2021 NIGHTCLUB & BAR SHOW LAUNCHES NEW LIVE EMPLOYMENT ZONE IN LAS VEGAS, JUNE 29 – 30

May 10, 2021 by evebushman

Las Vegas – Recognized as the nation’s most influential gathering of bar and restaurant owners and operators, the 2021 Nightclub & Bar Show invites hospitality professionals to take advantage of the newly created Employment Zone, hosted live on the expo floor June 29 – 30, 2021.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: CEO of Brewdog USA Tanisha Robinsnon (L) and David Kaplan speak during day three of the 34th annual Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show on March 27, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Nightclub & Bar Media Group)

Over the past 12 months the hospitality industry employment rate has hit some major lows, but with vaccinations steadily increasing, and bars and restaurants quickly re-opening, owners and operators are stating one of the toughest challenges they currently face is restaffing. The new Employment Zone is free to access and encourages hospitality professionals to discuss open positions within bars and restaurants in the local area, plus gain instant and free advice on important career skills including resume writing, interview techniques and effective networking, as well as gaining critical insight into the needs of current employers.

“We are very excited to be hosting a live Nightclub & Bar Show this year,” said Tim McLucas, Vice President, Hospitality Group of Questex. “It’s been an unprecedented year of challenges, and we are committed to supporting the industry recovery. This new initiative is our way of giving back to the community, by connecting available jobs with the people who need them. We’re bringing leaders, innovators, and industry professionals together to find new opportunities and get back to work.”

To ensure the health and safety of attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and staff, the 2021 Nightclub & Bar Show will implement robust cleaning procedures and follow new standards for crowd density and social distancing set forth by state and local mandates. The expo floor will undergo frequent cleaning and sanitization with an emphasis on high touch points, and hand sanitizer stations and disposable facemasks will be available in clearly marked areas. For additional information regarding Nightclub & Bar Show’s health and safety protocol, visit www.ncbshow.com/besafe.

To sign-up for free access to the Employment Zone click here. To learn more about registration or other programs and activation at the 2021 Nightclub & Bar Show June 28 – 30, 2021, visit www.ncbshow.com. Additional details about the Employment Zone, Expo Floor, Educational Workshops, Speakers, Nightlife Activations and more will be announced in the coming weeks. Nightclub & Bar Show is a trade event and not open to the general public.

###

About Nightclub & Bar Show

Nightclub & Bar Show is the go-to resource for the bar and restaurant industry. Mirroring the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry, Nightclub & Bar has been providing the specific tools that bar and restaurant owners, operators and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry. Nightclub & Bar Show is part of the Bar & Restaurant Group, a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces VIBE Conference, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com.

About Questex

Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Questex to Bring the Bar and Restaurant Community Together Safely in Las Vegas to Learn, Network and Build an Unbreakable Industry: Nightclub and Bar Show 2021 Takes Place June 28-30

March 20, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK – (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questex’s Nightclub & Bar Show 2021, North America’s premier conference and expo for the bar and restaurant industry, will take place June 28-30, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Registration is now open for the in-person event. Click here to register.

The bar and restaurant industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic and in an immediate effort to support the industry, Bar & Restaurant launched Evolve, a six-month education and networking program to keep operators informed and engaged during the toughest winter months. Now that there are emerging signs of recovery, a vital next step is to bring the industry together in a safe, in person environment and apply these key new learnings to get business back to work.

Tim McLucas, Vice President, Bar & Restaurant, Questex said, “The pandemic has had a devastating effect on bars, restaurants and hospitality venues. Supporting the industry to get their premises open again as quickly as possible is our main priority, and providing access to the latest education, new products, innovation, and know-how in a live setting, is an important component of this recovery. A major focus of the event will be on food – helping small and mid-sized operators purchase mobile kitchen equipment, introduce new menu items, sample new food products, and attract new guests. This is a pivotal moment to strengthen the industry for long term future success.”

Nightclub & Bar Show 2021 will offer bar and restaurant owners the knowledge, energy, and new solutions they need to evolve their businesses:

The conference program will feature keynotes, bootcamps, certifications and a series of educational breakout sessions and workshops on the following topics: Food & Beverage, Guest Experience, Staff & People, Operations and Marketing & Promotions and Technology.
The Expo Hall will feature 300 exhibitors including a Food & Beverage Innovation Center, a dedicated area of food and food service equipment suppliers with access to expert demonstrations, tastings and Chef meet and greets and new interactive experiences addressing the state of the industry including: Food Festival, Sports Bar, White Claw Hard Seltzer Bungalow, and NxT, which showcases the latest creations, trends and innovations of the food and beverage industry.

