Looking for the best bourbon books to add to your library?
You’ve come to the right place.
I’ve researched the top books on bourbon and have compiled my findings below so you can get the best value for your money.
Why trust me? With years of experience in the industry, I’ve been professionally writing about bourbon for over four years and drinking it for even longer. 😉
So without further ado,
Here are the 10 best books about bourbon I’ve found that would make great reads, bar (or bourbon collection) decorations, and coffee table books.
The Best Books on Bourbon
1. Best Overall: The Bourbon Tasting Notebook, 2nd Edition
Authors: Susan Reigler and Michael Veach
Price: $19.95
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
This logbook features nearly 350 brands of bourbon and makes it easy to track your tastings.
Why not just jot your tastings down on a notepad, you ask?
Because this notebook comes pre-filled with pictures, mashbills, prices, descriptions, and tasting notes for every bourbon featured. And the authors have personally tried each one.
But the authors don’t provide scores in this book since everyone’s palate is unique.
This means you can explore bourbons more personally, as the book discusses the details of flavors you pick up after each sip.
In the words of the reviewers, Mike Veach and Susan Reigler are your trusted guides on this bourbon exploration, offering just enough input to steer you in the right direction.
So, whether you’re part of a bourbon club or simply enjoying it with friends, this logbook is the key to taking your bourbon appreciation to the next level.
It’s a handy reference every time you try a new bourbon for the first time, and a must-have for both newcomers and serious bourbon enthusiasts.
2. Best Educational: American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Favorite Spirit
Author: Clay Risen
Price: $24.95
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
This book features more than 330 whiskeys organized by distillery and lists a brief history of the distiller and a full account of each bottling (age, proof, nose, body, price, etc). It also gives a short history of each spirit and how you can enjoy it properly.
But what sets this book apart? It’s not just a dry recitation of facts; it’s an engaging handbook that brings the world of bourbon to life.
Editorial reviews, such as those from the Wall Street Journal, describe it as a “comprehensive and opinionated guide for the intermediate tippler” with “erudite and fun” tasting notes. The Saveur review labels it as a “whiskey novice’s best friend,” emphasizing its enduring value as a constant reference.
This book truly caters to both the seasoned enthusiast and those just starting their bourbon journey.
It’s essentially an encyclopedia for whiskey (which is freakin’ awesome).
3. Best Exploration of the Bourbon Industry: Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America’s Whiskey
Author: Reid Mitenbuler
Price: $18
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
This book covers the story of how the bourbon industry came about and evolved over time. Starting with the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, it busts myths and details the journeys of several big-time companies like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.
Sean Brock hails it as a “must-have for every bourbon enthusiast from beginner to expert,” and a journey that “demystifies the nuances of bourbon, exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
The most interesting part of this book, as one reviewer puts it, is how it talks about the role bourbon played in greater American history.
So, if you enjoy whiskey, American history, or interesting party icebreakers, “Bourbon Empire” is a delightful addition that educates and entertains, offering a glimpse into America’s whiskey heritage.
4. Best History: Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage
Author: Michael Veach
Price: $24.95
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
This is another great book on bourbon history. Similarly to the Bourbon Empire, it starts with the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 and traces bourbon through the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, and other major time periods all the way through the present day.
The book also talks about how bourbon whiskey became popular in America. The go-to drinks, rum and gin, were too expensive to transport, so locals started making bourbon in small batches locally — a unique American story.
Historian, Michael Veach, also explores often overlooked elements of bourbon history like its technology, how it impacted the Pure Food and Drug Act, and Prohibition’s influence on the Great Depression.
A noteworthy comment from a reviewer is that they felt a desire for more after completing the book.
If you’re keen on learning about the process, the distillers, the renowned names in the bourbon industry, and the journey of how it all began, I highly recommend this book.
5. Best For Learning Tasting Notes: The Bourbon Bible
Author: Eric Zandona
Price: $19.99
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
This is another great tasting book that covers 140 of the world’s finest bourbons with flavor profiles and drinking recommendations.
Author, Eric Zandona (a spirits specialist at the American Distilling Institute) also includes recipes for 20 classic bourbon cocktails.
A reviewer highlights that this is an excellent book for those starting in bourbon drinking. It offers fantastic recipes for drinks, valuable information about bourbon history, and, of course, essential details and recommendations for specific bottles to purchase.
It’s a handy guide to have when choosing the next addition to your collection.
6. Best Comprehensive History: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of American Whiskey
Author: Fred Minnick
Price: $26
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
This bourbon history book is an Amazon Editor’s Pick and reveals the likely inventor of America’s native spirit. It goes all the way back to the 1700s where Irish, Scottish, and French settlers started making distilled spirits, and traces bourbon’s history and influence on American culture and politics through present day.
Reviews from AdventuresInWhiskey.com and BourbonAndBanter.com speak volumes about the book’s appeal.
According to AdventuresInWhiskey.com, “Drinking bourbon is great, but when you know how much history is in that glass of brown liquid, it raises the level of appreciation. This book is a must-read for any bourbon fan and history buff.“
BourbonAndBanter.com describes it as “fascinating” and highlights how Minnick traces the exciting history of bourbon from the nation’s dawn to the current boom.
