GSN Alert: Registration Now Open For Bar Convent Brooklyn 2023

NEW YORK (March 1, 2023) – Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB Brooklyn), one of the leading international trade events for the bar and beverage industry, announces the official opening of registration for the 2023 show today. Returning to Brooklyn’s Industry City on Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14, this year’s event marks the fifth in-person show and will have increased space with more exhibitors, demonstrations, and seminars. 

Since the inaugural show in 2018, Bar Convent Brooklyn provides a welcoming and collaborative environment in which industry professionals discuss and celebrate liquid culture through education, networking, and more. The event has seen solid growth each year in the number of attendees, exhibitors, and education sessions, with 2022 reaching record breaking numbers in all three categories. 

“The continued growth of Bar Convent Brooklyn has been absolutely incredible,” Jackie Williams, Bar Convent Brooklyn’s Event Director. “Last year, we reached pre-pandemic numbers, and we know this year will be even more successful. We have really compelling programming and educational sessions that will be sure to delight and inspire attendees. Bar Convent Brooklyn has been and always will be a place for industry friends to come together to learn about the newest trends, try the newest spirits or rediscover some old favorites, network and much more, and I’m excited to welcome everyone to this year’s show.”

What’s New for 2023:

• Education
  • Bar Convent Brooklyn 2023 will feature 14 additional seminars, making for more than 50 educational sessions. 
  • The education committee has carefully curated the Main Stage educational sessions and is comprised by leading industry experts, including:
    • Lynnette Marrero, Co-Founder of Speed Rack and Beverage Consultant
    • Samantha Casuga, Head Bartender at Temple Bar
    • John deBary, Author of Saved By The Bellini
    • Touré Folkes, Founder and Program Director of Turning Tables
    • Chelsea Gregoire, Founder and Hospitality Director of Church Bar and Owner/Consultant of Drinkable Genius
    • Caer Maiko, Co-Creator of Daijoubu Pop-Up and General Manager at DrinkWell
    • Sarah Troxell, Bar Director at Daiquiri Time Out
• And More to Come!
  • Bar Convent Brooklyn will announce additional initiatives, exhibiting brands and the final education program soon. Stay tuned for details. 

Tickets can now be purchased here on the Bar Convent Brooklyn website, starting at an Early Bird Rate of $60 for one-day and $100 for two-days available until April 9. From April 10 – June 10, pre-purchased tickets online will be priced at $80 for one-day and $130 for both days. Upon availability, tickets at the door will be $100 for one day and $160 for two days, starting on June 11. Throughout the two-day event, attendees will be able to take advantage of a myriad of new taste forums, demonstrations, and panel discussions with leading industry experts. 

For more information about attending or exhibiting at Bar Convent Brooklyn, visit BarConventBrooklyn.com. To learn about sponsorship, partnership, and exhibition opportunities, contact Jackie Williams at Jacqueline.Williams@rxglobal.com.

GSN Alert: Craft Beverage Expo Selected Pittsburgh for its 2023 Conference

The 2023 Craft Beverage Expo is being held in Pittsburgh for the first time and will feature a weeklong festival of events throughout Allegheny County, March 27-April 2, 2023. For small-batch brands, the Craft Beverage Expo provides attendees with access to an exciting lineup of industry experts. Educational classes teach how to create a strong brand from professionals in the industry. Last year, CBX was held in Louisville and was a tremendous success. The organizer chose Pittsburgh for its 2023 conference due to the area’s fast-growing craft beverage scene. 

“Our region has been fighting for craft beverage since 1794, dating back to the infamous Whiskey Rebellion. In contemporary times, our craft beverage scene has continued to build in scope, reach, and momentum, making Pittsburgh the perfect destination for a major expo like CBX,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH.

Local brewers and distillers are encouraged to come and learn from industry experts, network with their peers, and discover new ways to grow their businesses. Sessions cover topics that include: empowering women in the industry, navigating markets, consumer experience insights, financing, inclusivity, modern sales strategies, sustainable packaging, and much, much more.

“Those looking for new ways to streamline production will be able to speak with companies that offer turnkey solutions,” said Kellie Shevlin, Executive Director of Craft Beverage Expo, and Distribution.  ”There are so many companies out there that cater specifically to independent producers and they would love your business.”

