Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

An American Heritage

By: Michael R. Veach

Narrated by: Travis

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.

The book is published by University Press of Kentucky.

©2013 The University Press of Kentucky (P)2013 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Consumers and historians alike would enjoy reading this book and making it an addition to their library." (Kentucky Beverage Journal)

"From cover to cover, this tiny cocktail recipe book offers expanded uses and flavors to an old Kentucky tradition." (Fine Lines)

“Anyone who wants to claim any knowledge of whiskey in early America should grab hold of a copy." ( alcoholreviews.com)

Interesting read about the history of Bourbon

It's not that long of a listen, which is great especially if you tend to get bored easily. I found it be very interesting and informative, at least for me, or for someonewho is looking to know more about whisky.

Nice review

This was a very nice brief review of the history of Bourbon. It is not an exhaustive in-depth look.

Stilted and stodgy

I was hoping to like this nearly as much as A History of Wine in 10 Glasses, but what a disappointment. The writing is plodding, full of uninteresting details that detract from a fascinating subject. What may be worse is the narration, which sounds cringingly professorial, stilted, stodgy. Wish I could get my money back.