Exhibitors and sponsors participating at Nightclub & Bar Show 2021 include: Diageo, Heineken, White Claw Hard Seltzer, American Nightlife Association, Truly Hard Seltzer, Ultimate Bars, Blondies, Liquid Death Mountain Water, Rums of Puerto Rico, and Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill.

The health and safety of exhibitors, sponsors and attendees is Nightclub & Bar Show’s top priority. Following federal and local guidelines, Questex has crafted unique protocols for each event experience, which includes event specific health and safety initiatives, response team identified for every event and on-site health and safety guidelines. For more details on the on the company’s health and safety protocols, please visit https://questex.com/event-safety/.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jamie Schroeder at jschroeder@questex.com or Veronica Gonnello at vgonnello@questex.com.

Early bird registration for Nightclub & Bar Show 2021 starts at $99 and expires May 17, 2021. Click here to register.

About Nightclub & Bar Show
Nightclub & Bar Show is the go-to resource for the bar and restaurant industry. Mirroring the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry, Nightclub & Bar has been providing the specific tools that bar and restaurant owners, operators and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry. Nightclub & Bar Show is part of the Bar & Restaurant Group, a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces VIBE Conference, Nightclub & Bar Awards, and daily content on barandrestaurantexpo.com.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Universal Whisky Experience 2021 – The High Rollers, An Exclusive Event April 23 and 24, Will Get…

March 19, 2021 by evebushman

It’s no surprise that the Universal Whisky Experience is back for 2021, starting with an Exclusive Event for the High Rollers at the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas. This is the pinnacle of whisky events worldwide for aficionados and whisky fans like myself. Tickets are here for the event Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24, details below and on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

This Just In From Richard Paterson

Watch Richard Paterson, Master Blender and Distiller for The Dalmore, talk about his upcoming appearance at the 2021 Universal Whisky Experience. He and Craig Bridger, Malt Specialist Director, will be sharing “some extra special expressions” of The Dalmore with High Rollers April 23 and 24 at the Wynn Las Vegas. For more details about everything being offered at this exclusive event, once again orchestrated by Mahesh Patel, go to https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/

The High Roller Experience

From High Roller Super Pours, High Roller Lounge Dinner Experience, World-Class Tastings, Master Classes, Meals and more. Learn, savor, and network with like-minded whisky lovers from around the globe. High Roller gets you access to:

Exclusive Super Pours at the High Roller Lounge Dinner.
One on One interaction with brand ambassadors.
Private events with other High Rollers.
A series of Exclusive Master Classes Friday and Saturday.
Whisky Speed Date Dinner Experience.
Luxury Amenities.
High Roller Gift Bag.

Some of the brands that are in attendance for Master classes at the Nth 2021

The Dalmore Experience with Richard Paterson

The Royal ‘Royal Salute’ Experience

Hardy Cognac with Benedicte Hardy

Single Malts of Dewar’s with Stephanie Macleod

William Grants & sons Experience with Ian Miller

Ian Logan’s journey through the ‘House of Chivas’ hidden malts

The Gordon & MacPhail Experience

And More…

Master Classes

Look at our amazing and rare never been done before anywhere Master Classes being held at the Nth 2021 for our elite High Roller Attendees hosted by Royal Salute and Chivas Brothers. Be part of the experience this April!

The Royal Salute Ducal Tasting with His Grace the Duke of Argyll and Peter Prentice

An opportunity to savour a magical collection of Royal Salute whiskies in the company of His Grace the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and Grand Master of the Keepers of the Quaich.

Five deliciously contrasting marques from this iconic range have been personally selected so as to showcase the art of blending at its magnificent best. This includes two unique drams from the Royal Salute Polo Collection with the Snow Polo Edition providing a mouth-watering insight into the delicious world of aged grains. We’ll then be sharing the new Royal Salute 21yo Malts Blend and indulge in a rare opportunity to taste a collector’s dream with the bespoke 30yo cask-strength Royal Salute Flask Edition. With the legendary Royal Salute 38yo Stone of Destiny as a Grand Finale for ‘The Royal Toast’, this is an incredible opportunity to join His Grace and Peter, one of the industry’s most celebrated double acts with many stories to tell across twenty years of flying the Royal Salute flag together.

