American Whiskey Master Class

Go beyond the glass and discover the secrets behind your favorite styles of American whiskey in this updated, expanded, deluxe edition. Over the past three decades, Lew Bryson has been one of the most influential voices in whiskeya longtime editor of Whisky Advocate and author of the critically acclaimed guides Tasting Whiskey and Whiskey Master Class. In this expanded edition of American Whiskey Master Class, Lew focuses solely on American whiskeys, sharing everything hes learned on his journey through the world of American bourbon, rye, and whiskey. This approachable book is like a 200-level class taught by a favorite teacher, with compelling tales (like how barrel aging came to be), insider tips (such as an old taster's trick for sampling whiskey), and explanations you never thought you needed (like why you can never get a beverage that's 100% alcoholand why you should stick to whiskey!). In this handsome edition, youll find it all: An overview of the different types of whiskeys, including the rules and identities of each. He also includes information on craft whiskeys, which tend to be more creative and freewheeling than the styles made by traditional producers. Exploration of the key whiskey ingredients, with a close look at the flavor contributions of malt, peat, corn, rye, wheateven water. Distillation for non-distillers and the beauty of barrels: Whiskey is both an art and a science, and whats in the glass is affected by things like pot stills vs. column stills, barrel char, and of course, time. Numerous interviews with master distillers, still makers, and other artisans at the top of their field. Tasting notes throughout, including more than two dozen new ones, so you can identify the whiskeys you might want to try next. New and expanded material, including how to decode and decipher rare bottles, new developments in the American whiskey market (notably single malts), new profiles and interviews of must-know producers, new photos, and more. Every chapter contains a variety of unique, often behind-the-scenes photography, coupled with Bryson's master storytelling. And with whiskey as the subject, this is a class where youll want to do the homework!