The Complete Whiskey Course - by Robin Robinson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Renowned whiskey educator Robin Robinson presents a global course on the ever-expanding world of whiskey, from American craft offerings and the Irish whiskey revival to the latest in Japanese, French, and even Indian whiskies. Across ten robust "courses," Robinson guides the whiskey enthusiast through the basics and beyond, including everything from history to production, aging, finishing, and tasting, as well as how to read a label, host a tasting, and build a collection. Organized by country or region, each "class" explores the brands, techniques, and backstories of the best whiskies in the world. Thoroughly up-to-date, The Complete Whiskey Course is a one-stop reference for both newcomers and longtime fans of the "water of life."

Book Synopsis

A must-read for aspiring connoisseurs, and a thorough refresher for seasoned whisky lovers."--Whiskey Advocate

Winner of the Gourmand Award in the Drink Education category (US).

The definitive book on understanding and appreciating the exploding world of whiskey.

Renowned whiskey educator Robin Robinson demystifies the "water of life" in a definitive, heavily illustrated tome designed to take readers on a global tour of the ever-expanding world of whiskey. Across ten robust "classes," Robinson explains whiskey history, how it defined the way whiskey is made in different countries and regions, the myriad styles, how aging and finishing works, and the basics of "nosing" and tasting whiskey. In chapters dedicated to American whiskey (including bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye), American Craft whiskey, Scotch, Irish, Canadian, Japanese, and world whiskies, Robinson presents the best offerings from new and historic producers, how to choose among them, and how to build a collection of your own. Each "class" is a journey into a country's whiskies and makers, including recommended bottles and styles, as well as insider information on how distilleries make their unique offerings. Each chapter includes themed tastings organized by bargain, value, special occasion, and splurge price categories. This thoroughly up-to-date and wide-ranging guide also offers helpful recommendations on how to lead your own tasting, a glossary of terms, food pairings, and tips on everything from glassware to whiskey festivals and how to read a label.

Review Quotes

"If your favorite whiskey lover still doesn't know what a mash bill is, consider giving them Robin Robinson's exceedingly enjoyable whiskey course in book form." --New York Magazine

"Whisky educator Robin Robinson sets out to demystify the spirit in this book that takes the form of a comprehensive 'tasting school, ' with ten classes that transport readers to the far-flung corners of the booming whisky world. The heavily illustrated tome delves into whisky history . . . the many styles of whisky and their production methods; and sensory appreciation of whisky--how to nose and taste. Each chapter offers a guided tour through the traditions of major whisky-producing countries . . . and also showcases crucial, if less heralded, hotspots such as India, Sweden, and France. His picks for top offerings from both new and established producers will help whisky lovers add to their lists of bottles to seek out. . . . A must-read for aspiring connoisseurs, and a thorough refresher for seasoned whisky lovers."--Whiskey Advocate

About the Author

Robin Robinson is a renowned whiskey educator who created the popular Whiskey Smackdown series at the Astor Center in New York City. He has taught at the Culinary Institute of America and the Institute for Culinary Education, and given lectures and seminars at the American Distilling Institute, Bar Institute, and Tales of the Cocktail, among others. He has been featured in the pages of AlcoholProfessor.com, Chicago Sun Times, Playboy.com, VinePair.com, WhiskeyWash.com, and other publications. Whisky magazine awarded him a 2014 Icon of Whisky Award, their highest commendation for brand ambassadors. He lives in NJ.