Feb. 8: Drammers Book Club - In Hot Waters by Brandy Library Founder Flavien Desoblin...
It's no secret that we're huge fans of Brandy Library and Copper & Oak, two of the very best whiskey bars in NYC and the world really. And we're proud to call their owner Flavien Desoblin a dear friend. Flavien is so passionate about whisky, it is sometimes a bit bewildering to see how much he does. In addition to running these great bars, he is one of the founders (and arguably the face of) the Spirit Network. But what not as many people know is that he is also the author of a fictional novel entitled In Hot Waters: The Adventures of Samuel Dugranval, The Flying Distiller. Of course, the book is centered around -- what else? -- whisky! It is available for sale on Amazon by the way.
At one point many years ago, he had a few copies for sale behind the bar, which is when I first learned about it, and of course I immediately snapped up a copy and was delighted -- it's great fun to read. See the plot description below to get a sense.
So, on February 8th, we're going to do a hybrid in person and online Drammers Book Club event live from Brandy Library. Everyone who signs up will get a copy of his book and a sample pack of his whiskey, 3 of which are experimental whiskies that Flavien has been aging himself! For those of us who frequent his bars regularly, you probably didn't know that those barrels sitting in various corners are actually aging whisky! Well, Flavien has very generously offered to pull out a sample bottle of each for us to try! So the sample pack will include:
Arran 16yo, which was recasked 7 or 8 years ago. (Brandy Library obtained half of a sherry butt full of the stuff and dumped it in a freshly dumped Bernheim barrel).
We'll also try a bottle of their Bernheim barrel pick that the barrel came from above!
Rittenhouse Rye, rebarreled in a brand new charred oak 30 gallon barrel from I believe the Adirondacks Cooperage.
Very Old Barton bourbon put in a similar brand new charred oak 30 gallon barrel -- Flavien will be trying it for the first time with us!
Makers Mark - Brandy Library barrel pick
So needless to say, this will truly be a one-of-a-kind tasting. For those of you in NYC, feel free to join us in person starting at 7pm (and be sure to select the "for pickup at an event" shipping option). For those of you joining us online, we'll kick off the hybrid portion of the event at 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern, to discuss his wonderful book along with the whiskies.
We hope you can join us! Flavien insisted on donating everything — the books, the whisky, etc., so we’re going to give him some of our Drammers barrel picks as a small thank you, which is what the fee goes to.
THE PLOT: When a bottle of whiskey is found amid the ruins of a centuries-old ship uncovered at the Ground Zero construction site, Samuel Dugranval, a.k.a “The Flying Distiller,” is immediately intrigued. Along with his lab assistant, David Dubehash, he’ll stop at nothing for a taste of the treasure and a glimpse of the ancient recipe.
Already deep in their hunt for answers, Samuel and David are abruptly interrupted when tragedy strikes—their friend, master distiller, and titan of the bourbon industry, Woody Campbell, is dead—his body found in the fermentation room of a Japanese competitor.
In a world of musky backrooms, high-end and high-stakes liquor, and secret-sauce recipes dating back to the birth of America itself, nothing is certain and everyone has something to hide.
Based largely on real-life characters in the business and chock-full of details on the art and history of distilling from a true master of the trade, In Hot Waters is a book to be read in front of a roaring fire with a stiff drink in hand—and the doors locked behind you.
About the Author
Flavien Desoblin is the owner and managing member of two successful Manhattan lounges: Brandy Library and Copper & Oak. He has been a judge for both the American Distilling Institute's competition and the NY Spirits Awards since 2010, and was named Cognac Personality of the Year for 2010. Author of New York Stills (2014), he is a recurring guest on CNBC's Fast Money. A native of Burgundy, France, he currently resides in Manhattan with his wife and son.
WHEN: February 8th, in person starts at 7pm EST, online hybrid portion starts at 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern
WHERE: For those joining in person, we’re meeting at Brandy Library in the downstairs room
FORMAT: Hybrid online and in person
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86171043067?pwd=bys3bU5HbWxGWGx0RU05Z2hFV2Vodz09
Meeting ID: 861 7104 3067
Passcode: 020822
PRICE:
$25/person for Members
$35/person for Observers