Eve's Wine 101

CUTWATER SPIRITS SCORES TOP HONORS AT SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2022

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SAN DIEGO/PRNewswire/ — San Diego-based distillery, Cutwater Spirits, is proud to announce exciting new wins from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).  Cutwater brought home top honors for five of its bottled spirits including a Double Gold for Cutwater Mezcal Joven and Gold medals for Cutwater Tequila Blanco, Cutwater Tequila Reposado, Bali Hai Tiki Gold Rum, and Devils Share American Whiskey. SFWSC is the oldest, largest and one of the most respected competitions of its kind, and this year, Cutwater earned 36 total awards across the brand’s portfolio of bottled spirits and canned cocktails.

 

The Competition judging panels consist of some of the industry’s most esteemed and renowned industry experts, including Anthony Dias Blue (Tasting Panel) and Jeffrey Morgenthaler (Clyde Common). The 2022 competition was the largest ever with 5,000 spirits from more than 40 countries entered.

To date, Cutwater Spirits has earned over 1950 awards across its portfolio, reflecting Co-Founder and Master Distiller Yuseff Cherney’s passion and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

“It is a truly important honor to be recognized by this esteemed competition,” comments Cherney. “These awards speak to the entire team’s dedication to making world-class spirits and canned cocktails.”

Cutwater will continue to release new, bar-quality canned cocktails and spirits. Follow Cutwater Spirits on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest.

About Cutwater Spirits: Cutwater Spirits, the most awarded canned cocktail brand in the U.S., is a San Diego-based distillery known for its award-winning lineup of over 20 canned cocktail classics made from its portfolio of bottled spirits that span nearly every spirit category including tequila, vodka, rum, gin, whiskey and liqueur. Co-Founder and Master Distiller Yuseff Cherney began distilling as a side project under Ballast Point Brewing. He started canning cocktails because he wanted to make drinks he could enjoy while doing the things he likes to do (mostly fishing and hiking). In 2017, Cutwater Spirits was established as a separate entity from the brewery and now operates from a 50,000 square foot distillery and production facility, which includes a world-class tasting room and restaurant. To date, Cutwater has earned over 195o awards across its portfolio of products and is distributed in 50 states. Learn more at www.CutwaterSpirits.com or follow @cutwatersprits on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

UK Farmers win award for Europe’s First Sheep’s Milk Vodka

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MORETON-IN-MARSH, ENGLAND (PRWEB) – Founders of Blacklion Vodka husband and wife team Tim and Tanya Spittle won Spirit Bronze in The IWSC 2022 awards for their smooth spirit which is made using an innovative method of recycling leftover whey from the cheese-making process.

Tim said: “Whey vodka is silky smooth. It can be drunk neat, on its own or over ice. It’s also very versatile and can be used to make an exquisite cocktail.

“We knew we had a great sustainable vodka and this has now been confirmed by the award. Having launched in 2021 after years of planning, we are absolutely thrilled to win.”

News of the award follows shortly after an evaluation by the International Drinks Specialists who scored British brand Blacklion Vodka 92/100.

Tanya said: “We are really chuffed about this. It’s amazing to see something we talked and dreamt about come to life and become award-winning.”

Handcrafted in small batches, the elusive Blacklion Vodka is made using the whey from the couple’s own breed of ‘Black Lion‘ sheep. The curds are separated by a local farmer and friend who makes his own cheese, and the whey is then collected and taken for processing.

Tim said: “the exact process is top secret – it took us 3 years of research and development to create this super-premium vodka which has been likened to a white whiskey.”

Tim and Tanya said: “We are the first in Europe to bring sheep’s milk vodka to the market and we are hugely excited for what the future holds.”

ABOUT

Blacklion Vodka is the Europe’s rarest vodka! It’s the first vodka to be made in the UK from sheep’s milk and is the inspiration of Tim and Tanya Spittle who amongst other things, rear and nurture their flock of rare breed sheep on their family farm in the Cotswolds.

Blacklion Vodka has a creamy nose and silky palate. The heat of alcohol develops towards the finish without burning.

Taste the rarity and adventure poured into each bottle through our unique triple distilling process. We have been able to explore and develop an innovative vodka, using some of the rarest ingredients.

Best served straight from the freezer.

