Bloglander

The point of "Distilled" — the booze-related series of articles we launched on Jan. 1 — isn't simply about drinking. That's just the backdrop. The broader goal is to tell regular people's stories in simple, little moments, with insight and whimsy that often chase a raised glass. It's not about celebrating alcohol, exactly, because not every drink is downed joyfully.

So far, we've told the story of a family of tailgaters united on Saturdays. Then there was the scene at DUI court after New Year's Eve. And the painter creating art, song by song, for a live audience.

This week, Samuel Ligon — the novelist and professor behind the literary event Pie & Whiskey — writes about today's booze trends and the commodification of cool.

Much more is yet to come... If you have an idea for Distilled — about a person, place, thing or drunken rant — please tell us. Cheers!