Reddit reviews Whiskey: The Definitive World Guide

[Michael Jackson](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson_(writer) has written several books on ales and spirits. I found The World Guide to Whisky to be an excellent resource.

I dont know of any up to date North America whiskey books b/c I haven't done the research. However I currently have this in my library and it is fantastic: Whiskey: The Definitive World Guide

Wishart, Michael Jackson is fairly popular. I like the first title.

As for inspiration. Since the last years that I drink whisky I buy faster than I drink. There's usually something to get before I empty a bottle. It's not like I read a lot of books or magazines about whisky, but I am active on some fora (a very active Dutch forum mostly) where people have suggestions. Or just because I run into some store that has some whisky that I'm interested in. I've passed 'the very beginning' trying to find my taste, but when you're still in that 'phase': try to find samples or minis. I don't know about other countries, but in the Netherlans and Belgium there are many people selling samples. That's a way to try some old or expensive whisky, simply get very different ones, etc.

Whiskey drinker male here for far too long - so here are my two cents.

1. Decanters are really kind of pointless. They can look cool but meh.
   
   
2. Whiskey stones suck. I bought them and were really disappointed. Get these things. They fucking ROCK. (No pun intended.)
   
3. This guy is basically THE voice on Whiskey. Great read. Unfortunately he has passed away but good guide for the future.
   
4. For glassware I have kind of been interested in these just because they look awesome. I personally own these and they also get some great comments. I've personally never really found a shape that changes the taste so I just wanted something a little more flashy.
   
5. I'm turning 30 this year and I bought myself a 21 year old bottle of bourbon and am getting it laser engraved. Things Remembered will do anything really so if you know what he likes (or just as an add in, doesn't have to be crazy expensive) maybe an engraved bottle.
   
   Hope this helps!

If you do decide you want a book:

http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-The-Definitive-World-Guide/dp/0789497107