SUSTAINABILITY IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS & SURVIVAL
We believe in the necessity of reducing our waste as a business. Taking a sustainable approach to farming allows us to develop a unique spirit made from an otherwise waste product. We have developed this byproduct into something desired by consumers and of benefit to the British Farming industry.

Contact Information:
Blacklion Vodka
Tim and Tanya Spittle
+44 (0)7827 998 497 / +44 (0)7540 879 619
sales@blacklionvodka.co.uk

http://www.blacklionvodka.co.uk
@BlacklionVodka

Purity Breaks Top 10 Brands of Premium Priced Vodka in the United States

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ELLINGE CASTLE, Sweden /PRNewswire/ — Purity is now a top 10 super premium priced vodka brand in the United States based on 26-week Nielsen dollar sales.

Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka is made from natural ingredients, its prize-winning flavors come from the combination of organic barley and wheat, distilled slowly with low heat multiple times. The heart of Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve is distilled 51 times to maximize flavor as well as smoothness. As a family- owned, craft, organic distillery we are so pleased when consumers and critics alike praise Purity for its quality versus more industrial producers.

PURITY is committed to making the best tasting, highest rated organic spirits in the world. Purity has earned hundreds of international awards in blind tasting as well as sustainability.

Purity Vodka is comprised of three award winning straight vodkas. In 2021 all Purity Vodka offerings earned a 93+ point rating and Purity Connoisseur 51 Organic Vodka took top honors with a 95-point rating. The highest rated Vodka the last 5 years by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

PURITY is now available for purchase in store and online in more than 25 US States.

“To become a Top 10 Super Premium Vodka brand indicates we have earned the recommendation of expert retail and on-premise partners. It also means consumers are responding favorably to the Purity taste and quality promise,” says Purity Vodka Inc CEO Andy Kullhem.

Mathias Tönnesson, Master Blender at Purity Distillery says: “Our main ingredients, Swedish wheat, and malted barley, are carefully selected without any chemical cultivation or processing. We believe that by using organic ingredients it creates a much better tasting vodka, and of course, is better for the environment. We also value the quality of the water that we use and believe it’s crucial to the taste. Most brands use only distilled water, which removes any of the natural nuances, sediments, and flavors that help bring out the complexity of the vodka. At Purity, we use naturally soft Swedish water, and as a result, it blends with the other ingredients creating a complex, characterful, and truly unique spirit.”

Purity Connoisseur 51 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL, 1.0L, and 1.75L For the true connoisseur, this is our most refined and exquisite vodka. Incredibly smooth and distinctive, our flagship spirit requires very little to enjoy all the nuance and flavor that the world’s finest vodka has to offer. When it’s this good, you don’t need anything but time to enjoy it.

Purity Signature 34 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL, 1.0L, and 1.75L
Perfectly balanced, our signature edition has won more than 150 international awards and is recognized for its character, smoothness, and ability to be enjoyed neat or blended for unforgettable cocktails. Signature 34 Edition is our original vodka, with a decade spent refining the number of distillations required by our master distiller, Stefan Magnusson, to create this extraordinary spirit.

Purity Estate 17 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL and 1.75L
Estate 17 Reserve is a versatile and full-bodied ultra-premium vodka and is the perfect partner for making unforgettable cocktails. The heart of the Vodka is distilled 17 times, it is smooth enough to enjoy neat but really shines when blended with other distinguished ingredients.

For more information, please visit www.puritydistillery.com

About Purity Distillery – the home to the world ́s best tasting Vodka & Gin  At the Swedish family-owned Purity Distillery we only have one motivation – to produce the best tasting spirits imaginable. It’s a simple statement to make but much harder to achieve. For the last decade, every decision is based on that one criterion. From choosing the best organic ingredients and mineral-rich soft natural water to spending years refining our unique distillation process. Every step matter, because the taste matters. That’s all that counts.

How Was “Masters of Taste” LA 2022?

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The fifth annual Masters of Taste event, held on the field of the Rose Bowl, was last Sunday and we were thrilled to attend.

This is from my social media post the next day:

Oh WHAT FUN we had at Masters of Taste yesterday! This is the event where 100% of the profits go to Union Station Homeless Services! And it was on my birthday this year!

