Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/164544
"T his category is just exploding," says Michael Tipton, Vice President for Young's Market Company and Los Angeles Branch Manager. "People's taste profiles are evolving and it has a lot to do with events like this where our craft spirit team can educate the market." Standing outside Sassafras Saloon, an authentic and fun Hollywood tribute to the deep South, Tipton explains who profits from category exhibitions. "Our bourbon portfolio is second to none and I think it's really beneficial for our customers, as well as us, to have the whole category all in one place. It's a great use of everyone's time." We challenged some of L.A.'s biggest names to showcase their whisk(e)y-mixin' chops to five judges. Our esteemed judges included Naomi Shimek, Beverage Director, The Spare Room; David Othenin-Girard, Spirits Buyer, K&L Hollywood; Andrew Abrahamson, General Manager, Seven Grand; Jared Mort, General Manager, Sassafras; and our very own Rachel Burkons, Senior Editor, THE TASTING PANEL. Our judges: Andrew Abrahamson, General Manager, Seven Grand; Rachel Burkons, Senior Editor, THE TASTING PANEL; Naomi Schimek, Beverage Director, The Spare Room; David Othenin-Girard, Spirits Buyer, K&L Hollywood; Jared Mort, General Manager, Sassafras. Saloon Town L.A. by Breanne DeMore / photos by Jeremy Ball Young's Market Company Vice President and Los Angeles Branch Manager Michael Tipton (center) with 1933 Group co-owners Bobby Green (left) and Dimitri Komarov (right). Tipton describes 1933 Group, which has created such L.A. hotspots as The Thirsty Crow, Oldfield's and, of course, Sassafras, as "wonderful partners." september 2013 / the tasting panel / 129 TP0913_104-156.indd 129 8/22/13 10:32 PM