Bourbon Curious – A Tasting Guide for the Savvy Drinker with Tasting Notes for Dozens of New Bourbons by Fred Minnick (Quarto Publishing Group – Harvard Common Press)(2nd Edition)
Bourbon did not arrive in my life until my 50s. Mine was a beer and martini family, with a little wine. As an adult, it was beer, wine, and gin and tonics in the summer. It was at a friend’s house that my bourbon deficiency was noted and treated. I’m afraid that it may have resulted in some happy, drunken texts on the subject as well. Another story for another day.
What I discovered was the smooth feel of bourbon which ends in a wonderful bite. The mellow flavors of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and more that swirl through the dark liquid. It truly was love at first sip.
I have spent several decades learning about wine. While far from an expert, I can identify and enjoy some of the complexities of the fruit of the vine. I wasn’t sure where to start that same exploration of this most American of liquors.
Now I do. “Bourbon Curious” is a perfect starting point for beginners, a fine refresher for advanced drinkers, and, best of all, a resource that clears away some of the mythic underbrush that surrounds bourbon. Because most of what most people think they “know” about bourbon is wrong. (No, it doesn’t have to come from Kentucky. You’ll find out why.)
Enter Fred Minnick, an award-winning writer on the subject and a Wall Street Journal best-selling author. This guy knows bourbon (he even teaches classes on the subject. Add that to my bucket list!), but the best part of the book is that it is easy to read. Filled with advice, history, mythology and good stories, “Bourbon Curious” will let you choose the bourbon path you want to follow. As a beginner, I skipped over much of the brand recommendations. I’m not ready for most of that. Instead, I focused on the taste profiles, and I’m just starting to figure out which brand I want to try next. I also feel like I have some understanding of the language used to describe the wonders of this amber delight.
So, here’s a perfect book for this time of year. If you have a bourbon lover on your list, add this book (and perhaps a bottle of their favorite) under the tree. The same goes if you are trying to help someone understand your love for the American classic. It will be appreciated, and keep the conversation going long into the new year.
“Bourbon Curious” is available now.
Rating – **** Recommended
This review was based on an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher and conforms to our Review Policy.
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