Royal Salute 21yo Snow Polo Edition (Blended Grain @46.5% abv)
Royal Salute 21yo Beach Polo Edition
Royal Salute 21yo Malts Blend
Royal Salute 30yo Flask Edition (cask strength @50.1% abv)
Royal Salute 38yo Stone of Destiny

The Jewels in the Chivas Brothers Crown with Ian Logan

Normally available only to those that visit the Chivas Brothers Brand Homes on Speyside, this a unique opportunity to try some of the rarest and most exclusive Single Malts in the Chivas Brothers Distillery Reserve Collection. All bottled at natural strength with no colouring or chill-filtration this is as close as you can get to visiting each distillery and sampling directly from a cask..

The Distillery Reserve Collection has now been expanded to include all of the thirteen working distilleries Chivas Brothers while also including the Single Grain produced at the Strathclyde Grain Distillery in Glasgow. Several of the more hard to find expressions are included in the whiskies that will be tasted in the class. Joining us to take you through the whiskies will be Ian Logan, International Brand Ambassador at Chivas Brothers and someone who has seen the range grow from a handful of bottlings to the comprehensive range that is available today.

Caperdonich 18yo, 48.1%, 2nd fill barrel

Aberlour 15yo, 52.4%, 1st fill barrel

Scapa 20yo, 51.0%, 1st fill barrel

Glen Keith 22yo, 56.1%, 2nd fill butt

Longmorn 24yo, 55.5%, 2nd fill butt

The Glenlivet, 25yo, 55,6%, 2nd fill butt

A Note On Safety

Universal Whisky Experience’s top priority is the health and safety of our attendees, vendors, and staff at the Nth 2021 event taking place at the Wynn Hotel Las Vegas. Full Story click here.

Tickets https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/nth-2021/#high-roller-exclusive-sec

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/universalwhisky/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/universalwhisky/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Cheers to a collection of new cocktails at CASBAR Lounge at SAHARA Las Vegas

March 15, 2021 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS – Those who have been looking to shake things up with their cocktail game need to look no further than CASBAR Lounge at SAHARA Las Vegas, which recently unveiled a new cocktail menu from the resort’s award-winning beverage team.

Let your tastebuds go on an adventure with the Aromatic AV8, featuring Empress 1908 Gin, Crème de Violette, lavender syrup, lemon juice and egg white. Get exotic with The Brazilian Mula, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Giffard Caribbean Pineapple Liqueur, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime juice and Q Ginger Beer. Stay up all night with a Spicy Espresso Martini, combining Remy 1738, vanilla spice and Ancho Reyes with espresso. Turn into a super taster with an Electric Feels, charged with Grey Goose Vodka, white cranberry, vanilla spice, lemon juice and sparkling wine, rimmed with tongue-tingling Electricdust, a revolutionary new flavor and sensation-enhancing dust powered by the Buzz Button flower that allows you to taste different nuances and flavors. Refresh yourself with the Blueberry Lemonade Mai Tai, which combines Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum with Cointreau, fresh lemon juice and Orgeat Syrup. Kick things up a notch with the Mojave Margarita, featuring Espolòn Reposado Tequila, Giffard Apricot, prickly pear puree, lime juice and agave syrup, smoked with mesquite. The Cadillac Penicillin is sure to cure any case of the blues, with Glenmorangie 10 Year Scotch, honey-ginger and lemon juice, topped with Ardbeg 10 Year Scotch. Try a new take on a classic drink with the Overseas Old Fashioned, crafted with Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey, Disaronno Amaretto, chamomile tea syrup and orange bitters. Or envision yourself overseas with the Mediterranean Martini, a combination of Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose Vodka, Lillet Rose, blood orange syrup, lemon zest and Q Grapefruit Soda. All cocktails are available for $15 each.

Guests can also enjoy non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails for $13 each, including a Raspberry Mojito with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, RIPE Mojito Juice, fresh raspberries, soda and mint; an Espresso Martini, featuring Lyre’s Coffee Originale, Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, fresh espresso and vanilla syrup; a Piña Colada, made with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, coconut water, pineapple puree and mint; a Clover Club, featuring Lyre’s Dry London Spirit, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white; or an Old Fashioned, with Lyre’s American Malt, Tippleman’s Smoked Barrel-Aged Syrup and Angostura Bitters.

Or, with the build-you-own highball menu, create a drink that is uniquely you by selecting your own vodka, bitters and soda for $14 each. A selection of reds, whites and bubbles, draft and bottled beer, snacks and cigars are also available at the stylish, 24-hour lounge.

Since welcoming back resort guests, SAHARA Las Vegas has followed a comprehensive outline of health and safety protocols under the resort’s SAHARA Cares program. Under this program, a number of contactless solutions were developed to assist with social distancing measures. Guests are encouraged to reserve cabanas, daybeds and even live table games for their party so that they can curate their own unique boutique experience.

