Review
"This book will delight those interested in learning about the history, traditions, and comparative taste of whiskey, and the gorgeous images will conjure up memories of grandfather's old favorites. A fascinating read as well as a valuable reference guide." - Library Journal (Starred Review)
"Risen rates and describes 200+ whiskeys in direct honesty, and delivers a fine, concise history and guide to American whiskey. Tuck it in your hip pocket and go drinking." -
Lew Bryson, managing editor, Whisky Advocate"Candid, lucid, and invariably dead-on, this guide is the essential compass in navigating the bewildering terrain of the whiskey aisle at your local liquor store." -
Wayne Curtis, author of "And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in 10 Cocktails""Risen is immensely able, both as cohort and guide."
- Charles K. Cowdery, author of "Bourbon Straight: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey""[Risen] offers takes on the excellent whiskies, and doesn't hold back while describing the bad ... lending authority to his assessment of an overwhelming number of choices." -
Publishers Weekly"New York Times editor Risen . . . deftly combines history and assessment in this informative volume that covers more than 200 of the titular spirits . . . . This book will delight those interested in learning about the history, traditions, and comparative taste of whiskey, and the gorgeous images will conjure up memories of grandfather's old favorites. A fascinating read as well as a valuable reference guide, this work is sure to be a hit, especially in regions where the beverage is gaining popularity." —Library Journal (Starred review)
"[An] accessible and useful reference . . . He then reviews more than 200 American brands currently on the market, ranging from staples such as Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam to boutique bourbons such as Black Maple Hill Small Batch Bourbon, one of the few to receive all four stars from Risen. He offers takes on the excellent whiskies, and doesn't hold back while describing the bad . . . lending authority to his assessment of an overwhelming number of choices. The book will help whiskey lovers single out the good-to-great, but Risen also offer suggestions for lower tier whiskeys like Evan Williams that are perfectly fine for mixed drinks." —Publishers Weekly
" . . . a whiskey novice's best friend, describing the characteristics of American whiskey, how to taste it, and how it is produced, as well as providing a detailed history of the spirit. The book also includes reviews and photos of more than 200 American whiskeys, their tasting notes, and information on the producers. After reading Risen's guide, I now feel emboldened to order a whole list of new favorites, from woodsy Hudson Manhattan Rye to fruity and floral Russell's Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It's a book I plan on keeping around for constant reference." —Saveur
About the Author
Clay Risen is a veteran spirits journalist, having written for such venues as The New York Times, Men's Journal, and the Atlantic.com. He is an editor at The New York Times and the author of "A Nation on Fire: America in the Wake of the King Assassination" and the forthcoming "Bill of the Century: The Epic Battle for the Civil Rights Act." He lives with his family in Brooklyn.