Author, Bartender and Mixologist Gary “Gaz” Regan just before accepting the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2012 – photo courtesy Tales of the Cocktail
BourbonBlog.com celebrated in New Orleans as The Spirited Awards were given to the World’s Leaders in the Spirits Industry as a part of the 10th Anniversary Celebration.
We gathered at the new Hyatt Regency in New Orleans to honor industry leaders at Tales of the Cocktail 2012’s Annual Spirited Awards.
The celebration was hosted by the lovable co-hosts Simon Ford and TV host Zane Lamprey, which was proudly presented by Tales of the Cocktail, Pernod Ricard USA and the Beverage Media Group. The entertaining awards show honored eighteen of the world’s top mixologists, brand ambassadors, bars, spirits, authors and more.
The “Ford Lamprey Bar” took center stage as hosts Simon Ford and Zane Lamprey entertained 1,000 attendees, while the Crooners provided the fitting music and humor throughout evening with their British inspired stylings.
It is quite clear that this year, London’s cocktail community took home top honors at the ceremony. Artesian at the Langham flew home with World’s Best Hotel Bar and Artesian’s bartender, Alex Kratena, was honored with the title of International Bartender of the Year.
Other Londoners who took the honor home included: The Connaught Bar, the winner of World’s Best New Cocktail Bar, Callooh Callay, the winner of World’s Best Cocktail Menu, Salvatore’s at the Playboy took home the trophy for World’s Best Drinks Selection and the Zetter Townhouse is the 2012 winner of World’s Best New Cocktail Bar.
All award winners were honored with Reidel Crystal trophies and Barwear Jackets from Chefwear.
“Every nominee this year I felt deserved to be there. It really did represent the best of the best when it comes to bars and bartenders and the people that support it,” said Simon Ford, Chairman of the Spirited Awards and Director of Brand Director of Education of Pernod Ricard USA.
Pernod Ricard USA co-presented The Spirited Awards Tales of the Cocktail 2012, photo courtesy Tales of the Cocktail
The 2012 Spirited Award® Winners:
American Bartender of the Year
Joaquin Simo of New York, New York
Joaquin Simo of New York Wins American Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2012
Best American Brand Ambassador
Jim Ryan of New York, New York
Best American Cocktail Bar
The Varnish of Los Angeles, California
Best Bar Mentor
Steve Olson of New York, New York
Best Cocktail Writing – Author
David Wondrich of New York, New York for his writing on Liquor.com
Mixologist Dave Wondrich wins award for Best Cocktail Writing for his writing on Liquor.com at Tales of the Cocktail 2012 Spirited Awards
Best Cocktail Writing – Non Book
Liquor.com
Best High Volume Cocktail Bar
Eastern Standard of Boston, Massachusetts
Eastern Standard, Boston, MA
Angus Winchester wins Best International Brand Ambassador at Tales of the Cocktail 2012 Spirited Awards
Best International Brand Ambassador
Angus Winchester of London, United Kingdom
Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book
PDT Cocktail Book by Jim Meehan & Chris Gall
Best New Product
Cognac Pierre Ferrand 1840 Formula of Bonbonnet, France
Best Restaurant Bar
Slanted Door of San Francisco, California
International Bartender of the Year
Alex Kratena of London, United Kingdom
The Connaught Bar, London, England
World’s Best Cocktail Bar
The Connaught Bar of London, United Kingdom
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
Callooh Callay of London, United Kingdom
World’s Best Drinks Selection
Salvatore’s at The Playboy of London, United Kingdom
Artesian at The Langham of London
World’s Best Hotel Bar
Artesian at The Langham of London, United Kingdom
World’s Best New Cocktail Bar
The Zetter Townhouse of London, United Kingdom
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award
Gary Regan of New York, New York
Zane Lamprey is a comedian, actor, editor, producer, and writer for television and movies and former host of Three Sheets. He joined Simon Ford in co-hosting the Tales of the Cocktail 2012 Spirited Awards. Photo by Rod Foster
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