The Academy Drinks™
Dr. Spector is an author, researcher, and scholar of social and intellectual history. She has studied spirits for more than a quarter century, working in both distilleries and archives while gathering the stories, knowledge, and cultural history that she brings to her presentations. Dr. Jessica Spector has tailored a number of virtual and in-person presentations, seminars, and bespoke tastings through The Academy Drinks™ — an interactive sensory experience devoted to the history and culture of drinks, spirits, and cocktails.
She holds a master’s degree and PhD in philosophy, with training in history and religious studies, as well as certifications in language and writing instruction and professional diplomas in the spirits world. Her work explores the social forces that shape how we live, with particular attention to where culture, commerce, and morality meet — from the labor we value, to the stories we tell, to the drinks we share. She has written and spoken widely about spirits, cocktails, and history, as well as moral philosophy, the sex industry, and other issues that don’t usually come up until well into one of her tastings. She makes the history of excise tax fascinating, and Scotch tastings unintimidating for even the most reticent. She has a particular interest in areas society considers taboo, and people whose stories often go untold.
Dr. Spector teaches about drink culture and ethics at Yale University. Her most recent writings include a book on cocktails, and contribution to an upcoming series from Bloomsbury Press on the cultural history of prostitution. She is currently researching a book on sense of place and liquor.
Tastings
From vertical tastings within a brand or spirit type, to classes incorporating cocktails, Dr. Spector will work with you to plan the perfect event for your group.
Seminars
Dr. Spector has been speaking to diverse audiences internationally for decades, working with clients to develop unique presentations to fit their needs. Past topics have included art and alcohol, prostitution and prohibition, and tax and trade history (although alliteration is not required).
Consulting
For bars and restaurants, good staff training in spirits and cocktails is important — especially now. Dr. Spector provides clear, fast, and fun training sessions, enabling staff to make and sell better drinks.
Contact
The Academy Drinks™ is not currently hosting tastings at this time.
To learn more about Dr. Spector’s current work or to inquire about consulting, speaking, or interviews, please visit www.jessicaspector.com