Jersey City resident Heather Greene will show off her dual expertise as a singer-songwriter and as one of a select group of Scotch whiskey experts in the world at a performance at the W Hoboken Hotel this Wednesday.
Greene, who lives with her husband in a downtown brownstone, will lead an audience in a tasting of Glenfiddich brand single malt whiskey. She also will be part of a presentation of the “sultry electronica” music of Argon 40, her collaboration with platinum recording artist Adam Williams. They’ll perform selections from their new album “Fairlawn,” which will have an official release in January.
Greene is looking forward to bringing her love of good music and good liquor to a receptive crowd.
“It helps that I also have a very good palate.” – Heather Greene
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Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain that is distilled in many locations. Scotch whiskey, usually made in Scotland, comes in several forms including single malt and blended malt, and local variations in water and other ingredients account for the wide variety of flavors.
Greene became an authority on Scotch whiskey when she resided in Edinburgh, Scotland from 2005 to 2007 and became a member of the exclusive Scotch Malt Whisky Society, an organization that bottles and sells single cask, single malt whiskey. She is the first American to serve on the society’s tasting panel.
Greene at first “played down” her status as the rare female and American specialist in the whiskey world, but has since embraced her unique role after being recognized by Whisky Magazine. The magazine recently named Heather Greene an Icon of Whiskey and an American Ambassador of the Year.
“I feel validated by the reception from my peers as well as the people I meet at tastings who appreciate my talent,” Greene said.
A taste of dual talents
A struggling singer in the New York area, Greene managed to make ends meet early in her career by tending bar, and acquiring an acquaintance with all makes of alcohol.
Greene then looked to improve her fortunes by moving to Scotland, not only to be closer to major European cities to hold concerts, but also to get nearer to her Scottish heritage.
It was tapping into her past experience as a bartender in the U.S. that led her to apply for a job at the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society in Edinburgh.
“I was working as a bartender at first, but they saw I had an interest in learning more about whiskey,” Greene said.
That soon led to Greene becoming a member and taking part in tasting sessions. She also pursued her own research.
“I read up on the internet, trying out different brands of whiskey, and spoke to people in the field,” Greene said. “It helps that I also have a very good palate.”
By the time she returned to the United States, settling in Jersey City, Greene was already working for Glenfiddich and making appearances at various locations to demonstrate their brand of whiskey. She was also exhibiting her own skills as a musician. She does not plan to stop with both pursuits anytime soon.
“I have a great life with being an ambassador and a singer,” Greene said. “And my family is very proud of me, and they get expensive bottles of whiskey from me around the holidays.”
The Hoboken event will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the W Hotel, 225 River St. Admission is free, but contact rsvp@thehipevent.com to RSVP.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com.