This caught my eye from an old review so I picked it up really cheap. It ended up taking me several months to read. I read it in spurts. For a short, light book this one cluttered up the bed stand for a long time. Normally if it is not working for me I put a book down and never look back. But I kept on coming back to this one. It provides a good (I think) introduction to home/hobby and boutique distilling. The illegal side of distilling is also described in some detail through the profile of a actual federal court case where Watman seems to get to know pretty much all the principals involved. Watman does appreciate his liquor. Oh, yeah. Watman is a good writer. He has a detailed eye and the descriptions of people are vivid. A very enjoyable look at the sociopolitical history of whiskey distilling in the US, with tasting notes and moonshiner's tips thrown in. I read this during a month-long period of abstaining from alcohol and I basically had a shopping list by the end of the book. Some of the transitions into the historical sections are abrupt, and the story ends quite far off from where it started. But for a true whiskey lover and someone with even a passing interest in American history, it's definitely worth a read.
Not bad so far! The books takes a strong look at a true American sub-culture.
—maryam
Great overview of the history of alcohol in America. A really fun ride.
—mebteda2
made me want to build a still out back.
—katachi
Fun read. Recommended.
—Tix8andamara
