On May 4, 1964, Congress designated bourbon as a distinctive product of the United States, and it remains the only spirit produced in this country to enjoy such protection. Its history stretches back almost to the founding of the nation and includes many colorful characters, both well known and obscure, from the hatchet-wielding prohibitionist Carry Nation to George Garvin Brown, who in 1872 created Old Forester, the first bourbon to be sold only by the bottle. Although obscured by myth, the history of bourbon reflects the history of our nation. Historian Michael R. Veach reveals the true story of bourbon in Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. Starting with the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s, he traces the history of this unique beverage through the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, Prohibition, the Great Depression, and up to the present. Veach explores aspects of bourbon that have been ignored by others, including the technology behind its production, the effects of the Pure Food and Drug Act, and how Prohibition contributed to the Great Depression. The myths surrounding bourbon are legion, but Veach separates fact from legend. While the true origin of the spirit may never be known for certain, he proposes a compelling new theory. With the explosion of super-premium bourbons and craft distilleries and the establishment of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, interest in bourbon has never been higher. Veach shines a light on its pivotal place in our national heritage, presenting the most complete and wide-ranging history of bourbon available.

A visually stunning illustrated guide to the history, craft, and appreciation of Kentucky bourbon Bourbon, we soon realized, was not just a good drink. It was a drink with a story, from a place, with an unbreakable tie to the people and the land that produced it. Whiskey expert Clay Risen explores the origins, history, and evolution of America’s distilling craft and culture in this luxurious boxed set. From boom to bust and back again, Risen tells the engrossing story of Kentucky whiskey, using interviews, photographs, and archival material to illuminate the singular region where bourbon was born. This meticulously researched book details how bourbon is made, how best to enjoy it, and how to build your own collection, along with profiles of the distilleries and makers that form the landscape of bourbon country.

Once relegated to an annual appearance in a Kentucky Derby Mint Julep, bourbon has enjoyed a steady resurgence in popularity to claim a wide international audience. Yet despite its global appeal, bourbon remains a quintessentially Kentucky creation and a uniquely American spirit. Bourbon's popularity is matched only by its versatility. In The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook, master chef Albert Schmid presents more than fifty recipes that feature Kentucky's signature spirit in entrees, soups, desserts, and much more. From the classic Manhattan cocktail to Bourbon-Pecan Crème Brulée with Chocolate Sauce, The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook unlocks the culinary potential of this beloved spirit, allowing this special whiskey to enhance the flavors of every meal. More than just a collection of recipes, The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook is peppered with bourbon lore and Kentucky history, as well as stories and personal anecdotes to accompany the meals. The cookbook is organized by season to emphasize the importance of fresh ingredients and context in dining. Blending time-honored traditions with new approaches, Chef Schmid creates a diverse collection of exciting bourbon recipes for any occasion. Beautifully illustrated with more than a dozen color photos, The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook introduces a variety of ways to use one of Kentucky's most famed exports to spice any dessert, compliment any entrée, or complete any cocktail.

An updated edition of Big Whiskey, the definitive guide to the American Whiskey Trail. Discover the storied history and renaissance of America’s premier whiskey region with this fully updated and revised definitive field guide. Devoted entirely to the quintessential American whiskeys of Kentucky and Tennessee, Big Whiskey takes you behind the scenes at distilleries throughout both states. Inside this book, you will find: Fascinating interviews with master distillers Profiles of over 100 distilleries, and tasting notes for hundreds of expressions Incredible histories and facts about North America’s most influential whiskey region Stunning original behind-the-scenes photography Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or are simply looking to discover the difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, this expanded edition of Big Whiskey is your essential guide to America’s whiskey trails.

Think of Kentucky and several images come to mind: sports, bluegrass, Churchill Downs, and yes, bourbon. There is a sobering reality in that bourbon has made the greatest impact among those industries that best symbolize the state. Kentucky bourbon is distinguished from others for its secret family recipes, limestone-filtered water, climate, and of course, Kentuckians' work ethics and pride. No matter if your preference is Maker's Mark or Jim Bean, or whether you use it for sipping, dipping, cooking, or curing, Bourbon: The Evolution of Kentucky Whisky contains a history of bourbon from its earliest days in the state to modern times, and the most comprehensive list of those companies known as world leaders in the bourbon industry.

Think of Kentucky and there are several images which readily come to mind...Wildcat Basketball, blissful fields of bluegrass, crowds cheering thoroughbred horses at Churchill Downs, and yes, Bourbon. There is a sobering reality in that bourbon has made the greatest impact among those industries which best symbolize Kentucky. But why exactly is Kentucky bourbon so distinguished from the likes of Tennessee or Canadian Whiskey? Is it the limestone-filtered water or the climate in which the corn and grains are grown? Can it be attributed to some sort of secret family recipe? Essentially, it is all these things combined with a certain work ethic and pride in performance which exists within most Kentuckians. It's like something an old timer once said about people from this state...he said, "We always aim to please." This most interesting material on the makers and the methods of an international institution has something for everyone. No matter if your preferences are with Maker's Mark or Wild Turkey...Jim Beam, Evan Williams or some other of the countless varieties made for sipping, dipping, cooking or curing, this book contains the most comprehensive listing of those companies known as world leaders in the bourbon industry.

Brian Haara recounts the development of commercial laws that guided the United States from an often reckless laissez-faire mentality, through the growing pains of industrialization, past the overcorrection of Prohibition, and into its final state as a nation of laws.