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I recently found myself battling a bout of flu, which muted my palate significantly. As a result, my spirits had less impact than usual, leaving me with a drier January than I’m accustomed to. Although I’ve historically not enjoyed the concept of Dry January, the downtime led me to delve into a couple of interesting books about spirits, perfect for getting a taste of the world of alcohol even if I’m not partaking.

First on my reading list is The History of Whiskey in 100 Bottles, Barrels, and More, authored by Robin Robinson. This book presents a casual yet comprehensive overview of whiskey’s evolution, starting from the Neolithic era all the way to modern times. Robinson’s storytelling style delivers bite-sized chunks of information, making it accessible and enjoyable for readers. The history of whiskey is combined with fascinating anecdotes, including how the introduction of the malt tax in 1697 forced Irish distillers to innovate their grain use.

The second book, The Rum Never Sets: 300 Years Of Royal Navy & London Dock Rum, offers a deep dive into the history of British Royal Navy rum and the London docks where it was stored. Written by Matt Pietrek and Alexandre Gabriel, this book reveals the complexities surrounding the daily rum rations for sailors and the sophisticated rum trade that took place at the London docks. Pietrek is known as a leading expert in the field of rum, and his meticulous research uncovers the origins and blending practices that defined Navy rum.

While reading these books might be a good companion to the dry January experience, the tales they tell of rich histories and unique practices in whiskey and rum will undoubtedly be even more enjoyable with a drink in hand once February rolls around.

For those interested, you can explore: