Whiskey Rule-Breakers Book Profiles the Innovators Reshaping American Whiskey

Randy Warren’s New Book Explores the People Challenging American Whiskey Tradition

Randy Warren, author and host of the Whiskey Shenanigans podcast, has released Whiskey Rule-Breakers, a new book profiling 29 master distillers, founders, innovators, industry executives and influencers involved in American whiskey. The book explores how the featured individuals are challenging established approaches to how American whiskey is made, understood and enjoyed.

Whiskey Rule-Breakers Features Industry Names From Across Bourbon

Among the 29 people featured are master distillers from several established whiskey producers, including Harlen Wheatley of Buffalo Trace, Freddie Noe IV of Jim Beam and Dr. Blake Layfield of Maker’s Mark. The book also examines the growing role of whiskey influencers and investors, including Chris Chapanar of Whiskey Noobs and Jeremy Kasler of CaskX. A full list of contributors is available from the author.

“Randy Warren’s stories bottle up the grit, humor, and heart that define whiskey.” — Scott Neil, President, American Freedom Distillers; Co-Founder, Horse Soldier Bourbon.

The book also includes endorsements from several figures in the American whiskey industry. John Rempe, Master Distiller and Master Blender at Rebel Bourbon, and Marianne Eaves, Master Distiller at Forbidden Bourbon, are among those quoted in support of Warren’s work.

“Randy knows great whiskey is made with equal parts craft, character, and a good story worth sharing.” — John Rempe, Master Distiller and Master Blender, Rebel Bourbon.

“Randy gets that sometimes breaking rules is about shattering glass ceilings.” — Marianne Eaves, Master Distiller, Forbidden Bourbon.

Whiskey Rule-Breakers Now Available in Paperback

Whiskey Rule-Breakers was first published on August 26, 2026. The paperback edition is currently available for $29.95, while hardcover and eBook editions are scheduled to follow. Warren is a whiskey storyteller, entrepreneur and former asset-management executive and hosts the Whiskey Shenanigans podcast, which focuses on the people, history, culture and stories surrounding American whiskey.

Image Created Using AI; Cover Art Credit to the Author