Reviews - Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last

176 reviews for:

Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last

My son gave me this book as a Christmas present, one that I will love and re-read. Thompson's writing is more than a story about a famous bourbon. Pappyland takes the reader through a family history, the Van Winkles, the science and methodology of bourbon, Kentucky history, and the meaning of creating a family. The writing is poetic, insightful and magical.

I plan to read more of Thompson's writing and take another road trip to Kentucky. Several years ago we spent a Spring Break exploring the area around Lexington. In passing someone mentioned we visit Buffalo Trace Distillery because they had playground equipment our kids might enjoy. We left with a box of Bourbon. And now I will return, checking out places noted in Thompson's novel and hopefully a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle to share on a special family occasion.

omgitsleahh's review against another edition

3.0

Second book in a row that was very different from the one I expected! I was afraid this was going to be very heavy on the bourbon history and chemistry and while I lost track of the Van Winkle lineage at some points, Thompson did a fine job of keeping the chapters short and not getting too lost in the weeds of history while writing about his time spent with Julian and, kind of unexpectedly, a lot about his own family (history). Part 3 felt a little long to me -- as if he were repeating a lot of what was covered in parts 1 & 2 or just driving the points further home, so the last 50ish pages were a bit of a slog, but overall, he somehow managed to be both high level and intimate and share a personal journey with us too.

agalluzzo's review against another edition

3.75

informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

dclerget24's review against another edition

5.0

This book really knocked me off of my feet. I first heard about this story when Wright Thompson was a guest on a podcast promoting the book. I'm a casual bourbon drinker and I had only heard of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon from the underrated Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson comedy, The Internship. I digress.

Sometimes you open a book to read at the exact right time in your life. This book is about fathers, sons, grandparents, expecting fathers, the roots we lay, and a nostalgia for what we all call home. As I am expecting my first child in a few months, Wright's experiences as he is chasing this story of a family's legacy, while he is about to become a father really hit home. Additionally, my brother is about to get married and family is continuing to expand and spread across the country. This book searches for answers to difficult life questions. How will I stay connected to my roots? Will my child understand the importance of families and ancestors? How can we stay connected to the important things in life? How can we confront the good and the bad of who we are and where we came from?

Thompson weaves back and forth between his own life, losses, and hopes, and those of Julian Van Winkle who is the third generation whisky maker who is rebuilding is family's legacy. Everyone connects to their personal history in their own ways. Some people tell stories over and over again, some connect through the act of doing, or chasing something. I found myself thinking about my late grandfather throughout this book and the sacrifices he made to provide a better life for my dad and his siblings. I found myself moved with pride in the person he was yet sad that my children will not get to know him personally.

Be present in the moments you have with the ones you love and don't be afraid to celebrate with them while they are here and even after they're gone.