SHOT FOR SHOT

PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC MEDSKE HAS SPENT NEARLY TWO DECADES DOCUMENTING THE PEOPLE, DISTILLERIES, AND BOTTLES THAT DEFINE MODERN WHISKEY CULTURE. THE PROOF IS IN THE PHOTOS.

- PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC MEDSKER

IN GOOD SPIRITS

For years, Allen Katz dreamed of opening his own distillery to produce rye. That dream became a reality when he co-founded New York Distilling Company, which opened in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood in 2011.

Ever the whiskey enthusiast, his personal collection of spirits from around the world is always on full display at home for friends and family to enjoy.

RYE'S SAVIOR

If you love rye, you can thank Katz for helping save this historic American whiskey from the brink of extinction. Given the wide selection of rye whiskeys now available from distilleries across the country and around the world, it's hard to believe this style nearly disappeared a couple decades ago.

WHISKEY SCIENCE