Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/80298
PARTY PEOPLE It's no surprise that Tales played host to some of the biggest and best cocktail parties of the year. From the ABSOLUT welcome reception, where bartend- ers from around the world crafted their signature cocktails, to the famed Pig & Punch, hosted by the Bon Vivants, which raised over $21,000 for the New Orleans KIPP Charter Schools, the industry was in a revelous mood. NOLA went New York City with a pop-up version of famed Big Apple cocktail bar Employees Only, complete with on-the-spot E.O. tat- toos and guest bartending by some of the country's hottest female 'tenders. Bar consultant Willy Shine of Contemporary Cocktails bartended at the Jägermeister Pool Party on the rooftop of The Monteleone, home base for Tales of the Cocktail. In late July, the world's eye was trained on London, where athletes from around the world gathered to compete head-to-head in the XXX Olympic Games. There, die-hard fans rooted for their home team, and the entire city was awash in feverish awe of the capabilities of the human body. But 4,500 miles to the southwest, a different kind of crowd was gathering in the humid streets of New Orleans. Mustachioed men shined their shaker tins, brands brought out their biggest bottles and spirit writers sharp- ened their wits for the biggest industry event of the year, the mix-Olympics, if you will: Tales of the Cocktail. As the Olympic Village filled up with athletes dreaming of gold, the French Quarter became the meeting-place for those on a quest for cocktails. From seminars detailing the history and future of pisco, to competitions pitting the best of the best bartenders against each other, to tasting rooms that gave craft spirits the chance to shine and big brands room to demonstrate why they're so well-loved, Tales of the Cocktail is an imbibing experience of epic proportions and a must-attend for anyone who takes their spirits seriously. "I've been through eight wonderful years at Tales of the Cocktail," said Willy Shine, whose consulting company, Contemporary Cocktails Inc., has helped develop some of the nation's top mixed drink programs, "and each one proves to be the best gathering of cocktail, spirit and beverage lovers and professionals." With each year better than the last, 2012 marked a milestone anniversary as Tales' tenth birthday, and the industry responded with fervor, proving once again that Founders Ann and Paul Tuennerman have the full support of the cocktail community: "Ann and I were overwhelmed with the level of support and admiration that the industry expressed," admitted Paul. "We expect to repay the gener- osity of those who have attended Tales of the Cocktail over the last decade by working tirelessly on 2013's event," he continued, eye already on the prize for the next magical moment for the industry. With so many fabulous Tales events to choose from, there were enough photos and faces to fill the pages of THE TASTING PANEL five times over, but here's a quick look at some of the people whose time in New Orleans helped make this a Tales to remember. Southern Wine and Spirits Director of Mixology David Nepove at the Diageo World Class Happy Hour. Diageo and William Grant & Sons also got into the revelling mood, with the Diageo Happy Hour bringing bartenders from across the country together to sling signature drinks. Southern Wine & Spirits Director of Mixology David Nepove, who was pouring a Johnnie Walker Blood and Sand cocktail for the crowd, remarked, "This is what Tales is all about: good drinks and good people." But the fête of all fêtes was hosted by the William Grant brands in celebration of Tales' tenth anniversary. Greeted with fireworks, flame-throwing Hendrick's Brand Ambassadors and Monkey Shoulder cocktails shaken by Innovation Whiskies Brand Ambassador Freddy May while jumping on a trampoline, the entire cocktail community descended on the New Orleans Museum of Art to wish Tales a happy tenth. "We wanted to honor Ann and Paul for all they've done for the community," said Charlotte Voisey, Portfolio Ambassador for William Grant & Sons. september 2012 / the tasting panel / 113 PHOTO: ALLISON LEVINE PHOTO: FYM PRODUCTIONS PHOTO: RACHEL BURKONS