The resort collaborated with health experts to establish several practices to minimize risk for guests and team members. For the latest update on the SAHARA Cares program, an updated list of resort venues and hours or to make a reservation, visit saharalasvegas.com.

About SAHARA Las Vegas

SAHARA Las Vegas is an all-encompassing resort and casino with 1,615 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers – including the AAA® Four Diamond Alexandria Tower, more than 85,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, two rooftop pools and a collection of acclaimed restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The inviting casino occupies 60,000 square feet and features approximately 600 of the latest slot and video poker machines, 50 classic table games, Infinity – a premium gaming lounge, The Poker Room at SAHARA Las Vegas and a sports book operated by global gaming leader, William Hill. An impressive selection of culinary and cocktail offerings include Bazaar Meat by José Andrés™, named “Best Restaurant in Nevada” by Business Insider; CASBAR Lounge; Bella Bistro; Uno Más; Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen; Prendi; The Tangier; and more. Additionally, SAHARA Las Vegas is home to MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas presented by Channing Tatum. SAHARA Las Vegas players can also enjoy the perks of an Infinity Rewards membership, a joint loyalty program between SAHARA and its sister property Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Reno, that gives players the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards across both destinations. SAHARA Las Vegas is a minority-owned business certified by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. For more information, please visit saharalasvegas.com and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Vintage Eve Circa 7/2018: Neat Spirits Tasting in Neat Spirits Glass!

January 19, 2021 by evebushman

Earlier this year, in April, I attended the Universal Whisky Experience in Las Vegas. Besides tasting the new, rare and old, attendees also had opportunities to take classes. In one of my classes two people sitting next to me pulled out their own tasting glasses – a stemless, fat rounded shape with a wide lip at the top – as opposed to using the Glencairn crystal glasses – wider at the bottom than the top, a tall tulip shape – the majority of us were given and used for evaluation.

I had seen a lot of aficionados bringing their own glassware at events, so this was of no surprise to me. But when we left the class one of them handed me a fresh clean glass as a gift, along with a one-page information sheet. I quickly learned that no less than 20 spirit competitions had adopted the Neat tasting glass and six of my spirit mentors loved them…it was definitely my turn to give it a whirl.

It’s taken me a few months to get around to trying out their glass. But what I read intrigued me: the reduction of alcohol burn on the nose and numbing, which could only increase the enjoyment of tasting. As I almost always add a dribble of water to a rare whisky or a large cube to an every day one, I don’t have the burning or numbing problem often. But I do at events. So, here goes, and onto my test.

Aromas from Neat vs. the Glencairn

Instructions from Neat: 1. Hold glass level, nose in center of “sweet spot” at rim level, and sniff. 2. Move nose to rim edge to detect diluted alcohol (less nose burn). 3. Breathe through nose (closed mouth), do not add water. Placing nose in neck will detect nose-numbing alcohol as in traditional glasses.

Glencairn

Bunnahabhain 12 YO

No water or ice added, got the definite usual nose burn as expected.

Neat

Bunnahabhain 12 YO

No nose burn – if done as indicated.

My Conclusion

In case you are wondering, the aromas were pretty much the same for me in either glass – in this first test. While one testimony claimed that the Neat glass makes the aromas “enhancing” I could only agree as it masks the numbing alcohol agent. Another reviewer also found it to “enhance” in a food pairing, and again, I thought, heck ya, as the alcohol isn’t overwhelming the palate.

I also did have to agree with reviewers that found the glass to heighten the “purity” of any spirit, dissipating the “alcohol aroma to pick up subtleties in spirits like vodka” and I now looked forward to trying my Neat glass with different brands of vodkas, a spirit that is widely “enhanced” with many different flavors in many different cocktails. I had done a vodka tasting years ago, and many of my guests were only able to discern the amount of harshness in a vodka; it took a lot of tasting to finally get them to notice if there were other subtle flavor differences, which left me to wonder: How would my next vodka tasting go with these glasses? Something to ponder…for now I will do my pondering over the Bunnahabhain…in my Neat glass.

From the Website

In 2003, a simple glass blowing mistake created an amazing shape which displays the true expression of spirits, and launched a new, scientific approach to glass design, which we call Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology (NEAT).

Studying human olfactory physiology and applying physical and chemistry science, we unlocked the hidden dimensions of distilled spirits with a glass that enhances drinking pleasure, enjoyment, and diagnostics. Nine years, fifty two design revisions, hundreds of tastings and aroma profile studies developed NEAT, the perfect spirits glass.