“You can learn about new technology that will help you source fresh ingredients, manage labels and shipping, and optimize your finances,” added Shevlin. “Whether you operate as an on-premise, off-premise, or third-party organization, the expo is a great way to discover new turn-key solutions for branding, packaging, creative distribution, retail marketing, and other areas that are specific to production and distribution of craft beverages.”  

CBX 2023 highlights every element of craft beverage making, including beer, wine, spirits, cider, sake, mead, and more. CBX is a country-wide celebration, offering education and experiences exploring the craft beverage ecosystem through the Craft Beverage Expo, Craft Beverage Excellence, and Craft Beverage Experience.

CBX will kick off with the industry/tradeshow component, Craft Beverage Expo, taking place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center March 30-31. The Expo focuses on independent beverages and the issues that producers face, from finding the right technology and equipment for their operations to getting their beverages onto stores’ shelves. The tradeshow features vendors looking to partner with craft beverage makers, and the conference features industry-leading speakers discussing topics that range from financing to packaging to distribution.

CBX Experience is a consumer-tasting event inviting small-batch vendors from across Allegheny County to showcase their products to industry partners and the general public. The 2023 inaugural event will take place on March 31, and a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase.

Ongoing throughout CBX, CBX Excellence will engage and activate Allegheny County businesses from hotels, restaurants, culture, and other attractions throughout the region to participate in CBX by offering specials, discounts, events, and more.  

About VisitPITTSBURGH: VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to generating business events, sports events, and leisure travel. For more information, visit visitpittsburgh.com

About the Craft Beverage Expo (CBX) and Distribution Conference: CBX is the leading trade exposition and conference for the entire craft beverage industry, with the primary goal of bringing various vertical beverage markets together to exchange ideas and foster a community of collaboration based on common goals. Whether it is beer, wine, spirits, mead, or cider, Craft Beverage Expo and Distribution Conference focuses on small-batch beverages and the issues that producers face, from finding the right technology and equipment for their operations to getting their beverages onto stores’ shelves. For more information, visit craftbeverageexpo.com

#CraftBeverageExpo

GSN Alert: Grain to Glass: The American Whiskey Experience

Grain to Glass: The American Whiskey Experience, is a hands-on exploration of Brown-Forman’s American whiskey portfolio. Through our historic distilleries and story-rich locations, you have the opportunity to experience the history and craftsmanship of American whiskey like few before.

• The Brown-Forman Cooperage -Tour the historic facility that showcases the art of barrel-raising.
• The Old Forester Distillery – Visit the downtown Lousiville distillery known for creating the First Bottled Bourbon.
• The Woodford Reserve Distillery – Take a peek inside one of Kentucky’s most historic distilling sites.
• The Jack Daniel Distillery – See America’s oldest registered distillery and the historic Cave Spring where every drop of Jack begins.

Along the way you will get a taste of Kentucky and Tennessee culture as the Lush Life team hosts you at one-of-a-kind drinking and dining experiences.

Round trip airfare is provided and will be booked by Lush Life productions. Lodging is provided for the dates of the sessions. Any desired lodging before or after the program dates will need to be covered by the individual.  All meals are provided for the duration of the session dates. Transportation starting with airport pickups through the entire program and ending with airport drop offs will be provided. There will be 27 participants per session.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

GSN Alert: Bartender’s Weekend in San Diego

Bartender’s Weekend was created in an effort to promote the “SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY” that defines our industry.

By building a platform that focuses on community, it is our ultimate goal to bring all aspects of the drinks industry together and place them on an equal footing, while encouraging participants to interact in a positive and professional manner.

Join us in Celebrating the Bar Industry and Supporting its Professionals. And help us to spread the word by following us on social media!

**Please note that Bartender’s Weekend is open only to members of the service and hospitality industry, and/or a directly affiliated business entity, such as a brand, distributor, consultant or agency that works within the drinks industry.**

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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GSN Alert: Tiki By the Sea 2023 Applications now are live!

