Big Whiskey (The Revised Second Edition): Featuring Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, the Rebirth of Rye, and the Distilleries of America's Premier Spirits Region

by Carlo DeVito, John Whalen (Photographer)

An updated edition of Big Whiskey, the definitive guide to the American Whiskey Trail.

This updated edition of the definitive guide to the American Whiskey Trail is comprehensive collection of the whiskey, bourbon, and rye made by the best distillers in Kentucky and Tennessee. Full color images throughout showcase each and every bottle and label, behind-the-scenes images, and the beauty of the Whiskey Trail. Interviews with renowned distillers provide incredible insight into how whiskey is made. Locals and tourists alike will discover new distillers and expressions that are sure to satisfy any and all tastes. Big Whiskey is the perfect gift for the whiskey lover in your life. 

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, History

640 pages, Hardcover

Published July 20, 2021

About the author

Carlo DeVito is a long time wine lover, and author of books and magazine articles. He is the author of Wineries of the East Coast. He has traveled to wine regions in California, Canada, up and down the east coast, France, Spain and Chile. He was also a publisher at Running Press Book Publishers, where he published books from Wine Spectator, as well as books with Greg Moore (of Moore Bros.), Matt Kramer, Howard Goldberg, and many other wine writers. He is currently VP, Editorial Director of Sterling Epicure where his authors also include Kevin Zraly, Oz Clarke, Tom Stevenson, Terry Walters, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, and the Edible Communities cookbook program.

Mr. DeVito has also been the editor of many successful traditional trade books, including Strange Fruit by David Margolick, On the Shoulders of Giants by Stephen Hawking, and three titles by Malachy McCourt. Other authors include John and Mary Gribbin, Thomas Hoving, Philip Caputo, E. O. Wilson, Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., John Edgar Wideman, Stanley Crouch, Dan Rather, Dee Brown, Susie Bright, and Eleanor Clift.

He is also the author of more than 15 books, including his highly acclaimed biographies of D. Wayne Lukas, Wellington Mara, Yogi Berra, and Phil Rizzuto.

He lives with his wife, pet publisher Dominique DeVito, and their two sons, on their farm, the Hudson-Chatham Winery in Ghent, NY.

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.