“It’s a hard book to sell,” Watman admits, “but I think that’s what makes it fun. There’s as much true crime as there is foodie exploit. As much legal as illegal distilling. A lot of history. And there’s a lot of getting to know the guys who are changing the distilling scene now.”

Some of those guys — maybe even the best of those guys — call Colorado home. Though Watman hails from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and currently resides in the Hudson Valley of New York state, he did much of his research for White Dog here, getting to know the guys behind Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and Peach Street Distillers in Palisade.

“Colorado is an amazing place for micro-distilling,” says Watman. “It’s a wonderful thing. I love the enthusiasm that comes to the distilling world from out there. I get a little envious every time I visit.”

Enjoy Watman’s envy twice this weekend: Tonight at 7:30 p.m., he’ll discuss and sign his book at the Tattered Cover at 2526 East Colfax Avenue; at 7 p.m. tomorrow, he’ll read, sign and facilitate a tasting in the bottling room of the Stranahan’s distillery, 200 South Kalamath Street. Learn more at www.maxwatman.com.
Fri., Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., 2010