Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/16170
A Taste of What Happens at Tales A s cocktail culture continues to spread throughout the U.S. and abroad, Tales of the Cocktail is the key event of the year to witness the industry’s growth. There are multiple benefits to attending Tales: exposure to hundreds of brands and products; more than 60 educational and informative (and tasty) seminars; meeting thousands of industry members from around the world; seeing old friends and making new ones . . . and, of course, the cocktail parties. Here’s a photographic look at this year’s event. photos by Allison Levine Competitions Numerous competitions took place throughout the week, with bartenders from around the country competing against each other. The Amarula Experiment Throwdown Tony Abu-Ganim and Francesco LaFranconi mix up cocktails during Diageo’s Cocktail Hour, where cocktails from the 1920s to the present were tasted. Tastings Competitors (left to right) Andrew B. Friedman, Liberty Bar, Seattle, WA; Chris Hannah, Arnaud’s, New Orleans, LA; Justin Noel, Pranna, New York, NY; Cesar Romero, V Bar, Miami, FL; Emilio Tiburcio, Fusion Bar at Palazzo Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, NV. Cabana Bartender Olympics featured teams from the West Coast, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and Home Team New Orleans Glace Luxury Ice Company Founder Roberto Sequeira displays his ice balls, which are double-distilled using a proprietary filtration system and then packaged in a resealable pouch with a one-way air valve. DFBar Visits Master Distiller Jean- Sebastien Robiquet unveils two new products: L’Esprit de June, a vineflower liqueur, and Excellia, a new tequila aged in cognac barrels and Sauternes wine casks and then blended. The winning West Coast team: (left to right) Alex Straus, Scott Baird, Josh Harris, Jason Bran and Walter Moore with Matti Anttila of Cabana Cachaça. Antoine’s Bartender Desanae Simms and Arnaud’s Bartender Christopher Hannah mix up classic cocktails, such as the Sazarac, French 75 and Pimm’s Cup and Thaïs Solano from Pirate’s Alley Café serves up absinthe cocktails. september 2010 / the tasting panel / 93