Louisville, Kentucky-based Copper & Kings American Brandy Co., together with Louisville Tourism and independent booksellers, Carmichael’s Bookstore, announce Bookstock, a unique gathering of the world’s greatest spirits and cocktail writers in the heart of America’s distilling capital—Louisville, Kentucky.
The authors affair will be hosted at the Copper & Kings distillery over two days and features world famous writers who specialize in the spirits and cocktail genre. On Friday, December 6, from 6-10 p.m., an Author’s Salon focused on guest and author interaction and in-depth insight through “Spirited Conversations” between two authors will be hosted by Imbibe Magazine executive editor, Paul Clarke. The Spirited Conversations will focus on personal discussion regarding thought provoking topics specific to the spirits and cocktail world. Guests will be able to purchase signed copies of books throughout the evening.
On Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., attendees can enjoy a book fair where they get to meet the writers and purchase signed copies of some of the latest and most influential books in the genre ever written. Guests will also be able to enjoy additional live Spirited Conversations.
“We rightfully celebrate the art and craft of distillation, and we are privileged to enjoy these manifests as works of art in a glass,” said Copper & Kings co-founder, Joe Heron. “But the oxygen of the spirits industry and the high profile that bars and bartenders enjoy today is the world class writing on the topic. We are honored to rightfully acclaim and give credit to some of those writers who help raise the libations bar and discourse for spirits and cocktails in North America. They bring illumination, intelligence, as well as romance and entertainment to a wonderful art form, and we are privileged to give them their own, well deserved stage.”
“Louisville Tourism is thrilled to give a well-earned platform to these outstanding writers and authors who cover the distilled spirits and hospitality industry with such affection, inspired writing and unaffected enthusiasm,” said Louisville Tourism vice president of marketing communications, Stacey Yates. “They have helped put Louisville in the spotlight with their support of one of our signature industries and our celebrated spirits.”
“These authors swim in the waters of a specific genre related to spirits and cocktails, their writing is a reflection of the best of America; intelligent reflections on a culture of warmth and hospitality, and an environment of creativity and imagination,” said Imbibe Magazine executive editor, Paul Clarke. “The quality and depth of their writing, research and stretch of topics is literally a joy. I can’t wait for readers to meet them in person and get to know them as I do. They are above all – very nice people.”
Friday, December 6 – Doors Open 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Authors Salon & Spirited Conversations. Signed books for purchase. Cash Bar.
Saturday, December 7 – 11a.m. to 4pm.
Book Fair, Book Signings & Spirited Conversations. Cash Bar.
FEATURED AUTHORS:
Spirited Conversations Topics & Schedule:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
6 – 7p.m. – Drinking Directions: The State of the Cocktail Today
Robert Simonson & Kara Newman
Trends and directions of cocktails today and tomorrow, and when is it a riff or a re-invention?
7:15 – 8:15 p.m. – Straight vs. Blend: The Ultimate North American Whisk(e)y Conversation
Fred Minnick & Davin de Kergommeaux
Canada versus the U.S., when Canada’s Davin de Kergommeaux and Kentucky’s own Fred Minnick talk politics, history, style differences, and their respective research and writing methods that have led to nearly a dozen books between them. This session will answer many questions, including what whiskey style they believe is better.
8:30 – 9:30 p.m. – Looking for Drinks in All the Wrong Places: or, If Drinking You is Wrong, I Don’t Wanna Be Right
David Wondrich & Wayne Curtis
Two of the leading researchers and writers of cocktail history, David Wondrich and Wayne Curtis reveal where they dig for gold, from historical archives and journals to newspaper databases; and also discuss places they trust, and what mires of despair they avoid.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Noon – 1 p.m. – The 10 Most Important Cocktails & Spirits Books of All Time
Jim Meehan & Noah Rothbaum
In the time since Jerry Thomas published his pioneering The Bon Vivant’s Companion in 1862, hundreds of books on cocktails and spirits have been published. But which are most relevant to contemporary readers? Jim Meehan and Noah Rothbaum will present their personal top 10 lists of the most important contemporary and historical cocktail and spirits books side-by-side, then compare-and-contrast to come up with a consensus list.
2 – 3 p.m. – A Sense of Time and Place
Amanda Schuster & Phillip Greene
Drinks are about more than just what’s in a glass—they also reveal stories about times, places and cultures. Amanda Schuster and Phil Greene will discuss their research and writing styles, particularly regarding how they transport themselves (and their readers) to other eras, cultures and genres.
Find Bookstock artwork here.