Tiki by the Sea is a 3-day invite-only bartender experience in Wildwood, NJ, held at the Barcelona Hotel. We will have two separate waves of Tiki By The Sea. Each weekend will be very similar in experiences so you should indicate if you are able to attend both or indicate a particular weekend if you have a preference. The dates are June 11-13, 2023, and June 18-20, 2023. Tiki By The Sea will include extensive seminars on Tropical culture and sugar cane distillates, tastings, and hands-on workshops. There will also be great food, time on the beach, and explorations of the 50’s era town that is Wildwood, NJ. Each presenter is carefully chosen based on their knowledge of not only overall drinking culture and spirits, but specifically Sugar Cane based spirits and Tropical culture. We have had speakers such as Sasha Petraske, Brother Cleve, Shannon Mustipher, Martin Cate, and many other renowned experts on drinks and Tropical life. We are looking to bring an interesting mix of people who are both influencers and future influencers in this industry.

We take the health and wellness of our attendees as well as our staff very seriously. YOU MUST BE VACCINATED TO ATTEND.

All applications are reviewed blind, so please answer as thoroughly as possible. We are looking to build a group of diverse people from all over the country to attend this highly informative and FUN event. We hope to have you join us!

We will meet in New York City and take a bus down to the shore together where we will stay for two nights. You will be responsible for your travel to and from New York.

APPLY HERE

#TikiBytheSea2023

GSN Alert: Camp Runamok Spring and Fall 2023 Applications Now Live

Camp Runamok is a six day adventure located in the heart of Bourbon country, brought to life by the Lush Life Productions team. You’ll spend your days touring Kentucky’s finest distilleries, afternoons by the pool, and nights participating in paintball, talent shows, and campfires with 150 new friends.

Camp Runamok is an experience that extends beyond the time you are with us on site. Camp extends beyond Crescendo, beyond Kentucky, to anywhere you can find a friendly fellow Squirrel.

You can’t begin your Kentucky adventure unless you apply. Applications will close at 11:59 pm ET on Monday, February 8th, 2023.

Apply here.

GSN On the Road: The Lake House in Canandaigua Italian Wine Pairing Dinner

TASTE OF ITALY || WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH – On a rainy Wednesday evening, we had been invited to attend the inaugural wine pairing dinner at The Lake House in Canandaigua’s Rose Tavern. The event was a tasting tour of Buglioni wines, one of the most popular producers in Northern Italy. 

When we checked in, we were greeted with a glass of the house Prosecco, and also had the opportunity to try some of the craft cocktails at the bar. These were novel twists on classics like the Negroni, The French 75 and the Manhattan. At 6pm, the evening started with an introduction from both the GM of the Rose Tavern and the distributor of the wines. Courses came out leisurely, and in between we were given information on the wine’s production and styles, along with brief informational talks by the head chef about each food pairing.

Over the course of two hours, we learned quite a bit about the unique wines from Buglioni, and enjoyed a wide variety of tapas sized platings. We also got to know some of our fellow diners and spent the evening in pleasant conversation.

All in all, it was a fun and lively night. Whether you enjoy wine, beer or spirits, we recommend attending one of the upcoming pairing dinners the next time you visit the Finger Lakes. 

Menu

Course 1: JB’s bread, borlotti beans, sardines, evoo || Paired with Vigliacco Brut Rose

Course 2: Bay scallop, fall apple, radicchio, puttanesca || Paired with Musa Trebbiano Di Lugana

Course 3: Fried ravioli, braised pork, guanciale, vanilla, mascarpone, sauce Rose || Paired with Classic Ripasso Bugiardo

Course 4: Bison, saffron polenta, gremolata, marrow, garden herbs || Paired with Recioto Della Valpolicella

Course 5: Cheese (Old Chatham Creamery Camembert, Lively Run Cayuga Blue & FLX Gold), Truffles (Rosemary Orange, Black Cherry & Pistachio, Maple Prosciutoo, Epsresso and Basil Pine Nut) || Paired with Amarone Della Valpolicella

There are many more wine, beer and cocktail events taking place during the winter months at The Lake House in Canandaigua. Find out more at: Wine, Beer & Spirits Series

GSN Alert: Casa Convite Bartender Residency Deadline is Sept 12th!

Casa Convite, Oaxaca’s most popular local brand of Mezcal, is launching a bartender exchange program designed to bring American bartenders to Oaxaca to live, work, and learn how to make Mezcal. 

