NEW ORLEANS, LA – July 12, 2009 – Through the Spirit Awards, Tales of the Cocktail provides recognition to those individuals and establishments that have shown an outstanding talent for advancing the craft of the cocktail. To embody the ideals with which Tales of the Cocktail was originally founded, these awards will provide recognition to both national, as well as to local New Orleanians. Pernod Ricard and Beverage Media group sponsored this year’s second awards show.
Pernod Ricard is proud to be the sponsor of this year’s 3rd Annual Cocktail Spirit Awards - recognizing industry leaders and innovators. For years, Tales of the Cocktail has brought together an incredible group of suppliers, bartenders, writers and the most authoritative experts in the industry- all acting as partners in the celebration and appreciation of cocktail culture. In presenting the Spirit Awards, Pernod Ricard applauds each industry participant and nominee. Also, as part of the evening’s celebration, Beverage Media Group, Inc. a 2009 Spirit Awards partner recognized 10 Up & Coming Mixologists, selected from participants of Tales of the Cocktail’s Apprentice Program.
The 2009 Tales of the Cocktail awards committee is comprised of the following industry leaders:
• Simon Difford (Chairman)
• Julio Bermejo
• Salvatore Calabrese (Best Drinks Selection 2008)
• Frank Coleman
• Dale DeGroff (Helen David Lifetime Achievement 2008)
• Simon Ford
• Ted Haigh
• Michael Menegos
• Sasha Petraske (Best Bar 2008)
• Christy Pope
• Gary Regan (Best Writer 2008)
• Claire Smith
• Nick Strangeway (Bartender of the Year 2008)
• Dave Wondrich (Best Bartending Book 2008)
The 2009 Tales of the Cocktail Spirit Awards Winners were:
• World’s Best Drinks Selection
WINNER - Merchant Hotel, Belfast
• Best American Cocktail Bar
WINNER - Pegu Club, NYC
• World’s Best Cocktail Bar
WINNER - PDT, NYC
• World’s Best New Cocktail Bar
WINNER - Clover Club, Brooklyn
• World’s Best Hotel Bar
WINNER - Merchant Hotel, Belfast
• American Bartender of the Year
WINNER - James Meehan, PDT
• International Bartender of the Year
WINNER - Tony Conigliaro
• Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book
WINNER - The Essential Cocktail – Dale DeGroff
• Best Cocktail Writing
WINNER - Dave Wondrich
• Best New Product
WINNER - Bols Genever
• World’s Best Cocktail Menu
WINNER - Merchant Hotel, Belfast
• Best American Brand Ambassador
WINNER - Simon Ford, Plymouth Gin and Pernod Ricard
• Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER - Peter Dorelli