Taste the Truth: Taste and aroma are true measures of a spirit’s quality. Alcohol burn numbs the nose and overwhelms the truth, spoiling your drinking experience. Neat eliminates nose burn and numbing, enhancing ability to detect, savor, and enjoy the subtle, wonderful aromas the distiller intended.

Science Drives Design, and Form Follows Function: NEAT was tested against other spirits glasses under controlled, uniform conditions by University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) Chemistry Department to verify results. Science built a better glass.

https://twitter.com/TheNEATGlass

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRtJRm6jxqtf6fK04MsPvA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-manska-14747113/

https://www.facebook.com/theneatglass?ref=hl

https://www.theneatglass.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theneatglass/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 15k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vinitaly International Academy to establish physical Tasting Centres

December 24, 2020 by evebushman

VERONA, ITALY (PRWEB) – News is coming for the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA), the gold standard of Italian wine education for foreign professionals. Created in 2014, the organization trains Italian Wine Ambassadors and Italian Wine Experts by delivering courses all over the world. This year, VIA had to adapt its activities to the new international situation caused by the COVID-19 emergency. During 2020, the course was revamped twice: back in June, with the introduction of the Agile Edition, and now, with the establishment of Tasting Centres starting from the next scheduled courses.

The Italian Wine Ambassador Certification Course is made up of two modules, the first theoretical and the second practical. The first module has students explore each and every Italian region: the wines produced here, its viticulture, the wine making methods, the culture and the regional dishes related to each territory. This section, that has been delivered online since the last edition of VIA Verona, is now on-demand and accessible through an educational platform.

The second module is dedicated to the hands-on part of the course, the Guided Tastings. During this section and under the guidance of VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW and Henry Davar IWE, students get the chance to taste a variety of wines coming from some of the best Italian wineries. During the Tastings, future ambassadors learn how to promote Italian wine by personally experiencing it, getting to look, sniff and taste the wines they had previously studied during the theoretical lectures. The second makeover of VIA will allow these sessions to place safely and socially distanced thanks to the addition of Tasting Centres.

Starting from the 2021 USA courses, VIA is planning on establishing physical centers in each of the countries where courses are usually held to facilitate the Guided Tastings. In these so called “Tasting Centres”, future Ambassadors will have the chance to meet and taste wines in total safety. The VIA Community will play a fundamental role in the setting up of these physical centers. The running and the managing of both Tasting Centres and Guided Tastings around the world will be up to a number of VIA Italian Wine Ambassadors operating locally. With this manouvre, VIA will shorten both the geographical distance between the delivery of the course and the students, as well as the one between the old and new members of the VIA Community. Final exams will also be held in the new Tasting Centres.

Since its inception, VIA has been supported by ITA – The Italian Trade Agency, which shares the organization’s objectives and contributes to the realization of its courses. Together with the Faculty, the Community, Supporters, Advisory Board and the Scientific Director, ITA makes up the VIA Ecosystem: a body that operates the Academy from start to finish. Scientific Director Attilio Scienza commented on the introduction of the Tasting Centres:

“We know that the theory behind these grapes and wines is fundamental, but it does not mean anything if you do not have the opportunity to taste them, to experience them. These Tasting Centres and the Ambassadors who will host them are an asset to the new formatted programme”.

The introduction of Tasting Centres will help VIA in pursuing its mission: providing the world of Italian wine with qualified ambassadors capable of mastering and promoting the culture, history and variety of Italian wine around the world. To get more information on the certification, contact the VIA staff at via@vinitalytour.com.

Next VIA Courses include:

VIA USA
Module 1: December 2020-January 2021
Module 2: 1-3 February 2021 in San Francisco, Houston and Las Vegas; 29-31 March 2021 in New York, Boston, Memphis, Princeton and Florida

VIA HONG KONG
Module 1: December 2020-January 2021
Module 2: 8-10 March 2021

About: Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) aims to be the gold standard of Italian wine education. It offers a complete educational path with standardized courses that will teach professionals and educators to master the diversity of Italian wine in a rigorous, organized manner. VIA’s main objective is to foster a global network of highly qualified professionals such as Italian Wine Ambassadors and Italian Wine Experts: in turn, they will support and promote Italian wine throughout the world. VIA was founded by Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International. The new VIA ecosystem avails of the guidance of Italian trade associations Federdoc, Federvini, Vignaioli Indipendenti FIVI, and Unione Italiana Vini as members of the Institutional Advisory Board. Italian vine genetics scholar, Prof. Attilio Scienza, oversees VIA’s scientific and educational direction as the Chief Scientist. VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW and Henry Davar teach the flagship Italian Wine Ambassador course. The following trade associations in the Italian wine industry have also joined as VIA Supporters: Italia del Vino; Italian Signature Wines Academy; Le Famiglie del Vino, Wi-Fi Wine from Irpinia, Consorzio di Tutela Vini del Trentino; Consorzio di Tutela Sicilia DOC; Franciacorta; Consorzio di Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo. To date the VIA community comprises 215 certified Italian Wine Ambassadors and 15 Italian Wine Experts. Since its foundation in 2014, over 615 candidates from all over the world have taken VIA’s courses.

