0Think of Kentucky and several images come to mind: sports, bluegrass, Churchill Downs, and yes, bourbon. There is a sobering reality in that bourbon has made the greatest impact among those industries that best symbolize the state. Kentucky bourbon is distinguished from others for its secret family recipes, limestone-filtered water, climate, and of course, Kentuckians' work ethics and pride. No matter if your preference is Maker's Mark or Jim Bean, or whether you use it for sipping, dipping, cooking, or curing, Bourbon: The Evolution of Kentucky Whisky contains a history of bourbon from its earliest days in the state to modern times, and the most comprehensive list of those companies known as world leaders in the bourbon industry.