American whiskey, bourbon & rye A guide to the nation's favorite spirit

New York Times editor Risen (A Nation on Fire: America in the Wake of the King Assassination) turns his attention to domestic whiskey and its many incarnations in this accessible and useful reference. Opening with an overview of the spirit and its variations (all bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbons, for example), Risen explains the distillingprocess, the aging and how it affects the flavor of the end result, as gives a brief history of whiskey in America. 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 ("Drinking George Dickel No 8, I can't get away from the thought of Robitussin poured over cornflakes"), 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. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

New York Times editor Risen (A Nation on Fire: America in the Wake of the King Assassination) deftly combines history and assessment in this informative volume that covers more than 200 of the titular spirits. The introduction discusses regulations that define types of whiskey, the process and ingredients used to make each kind, and the history of production in the United States; it also instructs readers in how to enjoy whiskey, how to organize a tasting, and how to read a whiskey. Risen then tackles particular drinks, including tasting notes, age, proof, price range, and rating for each producer's brand, along with a high-resolution photograph of the bottle. Descriptors such as lavender, cinnamon, wood, and smoke, among others, will appeal to the reader's taste, smell, and visual imagination. -VERDICT 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.--Ann -Weber, Bellarmine Coll. Prep., San Jose, CA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.