Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English
Categories
Cookery / food & drink etc

BOURBON EMPIRE

Reid Mitenbuler

The Past and Future of America's Whiskey

Book about how bourbon came to be, and why it’s experiencing such a revival today; a spirited history of the classic drink, from the American Revolution to today

Unraveling the many myths and misconceptions surrounding America’s most iconic spirit, Bourbon Empire traces a history that spans frontier rebellion, Gilded Age corruption, and the magic of Madison ?Avenue. Whiskey has profoundly influenced America’s political, economic, and cultural destiny, just as those same factors have inspired the evolution and unique flavor of the whiskey itself.

Taking readers behind the curtain of an enchanting—and sometimes exasperating—industry, the work of writer Reid Mitenbuler crackles with attitude and commentary about taste, choice, and history. Few products better embody the United States, or American business, than bourbon

A tale of innovation, success, downfall, and resurrection, Bourbon Empire is an exploration of the spirit in all its unique forms, creating an indelible portrait of both bourbon and the people who invented it. Bourbon Empire crackles with attitude and commentary about taste, choice, and delusion, all while celebrating a classic American drink and its makers.

Reid Mitenbuler lives in Washington, DC, and has written about whiskey and drinking culture for The Atlantic, Slate, Saveur, and writes the “Drinking in History” column for the Serious Eats Website, which gets over 2.6 million hits per month.

Available products
Book Published 2015-05-12 by Viking
Book Published 2015-05-12 by Viking

Comments

An illuminating, well-paced narrative that will interest students and imbibers of the wee drap, American-style.

In finding the facts behind some of bourbon’s most cherished fables, Mitenbuler has unearthed true tales that are even better than the tall tales. A fresh look at stories we thought we knew.

A must have for every bourbon enthusiast from beginner to expert. A book that finally tells the true story of our beloved bourbon, putting in perspective its important role in American history. Bourbon Empire has it all, demystifying the good, the bad and the ugly.

Reid manages to juggle his skepticism and enthusiasm in this carefully researched and lovingly written history of America's spirit. He peels back layer after layer of filigree, searching for the real story, which is as much the story of American business, politics, advertising, and immigration as it is the story of bourbon.

Bourbon Empire is more than just whiskey history. Mitenbuler demonstrates, with clear, witty and incisive prose, how the drink shaped, and was shaped by, the history of American capitalist society. It is a book that whiskey fans, historians and students of American business will enjoy, and learn much from.

Mitenbuler’s prose is relaxed and mellow with a shot of wry; his entertaining, loose-limbed narrative revels in the colorful characters and droll hypocrisies of capitalism at its booziest.

Bourbon Empire is a lively, rowdy tale of swindlers and smugglers, connoisseurs and craftsmen. Reid Mitenbuler is a talented storyteller whose wide-ranging curiosity takes us to Civil War battlefields and prison cells as well as cornfields and world-famous distilleries. Truly fascinating, and a must-read for whiskey lovers!

Abundant and even surprising detail is bundled with sharp writing that doesn’t hesitate to criticize.... This terrific account of the rich heritage behind a classic American beverage is recommended for those who enjoy reading histories of foodstuffs of all sorts.