Customer Reviews

Kentucky Bourbon: The Early Years of Whiskeymaking

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In tracing the history of distilling in Kentucky up to the eve of the Civil War, Crowgey dispels many of the myths and "pleasant legends" that have grown up around this native spirit.

There is, of course, much here for those interested in Kentucky history and the history of distilling. However, through his study of early bourbon making, Crowgey also tells us a great deal about early American agricultural history and the settlement and development of the frontier. Originally published in 1971, this is a wonderful little book that deserved to be reprinted.

Crowgey has delivered a thoroughly delightful in-depth and detailed academic-level history of the origins of America's Native Spirit, Bourbon.

If you're looking for mixed drink recipes or techniques on how to make the latest shooter, you're in the wrong place. If you're truly interested in the wheres and whys of the origin of Bourbon, you'll be in heaven.

Crowgey's writing style can get a bit pedestrian at times but the facts and details here come through loud and clear. He debunks some of the myths, he lays out the facts as they were, and we're better Bourbon connoisseurs for having read him.

You can enjoy Bourbon without reading this book, but you'll understand Bourbon better if you do.

First published in 1971, this book has aged well. It takes a deep look at the early days of whiskey making in Kentucky, including how important the product was for barter and driving trade and civilization. That's why it's so curious that much information was suppressed from the time - a schizophrenic effort to distance the region from just how important hard liquor was in developing.

It's heavy on the details of wills, bills of laden and store inventories and somewhat light on the narrative exploration the topic deserves. Still (pun intended), I'm sure more has been written and it's nice to see such well-researched history presented. It's an interesting read and the resistance to the excise tax -- perceived as overreach by the federal government -- seems prescient today given the charged political environment.

Lots of great nuggets though, about how this particularly American tradition came to be. Definitely fuels my interest in learning more about the industry and possibly visiting the area for a tour of the "bourbon trail." And it makes me wish we could resurrect the practice of taking a constitutional sip for breakfast:

"... a morning draught of either [peach or apple brandy] was considered as essential to good health as a breakfast."

Duplicate information from now out of print works...but excellent historical accounts of the Bourbon story.

Best read with a glass of 12 year old KY Bourbon!

My recommendations:

1 - Woodford Reserve

2 - Four Roses Small Batch