Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/960891
april 2018 / the tasting panel / 69 A journey to a beverage conference wouldn't be complete without cocktails, and the passengers gathered to order options ranging from Piña Coladas with Beach Whiskey Island Coconut to a Martini riff featuring Absolut Elyx and orange bitters. With a refreshing drink in hand, the guests were greeted by hosts Andrew McGinnis and Billy Bush—both of Beach Whiskey—and Patrick Henry himself. As lunch was served inside the dining car remi- niscent of Murder on the Orient Express (minus the titular crime, thankfully), the passengers took in unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean as the train wound its way down the coast. New acquaintances were made as the likeminded group caught each other up on trends and developments unfolding behind the scenes in the beverage industry, but the ride wasn't all cocktails and work: Author and train enthusiast Eric W. Peterson also handed out copies of his 2016 novel The Dining Car, which fittingly takes place on a vintage private railroad car. After what seemed like too short a time, the train pulled up to the historic Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, where guests disembarked to attend the opening event of the VIBE Conference at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Although the main event was still forthcoming, the train trip gave participants an unconventional experience to remem- ber long after the conference concluded. The viewing dome on the second story of the train inspired a toast from a group of attendees: Andrew McGinnis of Beach Whiskey, Sam Spoehr of Bludso's Bar & Que, Jesse Hom- Dawson of The Tasting Panel, and Mary Beth and Tenner Gallagher of Hahn Wine Company. The train, owned by Texas-based marketing agency Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, featured a surprisingly- large lounge and dining car where guests could mingle and enjoy their drinks. All aboard! Anna Orton-Pujol of Mastro's, Patrick Henry of Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, Robbi Jo Oliver of Mastro's, Andrew McGinnis of Beach Whiskey, Sharyn Regan of Ruby Tuesday's, and Billy Bush of Beach Whiskey get ready to hop on the train at Union Station in Los Angeles as they depart for the VIBE Conference in San Diego, CA.