Jackson Adams is a publicist at UNP who enthusiastically celebrates even the most dubious national holidays. 

Today is National Bourbon Day, a holiday I’ve celebrated for more years than I plan to disclose in this blog post. This year, however, I’m tragically recovering from oral surgery and will be unable to raise a glass. Take it from me, get those wisdom teeth removed when you’re a teenager rather than a more sensitive, slower to heal adult.

Still, there are options for those of us who can’t or don’t wish to participate with a glassful. Personally, I’m settling down with old episodes of Justified, a hand-crafted playlist (listen here), and some of our great bourbon books.

One of my favorites is Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey. Fred Minnick’s wonderful, exhaustive history shines a light on the women who kept the spirit alive through generations, digging up stories that have long been buried by history and corn mash.

Bourbon Justice: How Whiskey Law Shaped America similarly takes a historical look at bourbon, namely the impact it’s had on state and national laws. Brian F. Haara focuses on the liquor’s precedent setting history, touching on the laws that make the spirit distinct from whiskey, as well as its connection to Prohibition and the 18th Amendment. It’s a fascinating look at a difficult subject that goes down exceedingly smooth.

Bourbon and Bullets: True Stories of Whiskey, War, and Military Service by John C. Tramazzo takes on the spirit’s rougher reputation, namely the connection between bourbon and the armed forces. Tramazzo digs into his personal experience seeing how bourbon and life in the military sometimes goes hand in hand, both on and off the battlefield. It’s equal parts an examination of a constantly changing industry and the place of modern veterans.