Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/566135
september 2015 / the tasting panel / 121 TALES OF THE COCKTAIL Bartenders, spirits educators, brand ambassadors, distillers and enthusiasts from around the globe unite for a common cause . . . boozy education. Celebrating its 13th year, Tales of the Cocktail, themed "Spirits Are Calling. Will You Answer?" did not fall short of expectations. So it begins: Bowling by Spare Room L.A. Meet the Makers sharing their craft. Managing a full schedule of seminars and tasting rooms. Popular talks on peat, sustainable agave, amari, bar business, do's and don'ts, Spanish brandy, rums of Demerara, mezcal, Cuba and flair did not disappoint. Seeking advice from industry vets your thing? Danny Meyer and Union Square Hospitality were in town to chat. Remember: Eat. Enjoy classic NOLA fare—gumbo, po'boys, fried oysters and beignets. Compère Lapin, the new kid in town, did not disappoint. Food is everywhere and it's fantastic. Shop. Cocktail Kingdom, bitters mar- ket, bookstore are all in the Monteleone. Meet old friends. Make new ones. Absorb tips and secrets as you share the humid air with the best. Notable festivi- ties included Pernod Ricard, Yonderyear by William Grant & Sons and Bar Brawl. Experiencing sensory overload yet? Relax with massages from El Silencio, pool parties, baseball tournaments, Beam Suntory Juleps from around the globe, French Embassy savoir faire with Grey Goose, and the Milagro dinner series in the ByWater. Finally, if you've managed to score a ticket, glam up for The Spirited Awards. You can't do it all, but if you survive, the Bon Vivants' Pig and Punch is a good cause. Your liver will recover . . . until next year. —Tarita Liza Noronha, beverage program developer The Pride of Italy Amaro and Italy go hand in hand. "In Italy, we are very proud of our Amaro," proclaims Marco Ferrari, CEO of Montenegro Srl—the company that produces Amaro Montenegro. "Unfortunately, it is lowly appreciated in the U.S., but we want to bring this Italian icon beyond the borders of Italy." To accomplish this task, the company will focus on integrating Montenegro into cocktails within key markets in the U.S. We caught up with Ferrari and his team during Tales to talk about this major initiative: "The first reaction that many have to amaro is that it is an acquired taste," he continues. "Montenegro has a lower proof and a beautiful blend of spices, which makes it more balanced and easier to mix. We want people to understand this and begin to experiment with the brand." At Tales, Montenegro showed off this flexibility through a series of spell- binding performances— including a contortionist and burlesque dancer— that each reflected three drinks: the Monte Mule, which replaces vodka with Montenegro; the Montenegroni, which swaps out vermouth for Monetengero; and the Monte Manhattan, which also substitutes Montenegro for the vermouth and adds a sweeter, herbal character. As this year marks the company's 130th year of making amaro, it looks like Montenegro has plenty to celebrate! —Emily Coleman Marco Ferrari, CEO of Montenegro Srl. PHOTO: SCOTT MYERS Three cocktails featuring Montenegro: the Monte Manhattan, the Montenegroni and the Monte Mule. Tales of the Cocktail 2015 Recalling New Orleans (as we ignore our liver begging for mercy): PHOTO: SCOTT MYERS