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Gary "Gaz" Regan, Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2012

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 at the Spirited Awards Tales of the Cocktail 2012

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 Bartender

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

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

Liquor.com

 

 

Best High Volume Cocktail Bar

Eastern Standard of Boston, Massachusetts

Eastern Standard Boston

Eastern Standard, Boston, MA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angus Winchester

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

PDT Cocktail Book

 

 

 

 

Cognac Pierre Ferrand 1840 Formula

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

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

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 Three Sheets

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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