You will get the opportunity to live and work from Casa Convite in downtown Oaxaca as part of their immersive Bartender Residency. In exchange for room, board, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to make Mezcal, you will be asked to work short shifts at Convite’s bar and teach one master class for Oaxacan bartenders. This experience is like no other in the industry!

Day 1: Travel into Oaxaca and Meet the Team

Day 2: Visit the Market, Try Oaxacan Food, and Guest Bartending Shift (7-11 pm)

Day 3: Visit the Palenque, Make Mezcal and Dinner at a Local Favorite

Day 4: Museo Gran Cochinilla Tour, Master Class Session, Mezcal Master Class with Jorge Vera with Special Tasting and One More Guest Bartending Shift

Day 5: Monte Albán Tour, Sporting Event

Day 6: Tour Agave Fields, Make Mezcal with the Experts

Day 7: Travel Home

Complete this form to apply!

GSN Alert: Garrison Brothers Distillery Announces 2022 Bourbon Takeover of America

Garrison Brothers Distillery, the award-winning first-legal whiskey distillery in Texas, is proud to announce the 2022 Bourbon Takeover of America kicks off on September 1, 2022. The nationwide creative celebration of all things bourbon, will run for the entire month of September, National Bourbon Heritage Month, at participating bars and restaurants.  

From September 1^st to September 30^th Garrison Brothers Distillery is partnering with America’s best bartenders and chefs, coast to coast, to make the nationwide phenomenon bigger and better than ever. Welcoming anyone of drinking age to toast and taste bourbon-inspired cocktails and bites, tastemakers will showcase their culinary and mixology love for Garrison Brothers bourbon by incorporating the distillery’s bourbon expressions into a unique, limited-time dish and/or cocktail special at their establishment.  

The 2022 Bourbon Takeover of America will take place across the nation across numerous states including but not limited to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas.  

Enthusiasts and newcomers alike are encouraged to download the Garrison Brothers Bourbon Takeover Passport App to find the participating locations nearest them and “check-in”. By checking in and sharing one of the listed locations’ cocktail and/or dish features, participants will be entered to win a prize at the conclusion of the takeover – a custom Garrison Brothers branded barrel head serving tray, mixing glass, stirring spoon and jigger, for the ideal at-home Old Fashioned set up. The more one checks-in, the more chances they have to win. Ten participants with the most check-ins across the country will be selected to win the coveted prize package.  

Notable participants in this year’s Bourbon Takeover of American include: Phoenix Bourbon Room in Phoenix, AZ; The Beehive in San Francisco, CA; The Blind Pig Kitchen & Bar in Rancho Santa Margarita and Yorba Linda, CA; Porta Via in Los Angeles and Palm Desert, CA; Whiskey Star Smokehouse in Breckenridge, CO; Brick House Tavern & Tap in Tampa, FL; Crazy Uncle Mike’s in West Palm Beach, FL; Rosebud Steakhouse in Chicago, IL; Dive Bar in New York, NY; Blue Corn Harvest in Austin, TX; CBD Provisions in Dallas, TX; Pinkerton’s BBQ in Houston, TX; The Hoppy Monk in San Antonio, TX. The full list of participating locations can be found on the Bourbon Takeover of America official website.  

“Bourbon Takeover of America is one of my favorite times of the year! Nothing brings me more joy than seeing folks from all over the country enjoying our fine nectar of the gods while supporting their local establishments and bartenders. It is such fun for us to see how each establishment across the country puts their own spin on our Garrison Brothers Texas straight bourbon whiskey,” shares Robert Cordes, Chief Marketing Dude, Garrison Brothers.  

In 2021, Bourbon Takeover of America garnered over 5 million impressions across digital and social media platforms resulting in tens of thousands of total clicks. Over 75 bars and restaurants participated and there were over 400 check-ins on the app.  

The 2022 Bourbon Takeover of America media partners include: 7×7; Creative Loafing Tampa Bay; CS Magazine; Culture Map Texas; Gotham Magazine; LA Weekly; Orange Coast Magazine; Palm Beach Illustrated; Palm Springs Life; Phoenix Magazine. 

The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Takeover Passport App is available for download in the Apple App and Google Play stores. All 21 years of age and older are welcome to participate. 

To find out more about 2022 Bourbon Takeover of America, go to www.bourbontakeover.com.  

