Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1036886
16 / the tasting panel / october 2018 On The Rocks Cocktails Partners with Beam Suntory Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Nevada Announces Brian Van Flandern as Executive Director of Mixology, Spirit Education, and Special Events S outhern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Nevada has announced Brian Van Flandern will serve as its new Executive Director of Mixology, Spirit Education, and Special Events. Van Flandern is an award- winning author and mixologist with more than 25 years of expertise in the spirits industry. His fifth book, Whiskey Cocktails, is set to be released this fall. Before joining Southern Glazer's, Van Flandern served as the President and founder of the mixology consulting firm Creative Cocktail Consultants, designing and implementing successful cocktail programs for prestigious clientele like Thomas Keller and Geoffrey Zakarian. In addition to being named "America's Top Mixologist" by the Food Network, Van Flandern was also the first- ever Global Brand Ambassador appointed by Diageo and is recognized as a certified Spirits Professional by the United States Bartenders' Guild, of which he is a founding board member for the New York chapter. In his new role, Van Flandern will oversee the Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Academy, where industry professionals can attend educa- tional opportunities led by expert mixologists, Master Sommeliers, cicerones, and more. For more information, visit southernglazers. com/location/nevada. INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT O n The Rocks Cocktails has recently teamed up with Beam Suntory to integrate the premium spirits company's renowned expressions into each cocktail in On the Rocks' portfolio. On The Rocks creates award-winning cocktails using only natural ingredients and quality spirits sourced from all over the world. Each cocktail aims to deliver the complexity and craftsmanship of an acclaimed bar without the need for multiple ingredients or equipment. For more information, visit ontherockscocktails.com.