Book description
An instant New York Times bestseller From the bestselling author of The Cost of These Dreams The story of how Julian Van Winkle III, the caretaker of the most coveted cult Kentucky Bourbon whiskey in the world, fought to protect his family's heritage and preserve the taste of his forebears, in a world where authenticity, like his product, is in very short supply. As a journalist said of Pappy Van Winkle, "You could call it bourbon, or you could call it a $5,000 bottle of liquified, barrel-aged unobtanium." Julian Van Winkle, the third-generation head of his family's business, is now thought of as something like the Buddha of Bourbon - Booze Yoda, as Wright Thompson calls him. He is swarmed wherever he goes, and people stand in long lines to get him to sign their bottles of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, the whiskey he created to honor his grandfather, the founder of the family concern. A bottle of the 23-year-old Pappy starts at $3000 on the internet. As Julian is the first to say, things have gone completely nuts. Forty years ago, Julian would have laughed in astonishment if you'd told him what lay ahead. He'd just stepped in to try to save the business after his father had died, partly of heartbreak, having been forced to sell the old distillery in a brutal downturn in the market for whiskey. Julian's grandfather had presided over a magical kingdom of craft and connoisseurship, a genteel outfit whose family ethos generated good will throughout Kentucky and far beyond. There's always a certain amount of romance to the marketing of spirits, but Pappy's mission statement captured something real: "We make fine bourbon - at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon." But now the business had hit the wilderness years, and Julian could only hang on for dear life, stubbornly committed to preserving his namesake's legacy or going down with the ship. Then something like a miracle happened: it turned out that hundreds of very special barrels of whiskey from the Van Winkle family distillery had been saved by the multinational conglomerate that bought it. With no idea what they had, they offered to sell it to Julian, who scrambled to beg and borrow the funds. Now he could bottle a whiskey whose taste captured his family's legacy. The result would immediately be hailed as the greatest whiskey in the world - and would soon be the hardest to find. But now, those old barrels were used up, and Julian Van Winkle faced the challenge of his lifetime: how to preserve the taste of Pappy, the taste of his family's heritage, in a new age? The amazing Wright Thompson was invited to be his wingman as he set about to try. The result is an extraordinary testimony to the challenge of living up to your legacy and the rewards that come from knowing and honoring your people and your craft. Wright learned those lessons from Julian as they applied to the honest work of making a great bourbon whiskey in Kentucky, but he couldn't help applying them to his own craft, writing, and his upbringing in Mississippi, as he and his wife contemplated the birth of their first child. May we all be lucky enough to find some of ourselves, as Wright Thompson did, in Julian Van Winkle, and in Pappyland.
JK Friend
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. Savoring stories has never been this smooth – this app's functionality is genius. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
Fire Fish
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app!
Old Felix
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Racy Babe
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Fire Queen
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Metal Lady
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Mental
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗
Ex0tic
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
Hyper Kong
I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Baby Brown
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
ThermalMode
ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
General Finish
🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚 CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration.
Cowboy Booter
Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off. The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Wooden Man
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Con Mammoth
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Guncap Slingbad
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Call Back Queen
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
Hobo Samurai
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Shadow Chaser
The app's design is sleek and modern – it's a pleasure to navigate. I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
VileHero
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience