Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/646914
march 2016 / the tasting panel / 7 Tales has become." This reach is especially important to the company's quest to continue to build its on-premise presence, which was non-existent three years ago. With bartenders from all corners of the globe converg- ing in the Big Easy, Ole Smoky will educate bartenders on a much bigger scale about the process and mysteri- ous history behind the category. "We wanted to bring Apple Pie 70 into the competition because apple pie is synonymous with moonshine," says Bruno. As folklore tells it, the lower-proofed fruit liquors were made for the "church ladies" to keep them quiet—as long as everyone was happy, no one would get in trouble. Its legends like this one that make moonshine the perfect fit for today's story-driven cocktail culture. During the contest, the brand also hopes to show off the versatility of the liquid inside the Mason jar. "Since the finals occur in summer," Bruno notes, "we are excited to see the bartenders use different ingredients and themes from last year and with an expression that is traditionally seen as a fall flavor." To ensure that it can be easily reproduced, bartenders will have a limit on how many ingredients they can utilize in a drink, which Ole Smoky sees as an opportu- nity for creativity. They hope to add innovative options to their already impressive library of cocktails. Oh, and bartenders: Did we mention that $5,000 cash prize? Enter today for your chance to snag it. Ole Smoky's Meg Bruno, Vice President, Marketing, tries her hand at the Bimini ring toss game at their offices in El Segundo, CA. Want to get in on e action? Regional competitions will take place during the below dates and times: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Monday, March 21st at JJ Bootleggers at 7 pm Nashville, Tenneee: Monday, April 11th at The Stillery at 7 pm Dallas, Texas: Monday, April 18th at Pepper Smash—A Cocktail Kitchen at 7 pm Cincinnati, Ohio: Tuesday, April 19th at Rusconi Pizza Pub at 7 pm If you have any questions or are interested in entering the competition, email mastersofmoonshine@osdistillery.com for more information. If you would prefer to just watch and enjoy some delicious cocktails, check out the final- ists at this year's Tales of the Cocktail. The Ole Smoky Moonshine tasting room will run from 3–5 pm on Wednesday, July 20th in the Royal C & D Tasting Room at the Hotel Monteleone. PHOTO: NINO ANDONIS