Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/91577
Arizona in metro area, the L.A. and NYC bar veteran was surprised: "When I moved here, I quickly discovered that the community was small, but it was deinitely illed with some passionate people." W Discovering that there were mixology-minded bartenders, distributors and brands carv- ing a toehold for themselves in the southwest, Haasarud knew that there was talent to tap in the Valley of the Sun. Together with other founders, Ross Simon, Jason Asher, Damon Scott, Layla Linn and Jason Girard, Haasarud took a cue from other metropoli- tan areas where spirits were put in the spotlight in a week (or so) of cocktail celebrations and seminars. hen Arizona Cocktail Week producer Kim Haasarud found herself living in the Phoenix Action THE SECOND ANNUAL ARIZONA COCKTAIL WEEK IS ON THE HORIZON: COCKTAILS, COMPETITIONS AND CACTI, OH MY! "It started as an idea on a napkin," laughs Haasarud, "but since then, we've really been able to push this for- ward to a place where, on a na- tional level, Phoenix is not too far behind. And our mission is to help the industry as a whole under- stand that." With the kickoff event in 2012 a success ("Last year was fan- tastic," comments Haasarud), 2013 looks to be even bigger and better, and THE TASTING PANEL is proud to be the oficial media sponsor of this year's Arizona Cocktail Week. From intense competitions to our signature speed tasting series, we'll be there to bring you the best of the west. Stay tuned to upcoming editions, www.tastingpan- elmag.com and our Face- book page for more on Arizona Cocktail Week, which runs Feb 16-22 2013. See you in Phoenix! Arizona Cocktail Week founders Kim Haasarud, Ross Simon, Jason Asher, Damon Scott, Layla Linn and Jason Girard. 48 / the tasting panel / november 2012