The Spirit World

Tales of the Cocktail is an annual event in New Orleans to celebrate the history and appreciation of cocktails, the spirits that go into them, and the people who make them. In July, they held their sixth conference, and this was also the second time they also held their “Spirited Awards” ceremony where they recognize significant achievements and efforts across various categories. Previously I listed out for you all of the nominees, but now that the event is over, it’s time to name names and let you know who the winners were.

Notable this year in the awards was an international recognition of people, venues, and products. While cocktails may have originated in the United States, their impact, and their craftsmanship can be seen and appreciated all over the world. A challenge with spreading such a broad scope over these awards is of course being able to adequately experience and understand the various offerings. The overall awards process is overseen by Simon Difford, noted authority on cocktails and bar culture, and author of “DiffordsGuide to Cocktails”. To assist Simon in reviewing the nominees and carefully selecting the winners, he has gathered an international panel of judges consisting of:

Helmut Adam - Editor of Mixology Magazine
Jacob Briars - Vodka Professor for 42 Below
Philip Duff – Cocktail Expert and Consultant to Bols
Robert Hess – Host of “The Cocktail Spirit” and a founder of “The Museum of the American Cocktail”
Anistatia Miller – Author and Director of Exposition Universelle des Vins et Spiritueux
Xavier Padovani – Global Brand Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin
Audrey Saunders – The Libation Goddess behind the Pegu Club
LeNell Smothers – The Spirited Palate behind LeNells, NYC
Jamie Terrell – Mixologist and Sagatiba Global Brand Ambassador
Charlotte Voisey – Mixologist and William Grant Ambassador
Angus Winchester – Playboy Bartender and Founder of Alconomics

…all of whom worked closely together to select this year’s winners. So without further adieu, here they are:

World’s Best NEW Cocktail Bar
Le Lion - Bar de Paris - Hamburg, Germany
 
Best New Product
Fever Tree Mixers

Best Cocktail Writing
Gary Regan (San Francisco Chronicle)

Best Drinks Brand Representative/Brand Ambassador
Xavier Padovani – Hendrick’s Gin 

Best Cocktail Menu
1806 Bar in Melbourne, Australia

Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book
“Imbibe!” by David Wondrich
 
Best Classic Cocktail Bar
Milk and Honey, New York City
 
Best Drinks Selection
Salvatore at Fifty

Mixologist/Bartender of the Year
Nick Strangeway – Hawksmoor, London, England
 
World’s Best Cocktail Bar
Milk & Honey New York

Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award
Dale DeGroff - King Cocktail

Plans are already starting up for next year’s “Tales of the Cocktail” (July 8th thru 12th), and we are all looking forward to another round of Spirited Awards, will your favorite bar or bartender perhaps be one of the nominees?

(Photograph courtesy Jennifer Mitchell Photograpy)