The Social History of Bourbon

The Distinctive Beverage of the Western World, bourbon is Kentucky's illustrious gift to those who appreciate fine spirits. Although the story of American whiskey is recorded in countless pages of our nation's history, the place of bourbon in the country's cultural record has long awaited a detailed and objective examination. A fascinating, informative chronicle of America's native spirit, The Social History of Bourbon reflects an aspect of our national cultural identity that has long been suppressed and overlooked.

Gerald Carson explores the impact of the liquor's presence during America's early development, as well as bourbon's role in some of the most dramatic events in American history, including the Whiskey Rebellion, the scandals of the Whiskey Ring, and the "whiskey forts" of the fur trade. The Social History of Bourbon is a revealing look at the role of this classic beverage in the development of American manners and culture.