I came down with the flu shortly after Christmas, and its lingering effects meant that alcoholic spirits didn’t taste quite right as I approached the end of January. This experience contributed to a much drier January than usual, leading me to reflect on my views regarding Dry January—a practice I’ve never particularly liked. Nevertheless, my enforced downtime allowed me to catch up on a couple of books that I’ve wanted to read, focusing on whiskey and rum. So, if you’re observing a Dry January, you can still indulge in reading about spirits, and these two books are certainly worth your time.

The History of Whiskey in 100 Bottles, Barrels, and More by Robin Robinson is a more casual read. Robinson breaks the story into bite-sized sections, making it enjoyable to read anywhere. He traces the history of whiskey back to the Neolithic era and provides a comprehensive picture of its evolution. While explaining developments throughout history, he cleverly highlights how taxes often influenced production methods. For example, the introduction of a malt tax in 1697 led Irish distillers to innovate their grain usage.

Robinson, who has extensive experience in the whiskey industry, presents his narratives with a sense of flair while avoiding getting bogged down in overly complex details. The book is a valuable resource for both novices eager to learn and experts looking for an entertaining read.

On the other hand, The Rum Never Sets: 300 Years of Royal Navy & London Dock Rum by Matt Pietrek and Alexandre Gabriel offers a deeper dive into rum’s history. This book, published by Pietrek’s own Wonk Press, delves into British Royal Navy rum’s rich history, explaining its significance to sailors from the 17th century until 1970. The narrative is rich in detail regarding the London docks, the epicenter of the rum trade, and the processes involved in its production and supply.

Pietrek, a notable rum historian, expertly unravels centuries of history at the Rum Quay, where barrels of rum from British colonies were stored and blended. He debunks common perceptions about the quality of Royal Navy rum, showing that considerable quality control was exercised over its production. His meticulous research is supported by primary sources, including accounts from former employees who managed blending operations just before the practice ended.

Gabriel provides insight into modern interpretations of Royal Navy rum, drawing from historical precedents while crafting his version, the Mister Fogg Navy Rum, which can be compared to the authentic blends available on the market.

Both books serve distinct audiences: Pietrek and Gabriel’s work is aimed at spirits enthusiasts and historians, while Robinson’s book caters to a broader reader base. Together, they are among the best recent additions to the literature on spirits, and while pairing their content with a drink is optional, it often enhances the experience.