American Whiskey Master Class: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Bourbon, Rye, and Other American Whiskeys

“This is the book that helps you explain whiskey to others without sounding condescending or vague.” — Forbes (“Want To Be A Whiskey Expert In 2026? Start With These Five Books”)

Go beyond the glass and discover the secrets behind your favorite styles of American whiskey in this updated, expanded, deluxe edition featuring a faux-leather cover.

Over the past three decades, Lew Bryson has been one of the most influential voices in whiskey—a longtime editor of Whisky Advocate and author of the critically acclaimed guides Tasting Whiskey and Whiskey Master Class . In this expanded edition of American Whiskey Master Class , Lew focuses solely on American whiskeys, sharing everything he’s learned on his journey through the world of American bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys. This approachable book is like a “200-level” class taught by a favorite teacher, with compelling tales (like how barrel aging came to be), insider tips (such as an old taster’s trick for sampling whiskey), and explanations you never thought you needed (like why you can never get a beverage that’s 100% alcohol—and why you should stick to whiskey!).

In this handsome edition, you’ll find it all:

An overview of the different types of whiskeys , including the rules and identities of each. He also includes information on craft whiskeys, which tend to be more creative and freewheeling than the styles made by traditional producers.

Exploration of the key whiskey ingredients , with a close look at the flavor contributions of malt, peat, corn, rye, wheat—even water.

Distillation for non-distillers and the beauty of barrels: Whiskey is both an art and a science, and what’s in the glass is affected by things like pot stills vs. column stills, barrel char, and of course, time.

Numerous interviews with master distillers , still makers, and other artisans at the top of their field.

Tasting notes throughout, including more than two dozen new ones, so you can identify the whiskeys you might want to try next.

New and expanded material , including how to decode and decipher rare bottles, new developments in the American whiskey market (notably single malts), new profiles and interviews of “must-know” producers, new photos, and more.

A new introduction from Fred Minnick , author of Bourbon Curious

Every chapter contains a variety of unique, often behind-the-scenes photography, coupled with Bryson’s master storytelling. And with whiskey as the subject, this is a class where you’ll want to do the homework.