A reviewer commends Fred Minnick’s erudite approach to bourbon history, stating, “Minnick has compiled in one volume an erudite approach to the history of bourbon. Impeccably researched, he is not afraid to blaze new trails of discovery in things like ‘who is the father of Bourbon.’ The book is dense, rich, and demands to be read and reread.”
For anyone seeking a deep understanding of bourbon’s roots and its impact on American heritage, this book is a dense yet rich exploration that deserves a place on the shelf.
7. Best Visual Experience: The Birth of Bourbon: A Photographic Tour of Early Distilleries
Authors: Carol Peachee and Jim Gray
Price: $29.95
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
The Birth of Bourbon gives an interesting look (literally) on the history of distilleries. It has high-quality pictures of lost distilleries, as well as renewed facilities like Old Taylor, that show you what the copper stills and cypress fermenting tubs used to looked like.
Editorial reviews praise the book for its beautiful photography capturing the essence of abandoned distilleries.
Southern Jewish Life suggests it as a “thoughtful holiday gift,” particularly when paired with a bottle crafted in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Library Association acknowledges the valuable insights into the social, economic, cultural, and historical aspects of these distilleries, making it an essential addition to the history of Kentucky, the bourbon industry, industrial archaeology, and photography.
According to reviewers, the images provide astonishing glimpses of a bygone era, offering insight into Kentucky’s distilled spirits industry from a century ago.
One reviewer aptly describes it as “Bourbon industry ruin porn” in a positive light, highlighting the art of photography used to portray both famous and obscure bourbon distilleries.
This fascinating coffee-table book comprises over 200 photos, making it an engaging experience for bourbon enthusiasts, photographers, artists, and history enthusiasts alike.
8. Best for Recipes: The Big Book of Bourbon Cocktails: 100 Timeless, Creative & Tempting
Author: Amy Zavatto
Price: $16.99
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
If you like Old Fashioneds and other bourbon cocktails, this book is a must-have. It’s an Amazon Editor’s Pick and features 100 illustrated recipes categorized by flavor profile.
Nenia C. highlights the book’s value, stating it not only offers great cocktail recipes but also teaches how to make various simple syrups, liqueurs, and drinks. The drinks are conveniently organized by flavor profile, making it an educational mixology tool.
Tyler K. praises the book’s versatility for those building a home bar, emphasizing the plethora of easy-to-make recipes. The well-organized content is accessible, even for non-drinkers, making it an appealing coffee table book.
This book is more than just recipes; it’s a journey into bourbon mixology, providing insights and tips for both experienced mixologists and those starting their home bar. It’s your go-to guide for enhancing your bourbon cocktail game.
What’s not to love?
9. Best For Old Fashioned Enthusiast: The Old-Fashioned: The Story of the World’s First Classic Cocktail, with Recipes and Lore
Author: Robert Simonson
Price: $18.99
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
This book covers the history of The Old Fashioned—how it came about and grew in popularity in the nineteenth century (and also contains stunning visuals and over 40 cocktail recipes).
Rien Fertel of The Wall Street Journal hails it as “an excellent history of the Old-Fashioned,” while John Mariani from Huffington Post praises Robert Simonson’s engaging writing style, making it the perfect companion for an easy chair and a well-made Old-Fashioned cocktail.
Mariani describes it as “an incisive, impeccably researched story of this too often forgotten classic cocktail,” filled with rollicking stories that American history is rich in.
According to other reviews, this book is not just a leisurely read but a quick reference guide for the endless variations on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
It shatters the misconception that an Old Fashioned is a simple mix of a sugar cube, bitters, and your chosen bourbon, revealing the depth and variety that can be achieved.
If you’re an Old Fashioned buff, this book is for you.
10. Best Pappy Van Winkle Story: Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last
Author: Wright Thompson
Price: $27
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Pappyland, another Amazon Editor’s pick, tells the story of how Julian Van Winkle III (third generation head of his family’s business) fought to preserve the taste of Pappy Van Winkle, some of the finest bourbon money can buy.
“Pappyland” is celebrated by Eric Asimov of The New York Times as a warm reflection that, like good bourbon, endures.
Shelf Awareness finds it invigorating, like the scent of freshly cut Kentucky bluegrass, and as smooth as Pappy’s beloved bourbon.
In Walter Isaacson’s view, the book beautifully recounts Julian Van Winkle’s quest to craft whiskey in Pappy’s spirit, weaving a tale of faith with the past, ancestral legacy, and the enduring tradition of the craft.
Reader reviews resonate with the idea that beyond being about bourbon, “Pappyland” is a touching exploration of faith, family, fatherhood, failure, success, and the indomitable spirit of hard work.
This book was an instant New York Times bestseller and is a must-read for bourbon aficionados (especially if you’re lucky enough to have a bottle of Pappy).
These Books Will Help You Develop a Deeper Appreciation for Bourbon
Whether you’re looking to enhance your bourbon knowledge, become a bourbon mixologist, or find a great decoration for your bar area, there’s a highly rated bourbon book on this list for you.
Which one are you gonna get?
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.