ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fortunately, F. Paul Pacult, also known as "America's spirits guru", began his career working for Rodney Strong Vineyards in Sonoma County, California. He spent 10 years at the winery before moving to New York in 1982. He founded F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal – The Quarterly Independent Guide to Distilled Spirits, Beers and Wines newsletter in 1991. Paul is also Managing Director of Spirit Journal, Inc., a publishing, education, consulting, and special events company specializing in beverage alcohol.

In addition, Paul is currently a Special Projects Editor for The New York Times Magazine; monthly Wine & Spirits Columnist of Sky, the Delta Air Lines magazine; Spirits Tasting Director for Wine Enthusiast Magazine and Judging Director for the annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

In 2001, he won a Certificate of Commendation for writing excellence from the Academy of Wine Communications. He is the world's only journalist to be a life member of Scotland's excusive “Keepers of the Quaich” Whisky Society, member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame and a member of France's prestigious Armagnac Company of Musketeers.