Off to the beach

So this is it. My first official function as Editor of The Spirits Business and I’m off to Cannes. I should be excited but I’m not. I’m terrified.

Three things I don’t do: vodka, sand and heat. And what’s my first public duty? To address the vodka industry on a beach in the South of France.

I can see it now: row upon row of stony faced Russians and Poles in sunglasses staring at me as I squirm and sweat in front of  them. I’d have had nightmares about it if I’d managed to sleep. Truth be told, I’m about to step outside my comfort zone after 10 years immersed in pretty much nothing but Whisky.  To be fair, I do understand something about a smattering of other spirits, but vodka?

No chance. Boy have I got a lot to learn. At least I have a team of experts working alongside me.

That, though is the point of this diary. I’m hoping to bring a fresh eye to The Spirits Business, report back on whatever I find, and share my journey in to the unknown. And I’m doing so at a great time for spirits.

First up is Cannes, where the Travel Retail industry meets in an explosion of bling. I’ve never been before but 3000 brands are on show, there are countless parties and more than 430 stands to visit. I suspect alcohol may be involved at some point.

So after squirming through The Spirits Business party and the Vodka Masters I’ll be treating proceedings like a marathon not a sprint. Might even let a friendly Russian explain the delights of vodka to me…

Got to go – plane to catch!