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Whiskey Master Class: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and More
Go beyond the glass and discover the secrets behind your favorite style of whiskey.
Over the past three decades, Lew Bryson has been one of the most influential voices in whiskey—a longtime editor of Whisky Advocate and author of the definitive guide Tasting Whiskey. In this book, Lew shares everything he's learned on his journey through the worlds of bourbon, Scotch, rye, Japanese whiskey, and more (yes, there are tasty Canadian and Irish whiskeys as well!). In this book, you'll find it all: An overview of the different types of whiskeys, including the rules and identities of each. He also includes information on craft whiskeys, which tend to be more creative and freewheeling than the styles made by traditional producers. Exploration of the key whiskey ingredients, with a close look at the flavor contributions of malt, peat, corn, rye, wheat—even water matters. Distillation for non-distillers and the beauty of barrels: Whiskey is both an art and a science, and what's in the glass is affected by things like pot stills vs. column stills, barrel char, and of course, time. Numerous interviews with master distillers, still makers, and other artisans at the top of their field. Tasting notes throughout so you can identify the whiskeys you might want to try next. Every chapter contains a variety of unique, often behind-the-scenes photography. And with whiskey as the subject, this is a class where you'll want to do the homework!
Over the past three decades, Lew Bryson has been one of the most influential voices in whiskey—a longtime editor of Whisky Advocate and author of the definitive guide Tasting Whiskey. In this book, Lew shares everything he's learned on his journey through the worlds of bourbon, Scotch, rye, Japanese whiskey, and more (yes, there are tasty Canadian and Irish whiskeys as well!). In this book, you'll find it all: An overview of the different types of whiskeys, including the rules and identities of each. He also includes information on craft whiskeys, which tend to be more creative and freewheeling than the styles made by traditional producers. Exploration of the key whiskey ingredients, with a close look at the flavor contributions of malt, peat, corn, rye, wheat—even water matters. Distillation for non-distillers and the beauty of barrels: Whiskey is both an art and a science, and what's in the glass is affected by things like pot stills vs. column stills, barrel char, and of course, time. Numerous interviews with master distillers, still makers, and other artisans at the top of their field. Tasting notes throughout so you can identify the whiskeys you might want to try next. Every chapter contains a variety of unique, often behind-the-scenes photography. And with whiskey as the subject, this is a class where you'll want to do the homework!
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2020
122 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 7, 2020
I’m approaching 160 books read on American whiskey & booze culture. This is by far one of the best books on whiskey I’ve read. It is not a whiskey history book. This book will get you more than up to speed on understanding industry terminology and whiskey production. With my extensive reading list, Lew Bryson was able to give me lots of information that I haven’t yet received in a multitude of other books. I highly recommend.
June 18, 2020
What a fun interesting book. If you love whiskey, you’ll love this. Didn’t even realize I had one whiskey from each of the 5 whiskey regions in my cabinet. Educating myself, one glass at a time. Will be taking this book along to my next liquor store outing.
January 1, 2023
This was the most comprehensive and down-to-earth book on Bourbon I read this year!
December 6, 2019
Another book on Whiskey! Not much ore then the usual introduction book for the newcomers. Well done.
March 24, 2020
This is a well-laid-out, comprehensive guide to all types of whiskys, organized by chapters on the origins (Scotland, Canada, Japan, and the US, spelled whiskey with an 'e' in the US), the grains, the barrels, the manufacture, the warehousing, the industry's history and the savoring. There are even chapters on how distilleries might cope with disaster, such as warehouse fires, roof or building collapse, tornado damage (US). It's well-illustrated with many color photographs and sidebar texts. It's a concise (250 pp.) one-volume roundup, an accessible and enjoyable book for those new to whisky or a pleasant companion to those already savoring the drink. Highly recommend.
May 2, 2020
As a whiskey aficionado, there are lots of books out there, and many of them are very superficial and dry. This book is very different. A permanent addition to my library, the Whiskey Master Class covers all aspects of whiskey production, taste, development and history. It's not a super technical or deep book - at 252 pages, it can't be. However, I walked away with a lot more knowledge of whiskeys generally, and the desire to learn more. Specific brands and examples are called out across the five major regions, and you will smile, laugh and appreciate the author's style and passion for the craft. Full of great pictures as well, it is an easy, fun and informative read.
January 25, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for honest review.
I liked this a lot. There were definitely parts that went over my head (e.g. the chapters about stills), but I enjoyed the way the chapters were broken up and the conversational tone.