Traveling by limo courtesy my publishers Moe and Linda Hafizi, was an additional treat! Some of the liquor we sampled included wine from Golden Star Vineyards and Ascension Cellars, Lucky Dog (juice box) Sake, Knox and Dobson ready-to-drink cocktails (full article just on them runs 4/22), Smoke Lab Aniseed vodka distilled from Basmati rice is India’s “first premium vodka”, Dulce Vida Tequila, Ventura Spirits for their Amaro Angelino, Roku Gin, Suntory Whisky, Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur, American Born bourbon whiskey, Woodford Reserve, the 1886 Bar at the Raymond…and then there was the FOOD!

If you want to just see the story in photos and videos click this, for more details keep reading!

The Details

It’s always such a rush walking down to the Rose Bowl field from the stadium seats! I always make an immediate right turn and hit as many tables as possible before resting after that first loop around. This is who made an impact this time:

Georgia’s Restaurant made Gretchen’s Jambalaya – the first booth I had food at and it was delicious, flavorful and not too spicy!

The long but fast moving line for delectable Dim Sum from Lunasia Dim Sum House was worth it.

Another line was to sample the food and meet the host chef, Vanda Asapahu, at the Ayari Thai table!

Golden Star Vineyards and Ascension Cellars, two wineries that I’ve enjoyed for years, so it’s always nice to see them on the playing field.

The detail on the animal-faced macarons, an item you can request for special occasions, from Etoile Filante Patisserie was another cool find.

Maneki Wanko Lucky Dog (juice box) Sake: I saw people sipping from juice boxes and was surprised to find that the cute little turquoise boxes with a playful dog design was holding Sake!

Fantasy Frostings makes a killer cake, moist and tasty. I looked at their Facebook and their wedding cakes are lovely!

Knox and Dobson ready-to-drink cocktails made an impact on me again – see the full article just on them April 22 on Eve Wine 101.

Little Llama Peruvian Tacos made a Shrimp Ceviche Tostada that was full of flavor.

Dulce Vida Tequila has THE best flavored tequila in my opinion, this time I enjoyed their grapefruit, on its own as it doesn’t need a thing. And it’s made with real fruit.

Enjoyed discovering Ventura Spirits Amaro Angelino, also their Limoncello. Nice local place to support.

Who doesn’t love short ribs? Chef Gil Saulnier from Mi Piace made a Prime Slow Braised Short Rib over Saffron Risotto and a Mini Crème Brûlée cheesecake too = so very decadent!

Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur was my first big find at Masters of Taste years ago. If you like gin try this liqueur, it softens all that juniper with other botanicals.

I got more comfort food from Granville as they served up their Uptown Mac n’ Cheese!

American Born bourbon whiskey was tasty, again on its own, no mixer needed!

World Empanadas baked several varieties, I wanted to try them all but settled on sharing a Nutella-filled one with my husband. Family run, locally owned and Vegan too.

Woodford Reserve had a huge area just at the entrance, and made a refreshing slush cocktail with their bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice. I wanted a second one, but that would not do with all that we had to try!

The 1886 Bar at the Raymond always make the best cocktails, on the field and in their Pasadena restaurant!

Bertha Mae’s brownies, in all kinds of flavors, were yummy.

There was quite a buzz going for the Jicama Shrimp Tacos from Mercado! They were sooooo good!

Smoke Lab Aniseed vodka distilled from Basmati rice is India’s “first premium vodka”, and not at all like the sweet or thick Sambuca anise liqueur.

Mignon Chocolate had their fountain flowing and I had a nice freshly dipped strawberry from them!

Enjoyed the Suntory whisky booth for the whisky and the Roku gin.

Seeing two of the Drago brothers and trying their pasta with pork sausage and Gorgonzola from Drago Centre was a big thrill for me.

See all of the Masters and their social media outlets here  https://mastersoftastela.com/masters/

2022 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai

Vanda Asapahu is the second-generation owner and chef of Ayara Thai and Ayara Luk in Los Angeles, CA. Vanda worked with non-profit organizations and the United Nations in Thailand. Living in Thailand allowed Vanda to revive old family recipes and travel through the different regions to discover new tastes and inspirations…read more here.

