Second Day of Tales of the Cocktail

Today was a fabulous day at Tales of the Cocktail! I started out my morning with a Moonshiner's Breakfast! Piedmont Distillers invited me out to try some moonshine over a traditional southern breakfast. Later, I was able to attend the Sherry Council Luncheon. If you haven't you must check out some form of sherry. For more about the luncheon, here you go!

Tasting Rooms

Engineering Gin

Today, I went to a very educational tasting for Citadelle Gin. I learned the secrets behind gin production and Citadelle Gin's 18 botanicals.  The packed room all got a chance to preview the Citadelle Gin Reserve Vintage 2010, which isn't on the market in the US yet.

Oxley Gin

A huge crowd got a chance to taste the world's first small batch of cold distilled gin. This was another educational session, with speakers breaking down the science of cold distills and the process of making their very smooth 94 proof gin.

Cointreau "Bar Star" Mix-Off

This tasting room was a very popular one, with estimated 200 visitors. Four finalists competed in a shake to stir battle, with elite judging panel.  The winner's original cocktail creation earned them the title of the Next Bar Star and a trip to Paris.  Visitors to the room got a chance to try some of the delicious Cointreau cocktails and food from Chef John Besh.

Absolut Brooklyn

This was absolutely my favorite tasting room! Everyone coming in enjoyed the atmosphere, music, food and most importantly yummy cocktails.  Absolut Brooklyn is the new limited edition, city inspired flavored to be added to Absolut Vodka with red apple and ginger flavor. In this tasting, you could have a hot dog with your cocktail as you watch some break dancing!!! One of my favorite cocktails was "The Commute", ingredients included Absolut Brooklyn, Pernod Absinthe, lime juice, Benedictine, pear nectar, honey syrup and angostura bitters.

Check Out Pictures!
Check Out Video!