Renowned spirits writer Noah Rothbaum is set to release a 600-page guide covering everything from whiskey’s disputed origins to modern cocktail recipes, arriving September 2025 from Workman Publishing.
The comprehensive book, priced at $40, aims to navigate readers through an increasingly complex whiskey landscape that has transformed from a farm product to a luxury commodity. Rothbaum, a James Beard Award winner and associate editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails, draws on 25 years of global whiskey research for the project.
“I wrote this book to help people find their own way within the world of whiskey, so they can fully enjoy it,” said Rothbaum. “Consider me your knowledgeable (and nonjudgmental) friend who wants to empower you with the tools, knowledge and resources that will help you understand and appreciate whiskey.”
The Whiskey Bible Tackles Historical Mysteries and Modern Myths
The book promises to settle longstanding debates about whiskey’s origins, examining competing claims from Ireland and Scotland. It traces the spirit’s evolution through major historical events, including how European wine industry destruction by insects in the nineteenth century drove drinkers to whiskey, and how Prohibition shaped modern taste preferences.
Rothbaum’s historical narrative extends through the post-World War II dominance of blended scotch, the sales slump of the 1970s, and the unexpected role of American hipsters in reviving whiskey’s popularity. The book also explores how Japanese demand helped sustain American distilleries during difficult years.
Beyond history, the guide covers technical aspects of whiskey production, breaking down how grain types, water, soil, and yeast influence flavor profiles. Each production step receives detailed coverage, from malting and mashing through fermentation, distillation, and aging.
Cocktail Recipes & More
The practical elements extend to 60 whiskey cocktail recipes contributed by leading bartenders. These range from classics like the Blue Blazer and Whiskey Sour to contemporary creations such as the Bourbon Renewal and Flannel Shirt.
The book includes full-color photography and illustrations throughout, plus what publishers describe as an “unprecedented whiskey timeline” marking significant dates in the spirit’s development.
With whiskey experiencing unprecedented popularity and diversity, Rothbaum’s comprehensive guide arrives as both newcomers and enthusiasts seek deeper understanding of the category.
The Whiskey Bible by Noah Rothbaum will launch on September 9th in hardback form. Whiskey lovers can pre-order the book now from Hachette Book Group.