For more information about Garrison Brothers’ award-wining ultra-premium bourbon whiskey go to www.garrisonbros.com 

GSN Alert: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana Raffling a Coveted Flight of 5 Pappy Van Winkle Bourbons

Back by popular demand, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) is raffling five Pappy bottles packaged as a flight. The raffle, which typically sells out quickly, kicks-off Aug. 1.

Each ticket will be sold for $100 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit families who stay at the House when they travel to Louisville for medical care for their children. All programs and services are free of charge to families.

“These five coveted bottles offered as a group directly support sick children and their families,” said Marc Abrams, a well-known bourbon expert based in Louisville. Abrams personally authenticated each bottle and recently appraised this raffle at $17,000. “This raffle has gained a cult following around the nation and I’m thrilled to help,” he said.

The rmhck.org flight includes one bottle each of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year (2020); Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year (2021); Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year (2021); Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, lot b (2019); Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year (2020).

“We’ve chosen to sell 1,984 tickets to commemorate the year 1984, when Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana first opened its doors to families,” said Hal Hedley, the organization’s CEO.

Through the years, this raffle has made an enormous impact on the organization. RMHCK’s Pappy raffle efforts have directly raised $825,000 for the organization since 2019, providing 7,638 nights of comfort for families who travel to Louisville for medical treatment for their children.

“When we sell 1,750 tickets, we will hit $1 million raised through our Pappy Raffle,” said Hedley.

The flight will be raffled at 11am, EDT, Sept. 29. Winner does not have to be present. To purchase tickets: https://bit.ly/3AYMdCU

More details can be found at PappyRaffle.org.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana

Founded in 1984, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) is a Louisville, KY nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that provides the home and support that allows families to stay together while they focus on the healing of their sick children at a critical time. In partnership with area medical facilities, RMHCK also operates Ronald McDonald Family Room Programs at Norton Children’s Hospital, Frazier Rehab Institute and Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital where local families can seek respite. All programs and services are free of charge to families.

In 2021, RMHCK served 992 families for a total of 11,860 nights lodging. For more information, visit rmhck.org or connect with us at @RMHCKentuckiana on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

GSN Alert: Tales of the Cocktail Foundation announces 2022 Spirited Awards® Winners

Lauren Mote

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is honored to announce the winners of the 2022 Spirited Awards^®. Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards have become one of the most globally recognized accolades, recognizing beverage professionals, brands, media, journalists, and establishments across all areas of the cocktail industry. In partnership with Forbes, the Spirited Awards^® official media partner, TOTCF honored the Spirited Awards recipients during an in-person celebration at the conference’s 2022 host venue, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.

Recognized through the lens of this year’s conference theme, “Progress” — chosen for its appreciation of the nimble and adaptive development of the drinks community, the winners of the 2022 Spirited Awards have made strides in progressing the beverage industry forward. Honoring writers and brand ambassadors alongside bartenders and bars, the Spirited Awards showcase talent on a global stage. The evening’s award recipients were carefully considered by a panel of over 200 industry experts, led by Charlotte Voisey, the Spirited Awards Overall Chair. 

“The Spirited Awards celebrates excellence in our industry and this year’s winners embody that standard so well,” says Charlotte Voisey, Spirited Awards Overall Chair. “After a difficult few years, it is truly inspiring to gather together once more and see what these recognitions really mean to everyone nominated.”

In celebrating the growth and achievements of the drinks industry, the Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s winners, broken into International, U.S., Media & Writing, and Global categories, along with announcing the winner of the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and World’s Best Bar. 

2022 Spirited Awards^® Winners:

INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES

International Bartender of the Year presented by Patrón Tequila

• Remy Savage — 🔶🟥🔵 A Bar with Shapes for a Name, London, UK

Best International Bar Mentor presented by Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic 

• Lauren Mote

Best International Brand Ambassador presented by Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic

• Martin Hudak — Mr Black Spirits

Best International Bar Team presented by House of Angostura

• MAYBE SAMMY — Sydney, Australia

Best International Cocktail Bar presented by Tequila Fortaleza

• Tayēr + Elementary — London, UK

Best International Hotel Bar presented by Perrier

• Lyaness at Sea Containers London — London, UK

Best International Restaurant Bar presented by Amaro Montenegro and Select Aperitivo

