Customer Reviews

BOURBON, STRAIGHT: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you want to see advertising for bourbons, this isn't the book for you. But if you want the story of the bourbon industry, then this is like going to church. You'll get the plain and simple message from the author. This book is now part of my liquor library as the new starting point for my knowledge of bourbon. Enjoyed it, five stars.

It isn't hard to tell when a book is written from piles of research material strung together in a daunting mass. It is equally evident when an entire field of study, wed in the wood, is melded through a lifetime of experience, aged into a narrative that flows so naturally, it issues from the very core of the author. The latter is the case here. From a complex history of chemistry and business decisions is distilled a work that is both complete and readable. Mr. Cowdrey is on his turf here, and it shows. Observations in "Bourbon, Straight" are certain, forceful and backed up not just by facts - but by thoughtful deduction only years can (but do not always) provide. That said, the book is no polemic. The wit and dryly humorous wisdom are winning. When describing one particular whisky, Cowdrey murmers "They possess that ineffable (and much overrated) quality known as smoothness." Highly recommended.

for Mr. Cowdery's bourbon book. A very accessible introduction to the topic but filled with information that will educate the aficionado as well. Extremely well-written and researched. Simply a pleasure to read. I only hope that a sequel is forthcoming that will collect more of his outstanding reviews of bourbons currently on the market. You just can't do any better if you want to learn about America's native spirit.

Chuck Cowdery is probably the most respected authority on bourbon outside of the trade. And how a guy who lives in Chicago and not Kentucky has achieved this recognition is a mystery to me! He is devoted to the subject and extremely knowledgeable about it. I think this book is a "must read" for anyone who loves fine bourbon. In addition to increasing your knowledge about bourbon you will find it a "good read". And you will find some very informative information about most of today's fine bourbons.

Great introduction to bourbon. Cuts through the myths, and contains great tips on tasting and trying new bourbons. Wonderfully informative and very well written

Book/Cover: Burgundy-colored trade paperback. The simple and straightforward front cover displays the title as well as a yellow-graphic depicting a bourbon warehouse. The back cover provides a summary of the book's content as well as a short biographical sketch of Charles Cowdery.

Initial: On taking an initial flip through the book, I am immediately drawn to the insightful words that make up Chuck's signature and inscription, instantly giving this book a special place in the personal library. After doing so much via the computer these days (work, audio books via the web, e-magazines, etc.), this book is delightful to hold. The serif typeface (courier?) is incredibly readable and inviting, drawing me in to further explore this book.

Taste: After an initial read of the introduction, and a few of the whiskey reviews that make up the later pages in the book, I am delighted. The book thus far is what Chuck has promised in his introduction, straight and simple. A mix of personal anecdotes and experiences, history, and humor make the read delightful thus far.

Finish: While I've actually just begun this book, the honest and straightforward approach sticks in my head, pushing me to find time to garner my next taste of this book.

Overall: Well-done Chuck. I look forward to learning more about whiskey in America. Chuck's honest approach seems to be a great place to start.

Just for the description of terms in chapter 2, I give this book 5 stars. I have learned so much in this book that helps me interpret what's on whiskey labels. It will make you a better whiskey drinker as you'll enjoy what goes into this complex drink so much more after reading this informative and entertaining book. The chapter on setting up tastings to interpret differences between various whiskeys is also excellent.

Looking to learn all about bourbon? You won't find a better place to start than this.

Bourbon, Straight is packed to the gills with information on the history of the drink, how it's made, the stories of it's most famous brands and characters, and even a lengthy collection of reviews. It reads quickly and has a great "small batch" self-published kind of feel. This isn't another glossy whiskey book filled with lots of pretty pictures and a few basic facts, this is a rich project that is clearly the life's work of someone who lives and breathes bourbon. I went in knowing next to nothing about bourbon, but came out feeling like a bit of an expert.

Is a great book on the how, who, what and when of bourbon. Tells history, how its made (best I have seen in easy terms) who did what and how to really enjoy bourbon. Then on top of all that is a very open and honest look at drinking.

A friend and longtime Kentucky resident got me hooked on Four Roses bourbon and this is the book I turned to in order to learn more and educate myself on the fine points of good bourbon. Cowdery does a great job of explaining bourbon to a neophyte and his down to earth style is very engaging. He recognizes that taste and preference is a personal thing and provides the reader with methods to measure what they like about a particular bottle and apply that to finding others that suit their taste.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in bourbon and wants to learn more about their history, production, major industry players and some good rules of thumb for finding bottles and brands you like.