Well, it could mean literally that within the context of 'Pulp Fiction' (maybe referring to the movie or a related story), there is an absence of bourbon. For example, if someone was expecting to find bourbon in a scene or a plot element in 'Pulp Fiction' but didn't, this statement would be made.
No, Howard's Mill is not a true story. It's likely a product of the author's imagination or inspired by various fictional elements. True stories typically have verifiable sources and documentation, which is lacking in this case.
I'm not sure exactly as I haven't read it. But it might be about the world of bourbon, perhaps with some dark or mysterious elements given the 'devil's cut' in the title.