Bourbon, Straight: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey (Paperback)

~ (Author) "It is February, 1621..." (more)
Key Phrases: wheated bourbon, mash bill, bourbon sales, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Maker's Mark (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Bourbon, Straight: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey, follows the trail of America whiskey-making from its 17th century origins right up to the present day. In it, readers will discover the history of the American whiskey industry, how American whiskey is made and marketed, the differences among various types of American whiskey (bourbon, rye, Tennessee) and how they compare to other world whiskies.

Readers also will meet the many fascinating characters who have made American whiskey what it is today, whether they be famous, infamous or largely unknown.

All major producers and brands are discussed. The book includes a complete tasting guide with 35 detailed product reviews.

Bourbon, Straight: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey, is for fans of American whiskey, but also for readers who just enjoy a good tale steeped in American culture and heritage.

Bourbon, Straight is richly detailed, clear, authoritative, insightful, independent and fun to read.

About the Author

Charles K. Cowdery, author of Bourbon, Straight: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey, writes about American Whiskey for The Malt Advocate and WHISKY Magazine. He wrote, produced and directed the public television documentary "Made and Bottled in Kentucky," and is editor and publisher of The Bourbon Country Reader, the only publication dedicated exclusively to American whiskey. As a marketing professional, he has worked in and around the American liquor industry for more than 25 years. His other books include Blues Legends (Gibbs Smith), 20 profiles of notable blues musicians. He is also a marketing copywriter and attorney, and lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Product Details

• Paperback: 284 pages
• Publisher: Made and Bottled in Kentucky (August 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975870300
• ISBN-13: 978-0975870303
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #196,130 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aged in the wood., November 12, 2004

By	Ted Haigh "Dr.Cocktail" (Burbank, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Going to Church, November 20, 2004

By	Charred Barrel Hugger "Bourbon drinker" (US) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just adding my voice to the chorus of praise..., November 16, 2006

By	scratchline "apbt lover" (NYC) - See all my reviews

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.