Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/188061
The Discussion: A Panel of Buyers and Suppliers Moderated by our very own Publisher/ Executive Editor, Meridith May, this panel covered everything from industry trends, to craft spirits and from effective buyer/supplier relationships to consumer reactions. Below are a few of the highlights: Is the consumer changing with the craft beer market? "Unlike wine and spirits, the beer guys kind of self-anointed themselves as the judges. So it's more of a blogger, Facebook world and it's spread more by recommendation and word of mouth. —J. Smoke Wallin, Chairman & CEO, Lipman Brands What's the trick to fitting into the mixology world as a distributor? "Fortunately, I was able to come from that world of these educated bartenders and clients with really high standards. Luckily, I am accepted by them for that reason. But I see my counterparts in other cities being accepted as well and I think it's because of the integrity that comes from being a part of the wine world, too. " —Levi Walker, Craft Spirit Manager, Young's Market Company of San Diego How do you, as a certified Sommelier, sell products that don't suit your taste? "I try to find value in anything that I try. I tell my customers every day that there is something out there for everyone. My biggest push is that I wasn't born this way. We all started somewhere. I try to find value in even very inexpensive bottles of wine and show that to someone just starting out. I really want to take that pretension out of wine. —Jacqueline Stoll, Wine Buyer, BevMo! Of Orange County Left to right: Zack Romaya, owner, Old Town Liquor; Scott Shumate, Beverage Manager, Sheraton San Diego; Trish Watlington, owner, The Wellington; Meridith May, Publisher/Executive Editor, THE TASTING PANEL; Jeff Josenhans, F&B Director, US Grant Hotel; Tony Konja, owner, Keg-N-Bottle Liquor Store; Jim Simpson, Owner, Martinis Above Fourth; Layne Nguyen, GM, Nobu; Brandon Coyle, GM & Buyer, K'n B Cellers; and Jacqueline Stoll, Orange County Wine Buyer, BevMo! Speeding through San Diego NEW AND UNIQUE BRANDS WERE THE TOPIC OF OUR LATEST SUPER SIPPING ADVENTURE W ith the breathtaking background of the marina at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, our ten judges settled in to taste ten wonderful brands. With only a short ten-minute presentation, each representative revealed what they thought buyers needed to know about their brand and what made it unique. october 2013 / the tasting panel / 129 TP1013_104-152.indd 129 9/23/13 10:36 PM