Tasting Whiskey: An Insider's Guide to the Unique Pleasures of the World's Finest Spirits

I rarely write Amazon reviews, unless I have something to say that I feel is important for other shoppers to know. Here's what I want shoppers to know about Tasting Whiskey by Lew Bryson. This book is fabulous! Having been a whiskey lover and studier for years, I wasn't sure what I would learn from this book. Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen, I learned a lot! This book is well written. It's written in a way that is conversational and very easy to understand. I found myself struggling to put it down, and I have read numerous whiskey books. Mr. Bryson know his subject like he knows his own name. He is a writer and editor for the publication Whiskey Advocate, and his knowledge and expertise shines on every page of Tasting Whiskey. I want to be clear. This book is not just about tasting whiskey. That topic is covered, but so are a multitude of others. From growing the grains, to distilling the grains, to the different types of whiskey, to whiskey regions, to recipes and more, this book would easily be your "go-to" book on whiskey. Mr. Bryson focuses on American Whiskey (especially Bourbon), as well as Canadian, Scotch, Irish and Japanese whiskey. I found myself learning new things each day I read this book. I read it over a four day span. The book is not written in a stuffy manner. And Mr. Bryson does not come off as a know-it-all. Rather, he is like the friend that you sit down with for a drink or two, and learn a plethora of information, in a fun and not intimidating way. If you are on the fence about whether to buy Tasting Whiskey, get off that fence now. Don't delay--buy today. I'm not kidding. -Scott Snyder Oregon

You know you are really getting into something when you go looking for books on the subject. Not long ago, books were the only way to ‘lean stuff’ and my kids will never know the joy of owning a whole bookcase’s worth of dusty outdated encyclopaedias. Thanks to the invention of the Internet and the cementing of the word ‘google’ into the English language, most of us now turn to the Internet first when seeking information on any given subject. I think it would be safe to assume that since you are reading this post, on the Internet, that you fall into that group. But there are times when only a good tree-killing book will do and if you are looking for a great one on the topic of whisky/whiskey, look no further than, Tasting Whiskey: An Insider’s Guide to the Unique Pleasures of the World’s Finest Spirits by Lew Bryson. Lew Bryson is an American author and journalist who has written professionally about beer and spirits since 1995, including a 19-year stint as Managing Editor of Whisky Advocate magazine and maintains a blog called Through the Glass (link in the Blogroll at the bottom of the page). Tasting Whiskey was the first serious book that I read on the subject of whisky and I found it to be an excellent primer for beginning my whisky journey. Almost the entire first half of the book is dedicated to explaining how whisky came to be, what it is, how it is made and a detailed breakdown of where the unique flavours and characteristics of various whiskies come from. The remainder of the book covers the main whisky regions of Scotland, Ireland, USA, Canada and Japan. Lastly, the final few chapters cover craft whiskies, mixers and cocktails, matching whisky with food and collecting whisky. One of the things I like most about this book is the author’s acceptance of all things whisky and his resistance to judge anyone on their choice of drink or how they choose to drink it. He often states that it is your drink and your right to drink it any way you please. It is a refreshing break from some self-proclaimed whisky experts who can be very judgemental in their opinion of the right and wrong way to drink whisky and are quick to place some whisky on a pedestal and completely ignore others. Lew Bryson’s attitude for whisky acceptance and experiencing the broadest sample as possible, aligns perfectly with my own attitude on the subject. Since deciding to become serious about my whisky drinking, I have read a few books and countless web pages on the topic but I am yet to find a better explanation about the whisky making process than this book. Lew has a skill for breaking down complex processes into easy to understand components and then giving a detailed yet straightforward description of how all these pieces come together. The parts about the chemistry of whisky aging and the creation of aromatic esters for example, didn’t confuse my non-chemist brain but instead sparked my interest enough to research more on the topic. This book touches on everything you could ever want to know about whisky and will satisfy all but the most studious of whisky enthusiasts. This is the book that I recommend to everyone I meet who is interested in whisky and would like to learn more. Tasting Whiskey is informative, easy to read and understand and a perfect gift for the whisky fan in your life.

TASTING WHISKEY is a most phenomenal and interesting book. I got a fabulous education reading it. I was fortunate to meet Lew Bryson at a whiskey dinner which he organized and conducted at the Bulls Head Pub in Lititz, PA shortly after I had bought his book. Needless to say I was very excited to know he would be there! Tasting Whiskey is extremely well-researched and detailed. It was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in quite some time. His personal stories and experiences are just nonstop and funny! It was entertaining from beginning to end, and I savored every moment I sat down with it. I believe at times I would only read just a few pages so as to make it last longer. Many times I laughed out loud! The book is very well illustrated with most interesting photographs throughout as well! I am not an experienced whiskey drinker buy any means but have occasionally enjoyed a good aged Scotch or Irish whisky for quite a few years; usually preferring the older Scotch whiskeys because they were supposedly "better" ones. I learned from reading TW to not be a 'whiskey snob' and just drink the more expensive old, more aged ones, but to keep an open mind and experience the many other less expensive and younger ones out there. Just two nights ago I tried a fairly new whiskey from Ireland from West Cork Distilleries; a relatively inexpensive blended whisky (not the 10 year single malt) and it was quite good! The bar tender opened a brand new bottle for me. At Lew's whiskey dinner which I attended, all 5 pairings with the food were with American Bourbons and whiskeys. They were all delicious!! The whiskey making process is most complicated, and I now have a much more appreciation and understanding about the many aspects of the making, blending, storage, evaporation, whiskey strengths, barrel sizes, the effects of weather & temperature, collecting, making cocktails and on and on. I truly don't think there is much more you could fit in to a book about whiskey. Lew has been around the country and the world tasting fabulous whiskeys and meeting and getting to know distillers. It's a history book, a technical book and a story book! Anyone who has any interest in whiskey should not be without this book! Congratulations Lew Bryson!!!

