Whiskey Distilled: A Populist Guide to the Water of Life

Heather Greene

Oct 2014 · Ascent Audio · Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

About this audiobook

In the populist tradition of Andrea Immer, New York City's first female whiskey sommelier translates today's 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 drinkers-especially novices-are 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 City's first female whiskey sommelier, Greene introduces audiences to the spirit's 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 teaches listeners about whiskey and encourages them to make their own evaluations. Peppered with wry anecdotes drawn from her unusual life-and including recipes for delicious cocktails by some of today's most celebrated mixologists-Whiskey Distilled will be enthusiastically greeted by the whiskey curious as well as by journeymen whiskey drinkers thirsty to learn more about their beloved tipple.

About the author

Earphones winner, Audie finalist, and Parent's Choice Award-winning producer Tavia Gilbert is a classical theater- and public radio-trained actress and producer. She received a BFA in Acting from Cornish College of the Arts. She also studied documentary radio at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine. She produces, directs, and narrates unique audiobooks, full-cast recordings, and documentaries.