What Wine or Spirit Events Have We Missed The Most in 2020?

November 2, 2020 by evebushman

A few weeks ago on this blog I wrote about many of the things we’ve been doing during our stay-at-home time with the virus, and many of the things we’ve missed. It seemed that my Facebook feed has been filled with lamentations regarding missed anniversary trips, important graduations, birthdays and other milestones. For me, and most of us in the wine and spirit industry, we rely on tastings/events/classes for continuing education, as well as fodder for our blogs. For the consumer it may be the same, for the non-profit leader the loss of these events have been devastating.

Eve as a wine judge in the first Global Wine Awards in Las Vegas. Photo credit: Ed Bushman.

In today’s article I will explore some of the events we didn’t have, and what we missed by not having them. (At press time these are the events that have either canceled for 2020 altogether, or have postponed further into 2020 with no possible way to know if their event will, indeed, actually take place.)

Wine on the Roof and Cocktails on the Roof are particularly devastating to me as I helped create both events to benefit our local middle schools and high schools in the Hart District. And while the rooftop format does allow for quite a bit of spacing, they still both attract a crowd, so not sure if the postponed dates for this year will happen.

The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience was poised to take place this past March 13. Cancelled the same week it was to occur, as many of the experiences allowed for many guests traveling from one spot to another.

The Paso Robles Cab Collective is an educational experience that is limited to some press and the public. The event focuses on the Cab and red Bordeaux varietals being grown in the area. I’ve learned a lot from past events and have come to respect the winemakers that are working very hard to get attention to their respective varietals in AVAs that have been more known for Rhônes and Zinfandel.

The Universal Whisky Experience was to have its 10^th annual event this past April in Las Vegas. There are classes with distillers and brand ambassadors as well as one of the best whisky tasting events I’ve covered. Missed rubbing elbows with all of the whisky aficionados and learning from the best in the field.

Also missing a milestone year was the 5^th Annual Masters of Taste that is the only event held on the field of the Pasadena Rose Bowl with top notch taste masters and beverage masters. “100% of event proceeds support Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping individuals and families rebuild their lives and end homelessness.”

Art Beyond the Glass, another cocktail event, was canceled but they were able to offer a virtual event. The live event is a special treat as dozens of bartenders dress up in themed costumes, there is live music, art displays and a bartending competition where each team tries to create the best cocktail. “Proceeds from every ABTG event are donated to a local arts-based nonprofit. To date, ABTG has raised more than $210,000 for cultural nonprofits in L.A. and across the country.”

The many Garagiste Festivals, voted best wine festivals in the U.S., were sorely missed. I enjoyed the educational seminars as well as tasting and talking with many small-producing winemakers. “The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.”

Many lesser known wineries and distilleries benefit from entering their bottles in various wine and spirit competitions. As a wine judge myself I know that they not only want an expert opinion on their wine/spirits, they also use their awards in their various marketing materials. At press time I did see that at least one had taken place live with social distancing.

I’m sure there are dozens of events that aren’t on my radar, and have been equally missed, especially events at wineries that are important for bottle sales and gaining wine club members.

I will leave you with this thought: If you can afford it support it. I have hyperlinked many of the non-profits above so you can check out what they do, and maybe you can make a donation or two if you are able to. If you have favorite wineries or distilleries please consider bottles purchases to support them as well.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Eve Circa May 2018: Virtual Visit to Hennessy Cognac Via Universal Whisky Experience

October 6, 2020 by evebushman

This is my last article on the recent Universal Whisky Experience that I attended this past April in Las Vegas. Night one was the grand tasting and day two was the master classes. Last week I shared what I learned about the Oban Distillery. Today we depart whisky and enter the world of Cognac, with none other than a distillery that has been around longer than the U.S.: Hennessy.

We would get a lesson, a tasting, and in a shift to the unexpected: craft a couple of cocktails ourselves. Cocktails that proved to have been around longer than most.

