In the populist tradition of Andrea Immer Robinson, 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.

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 such as, Can I have ice in my whiskey? Why is it sometimes spelled whisky? and What makes bourbon different? As New York City's first female whiskey sommelier, Greene introduces audiences to the spirit's charms, challenges, the boys'-club sensibilities that have made whiskey seem inaccessible, and 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 Robinson did wine a decade ago.

In this lively and authoritative guide, Greene uses 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 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.