Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/2622
september 2009 / the tasting panel / 85 2009 SPECIAL REPORT THE TASTING PANEL's intrepid team brings you what they saw, learned, tasted—and lived to write about—at Tales of the Cocktail T ales of the Cocktail is the festival of cocktails. Attended by a veritable Who's Who of the cocktail community—mix- ologists, bartenders, writers and brands from around the world—this year's event drew more than 15,0000 people who imbibed for fi ve days as they celebrated the historical and contemporary life of cocktails, in New Orleans, the birthplace of the cocktail. Tales of the Cocktail was founded by Ann Tuennerman in 2003. With a passion and love for New Orleans, Ann shares her love of food and cocktails through one of the most com- prehensive, interesting and fun week-long events on the calendar. Tales fi rst began when Ann invited a few cocktail writers to join her and other locals for a walking tour of New Orleans bars, a cocktail hour and a spirited dinner. The event has grown each year since, with new content being added every year. A lunch was added the second year and a couple of seminars the third year. The Spirit Awards were added the fi fth year, and Paul Tuennerman joined Tales as CEO; tasting rooms and the Pro Series semi- nars were added the sixth year. Under Ann's organization and promotion, at this year's event, the seventh, there were more than 130 tastings, seminars, demos, lunches, book sign- ings, tours and spirits-enhanced dinners. Don't miss next year's event! Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Tales of the Cocktail, which will take place July 21–25, 2010. —Allison Levine photos by Jenn Farrington Tales of the Cocktail CEO Paul Tuenner- man and founder Anne Tuennerman. The French Quarter of New Orleans provides the perfect setting for Tales of the Cocktail.