The Complete Whiskey Course: A Comprehensive Tasting School in Ten Classes

by Robin Robinson

The definitive book on understanding and appreciating the exploding world of whiskey.
 
Renowned whiskey educator Robin Robinson demystifies the “water of life” in a definitive, heavily illustrated tome designed to take readers on a global tour of the ever-expanding world of whiskey. Across ten robust “classes,” Robinson explains whiskey history, how it defined the way whiskey is made in different countries and regions, the myriad styles, how aging and finishing works, and the basics of “nosing” and tasting whiskey. In chapters dedicated to American whiskey (including bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye), American Craft whiskey, Scotch, Irish, Canadian, Japanese, and world whiskies, Robinson presents the best offerings from new and historic producers, how to choose among them, and how to build a collection of your own. Each “class” is a journey into a country’s whiskies and makers, including recommended bottles and styles, as well as insider information on how distilleries make their unique offerings. Each chapter includes themed tastings organized by bargain, value, special occasion, and splurge price categories. This thoroughly up-to-date and wide-ranging guide also offers helpful recommendations on how to lead your own tasting, a glossary of terms, food pairings, and tips on everything from glassware to whiskey festivals and how to read a label.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Siriusly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched, organized, and presented. A great primer for a newbie and plenty for the aspiring aficionado.

[Jason J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grand book, as well as hilarious and kind author. I met this gentleman at a whisky tasting, where he had a table, and I was originally drawn by my love of books and the design of this one.

After a few moments of laughs of the various myths and histories of whisky, talk of distillery visits, and finding a chapter about the Japanese whisky process that has my name (different spelling, but same meaning, that’s another story altogether) I was sold. Not only did I buy the book, but he signed it on the cover, as well as inset.

If you love books, travel, and of course whisky, this is an absolute must have. It is thorough without being pretentious, and educating with being rote. A truly unique gem!

[Ari Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing Robin and hearing his stories over the years it is no wonder that this book is an easy read and provides knowledge that the person just dipping his toe into the word of whiskey or those already swimming in the deep end can appreciate.

I recommend this book very highly and have given it to friends and family alike.

[Jesse “Burnsy” Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed but expansive, it’s a great read front to back. I learned so much about the differences in whisk(e)y distilling between nationalities and styles. A bonus were the included recommendations in the “drink this” highlights!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robinson approaches whiskey with refreshing openness. This book has none of the attitude so Common in many other whiskey books. The tasting guidance, in particular, is clear and convincing, and highly useful.

[M.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only essential book on whiskey, with all you need to know, whether you're an connoisseur or not. Great gift, too.

[Ian Hrabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent foundation for learning about whiskey, but if you've read a few of these foundational type books it's going to be a little too surface level. One of my primary issues is that most of the individual whiskeys he highlights are impossible to get so it's sort of like, why bother?

[Koen De Bock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but a little too America-centred for European readers.

[Alexander Jakel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for an introduction into whiskey for those looking for a good amount of detail but not an overwhelming amount.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun, breezy read, and it's got some good tasting notes and a bunch of recommendations.

[Cory Camarote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for those who would want to learn about the different types of whiskey out there. Not super “science-y” and decently easy to read.