I only just learned that bourbon is an American creation – I am a little embarrassed! The history behind this all-American spirit is rich and fascinating. I never knew how much whiskey has impacted American distilling, law, and history.
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Check out some of these bourbon history books to learn more!
Whiskey Rebels: The Dreamers, Visionaries & Badasses Who Are Revolutionizing American Whiskey
The publisher for the Whiskey Rebels: The Dreamers, Visionaries & Badasses Who Are Revolutionizing American Whiskey book states… “In 2003, the United States had about 60 craft distillers; today there are over 2,000 in all corners of the country, 500 of which are making whiskey. This book introduces the entrepreneurs and the companies behind this American craft whiskey movement.”
I was floored to learn this! I couldn’t believe there were so little distilleries in American until recently. I knew there was a whiskey trend!
This book is a trip and will transport you through the modern history about whiskey!
American History Through a Whiskey Glass: How Distilled Spirits, Domestic Cuisine, and Popular Music Helped Shape a Nation
The American History Through a Whiskey Glass: How Distilled Spirits, Domestic Cuisine, and Popular Music Helped Shape a Nation book is my favorite on the list – it is by far the most entertaining.
We explore whiskey’s role in American history during 8 time periods. This includes a list of descriptions and tasting notes for notable American whiskey brands, how whiskey is produced, and then food pairings and recipes throughout the book that apply for each period of American history. There are also playlists provided to go along each period of time.
Get the most out of your whiskey history!
Big Whiskey (The Revised Second Edition): Featuring Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, the Rebirth of Rye, and the Distilleries of America’s Premier … Bartending, Mixology, History of Whiskey)
If you are interested in some of the modern distilleries in America today, check out Big Whiskey (The Revised Second Edition): Featuring Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, the Rebirth of Rye, and the Distilleries of America’s Premier … Bartending, Mixology, History of Whiskey).
This is a collection of some of the best distillers in areas like Kentucky and Tennessee. Included are photos of each bottle with behind the scenes images showing off the process of whiskey distilling in America.
Bourbon and Bullets: True Stories of Whiskey, War, and Military Service
The Bourbon and Bullets: True Stories of Whiskey, War, and Military Service book is a serious read. This connects stories of veterans and American whiskey and what the importance of this relationship is.
This goes beyond enjoying whiskey while serving in the military, many American servicemen Weller, Handy, Stagg, Van Winkle, and Bulleit all experienced combat before they became household names for American whiskey lovers.
Learn about this interesting connection and how it has effected U.S. history.
Bourbon Justice: How Whiskey Law Shaped America
At first glance, I’m not sure I would have picked this up, but after reading what the publisher has to say about Bourbon Justice: How Whiskey Law Shaped America it sounds fascinating.
Did you know that bourbon has influenced many parts of the legal system, such as fraud, government regulation and taxation, consumer protection, and so much more? It’s one of those things we take for granted now, but we are here today because of a unique and fascinating legal process.
If you love learning about law while sipping bourbon – this is a distinct topic!
Now, I’ll be able to appreciate this spirit a bit more after perusing these books. Nothing is ever too small to create big change!
For fun, what are some of your favorite American whiskeys?
~Kaiti