Definitely not Whiskey for Dummies, so I wouldn't read this unless you have some type of foundation, but I learned a lot.
I liked this a lot. There were definitely parts that went over my head (e.g. the chapters about stills), but I enjoyed the way the chapters were broken up and the conversational tone.
Definitely not Whiskey for Dummies, so I wouldn't read this unless you have some type of foundation, but I learned a lot.
April 14, 2020
I originally gave this four stars and then I read another book about whiskey which made me realize how superior this is so I changed my star rating to five. I like that this book is kind of like storytelling you it teaches you while you go on some travel trips and a lot of information is given but it’s written in interesting manner. Like entertainment while learning.
December 31, 2022
Splendid, comprehensive, approachable, and at times, unexpectedly heartfelt.
Bryson clearly knows and loves whiskey, and all its constituent parts. Read this book to transform how you think about and experience your next dram.
Bryson clearly knows and loves whiskey, and all its constituent parts. Read this book to transform how you think about and experience your next dram.
December 23, 2025
Fun and interesting read.
June 20, 2020
How whiskey is made
This book is for you if you want to learn the process of making whiskey from growing the grains to designing the glass bottle. The most difficult part for me was the explanation of different stills and the mechanics of their work. It is written in a chatty style as if the author is your very knowledgeable but friendly neighbor telling you stories from the distilleries he's visited over the years. You'll almost taste the sweetness from the aging whiskeys in their oak barrels and feel the heat of Kentucky summers as Bryson leads you on a tour of the distillery warehouses in this excellent book.
This book is for you if you want to learn the process of making whiskey from growing the grains to designing the glass bottle. The most difficult part for me was the explanation of different stills and the mechanics of their work. It is written in a chatty style as if the author is your very knowledgeable but friendly neighbor telling you stories from the distilleries he's visited over the years. You'll almost taste the sweetness from the aging whiskeys in their oak barrels and feel the heat of Kentucky summers as Bryson leads you on a tour of the distillery warehouses in this excellent book.
April 6, 2022
Since this isn’t a new book, I’m not going to rehash anything.
I will say, I highly recommend this for anyone interested in whiskey, whisky, bourbon, or scotch. Bryson breaks down the entire process, in an understandable, and enjoyable way.
This long time whiskey drinker even learned a thing or two.
I will say, I highly recommend this for anyone interested in whiskey, whisky, bourbon, or scotch. Bryson breaks down the entire process, in an understandable, and enjoyable way.
This long time whiskey drinker even learned a thing or two.
May 5, 2020
A great read for any whiskey fan!
April 8, 2021
A great resource for learning about whiskey!
May 17, 2021
Well structured book and easy to read. Breaks the translation for the layman on so many aspects of the production of spirits, an enjoyable read.
March 26, 2025
As someone relatively new to whiskey, Whiskey Master Class by Lew Bryson was an approachable and informative read. Bryson does a great job breaking down the complexities of whiskey production, from grain selection and distillation to aging and finishing. The book walks through the nuances of different whiskey styles in a way that makes it easy to follow.
One of the things I really appreciated was the integration of tasting notes. Rather than just focusing on technical details, Bryson provides clear and impartial descriptions of flavors, which helped me start to understand how to pick out different notes myself. His explanations are accessible without feeling dumbed down, making it enjoyable to read.
That said, there were parts where it felt a little too detailed. While the depth of information is great, I think the book could have been slightly shorter and still just as effective. But overall, it was a worthwhile read.
If you have any interest in whiskey—whether you’re just getting into it or already enjoy a glass now and then—this book is definitely worth picking up. It gives a solid foundation on what makes each whiskey unique and how to better appreciate what’s in your glass.
One of the things I really appreciated was the integration of tasting notes. Rather than just focusing on technical details, Bryson provides clear and impartial descriptions of flavors, which helped me start to understand how to pick out different notes myself. His explanations are accessible without feeling dumbed down, making it enjoyable to read.
That said, there were parts where it felt a little too detailed. While the depth of information is great, I think the book could have been slightly shorter and still just as effective. But overall, it was a worthwhile read.
If you have any interest in whiskey—whether you’re just getting into it or already enjoy a glass now and then—this book is definitely worth picking up. It gives a solid foundation on what makes each whiskey unique and how to better appreciate what’s in your glass.
July 27, 2024
do i have a passion for whiskey? no. was i curious to learn things about it and found the book interesting? totally. did i confuse the author with Bill Bryson when the book showed up in my search? yes, i did...and that's how i ended up learning more about whiskey. i don't regret it though. good book about whiskey.
