Previously I had always thought of blended whiskeys as inferior but it can provide more variety or improve on a single whiskey. The author discusses scotch and now I am ready to try some of them. Bryson mentioned grains that I've never heard of and gave interesting details of chemistry involve. You should definitely pick this book up if you are interested in spirits. Great read.

Whiskey or whisky? Lew Bryson knows the difference and you will, too, if you imbibe this entertaining and informative volume on the Divine Distillation. Sure, you'll be able to understand what's coming through the rye, or why there are no dividing lines on Bourbon Street. I liked this book. Neat.

I am a casual whisk(e)y drinker was was interested to learn more in depth info about how it's made and some of the variants. I definitely gained a greater understanding, but as a true beginner, some of it went over my head when we got down the the science of stills and such. However, it was meant to be a "Master Class" not Whiskey for Dummies.. so that one's on me!

Excellent book that describes every aspect of whiskey from the raw ingredients to the final product. Describes the many variants of whiskey as well as other drinks that claim to be whiskey but really aren't. I like the recommendations on specific brands of whiskey in each section. Clearly written, easily understandable, and well illustrated.

3.5 stars...A very nice book on the history and specifics of making whiskey.  Also lists a wide variety of whiskeys to try.

When it is snowy and cold outside, superspeed readers like me can read 150 - 200+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today. LOL

I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.  

From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.

Go beyond the glass and discover the secrets behind your favourite style of whiskey.

Over the past three decades, Lew Bryson has been one of the most influential voices in whiskey—a longtime editor of Whisky Advocate and author of the definitive guide Tasting Whiskey. In this book, Lew shares everything he's learned on his journey through the worlds of bourbon, Scotch, rye, Japanese whiskey, and more (yes, there are tasty Canadian and Irish whiskeys as well!). 

In this book, you'll 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 flavour contributions of malt, peat, corn, rye, wheat—even water matters.
***Distillation for non-distillers and the beauty of barrels: Whiskey is both an art and a science, and what's 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 so you can identify the whiskeys you might want to try next. Every chapter contains a variety of unique, often behind-the-scenes photography. And with whiskey as the subject, this is a class where you'll want to do the homework!

OF COURSE, THERE ARE GOOD CANADIAN WHISKEYS ... that comment made my blood boil and my Irish roots bibbled over as well in the comment that there "are good Irish whiskeys as well".  (*🍁40 Creek, 🍁 Canadian Club 🍁Gibson's, and 🍁Caribou Crossing are three to name a few!  I am more of a bourbon girl, But I am nothing but patriotic when it comes to our booze.

The book is well written and presented and the photos are great - the interviews were interesting and I have written down the names of several new whiskeys to try made by these very, very diverse distillers.  This along with a bottle of whiskey and some bar tools would make a wonderful wedding shower gift or a gift to anyone who loves whiskeys, scotch, bourbon, rye or any other worthy whiskey-family beverages.  

As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I love emojis (outside of their incessant use by "🙏-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it 3.5 rounded down to 🥃🥃🥃 as I feel insulted on behalf of all Canadians out there.