Once I determined to change into a whiskey hobbyist, I selected to construct my information via books. I learn blogs, take heed to podcasts, and waste time on social media. There’s simply one thing about holding a e-book in my arms that helps me soak all of it up. As of this second, I’ve entered 478 books into my head concerning beverage alcohol historical past. Most of my library relates particularly to American whiskey and common American alcohol historical past. Whereas I’ve sorted via a frightening variety of books, all of them appear to run collectively at a sure level the place one e-book is simply rehashing 15 books earlier than it. I now crave new releases that add one thing contemporary to the dialog. Colin Spoelman has entered the chat with The Bourbon Drinker’s Companion: A Information to American Distilleries, with Journey Recommendation, Folklore, and Tasting Notes. Right here, Spoelman of King’s County Distillery gives his perception on the present state of American whiskey as each an trade skilled and fanatic.
When you’ve learn different bourbon books earlier than, it’s in all probability best to begin with what this e-book just isn’t. When you’re searching for a blind regurgitation of intelligent and costly advertising and marketing methods and tales, look elsewhere. In a breath of contemporary air, Spoelman clearly values authenticity. There are many glorious whiskeys available on the market that lack authenticity, and Spoelman has no qualms about calling them out. There are actors within the American whiskey trade who interact in practices that additionally should be referred to as out, however these with sway are likely to avoid stepping on toes for one purpose or one other. Spoelman stays respectful, however he’s additionally blunt in stating actions and practices throughout the trade that should be highlighted for the fallacious causes. When obligatory, The Bourbon Drinker’s Companion names names. Whereas working my means via the textual content, I got here throughout a number of passages that led me to take a photograph and ship it to pals, producing responses resembling “Wooooooow!” We’re all whiskey drinkers, however we don’t thoughts a little bit of tea.
Whereas Spoelman enjoys a spot of tea as effectively, his newest e-book just isn’t solely as a tea get together. The gossip is fascinating, however he spends much more effort and time highlighting folks and distillers who’re doing issues price discussing for the fitting causes. Who’s being genuine? Who’s giving fashionable shoppers a style of historic kinds of whiskey? Which whiskeys are a results of excessive consideration to element? Which distilleries are blazing new trails by pondering outdoors of the proverbial field? Spoelman has loads of justified reward to go round as he takes readers on a tour of American whiskey grouped by area. The textual content doesn’t go into excessive element on many distilleries, nonetheless Spoelman offers a great rundown on the distinguished distilleries in every a part of the nation. When you’re keen on discovering a small distillery to expertise that isn’t but in your radar, this e-book is an efficient place to look.
As The Bourbon Drinker’s Information takes readers on a distillery highway journey, quite a few whiskeys are highlighted. Nevertheless, Spoelman isn’t a lot keen on offering tasting notes or scores as are anticipated with a standard assessment. As a substitute he chooses to research different elements resembling whether or not or not a bottle is an efficient worth based mostly on worth. Is there one thing uncommon about this whiskey? How trustworthy and clear is the model? Might this bottle be overrated? Spoelman additionally gives perception on bottles that he considers to be a hidden gem.
There are many books that present a way to fill your head with information about whiskey that may be shared along with your bourbon buddies. In case your want is to the neatest man on the bar or your native bourbon society assembly, this isn’t significantly the e-book for you. In case your objective is to extend your means to have a significant dialog with folks concerning whiskey, this e-book might be of nice curiosity to you. Colin Spoelman has a knack for description language. At occasions, I felt myself getting a bit emotional as he talked about whiskey and what it may imply to folks. It’s a thought-provoking e-book.
I didn’t stroll away from this e-book with numerous new factoids to share, however I did depart with a greater understanding of what makes whiskey great and a want to have that dialog with others.
A / $28 [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]
The Bourbon Drinker’s Companion
$28
