The Tasting Panel magazine

September 2015

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september 2015  /  the tasting panel  /  123 As a resident of New Orleans when Tales of the Cocktail began and as an attendee the last couple of years as Wine Director of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, I am well-versed in the frenetic pace that Tales week has—and I look forward to it every year. I recommend that anyone in the business who can, go do it at least once, but know what you are getting into. Here is a glimpse into my week. Tuesday, July 14 7:50 The direct flight from Las Vegas to New Orleans is about one-third beverage guys, including the 2014 Spirited Awards defending champs of the Best American Bar Team from Herbs & Rye. 15:00 Lots of pictures are going to be taken this week, so a trip to one of the country's best haberdashery and barber shop for a trim and a shave. Aidan Gill also provides great hospitality for gentlemen of powerful thirsts. 20:00 R'Evolution for my money is the top restaurant in the Quarter, and tonight it is hosting a civilized cocktail and food pairing featuring El Dorado Distillery rums turned into cocktails by the talented Adam Seger. Did you know there is such a thing as a wooden still? Wednesday, July 15 9:00 New York Times Food section read at Café du Monde, but no chicory coffee for me, thanks. 11:00 In a city loaded with great bars and great bars that feature Bloody Marys, the Chart Room is always a must-visit. 14:00 Shake the Vine Cocktail Competition sponsored by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates at Salon by Sucré. Yes, Suzie, there is wine at TOTC. And the $5,000 goes to Zachary Patterson, co-owner of the Melrose Umbrella Company in L.A. 20:00 Maker's Mark Distiller Rob Samuels unveils his latest cask bottling made exclusively for Commander's Palace. 22:00 Pernod Ricard kick-off party in the Warehouse District. One of the struggles every year with Tales is trying to balance seeing all of the professionals that one needs to meet with and seeing all of the great entertainment available. Pernod took care of both by having Rebirth Brass Band play at their event. Thanks, PR, for not making me have to choose. 23:59 Just outside the Old Absinthe House, we got a bonus of running into David Nepove from the USBG in San Francisco. Thursday, July 16 10:00 After a quick wake-me-up at the Erin Rose, it is into the teeth of the beast we go. Hotel Monteleone is ground zero for the entire event and home to the Bitters Market. 11:00 Off to the hospitality suite for a meet and greet with Beefeater distiller Desmond Payne and Plymouth distiller Sean Harrison. 13:00 The Elyx House for the world's most complex version of a Moscow Mule. How do I get one of those metal pineapple drink cups? 14:00 Midleton Irish Whiskey House at Broussard's. The smoked portobello sliders were an unexpected treat, and so was running into Whiskey Jesus, Ricky Edwards, looking less like Jesus today. I guess someone else went to Aiden Gill as well. 16:00 Beam Brands' Julep House featuring all of the Beam whisky distillers, includ- ing the newly-joined Suntory. 21:00 To Johnny Sanchez for cocktails and to hear Barry Augus, the founder of Tres Agaves, tell about his leap of love into Mexico. Then had to dash to get face time at two other dinners that night and that was just the first three days. You get the idea. Train hard before you go, because you will put on at least ten pounds if you are me. Pace yourself, because it will be hot. And take lots of pictures or you will never remember where you were. PHOTO: SCOTT MYERS A Tales Travel Log BY John Paddon

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