr. (Photographer), Richard Thomas (Contributor)

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
*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.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, History

480 pages, Hardcover

Published April 24, 2018

Reviews

[Jeffrey Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. A must read for anyone who enjoys whiskey.

[Matt Hartzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Whiskey is a lovely coffee-table-type of book. I read more than 50% of it word-for-word, but the vast majority of the book is filled with descriptions and information about many bourbon and Tennessee whiskey distillers in the US. As such, it leans a bit more towards reference material than a traditional book you would read straight through. However, the book also does contain much information about the history, production and consumption of these two spirits, as well as closer looks at the personalities surrounding them. One other facet I enjoyed about the book is the litany of absolutely fantastic photography stuffed throughout. The production design is very high here, and the excellent photography captures the spirit and ambiance of the Kentucky/Tennessee area.

This is an excellent book to have on your shelf if you enjoy American whiskey. I would also highly recommend you pick up some whiskeys yourself, to pair with the book as you read it! I found it almost impossible to read about the rich history of production of whiskey in this country without wanting a pour of whiskey in my hand as I did so.

[Jake B-Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, I read this book front to back. It really is an fascinating volume—though the writer is clearly most interested in the whiskey and less in clearly explaining to the reader what he means by all of his terms. He has an introduction to the process at the beginning of the book, but he should have had a non-expert suggest some revisions. I had to ask a friend to explain terms like “single malt” and “single barrel.”

The main reason this is four stars is some poor copyediting and a lack of variation in style. I guess I can’t expect Pulitzer-winning prose in a coffee table book, but I counted one paragraph with six exclamation marks in it (compared to two periods). He also never criticized any of the whiskies he profiled, so I’m at a loss for what whiskey is actually good and what whiskey is just okay.

4/5, very informative with some editorial work needed. Well worth the $8 I paid for it in the Barnes & Noble clearance section!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for those wanting to know the distilleries of Kentucky and Tennessee and their products. The photos are lovely and the little history and explanation of how whiskey is made is helpful.

The best quote comes on page 264. I won't spoil it but I will say it comes from a unique employee of the distillery.

[Jordan Hovis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially extremely informative about the industry, but dragged on and on with bland descriptions of different distilleries. Some had great stories, but they get bogged down focusing on flavor notes.

[PD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as a gift. Great collection of history and pictures of bottles and distilleries.

[Steve Sandifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information is solid and the write up on the distilleries is thorough. The disappointing aspect is the writing & editing...multiple errors throughout.