From the Start

Our mission was to create a unique event that would benefit an organization that focuses on addressing and resolving the issues surrounding homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley. The solution was to produce a one-of-a-kind, premier food and beverage festival for those who appreciate delicious food, cocktails, and sweets! Anyone who attends Masters of Taste can feel confident that they’re making an impact in their community because 100% of the proceeds help Union Station Homeless Services end homelessness and rebuild lives.

2022 Platinum Sponsors

The House of @suntorywhisky and Judith L. Chiara Foundation.

http://www.MastersofTasteLA.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mastersoftaste/

https://www.facebook.com/MastersOfTaste

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.

New Discoveries at the Restaurant and Bar Show 2022

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Formerly NightClub and Bar Show (NCB), the pinnacle of conventions for those in the food and beverage industry, with 2022 brings a change in name: Bar and Restaurant Expo! Some of the highlights of the convention included the Conference, Expo, Nightlife, the World Tea Academy and of course Exhibits. The first few years I attended, before I retired Eve Bushman Consulting, I attended classes with amazing information on staff retention, preventing theft, troubleshooting and a challenging future. The last two years I’ve focused on the expo convention floor alone, searching out new products to share with readers. This year’s event, held last month at the Las Vegas Convention Center we discovered these the first night:

The “Welcome Kickoff Party”, open to all attendees of the Restaurant and Bar Expo, was at Sahara’s Azilo Pool where we sampled some of the beverages we would also have at the show. Our favorites included: Kurvball Original BBQ Whiskey that reminded me of chocolate-covered bacon at the county fair, Fireball cinnamon whiskey – for the first time – and on a shotski, bottled ready-to-drink XXI Espresso Martinis with a low ABV, Eddie got his hands on a canned Ciroc sparkling with Pina Colada flavors, my favorite low ABV canned cocktails by Chaco Flaco, Ignite Vodka was creamy and well balanced, and everything from Middle West Spirits especially their Dark Pumpernickel Rye – America’s first! Sahara did some food pairings too! Photos of that first night can be seen here.

At The Show

Did you think the pre-event party for the Bar and Restaurant Expo looked like fun? Well…shout outs to the incredible Meltdown Ice Press that will make the perfect sphere without a mess, Ignite Beverage Vodka made from corn that is super smooth, Saltwater Woody Grapefruit Rum was perfect all on its own, Middlewest Straight Aged Whiskey Dark Pumpernickel stole the show again, Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries that aren’t the overly sweet cocktail cherries you are used to, Bulleit canned Manhattan cocktails, Beatties Distilleries sweet potato vodka and Kurvball BBQ Whiskey…to name a few! If you just want the story in photos click here, many more details are below:

Meltdown Ice Press: Met with Program Manager Tim Seese and Co-President Brian Steere as they mesmerized us with their perfect ice press. The one we currently own sends water all over our counter when we use it, not the Meltdown Ice Press as it has a handy basin to collect the excess water during the pressing and also only takes a minute. They have a single cube maker called VAMOOSE for the press, so having both = you are good to go with perfect “clarity and purity”.

Ignite Beverage Vodka: I liked this creamy, slightly sweet and well-balanced vodka distilled from corn. The company also had a line of tequilas that was very popular at the Expo.Saltwater Woody Grapefruit Rum: This American made rum, with real fruit juice, uses diluted saltwater to cut the proof. Makes for a rum that does have some salinity which is great for us that don’t want a cloyingly sweet spirit.

Saltwater Woody Rums, photo credit Ed Bushman

Middlewest Straight Aged Whiskey Dark Pumpernickel Rye: Middlewest had a great lineup of brown spirits – all “with ties to the Ohio River valley”, vodka and gin. This pumpernickel rye whisky was remarkably tasty. From their website, “Handcrafted from scratch, this signature spirit is made in small batches and barrel aged for over three years in new white American oak casks. It’s America’s first Dark Rye Pumpernickel Whiskey…”

Royal Harvest Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries: From Oregon Cherry Growers I discovered this Royal Harvest brand of Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries. There is the original Maraschino, the shiny red one used in most bars. Then there is the Luxardo dark cherry used in upscale bars. I challenge bars to try this Bordeaux Maraschino – it’s less sweet than the others, darker and frankly simply better tasting. Eddie will be doing a reduction sauce for steak with it too!

Bulleit canned Manhattan cocktails: With nice flavorings and 37.5 ABV, look for this at your local Total Wine store.