Though this book covers many whiskeys, I bought this primarily for learning about bourbon. This book has proven more comprehensive and authoritative over some other books I've read on the subject. It's full of interesting content and the author has an effective writing style. In one of the many helpful things this book offers, I like the four-quadrant, plotted graph of bourbons and their flavor profiles. I've used it as reference to target my desired purchases. On the whole, this book has broadened my appreciation and expanded my palate. I've been drinking (and enjoying) Scotch for decades but now I'm discovering (and enjoying) the fine whiskeys we have right here at home.

A good read, explaining the basics and made my Whisky tour of Scotland that much more enjoyable. A newbie to whiskey, the book sets the foundation from which you can quickly expand. At the end of the day, I don't know that I will ever have a nose or discerning palate for whiskey/whisky/scotch, but the take home message is to enjoy the dram in front of you and don't get too caught up into what others think or how high they score it, to each his own. While visiting Scotland, I found that I love Glengoyne 21, not because it is a 21yo and I'm a Scotch snob, but because it is finished in a sherry, European oak cask, and I like the flavors imparted on it by the cask. Again, the reoccurring theme for me was I like the sherry finished Scotches the best, and smokey/peaty the least. I certainly would have never discovered this had it not been for the Whisky tours and this book, as I wouldn't pay $189 for a bottle just to sample it, in search of what I like it best. But I will now pay that to buy the single malt Scotch I prefer over a highly praised peaty Ardbeg, Laphroaig or Lavagulin from Islay. Not that there is anything wrong with them, and the trip to Islay was the highlight of my vacation, I just like my Scotch without a hint of peat. I also found that for bourbon I like Makers 46, which is made from wheat, just like I found by chance while in Germany that I like hefeweizen, a wheat beer, who knew? The book is an easy read, well laid out and highly informative and made the Whiskey experience far more enjoyable for me.

Lew Bryson is a well-respected whiskey and craft beer reviewer. His writing style is light and personable. This book is extremely informative, giving insight to every aspect of how whiskey is made now and how that came to be. He intrigues readers by informing them of the colorful history behind all the different types of whiskey or whisky, whether it be Scotch, Irish, American, Canadian, or craft. He dispells several myths about whiskey and gives readers an insight that is hard to come by without any experience in the industry. He takes the time to discuss the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between different types of whiskey, and how they make a difference, but also explains that what you like is really entirely up to you. There is no one answer to the question, "what is the neat whiskey," because no two people will taste exactly the same thing. At the same time, he doesn't take himself too seriously. The book is riddled with comic relief, probably to remind readers that whiskey is supposed to be fun, not some stuffy drink you enjoy with your nose in the air while looking down on the commoners. This is honestly a great read, even if you don't enjoy whiskey, thanks to the charismatic writing style and rich backstory. Bryson clearly knows his stuff, but doesn't try to intimidate or show off to the reader. He just wants you to enjoy whiskey, no matter what that means to you!

Excellent book. Very well written and it is one you keep on reading as the author spins his yarn with the best. Highly recommend for a good, overall look at world whiskies, and some individual distillery information as well. I have around a dozen books on (bourbon) whiskey and whiskey in general. This one is without peer - the very best IMO. Highly recommend!

For anyone who wishes to learn about naked whiskey (and whisky) in all their splendor. Originally I started reading the Kindle version but then I ended up with the hard copy too because I realized this is a great book to have out on a table. It's thorough, unpretentious, fun to read and browse, and extremely informative. You get a sense of commonalities and differences that distinguish whiskies as well as the history (which turns out to be surprisingly short) that gives us the very high complexity, diversity, and richness that whiskey lovers can enjoy around the world today. The treatment is as specific as an academic study, yet Mr. Benson's personality and writing style are so engaging that you feel like you're getting a personal distillery tour. You learn about techniques and factors that affect the product. When you are done, you can make a strategy for exploring what's available so you can find your favorites. (Hint: What you will like the best might not be the oldest or most expensive.) What a terrific resource!

I'm new to whiskey and this book helped me HUGELY. I hate the occasional snobbery around booze and this guy writes so real and down-to-earth I can't recommend it enough. Sure, now he's a super-whiskey-nerd but he wasn't always and is big enough to write for the little guys like me! He has great ideas about how to get different tastes from the whiskey, how to get past the 'argh-I'm-on-fire' burn of the alcohol, and how to appreciate different regions and flavours without spending thousands. I loved the kindle version so much I got the hardcover.

Bought as a christmas gift for my father. The book is larger than expected, which was a good surprise, and is a very detailed text describing everything to do with whiskey! The history of whiskey aand the science behind production make up the first section and is interesting for novices and whiskey experts alike. The book then proceeds to discuss the difference types of whiskey and side topics such as what goes well with whiskey. Colouration and how to taste whiskey are the chapters I found most interesting as they are sections that require a glass of whiskey in the hand! Overall, this was a very detailed book that was a great read for both my father (regular whiskey drinker) and myself (novice). Sit back in a relaxing armchair and learn about the wonders and complexity of whiskey!

Un libro genial que ilustra de manera detallada, la historia, procesos de elaboración y principales etiquetas del whisk(e)y alrededor del mundo. Está en inglés.

Dieses Buch ist sehr zu empfehlen. Aus meiner Sicht ist dies mal wieder ein Buch das es wehrt ist gekauft zu werden, wenn man sich für das Thema Whisky interessiert. Ich hoffe nur das dieses Buch auch bald auf Deutsch zu kaufen sein wird. Ich würde es mir des Inhaltes wegen noch einmal kaufen. Sehr viel Basis Information, wenig Bilder.

Excelente