• Sexy Fish — London, UK

Best New International Cocktail Bar presented by Stranger & Sons

• 🔶🟥🔵 A Bar with Shapes for a Name — London, UK

U.S. CATEGORIES

U.S. Bartender of the Year presented by Del Maguey

• Chris Hannah — Jewel of the South, New Orleans, LA

Best U.S. Bar Mentor presented by BarSmarts

• Sean Kenyon

Best U.S. Brand Ambassador presented by Libbey

• Lynn House — Heaven Hill

Best U.S. Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons

• Katana Kitten — New York, NY

Best U.S. Cocktail Bar presented by Absolut Vodka

• Katana Kitten — New York, NY

Best U.S. Hotel Bar presented by Grey Goose

• Silver Lyan at the Riggs — Washington, DC

Best U.S. Restaurant Bar presented by Maison Ferrand

• Jewel of the South — New Orleans, LA

Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar presented by Aviation Gin

• Happy Accidents — Albuquerque, NM

WRITING & MEDIA CATEGORIES

Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication presented by Diageo Bar Academy

• VinePair 

Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series presented by Diageo Bar Academy

• The Cocktail Lovers 

Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing presented by Diageo Bar Academy

• “Get Real: The bar world looks beyond feel-good measures on sustainability and climate change” by Max Falkowitz for Imbibe Magazine

Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book presented by Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic 

• The Japanese Art of the Cocktail by Masahiro Urushido and Michael Anstendig

Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits presented by Diageo Bar Academy

• The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails edited by David Wondrich with Noah Rothbaum

GLOBAL CATEGORIES

Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

• Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic – Italian Orange 

World’s Best Cocktail Menu presented by Diageo Bar Academy

• Little Red Door — Paris, France

World’s Best Spirits Selection presented by Beam Suntory

• Jack Rose Dining Saloon — Washington, DC

Pioneer Award Presented by The Blend

• Amanda Gunderson – CEO & Co-Founder, Another Round Another Rally

Timeless International Award presented by Jägermeister

• Harry’s New York Bar — Paris, France

Timeless U.S. Award presented by Johnnie Walker

• Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel — New York, NY

Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award presented by William Grant & Sons

• Julie Reiner — Co-Founder Clover Club, Leyenda, Social Hour Cocktails, & Mixtress Consulting

World’s Best Bar presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

• Lyaness at Sea Containers London — London, UK

Spirited Awards Directory

Tales of the Cocktail is excited to share the Spirited Awards® Directory in partnership with marquee sponsor Diageo Bar Academy with support from Angostura, Bacardi Limited, CAMPARI, Elijah Craig, Hendricks Gin, Tequila Fortaleza, and The Blend. Giving discerning imbibers a comprehensive compendium of all 900+ Spirited Awards winners and nominees from the past 16 years, the Directory is an interactive, global map created to easily guide guests to officially recognized Spirited Awards establishments.

This resource will be updated year over year, making it an easy-to-use tool to plan which bars to visit at home or when traveling. Use the Spirited Awards® Directory today to explore award-winning bars, including 183 bars added this year.

The Spirited Awards Chairs and Co-Chairs

Below is a list of Spirited Awards^® Chairs, responsible for overseeing the judging process this year:

• Spirited Awards Overall Chair
  • Charlotte Voisey
• Spirited Awards International Chair
  • Jacob Briars
• Asia Pacific Co-Chairs
  • Lorenzo Antinori
  • Pankaj Balachandran
  • Hayley Morison
  • Charmaine Thio
• Canada Co-Chairs
  • Evelyn Chick
  • Sabrine Dhaliwal
• Europe Co-Chairs
  • Guiseppe Gallo
  • Nicola Riske
• Latin America & Caribbean Co-Chairs
  • Camille Austin
  • Jean Trinh
  • Tato Giovannini
• Middle East & Africa Co-Chairs
  • Cassandra Eichhoff
  • Richard Irwin
• U.S. Central Co-Chairs
  • Bridget Albert
  • Steva Casey
• U.S. East Co-Chairs
  • Laura Cullen
  • Andy Seymour
• U.S. West Co-Chairs
  • Kiowa Bryan
  • Mary Palac
• Writing & Media Co-Chairs
  • François Monti
  • Paul Clarke
  • Matthew Rowley
  • Sandrae Lawrence
• Timeless Co-Chair
  • Christine Sismondo
  • Colin Asare-Appiah

GSN Alert: Seagram’s 7 Gives Back to America’s Dive Bars

Seagram’s 7 Whiskey is partnering with actor and comedian, Iliza Shlesinger, to celebrate Dive Bar Regulars across the Country by picking up their bar tab and giving back to Main Street Alliance with the NEW “Regulars’ Rules” sweepstakes.

