Whiskey Distilled: A Populist Guide to the Water of Life

In the populist tradition of Andrea Immer, New York Citys first female whiskey sommelier translates todays hottest spirit for a new generation of imbibers

Whiskey is in the midst of a huge renaissance. Ten years ago, the United States housed sixty-nine craft distillers; today, there are more than four hundred. Exports of Scotch whisky grew 12 percent just last year. Sales are skyrocketing, and specialty bars are popping up around the country, from New York City to Chicago to Houston.

Yet whiskey drinkersespecially novicesare more confused than ever. Over the past decade, whiskey expert Heather Greene has been bombarded with thousands of questions, including: Can I have ice in my whiskey? Why is it sometimes spelled whisky ? What makes bourbon different? As New York Citys first female whiskey sommelier, Greene introduces audiences to the spirits charms and challenges the boys' club sensibilities that have made whiskey seem inaccessible, with surprising new research that shows the crucial importance of nosing whiskey. Through lively tastings, speaking engagements, and classes such as the popular Whiskey as an Aphrodisiac, Greene has been demystifying whiskey the way Andrea Immer did wine a decade ago.

In this lively and authoritative guide, Greene uses bright visuals, an easy-to-read format, and the familiar vocabulary of wine to teach readers about whiskey and encourage them to make their own evaluations. Peppered with wry anecdotes drawn from her unusual lifeand including recipes for delicious cocktails by some of todays most celebrated mixologistsWhiskey Distilled will be enthusiastically greeted by the whiskey curious as well as by journeymen whiskey drinkers thirsty to learn more about their beloved tipple.