Thomas,
Please allow me to give you my thoughts on the Regan's "Book of Bourbon".
I like it! It's the very first book on whiskey that I have ever read. Gary Regan is a very able and entertaining writer. Mike will point out some inaccurate intel, but for a 'first bourbo-book' this one rocks! I bought it upon Chuck Cowdery's endorsement.
Now I'm just an old hillbilly so I'd never heard of 'tasting notes' before. Wine tastings - yes. Bourbo-tastings
So that aspect of the book really enlightened me. This started me on the path of seriously studying bourbon's color; aromas, and flavors. I'd never heard of a 'finish' before in my life, so I paid close attention to how a bourbon finishes it's life in the mouth and throat. I learned how to pay attention to the bourbon, and that in turn taught me how to taste.
It's like if you read writers that write well you will also become a better writer. I owe all my wackiness to Kurt Vonagut, Jr. I have many first and sometimes only editions in my library. Also as a Southener I read Mark Twain at a very early age, and keep his collected works close at hand.
If you listen to music that you like you will become a good listener. If you are a musician ( I'm a bassist ) and you paly in a 'jam band' be it rock; blues or jazz you will become both a better listener and a better musician.
I am the first bourbon writer to advance the theory that you should listen to your bourbon. Unfortunately if you drink as much as I do and do what the bourbon tells you to do - you will often find yourself in jail or at the very least end up getting banned from your once favorite internet site!
You'll enjoy "The Book of Bourbon". Gary Regan's greatest flaw - as I see it - is he never once yelled.....
PANTS AWAY!
ima