The Tasting Panel magazine

April 2014

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104  /  the tasting panel  /  april 2014 SPEED TASTING REPORT TEAMING UP ONCE AGAIN, THE TASTING PANEL AND YOUNG'S MARKET COMPANY SHINE AT THE THIRD ANNUAL ARIZONA COCKTAIL WEEK by Breanne DeMore / photos by Mark Ryan I t was mid-February at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ and all was right: The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the cocktails were flowin'! After the roaring success of the Second Annual Arizona Cocktail Week, THE TASTING PANEL couldn't wait to once again team up with Young's Market Company and their Craft Spirits division for AZCW 2014. The event, a week full to the brim of seminars, markets, parties, competitions, tastings and cocktail specials at bars and restaurants all over the Grand Canyon State, has proven itself to be a must-attend for all in the industry. Bartenders, brands, consumers . . . there is something for everyone at AZCW. Plus, the Phoenix/Scottsdale cocktail scene is on fire with no plans of cooling off anytime soon. Explains Robert Camacho, CSS, CSW, Craft Spirits Specialist for Young's Market Company of Arizona, "The beverage industry in Arizona is getting much more expansive, especially into crafts spirits. And people, the consumers and bartenders, want that expansion." He goes on, "The love and care that goes into creating these products is really attractive and separates them from the large producers. AZCW has built an incredible place where these spirits can shine." Taking our cue from the popularity of last year, we expanded our Craft Spirit Speakeasy to two full days and held our first- ever live speed tasting in the middle of the outdoor Artisanal Spirit & Cocktail Market. Keep reading for more information on the wonderful brands, the delicious cocktails and the talented mixologists who brought them from farm to glass. Robert Camacho, CSS, CSW, Craft Spirits Specialist for Young's Market Company of Arizona (left) with AZCW co-founder Kim Haasarud. Haasarud mentioned how AZCW is growing, "We're in the third year of AZCW and we've really hit our groove. We're already excited for next year!" Spirits Desert of the TP0414_102-132.indd 104 3/21/14 2:52 PM

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