Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/65124
WSWA After Dark Faces on the Convention Floor Although she was dressed as a medieval princess, William Grant and Sons Portfolio Ambassador Charlotte Voisey wasn't afraid to shake at the Wirtz Beverage Nevada afterparty, a period-piece affair that brought the industry together for a nightcap. THE TASTING PANEL's Editor-in-Chief, Anthony Dias Blue (right), joined World Elitie Spirits President Sergei Gremeniuk for a celebratory moment after Platinka Vodka was awarded Best Vodka at this year's San Francisco World Spirits Competition. "We are extremely excited to get a Best Vodka recognition at your tasting this year, as we consider it the most prestigious award worldwide," Gremeniuk told Blue, who is the Executive Director of the Competition. Platinka will be released in the U.S. this summer and will be featured in an upcoming issue of THE TASTING PANEL! Jared Rapp, President of RGI Brands, which offers an exciting line of vodkas called Dragon Bleu, was thrilled to be a part of the convention. "This is such a great opportunity to be in front of the industry," said Rapp. Available in Original, Rose Blossom, White Ginger and Penja Pepper expressions, Dragon Bleu is a versatile three-grain-based vodka produced in Champagne, France. "Mixologists love us," says Rapp. "We don't play games, and we've got some killer cocktail combinations that work with these flavors." At the Anchor Distillers' suite, Brand Liaisons Kate Grutman and Russell Davis were on hand to offer Happy Hour cocktails to industry folk after a long day on the convention floor. "We try to offer a nice relaxing environment to unwind and explore our wonderful portfolio," commented Anchor Events and PR Manager Liz Brusca. After his time as America's favorite TV Bachelor, Envolve winemaker Ben Flajnik was happy to be back among the wine indus- try—even if there was significant buzz in the hall about "Bachelor Ben"— because this time the gossip was about the high quality of the wines coming from the Sonoma producer. We gathered WSWA Senior Consultant Cindy Nachman-Senders for a photo with Flajnik and Envolve business partners Mike Benziger and Danny Fay. One look at the Dos Armadillos Tequila display and it's clear that this is a brand that connects closely with the tradition of Mexico. With stunning signature hand-painted bottles depicting two armadillos coming together to form a circle, the bottle, we are told, represents the balance of light and dark in the world. "We have a lot of secrets to the brand," admits Ana Paula Pelayo, Marketing Director for International Premium Spirits. "But it is also very traditional, because with mystery, there is a lot of energy and connec- tion to the culture and the land." may 2012 / the tasting panel / 121 PHOTO: DANIELLE "DEED" DEBRUNO PHOTO: DANIELLE "DEED" DEBRUNO PHOTO COURTESY OF WORLD ELITE SPIRITS PHOTO: DANIELLE "DEED" DEBRUNO PHOTO:TOM CLARK PHOTO: DANIELLE "DEED" DEBRUNO