As part of the platform, adults (21+) across the US can visit https://www.seagrams7.com/regularsrules to submit their dive bar do’s and don’t’s for a chance to win $700, for the next 700 hours. About every 100 hours, Seagram’s 7 will select a new winner along with a new prompt for the next round–for 7 chances to win.

To help support these small businesses, which include dive bars that have been impacted over the past few years, Seagram’s 7 will donate $7 for every entry (up to $10,000) to Main Street Alliance, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting small businesses including dive bars.

Starting today, the Seagram’s 7 “Regulars’ Rules” National Dive Bar Day Sweepstakes is available for entry on https://www.seagrams7.com/regularsrules until August 5, 2022 (full terms and regulations are available for reference on the Seagram’s website). Until then, fans 21+ can celebrate National Dive Bar Day by entering the sweepstakes before they head on over to their favorite local dive bar.

Seagram’s 7&7 Cocktail Recipe: 

• 1.5 oz Seagram’s 7 Crown Blended Whiskey
• 5 oz. 7UP
• Slice of lime

How to Make:

• Add Seagram’s 7 Crown Blended Whiskey and 7UP soda to a highball glass with ice
• Stir Well
• Garnish with a Lime Slice

GSN Alert: Historic Downtown Long Grove Welcomes Back One of Chicagoland’s Biggest Craft Beer Festivals April 30

Historic downtown Long Grove will once again transform into the suburb’s biggest beer garden on Saturday, April 30 from 12 pm to 4 pm for Craft Beer Fest.  Situated conveniently in the spacious lot in front of the event host, Buffalo Creek Brewing, the annual Craft Beer Fest is a homage to Long Grove’s beer-loving history.  Attendees get a one-of-a-kind experience with dozens of Chicagoland’s most renowned breweries outside under the spring sun with a vintage village as a backdrop.  In addition to unlimited 3 oz. tastes of participating breweries, Craft Beer Fest also features live music and local food options. 

“We’re thrilled to bring back our first big festival of the year after postponing the last couple seasons due to the pandemic,” said Ryan Messner, a spokesperson with Craft Beer Fest’s organizing group, the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association.  “This is the tasting experience of the year in one of Illinois’ most historic towns!”  

Long Grove’s picturesque backdrop helps set this beer festival apart from the rest.  The event gives ticketholders the opportunity to visit any brewer’s stations as much as they’d like to sample freshly brewed suds and get brewing wisdom from the pourer.  Along with beers and local wines from participating vendors, Craft Beer Fest will feature live music and food vendor options from hometown favorites.  

Event Summary Detail: 

Tickets (21 and over):     
•    Full Access – $40 early bird in advance through March 31st or $50 thereafter, available through the website link below.  
•    Non-Drinker / Designated Driver – $10 (includes unlimited water) 

Location: Stempel Parking Lot in front of Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove, IL 60047

Website: https://longgrove.org/festivals/craftbeerfest/ 

GSN Alert: The USBG Foundation’s Wellspring Program is Back!

The USBG Foundation’s Wellspring Program is back and we are excited to announce that in August 2022 the program will be visiting the emerald isle itself, Ireland!

This program engages bar industry professionals in knowledge building and charitable activities around the world. Over several days in August 2022 participants will receive a locally-focused comprehensive alcohol beverage education, explore the culture of Ireland, and engage in charitable work to give back to the community they are visiting. 

If you are an active bar industry professional with alcohol beverage service experience, you are eligible to apply to attend and participate in the Wellspring Program. You do not need to be a member of the USBG to apply or participate in a USBG Foundation program. 

Apply today at www.usbgfoundation.org/wellspring. Application is open March 1 – May 31, 2022.