Bourbon Empire by Reid Mitenbuler

Reid Mitenbuler's book Bourbon Empire, with the subtitle 'The Past and Future of America's Whiskey,' is an in-depth study edited in the Italian version by Antonio Parlapiano, in which BOURBON is the protagonist, the overseas whiskey, its history and its connection to it.

BOURBON LOVE

"There is the story, then there is the real story, then there is the story of how the story is told."

Bourbon Empire is all of that, a compelling adventure into the most iconic distillate of the United States. A precise and exciting journey through fumes, stills, grain plantations, American Indians, colonies and free states.

EVERYTHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW

... and more. America's history closely intertwined with the evolution of whiskey, its economy linked to the distillate, a relationship of mutual influences, passionate loves and violent separations.

American whiskey and the United States were born and grew together, have stimulated markets and been exploited, fought wars and divided peoples, risen from agriculture and transformed into industrial powers.

Mitenbuler investigates and documents the realities of whiskey, from the birth of the United States to the impulse of cocktails, from the formation of the first whiskey cartels to the pursuit of quality, from the deprivations of Prohibition to the prominence of distilleries during World War II. From the prevaricating ploys of global marketing to the pursuit of excellence by small distillers: the fresh writing of a new history, a new future for American whiskey outside old myths and legends.

ALL THE TRUTH

Walk into a well-stocked liquor store and you will see countless whiskey brands, each with an inspiring story of independence and heritage. Yet more than 95 percent of the nation's whiskey comes from a small handful of giant companies with links to organized crime, political controversy, and a colorful history far different from what appears on modern labels. Reid Mitenbuler's Bourbon Empire shows what bourbon, America's whiskey icon, really was and the industry that surrounds it, a saga of savvy capitalism and dedicated craftsmanship.

Mitenbuler traces the big names--Jim Beam, Mark Maker, Evan Williams and others--back to their origins, exploring the founding myths of bourbon and its great successes against the backdrop of America's economic history.

Today, the whiskey business takes a new turn as a nascent craft movement that offers the potential to revolutionize the industry

But, as Mitenbuler shows, many are taking advantage of this excitement while employing questionable business practices, masquerading whiskey made elsewhere as their own or cutting across proven production standards that used many historic brands to begin with.

A tale of innovation, success, ruin and resurrection, this volume is an exploration of the spirit in all its unique forms, creating an indelible portrait of both American whiskey and the people who make it.

REVIEWS

"Bourbon Empire is a vivid and confusing tale of hustlers, bootleggers, connoisseurs and artisans. Reid Mitenbuler is a gifted storyteller whose wide-ranging curiosity takes us to Civil War battlefields and prison cells, as well as wheat fields and world-famous distilleries. Truly fascinating, and a must-read for whiskey lovers!"

Amy Stewart, author of The Drunken Botanist

"Bourbon Empire is more than the history of whiskey. Mitenbuler demonstrates, with clear, spiritual and incisive prose, how the drink has shaped, and been shaped by, the societal history of American capitalism.

book that whiskey aficionados, historians, and students of American business will enjoy and learn a great deal from. " Clay Risen, staff editor, The New York Times and author of American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye

"A must-have for every bourbon aficionado, from novice to expert. A book that ultimately tells the true story of our beloved bourbon, putting into perspective its important role in American history. Bourbon Empire has it all, demystifying the good, the bad, and the ugly. " Sean Brock, Chef/Partner at McCrady and Husk

"In finding the facts behind some of bourbon's most fascinating tales, Mitenbuler has uncovered true tales even better than the fake

A fresh look at stories we thought we knew. " Lew Bryson, managing editor, Wh

Advocate and author of Tasting Whisky

"Reid manages to manipulate his skepticism and enthusiasm in this carefully researched and lovingly written history of the spirit of America. He peels back layer after layer of filigree in search of the real story, which is as much the story of American agriculture, politics, advertising and immigration as it is the story of bourbon. " Max Watman, author of Harvest and Chasing the

White

Dog