...tricked me with its author Bryson and introduction by Bill :) and it was believable based on everything he wrote.
...tricked me with its author Bryson and introduction by Bill :) and it was believable based on everything he wrote.
March 22, 2025
Wow - a tremendous resource and an incredible amount of information, written in a very collegial and light style. I really enjoyed listening to this book, but I would advise getting the physical version instead of the audiobook. There's just too much information (including diagrams and photos) to be absorbed through audio (just my opinion). But if you're interested in whisk(e)y, this is the book for you!
November 3, 2023
I loved this book. It’s easy to ready, the author is not pretentious and writes about whisky and its complexity in a very friendly approach.
The book makes you travel to this amazing world that this ‘nectar’ can provide.
The only observation is that this is not a beginners book, you should have some base to enjoy it.
I’ll definitely search for more content from Lew Bryson.
The book makes you travel to this amazing world that this ‘nectar’ can provide.
The only observation is that this is not a beginners book, you should have some base to enjoy it.
I’ll definitely search for more content from Lew Bryson.
February 8, 2020
Whiskey or whisky? Lew Bryson knows the difference and you will, too, if you imbibe this entertaining and informative volume on the Divine Distillation. Sure, you'll be able to understand what's coming through the rye, or why there are no dividing lines on Bourbon Street. I liked this book. Neat.
March 13, 2024
This is the best book on understanding all there is to know about whiskey. Loved the writing and now want to explore more tastings of good whiskey. This book was a gift from a friend's husband and we have enjoyed talking about all the things we learned. Excellent book.
March 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lew Bryson’s “Whiskey Master Class” is a fantastic guide to the spirit. A comprehensive overview (note: not a tech manual) for the development of and flavor creation of whiskey. Covering every aspect of flavor creation from the grain, to the distillation, the blend, the bottles, and even those intangibles. Along the way he demonstrates the variety of different ways whiskey makers create flavor from the Scotch and European (not a single category mind you) to American whiskey and bourbon, to the Japanese. Hitting every major whiskey culture and region. This is my second time through Bryon’s book and each time I am able to dig deeper with more resources and connections to help further my understanding of what is a combination of engineering, science, agriculture, politics, practicality, and artistry that goes into creating the many variations of whiskey found around the globe.
This should be required reading for those looking to expand their knowledge on whiskey development and production.
Thanks for the great work Lew!! (However, it may be time for a second edition update since a lot of the stats and production levels etc are dated)
Lew Bryson’s “Whiskey Master Class” is a fantastic guide to the spirit. A comprehensive overview (note: not a tech manual) for the development of and flavor creation of whiskey. Covering every aspect of flavor creation from the grain, to the distillation, the blend, the bottles, and even those intangibles. Along the way he demonstrates the variety of different ways whiskey makers create flavor from the Scotch and European (not a single category mind you) to American whiskey and bourbon, to the Japanese. Hitting every major whiskey culture and region. This is my second time through Bryon’s book and each time I am able to dig deeper with more resources and connections to help further my understanding of what is a combination of engineering, science, agriculture, politics, practicality, and artistry that goes into creating the many variations of whiskey found around the globe.
This should be required reading for those looking to expand their knowledge on whiskey development and production.
Thanks for the great work Lew!! (However, it may be time for a second edition update since a lot of the stats and production levels etc are dated)
May 8, 2025
A beginner to intermediate primer on whiskey! I learned many things about pot stills, casks, aging, and flavor and aromas. The book is written in a very open-minded way and is accepting of all types of whiskey-making.
December 23, 2019
3.5 stars...A very nice book on the history and specifics of making whiskey. Also lists a wide variety of whiskeys to try.
January 25, 2023
Fantastic book if you are into Whisk(e)y or want to know more about it. The tasting notes and exploration is so fantastic to hear about, I never tire of it.
June 27, 2023
A comprehensive tour of what whiskey is, and how it is made.
February 21, 2025
Very good. Easy to read, and very informative. I also like that the author isn't a gatekeeper and doesn't seem to be a snob about particulars.
February 21, 2025
Fascinating book about the different types, creation, and variation of whiskey
March 10, 2025
This makes me want to expand my whiskey drinking. I’m a Johnny Walker black drinker and now I have a list of whiskey to try
April 22, 2025
This was a great book and the moral of the story is drink whiskey however YOU enjoy it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews