BOOZE PRESS BOOKSHELF – BUFFALO, BARRELS & BOURBON (Review)

For you bourbon aficionados (freaks) out there, you know that Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the leaders, if not THE leader in providing top notch bourbons. Brands such as Blanton’s, Sazerac, Elmer T Lee, EH Taylor and of course Pappy Van Winkle, all emanate from this massive brand. Recently, F. Paul Pacult took on the enviable task of researching and penning the history of how the enterprise became the worlds most awarded distillery. Here, in a much shorter frame of time, I will give you my thoughts on how well he did (psst…He done good) and some insight into how you might want to approach this book

First off, It’s not a huge book (just a little over 200 pages) but it reads much larger. Be forewarned, In the first 5 chapters, there is very little about bourbon. What you do get however, is background of many Kentucky personalities and how their stories formed the foundation of Frankfort, Kentucky history. Beginning with chapter 6 and the arrival of E.H. Taylor, the real story of Buffalo Trace begins. Amazingly, “Colonel” Taylor was not what you may think, but love him or hate him (and it appears George Stagg felt the later) he definitely left his mark. Through all of his ups and downs and run ins with George T Stagg, E.H. Taylor continued to lead in innovation and continually push the bourbon industry forward. As this book winds it’s way through the late 1800’s and in to 1900’s and even this century, it’s fascinating to see how the people behind the names we are familiar with, played a role in the development and growth of the bourbon industry. Interestingly, many of the names we see emblazoned across well known bottles today, belonged to men who didn’t actually produce whiskey. Their contributions however can not be understated

F. Paul Facult has put together a book that acts as both a historical document and bourbon erotica, for those of us that can’t get enough information about this Kentucky nectar. Weaving in and out of stories of personal history, the Frankfort area and the various distilleries, these stories ebb and flow and connect in an completely engaging way. If you are fan of bourbon, beyond the inebriation aspect, pick up a copy of this fascinating volume. Then pour yourself a nice glass of bottled in bond and take a journey back in time. Cheers…

Oh, and if you don’t know what a buffalo trace is, let me tell you….get the book and find out. : )

This book receives 4 out of 5 glasses. Order here: Buffalo, Barrels & Bourbon