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Book Review: The Whiskey Trade in Lexington, Fayette Cty Ky

Unread postPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:36 pm
by bourbonv
The Whiskey Trade in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky, by William M Ambrose. Self Published by Author, Lexington, Ky., 2003. Acknowledgements, Contents, Footnotes, Illustrated, pp.199.

This is a well researched guide to the historic distilleries in Fayette County, Kentucky. The James E Pepper distillery is the only distillery to survive prohibition and as a result it is the focus for a large part of the book. The other distilleries are described in less detail but what information that is given is well researched and seems to be accurate.

The strong feature of this book is the illustrations. It would seem the author wrote this book as an outgrowth of his personal collection of artifacts, papers and other memorabilia. There are hundreds of full color photographs of the artifacts and papers in the book. This includes bottles, letterheads, original photographs, bar ware, glasses and employee pins and badges.

The footnotes include sources from Lexington Newspapers and official documents such as deed books. These suppliment the information often found on the artifacts and papers themselves.

This is a very interesting book to have in a bourbon library. The only downside is the very limited publication and distribution of the book.

Mike Veach

Unread postPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 3:21 pm
by bourbonv
Mr. Ambrose was just in the Filson doing research. He is updating this book and has added more material. If anyone wishes to acquire a copy, please drop me a pivate message and I can give you contact information.

Mike Veach

Unread postPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 5:09 pm
by bunghole
Mike,

I'd like to meet William Ambrose. Do you think he would be kind enough to make himself available during the spring sampler?

Linn

Unread postPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 5:18 pm
by bourbonv
Linn,
He lives in Lexington so I don't know, but I will ask him.

Mike Veach