Happy Hour Whiskey Tasting with Troylyn Ball

Event Details

Join us Wednesday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oyster House on Market for a Special Happy Hour Event with moonshine, specialty cocktails, seafood and Troylyn Ball, whiskey entrepreneur and author of Pure Heart: A Spirited Tale of Grace, Grit, and Whiskey. This is a Blue Bicycle Books Charleston Author Series event.

Meet author Troylyn Ball while you enjoy a buffet of savory dishes and learn about Troy's journey of spirit, determination and entrepreneurship.

"The first woman ever licensed to distill hard liquor in North Carolina uncorks an emotionally charged memoir about traversing family heartache to become the moonshine mama of the South... A heart-stirring life story" - Kirkus Reviews

The Oyster House on Market, renowned for its fresh seafood and lowcountry favorites, is located at 35 South Market in downtown Charleston.

Happy Hour Whiskey Reception with Troy Ball $31
Happy Hour Whiskey Reception plus a signed, hardcover copy of Pure Heart $58
Happy Hour Whiskey Reception For Two plus a signed, hardcover copy of Pure Heart $89

About the Book
Troylyn Ball and her husband, Charlie, an engineer and real estate developer, had spent their entire lives in Texas. But after a near fatal trip to the emergency room with their non-verbal, wheelchair-bound son Marshall, they admitted the dust and the heat were too dangerous. To save their boys, the Balls cashed out, sold their beloved farm, and moved to Asheville, North Carolina.

Nearing 50, Troy thought her chance at adventure had passed. But in this booming little Appalachian Mountain city of hippies, farmers, artisans and retirees, she unexpectedly discovered a support network and something shed never had in 25 years of providing round-the-clock care for her special needs boys: the freedom to pursue her own dreams.

She struck up a friendship with a legendary 80-year-old raconteur from the mountains, met his friends, and soon found herself in a rickety country shack with an ingeniously inventive retired farmer trying to create the best recipe ever for traditional mountain moonshine.

But when the real estate bubble burst and the collapse of her husband Charlies new venture in Asheville left them deeply in debt, Troy realized her 10-year business plan for Troy & Sons Platinum Whiskey wasn't enough. If she were going to save her family--and she was definitely going to save her family--she needed to become the most successful woman in the legal whiskey business. And, she needed to do it fast, before the bank took her house, her business, and everything shed worked so hard to achieve.

Full of eccentric characters and charming locations, from a "haunted" cabin in the mountains to the last farm in the world to grow heritage Crooked Creek corn. Pure Heart is a charming story of a woman who set out to find a purpose in the most unexpected of places, and ended up finding happiness, contentment, and a community of love and respect.


About the Author
Troy lives outside Asheville, North Carolina with Charlie and two of their three grown sons, Marshall and Coulton, who have special needs. The book is a memoir of her struggles and success.

Troy is the founder and principal owner of Asheville Distilling Company in Asheville, North Carolina, makers of Troy & Sons Platinum whiskey, Troy & Sons Oak Reserve, and Blonde whiskey. Troy & Sons Platinum recently received a gold medal for moonshine, the highest possible rating.

"We only use the sweet spot," Troy's husband Charlie said of their ingredients. He was referring to the alcohol derived from the middle of the distillation process, known as the heart or the nectar of the gods, which yields the most flavor and the cleanest taste. Troy's whiskies are handmade from the pure heart of each distillation.

Their son, Marshall Stewart Ball is an author too. His book Kiss of God, a collection of inspired writings by a developmentally challenged boy written almost 20 years ago, will be available for purchase at the event.

The Oyster House on Market and O Bar on State Street offer the freshest and most interesting variety of oysters in the renowned Charleston Market. Soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and original wooden beams reflect the warehouse districts historic past.

The unique interior and great staff beautifully meld to create an ultra-cool atmosphere that exudes Charleston. Enjoy fresh seafood and Lowcountry favorites in the newly renovated dining room, bar, patio and private rooms, or visit the O Bar for happy hour while you sample oysters from across the country and enjoy cocktails crafted from local ingredients.

Parking is available at the Cumberland Street Garage, other municipal lots or at meters on the street.