Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/41419
THE MESSAGE he Kentucky Bartender's Guild launch party showcased the state's top bartending talent, including Tales of the Cocktail presenters Josh Durr, Larry Rice and Jared Schubert, as well as THE TASTING PANEL's August 2010 cover mixologist, Gary Gruver. In a trade-style tasting, more than 150 people attended and enjoyed 12 original cocktail recipes. Product was pro- vided by Four Roses, ABSOLUT, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Woodford Reserve, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Bulleit Rye, Old Fitzgerald, Burnett's Gin, 10 Cane Rum, Belvedere 80 Unfi ltered, Bärenjäger and Angel's Envy. —Fred Minnick Bluegrass Bartenders' Bash T A Sparkling Soiree B ubbles reigned when we attended a VIP press luncheon for Champagne Ruinart at the new Mr. C hotel in Beverly Hills. Unveiling the new 2002 vintage of their prestige Dom Ruinart, the house offered an impres- sive spread with four courses and four amazing champagnes. Beginning the lunch, the Ruinart Blanc de Blancs was perfectly complemented by prosciutto with melon, while the second course of grilled branzino accompanied the debuted 2002 tête-de-cuvée. Back row, left to right: Clay Livingston, head bartender at Mitchel's Fish; David Aaron Mitchell, bartender at Doc Crow's Smokehouse & Raw Bar; Larry Rice, founder/bartender of Silver Dollar; Casey Thruman, bartender at The NA Exchange; Ryan Rogers, freelance chef and mixologist. Middle row, let to right: Josh Durr, founder of the Hawthorne Beverage Group; Ian Hall, owner and head bartender at The NA Exchange; Kamryn Conn, mixologist at Mozz; Felicia Corbett, freelance bartender; Kyle Higgins, mixologist at Eddie Merlot's; Chelsea Stone, freelance bartender; Jared Schubert, freelance bartender; and Jacquelyn Marie Pobst, bartender at Doc Crow's. Bottom, left to right: Adam Breitenstein, bartender at Mozz; Gary Gruver, owner/head bartender at Martini's Italian Bistro; and Mikey Padgett. Yes! Take Me Out to the Ballgame! A Frédéric Panaiotis, Chef de Caves at Ruinart, hosted a tasting at the new Mr. C hotel in Beverly Hills. t a Milwaukee Brewers home game in Miller Park on July 26, the folks from YES Vodka threw the fi rst pitch as the Brewers took on the Chicago Cubs. Pictured left to right: Kevin Coo, Pure Spirits Worldwide & YES Vodka; Larry Wojciak CEO PSW and Yes Vodka; Brian Young, co-owner, Brewski's sports bar in Milwaukee; and Kevin Nugent, co- owner, Milwaukee Steakhouse. Must have been a lucky pitch—the fi nal score: Milwaukee 3, Chicago 2. 18 / the tasting panel / september 201 1 The third course offered the 1996 and 1993 vintages, which hardly seemed related. The '96 boasted a bold and laser-like explosion of fl avor, while its subtler '93 sibling was smooth and approachable. The luncheon was hosted by Frédéric Panaiotis, the ever-viva- cious Chef de Caves at Ruinart since 2007. Ruinart is imported by Moët Hennessy USA. —Megan Wieczorek PHOTO: ELIZABETH KATE PHOTO: MEGAN WIECZOREK