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

Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last is a book written by award-winning sportswriter Wright Thompson and is a deep-dive into the world of bourbon, exploring its history, the Barbour family’s place in the industry, and how the whiskey continues to offer families solace and connection.

The Barbour family has been in the whiskey business for centuries, but the business took a turn when Julian Van Winkle III, a descendent of the family, started selling his own brand: Pappy Van Winkle. He was only one of the many producers of bourbon, but his smooth and full-bodied product quickly gained popularity, starting a whiskey craze that reaches around the world today.

In Pappyland, Thompson tells the story of this remarkable family journey. He follows the Barbour family’s progress as they navigate an ever-evolving bourbon market, and he delves into issues ranging from generational differences, to issues surrounding cultural appropriation, to the changing relationship between fathers and sons. And at the heart of the book is Julian and his son, Preston, both of whom have dedicated their lives to the spirit of Pappy Van Winkle.

The book contains many fascinating stories and insightful anecdotes, ranging from anecdotes of living in the shadow of greatness, to stories of the lengths people will go to for a bottle of Pappy. Thompson delves into Kentucky’s whiskey history and culture, taking readers on a journey through the different stages of the family’s life and business. Pappyland pairs vivid scenes of a changing Kentucky with the tales of the family’s struggles, joys, and triumphs.

While the core of the story is about the Barbour family’s business, Pappyland ultimately transcends the subject of whiskey to explore the deeper themes of family, heritage, and love. Thompson creates an intimate portrait of the family and reveals how the whiskey has been an important source of comfort and connection between them throughout the years.

The narrative format allows readers to really get to know Julian and Preston, as well as the other family members, and feel the emotional connection to the narrative. At the same time, the book offers a thoughtful exploration into the whiskey business, making it both enjoyable and informative.

Pappyland is an engrossing and insightful exploration into the history of bourbon, the Barbour family, and the things that last. Thompson’s book is a captivating look into the whiskey business, while at its heart it’s really a story about the family’s journey and the things that truly matter. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in whiskey, family, and the unique heritage of the Barbour dynasty.