Bourbon Authority, Susan Reigler offers some great recommendations for books to read while you sip. Enjoy!
Carlton, Carla Harris.
“Barrel Strength Bourbon: The Explosive Growth of America’s Whiskey.”
Birmingham, AL: Clerisy Press, 2017.
Comprehensive, lively account of Kentucky’s expanding bourbon economy, including production and tourism. Tasting tips, too.
Cowdery, Charles K.
“Bourbon, Straight: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey.”
Chicago: Made & Bottled in Kentucky, 2004.
Divided into topical chapters on various aspects of bourbon history, including an account of the famous Heaven Hill fire and a history of distillers named Beam.
Cowdery, Charles K.
“Bourbon, Strange: Surprising Stories of American Whiskey.”
Chicago: Made & Bottled in Kentucky, 2014.
Fleshed out stories behind many sometimes forgotten bourbon footnotes.
Greene, Heather.
“Whisk(e)y Distilled: A Populist Guide to the Water of Life.”
New York: Viking Studio, 2014.
Sage advice about approaching all styles of the world’s whiskeys, including bourbon, by a New York-based whiskey sommelier.
Minnick, Fred.
“Bourbon Curious: A Simple Tasting Guide for the Savvy Drinker.”
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Zenith Press, 2015.
Fascinatingly develops a bourbon flavor taxonomy dividing into categories of grain-forward, nutmeg-forward, caramel-forward, and cinnamon-forward.
Mitenbuler, Reid.
“Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America’s Whiskey.”
New York: Viking, 2015.
Deeply researched account of where bourbon has been and its potential. Many interviews with industry insiders.
Reigler, Susan.
“Kentucky Bourbon Country: The Essential Travel Guide, 2nd ed.”
Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 2016.
History, production details, and geographic guide to Kentucky distilleries big and small and how to get the most from a trip to bourbon country.
Reigler, Susan and Michael Veach.
“The Bourbon Tasting Notebook, 2nd ed.”
Morley, Missouri: Acclaim Press, 2018.
A log book with the authors’ tasting notes of nearly 350 bourbons arranged by distillers and fully indexed by proof, price, and style. Ratings are left to the reader.
Risen, Clay.
“American Whiskey Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Favorite Spirits, Revised & Expanded Edition.”
New York: Sterling Epicure, 2015.
More than 300 American whiskeys (178 bourbons) with star ratings and good historical backgrounds.
Veach, Michael.
“Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage.”
Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 2013.
Excellent overview of the history of bourbon, from farmer distillers in Colonial America to the modern industry.