The Lesson

Cognac began on a ship, according to my classmate and LA Scotch Club member Marshall Naiman, who, when asked shared a little story about how some wine had been damaged by heat but in the end became the start of Cognac.

Hennessy began before the U.S. was a nation, back in Napoleon’s time, founded by Richard Hennessy and master blender John Fillioux. Two families that to this day still work together at Hennessy. More tidbits of info:

Cognac can only be made in the cognac region of France.
Uni Blanc, a not-so-great table wine, is the perfect grape to make Cognac from, and comprises 95-98% of Cognac’s vineyards.
Hennessy makes about 50% of all of Cognac’s distribution.
When a master blender begins work at Hennessy, he is not allowed to speak for ten years during his training.
Cognac is aged 40 to 60 years – then comes blending.
They have 350 thousand casks.
The tasting committee meets every day at 11am.

The Tasting

We had both the X.O. and the VSOP, alone and in cocktails. Tasting alone on the VSOP I got notes of caramel, cream and toasted marshmallow while others in the class also noted apricot, spicy dried fruit, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and honey.

For the X.O we noted a “dark mahogany color due to more oak time that also rounded out the flavor.” The class consensus on the tasting included notes of candied oranges and molasses” while I got dark and dusty flavors and a mouth coating viscosity. An extremely long finish gave off flavors of “dried prunes, plums, chocolate and spice.” We tried the X.O on ice as well, ice that had been flown in from Miami and had zero minerals or chemicals. The ice “softens the flavor, aromas and alcohol” making the Cognac easily approachable to all.

The Cocktails

The first cocktail book published included a recipe from 1850 for the “Hennessy Brandy Cocktail.” We got to make both the French 75 Champagne Cocktail and a Sazerac. While we juggled bar spoons, jiggers, mixing glasses, lemons, bitters, simple syrup, and were given glasses freshly rinsed with Absinthe I thought, heck, I could get used to this. Hennessy is definitely going to be a spirit to explore more of.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits

Vintage Eve Circa Oct 2017: That Boutique-Y Whisky Company, Via Whisky Live

June 23, 2020 by evebushman

I met whisky aficionado Monique Huston at the Universal Whisky Experience, aka the Nth show, in Las Vegas earlier this year. I assumed I’d be lucky if our paths ever crossed again as she lives in Illinois, so I kind of scored in not only seeing her, but getting to learn from her too when I realized she was leading a course at the recent Whisky Live LA.

The class was listed in the program with this tantalizing title, “U.S. Launch! That Boutique-Y Whisky Company – Single Casks Done Our Way.”

Be one of the first in the US to taste through the massively awarded range of single cask Single Malt and Single Grain Scotches from experts at That Boutique-y Whisky Company. You’ve seen them written up, scored and bragged about in the UK – now taste them for yourselves! Warning: These cask-strength darlings are not for the faint of heart, come armed with your water dropper! Hosted by Monique Huston, National Director of Spirits Winebow.

Tasting

Aromas and flavors separated by ;

Invergordon 42 year old

Orange peel, leather, cream and cinnamon stick on the nose; followed by toasted oak, orange again, with both a nice sweetness and heat. Distilled from corn, neutral barrel finish. This was my favorite of the tasting line-up.

Speyside 15 year old

Dark chocolate, vanilla, a bit of peat; very balanced flavors of chocolate, cream and honey. Was finished in a first fill bourbon barrel.

Glentauchers 17 year old

Meyer lemon, green grass, vanilla bean; then bark, that same vanilla and some nice heat. They had made a 38 year old that sold out, their production is rare, and this one was probably finished in a second fill bourbon cask.

Benrinnes 18 year old

Sweet pear, whipped cream, orange hard candy; smooth and velvety, heat, cream and spice. “Ben” is one of the hills of Pennines. This was from #19 of only 24 barrels. Finished in a third fill sherry cask barrel. My second favorite.

Bruichladdich 12 year old

Toffee candy, tobacco, bark; smooth and spicy with a big finish. This was finished at one of only eight distilleries in Islay. Another top fave for me.

Islay 16 year old

Wet wood, suede, sweat caramel, yogurt; peat, smoke and s’mores. Liked this one for the peat.

Some of What We Learned

Ninety percent of whisky produced in Scotland goes into blends, single malts only get the remaining ten percent. So need a lot of whisky to make all of the single malts we enjoy.

The three peat-heavy distillers, Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg, have a convenient walking path connecting them in Islay. (Time to plan a visit!)

That Boutique-Y Whisky Company use a 375ml half bottle format, making them more accessible and affordable. No extra finish is added, the company selects, buys and then bottles. These whiskies were a “preview” and not yet available to the mass market. When they do hit U.S. most likely will be at K and L.

