Ann Miller has a table of eager food writers and liquor aficionados captivated. We're hanging on her every word as she walks us through a Scotch-tasting lunch at the Eagles Nest Golf Club in Maple, Ontario, just north of Toronto.

Miller is the brand ambassador for some of the best whiskies on the planet, including The Glenlivet, Aberlour and Chivas brands, and is the only woman with such a high profile job in her industry. Today she takes us through a tasting of several of The Glenlivet whiskies -- each paired with a lunch course that includes Scotch as an ingredient.

The group is split down the middle -- six men and six women -- all with different levels of whisky sophistication. One of the men at the table finds it curious that there are so many women at such an event. Whisky tends to be associated with old stodgy men tucked away in a parlor, sucking back a few drams while smoking cigars.

But that's very much changing, says Miller. Women are becoming more and more versed in the language of whisky and are catching on to the enjoyment of drinking it.

At the Hopscotch Festival, an annual beer and whisky extravaganza held every November in Vancouver, organizers offer a "Women & Whisky" workshop that includes how to taste, describe and order whisky confidently. Now in its fourth year, the ever-popular event has sold out early for the past three years.

"We are seeing an interest from women in the more traditionally 'male' drinks, like single malts and whisky-based cocktails, like the Manhattan," says Carolyn O'Grady-Gold, LCBO category manager, spirits.

"Women are adventurous by nature, and we're noticing that their curiosity has turned to spirits and the many fabulous uses for them, from cooking, to cocktails, to on-the-rocks," she says.

Curiosity may well be the culprit at The Glenlivet lunch.

"I've never actually drank Scotch before today," says the woman next to me, "but it's really tasty. I think I'll have to stop by the liquor store on the way home -- now that I know what to look for."

Tasting Guide
What is whisky? What is whiskey?
Whisky or whiskey is a distilled spirit made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn or any combination of those grains. Scotch whisky is from Scotland, Irish whiskey from, you guessed it, Ireland, U.S. whiskey is commonly referred to as bourbon and Canadian whisky as rye. While it's similar in how it's produced and what it's made from, each whisky tastes differently -- just like wine or beer.

Single malts or blends?
A single malt is a whisky that is made from one batch of malted cereal (wheat, barley, rye, oats or corn) while blends are mixed from at least two batches. There's a bit of a snob factor here, as single malts are commonly believed to be superior to blends. However that isn't necessarily the case. There are some very exquisite blended whiskies on the market and some less than exemplary single malts, so don't let that cloud your judgment.

The whisky glass
Jim Murray, author of The Whisky Bible, recommends a stemmed glass with a tulip shape or narrow mouth for best results. Before tasting he suggests covering the top of the glass with your hand and then cup the base of the glass with your other hand to warm it slightly. Next, uncover the top and smell the whisky inside to give yourself an idea of the flavours to come.

Ice, water or straight up?
Purists such as Murray never add ice to their whisky as it cools down the spirit and masks its true flavours. Although for novice drinkers ice may help reduce some of the heat (re: burn) felt in the throat. If you must add ice to your whiskey make sure it's made from spring or distilled water. Masking the true flavour is one thing -- having it taste like the inside of your freezer is another.

While some drink their whisky straight, Ann Miller recommends adding just a drop or two of water (again spring or distilled is best). This helps open up the flavours without diluting the drink.

Whiskies to try
While speaking at the Victoria Whisky Festival in January, Jim Murray said we need look no further than our own backyard when it comes to great whiskies. "Canada at the moment has the best value-for-money whiskies. It's just unbelievable," he said.

Two whiskiesto get you started
Alberta Premium: Murray gave this rye a score of 95 out of a possible 100 in The Whisky Bible with notes of chocolate, juicy fruits and an overall bittersweet taste.

The Glenlivet 12 year old: Aromas of pineapple and banana are complimented with a fresh, grassy flavour and hints of vanilla.