Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1249
Backyard bartenders looking to stock up for that sum- mer BBQ or pool party head to Emilio's Beverage Ware- house in Bellfl ower, California; specializing in bulk orders, Emilio's features a large variety of Diageo's new ready-to- serve cocktail products. Conveniently located front and center, near Diageo's innovative Virtual Bartender and Party Planner, is a large display of the new Smirnoff, Jose Cuervo and Captain Morgan ready-to-serve cocktails. Owner Tony DiCorpo tells THE TASTING PANEL that "the Captain Morgan Long Island Ice Tea has been fl ying off the shelves, and the Jose Cuervo Golden Margarita has always been highly successful in our store." DiCorpo makes a concerted ef- fort to stay in touch with what his customers are drinking. As he explains, "Traditionally, the ready-to- serve products have done very well in the summer months; they are easy to prepare and relatively inexpensive." With the introduction of Diageo's new line of ready-to- serve products, Tony has seen this category become a larger part of his total liquor sales. DiCorpo is pleased to have such a strong relationship with Diageo and points to both their product innovation and support. "I'm really able to work with our Diageo reps to bring the right products into the store at the right prices. It is a total team effort." —Zack Dickson Cover Story Emilio's Beverage Warehouse owner Tony DiCorpo and his son Joe. 46 / the tasting panel / june 2009 BBQ HQ at Emilio's Beverage Warehouse PHOTO: STACEY TAXIN PHOTO: CATHY TWIGG-BLUMEL