From That Boutique-Y Whisky Company Website

That Boutique-y Whisky Company is an independent bottler which offers stunning whiskies from world-renowned brands and distilleries. Each bottle has a fun and informative graphic-novel-style label containing humorous references, in-jokes and shocking puns.

http://www.thatboutiqueywhiskycompany.com/

https://www.facebook.com/boutiqueywhisky/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Universal Whisky Experience Nth 2020 and The NFL Draft 2020: A Weekend in Las Vegas Unlike Any Other

March 2, 2020 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS (PRWEB) – Universal Whisky Experience – Each and every year, these two celebrations of the pinnacles of the sporting world and the luxury spirits industry outdo themselves when it comes to giving fans the best possible experience, and 2020 is no exception. As the plans and lineups for this pair of events start to trickle out to the public, and excitement and anticipation grows by the day, it’s time to begin preparing for the trip of a lifetime to Las Vegas, where not one but two remarkable celebrations descend on a groundbreaking April weekend.

The NFL Draft: an Unmissable Sporting Showcase

There can’t be a single football fan in the whole country who isn’t thrilled by the upcoming NFL Draft 2020, to be held in true Vegas style at a red carpet event outside the Bellagio fountains. With a whole series of free public showcases, celebrations, concerts, and fireworks spectacles planned, it’s guaranteed to be the sporting moment of the year, and one no self-respecting NFL fanatic should miss.

Visitors can expect the full Las Vegas showcase at the NFL Draft 2020, where fans and players will come together to celebrate the 85th annual event on the buzzing iconic strip. Over the years, the NFL Draft has exploded in scale and popularity, becoming one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. This year’s location has a special significance; The Raiders are preparing to embark on their first season in the city’s glittering Allegiant Stadium, and they are promising a weekend filled to the brim with headlining concerts, chances to get up close and personal with world-beating players, and no shortage of football-themed parties and happenings.

Nth 2020: The Whisky Event of the Year

While The Las Vegas Strip hums with NFL Draft excitement on the weekend of the 23-25 April 2020, over at the glamorous Wynn Hotel, there’s just as much to celebrate for those who love luxury spirits, fine wine and Champagne, and rare whiskies. Nth 2020 is the ultimate encounter with the uppermost echalons of the world of fine spirits, and promises – on its 10th anniversary year – to be bigger, more spectacular, and more unforgettable than any that has come before.

From exclusive super pours, which will showcase the creme de la creme of the world’s most luxurious whisky distilleries and unveil some legendary bottles to ticket holders, to intimate talks and workshops held by superstars of the spirits industry, Nth 2020 is the place to be for those who can’t get enough of the finer things in life. With a multitude of tastings, masterclasses, wine flights, and dinner receptions on offer (and that’s just the beginning…), Nth 2020 has become the most talked about whisky event of the year, and not without good reason. For those looking to take their trip to Las Vegas to unimaginable heights of luxury, indulgence, and excitement, combining a ticket to Nth 2020 with the NFL Draft on the Strip really is about as good as it gets.

Experience High Roller Extravagance with Nth 2020

Seeking the ultimate whisky encounter, and the chance to taste some of the world’s most exclusive and legendary drams? The High Roller packages at Nth 2020, limited to just a handful of tickets and promising to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, will expand your horizons of luxury to a whole new level.

The High Roller Experience at Nth 2020 goes above and beyond any which have come before, and perfectly does justice to the 10 year anniversary of the world’s most exciting whisky expo. Not only will ticket holders have access to the glamorous High Roller Lounge at the beautiful Wynn Hotel Las Vegas, as well as a seat at the High Roller dinner reception, they’ll also be invited to partake in:

● High Roller Super Pours
● A range of fascinating masterclasses
● Exclusive tastings
● 1 on 1 meetings with whisky and spirits ambassadors
● The High Roller raffle draw

…and much, much more besides. Make no mistake, Nth 2020 is set to be the biggest, best, most awe-inspiring immersive luxury spirits experience Las Vegas has ever seen, and it’s one not to be missed.

Sports, Spirits, and Spectacle in Las Vegas 2020

If Las Vegas is known for one thing, it’s that this is a city which never ceases to go above and beyond when it comes to offering visitors unforgettable and unique experiences. The fact that both the NFL Draft 2020 and the Nth 2020 10 year anniversary celebration are happening on the same weekend, makes a trip to this remarkable city an absolute must for sports and whisky fans alike this year. Don’t leave it to chance – book your tickets today!