# Censorship Battle Over Cocktail Book > American cocktail book faces Chinese censorship after mentioning Taiwan. - Title: Censorship Battle Over Cocktail Book · Slate Magazine - Summary: American cocktail book faces Chinese censorship after mentioning Taiwan. Author altered book text to avoid Chinese censorship but warns of broader impacts on… - Keywords: the bartender's library, taiwan, chinese censorship, printers, censorship, book, china, whiskey, kavalan, taiwan region, Slate Magazine - Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/11/chinese-censorship-american-cocktail-book-taiwan.html?via=rss - Author: Jacob Grier - Published: 2026-11-14T10:50:00+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: the bartender's library, taiwan, chinese censorship, printers, censorship, book, china, whiskey, kavalan, taiwan region ## Censorship email Author received surprise email about potential censorship of their book. > Censorship issues ## Book details The Bartender’s Library is a guide to spirits and cocktails for American audience. ## Taiwan reference Book mentions Taiwanese single-malt whiskey from Kavalan distillery. > Kavalan ## Censorship demand Chinese printer demanded book reference Taiwan as part of China or erase Taiwan entirely. > Taiwan, China ## Global censorship China’s censorship affects international businesses and cultural events worldwide. ## Other examples Taiwanese athletes compete as Chinese Taipei and human rights conference canceled in Zambia. > Chinese Taipei ## Museum case Victoria and Albert Museum altered catalogs to comply with Chinese censorship. > Victoria and Albert Museum ## Publisher dilemma Author and publisher debated delaying publication or altering text to meet censorship. ## Text changes Book substituted Jamaican rum for Taiwanese whiskey and described Kavalan as Taiwan region. > Taiwan region ## Economic pressure Publisher prioritized project viability over censorship compliance. > 50,000 words ## Future printings Future printings will not face same censorship timing constraints. > future printings ## Public awareness Author plans to publicize censorship to warn publishers about Chinese censorship risks. > call far more attention ## Book delivery First printed copy arrived two years after book started writing. > two years ## Censorship impact Censorship altered text subtly but author warns of broader implications for free expression. > insidious ## Author’s stance Author did not acknowledge Chinese government’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan. > sovereignty over Taiwan ## Historical context 2016 Merriam-Webster dictionary pages mentioning Taiwan were ripped out before reaching China. > Merriam-Webster ## Key takeaway Author altered book text to avoid Chinese censorship but warns of broader impacts on free expression.