Tales of the Cocktail in pictures: Part one

A whirlwind of seminars, parties, networking and tastings; Tales of the Cocktail is one of the industry’s most exhilarating events. Haley Forest gives the lowdown on her experience in the first edition of a two-part picture round-up.

Tales of the Cocktail is as much about having a chance to network and let loose as it is educational. Every year, all the top brands – as well as many of the smaller ones – throw extravagant parties showcasing their portfolios and company ethos. Highly coveted, these tickets and wristbands are quite literally a priceless key to a world beyond the everyday.

Part of their annual concert, Jameson brought in Austin musician Gary Clark Jr to play an exclusive show at Republic. Known for his jazz and blues inspired rock & roll, he played to a packed house.

Built in 1949, this 25-seat, circular, revolving bar is a New Orleans landmark and a classic Tales spot. Making a full rotation every 15 minutes, it’s the perfect spot to grab a last minute Bloody Mary before an early seminar, run into old friends you’ve not seen since last year, or make new ones while navigating the continually moving seats.

William Grant & Sons always throw a spectacular party on Wednesday nights and this year was no exception with the wonderfully bizarre theme of Party On Your Palate. Held at the Orpheum theatre, the whole space was dressed up as a giant mouth with each brand representing a different part of how we experience taste.

The Drambuie bar was the Sweet Suite, meant to represent a disco party on the tip of the tongue where you experience sweetness. They had a massive rotating punch bowl, smaller turntable punches and served drinks garnished with rock candy sticks.

Jacob Briars from Bacardi moderated a seminar about music and how important it is to a bar. With a panel consisting of DJ and former Beefeater brand ambassador Nick Van Tiel, music industry veteran Vishal Vassan and DJ & producer Jillionaire (of Major Lazor). From what BPM benefits what mood, how to build out a space with music in mind, legal issues of steaming and more this is an often overlooked subject.

Once again Bacardi returned to their winning formula of throwing a “Block Party” to showcase their portfolio. Held at the Sugarmill, they transformed the warehouse into a row of townhouses with each one highlighting a different product. DJ group Major Lazor was in charge of the tunes, keeping the crowd moving to the beat all night long.

Along one of the walls at the Bacardi portfolio party was a massive chalk board with a space to write your plans for the evening. Titled Before I Leave Tonight, there was everything from the serious to the absurd.

With so many attentive eyeballs in one place, brands would do anything to stand out and capture the bartender’s attention.  Deep Eddy Vodka embraces the vintage look and brought out their Victory Belles, decked out with patriotic colours from head to toe.

Eggs are frequently used to change the texture in our drinks, but have you ever wondered how it came about? Tim Herlihy from Tullamore Dew (and son of an egg farmer) lead a conversation along with Nathan O’Neil from The NoMad and Nick Wright from Suffolk Arms about how, when, and why.