Tales of the Cocktail

Marko and I just got back from Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans... It was my first time in that city and I am IN LOVE with it! We attended some fantastic seminars (history of Tiki Bars, Rum Running, history of extracts, etc) and hung out with some of our favorite industry people from all over the world. I'm happy to share the following winners of the Spirited Awards Winners!

TOTC Spirited Awards Winners!

• World's Best Cocktail Menu: Death & Co, NYC!!!!!
• Helen David Lifetime Achievement Awards: Brian Rea
• Best International Brand Ambassador: John Gakuru, Sagatiba
• Best American Brand Ambassador: Charlotte Voisey, Hendrick's
• Best Bar Mentor: Dale DeGroff
• Best New Product: Celery Bitters, The Bitter Truth
• Best Cocktail Writing: CLASS Magazine
• Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book: Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh
• International Bartender of the Year: Agostino Perrone, The Connaught Hotel, London
• American Bartender of the Year: Murray Stenson, Zig Zag
• World's Best Hotel Bar: The Bar at The Connaught Hotel, London
• World's Best New Cocktail Bar: Mayahuel, NYC
• World's Best Cocktail Bar: The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

Thank you everyone for such a great time, we'll be there next year - hope to see you there!