Beatties Distilleries sweet potato vodka: Want your plain clear vodka to come with a little bit of flavor? This slightly sweet potato vodka is the ticket.

Kurvball BBQ Whiskey: Tasting this truly was like having a piece of chocolate-covered bacon at the county fair. Later I sampled it in an Old Fashioned and a Bloody Mary, both were outstanding. This would make for a unique tasting, and conversation, at any bar.

PR%F Awards: Running into Executive Director Michele D. Tell at the PR%F booth was a surprise as I’ve been following the PR%F awards on Instagram for some time. Learned that all of their judges are buyers, which makes it extra attractive to spirit and wine brands. Don’t miss flipping through their magazine too.

Honorable Mentions

Soul Premium Cachaca had interesting Umami notes, which made it quite savory, and not a relative of the creamy rum drink that has a similar sounding name.

City Lights Shine is a moonshine made in Las Vegas. They had both the plain and fruit flavors. This is their interesting story, “CLS’s roots come straight out of NASCAR. Our distiller was a NASCAR Official who made the best Moonshine in the South. His partner was a NASCAR driver for over 20 years. Both at the end of their racing journey, decided to partner up and make the best of two worlds collide! What better place than the greatest city in America, Las Vegas, to show the world the best ‘Shine in America.”

The presentation alone of the “gravity infuser” by Stundenglass, a “chilled, water filtered smoke for delicate infusions” will surprise anyone. Make the smoke, then use over a cocktail or a charcuterie plate.

Mixed-Up Mule Canned Cocktail was a very tasty Mule. This description is from their Instagram, “Fresh, wild and delicious flavors made with booze, juice, and agave nectar, that’s it.”

One booth, with bottled spirits labeled under the name Blank Collective, is a graphic design and branding company that will make a private label spirit for you. They do the “development, procurement and productions services under one roof” which I thought was pretty cool.

All Vendors:

  • 1  4wardPay
  • 2  7shifts Restaurant Employee Scheduling
  • 3  Aardvark Straws / Hoffmaster
  • 4  AC RadioCom
  • 5  Accel Entertainment
  • 6  Ace Mystery Shopping
  • 7  Adentro
  • 8  ADJ Products
  • 9  Air Comm Radio
  • 10  American Beverage Marketers
  • 11  ANUBIS by FACESCAN
  • 12  Arryved POS
  • 13  Artic Cold Tap
  • 14  Associated Agencies Inc
  • 15  ATM Headquarters
  • 16  ATM Merchant Services
  • 17  Atmosphere TV
  • 18  Autofry
  • 19  Backbar Solutions
  • 20  Bar Business Magazine
  • 21  BarChefs.com
  • 22  Barfly® Mixology Gear
  • 23  Bar-I
  • 24  Barn Furniture Mart
  • 25  BarPay
  • 26  BarTrack
  • 27  Barventory
  • 28  Bbot
  • 29  BeatBox Beverages
  • 30  Beattie’s Distillers
  • 31  Beer Tubes
  • 32  Ben’s Friends
  • 33  Berg Company
  • 34  Bet Booth Inc.
  • 35  Billboard Uniforms
  • 36  Bissell Commercial
  • 37  Black Box
  • 38  Blank Collective by Endless West
  • 39  Boiron Americas Inc
  • 40  Book Tech Labs
  • 41  Boundless Beverages
  • 42  Cangshan Cutlery Company
  • 43  Casa Maestri
  • 44  Chaco Flaco
  • 45  ChargerGoGo
  • 46  Choya Umeshu USA INC
  • 47  Citrus America, Inc.
  • 48  City Shine

49  Clover

  • 50  Coldsell Coolers
  • 51  Control Play
  • 52  Cool-A-Zone
  • 53  CoolooBar
  • 54  CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees
  • 55  Craft Standard
  • 56  CRU Franchising Company
  • 57  Daisy Corsets
  • 58  D-Color Printing Co
  • 59  DEHY Garnish
  • 60  Demitri’s Gourmet Mixes
  • 61  Devault Enterprises, Inc.
  • 62  Diageo
  • 63  Digital Signage Experience
  • 64  DJ Trivia & DJ Bingo
  • 65  Drinique
  • 66  East West Embroidery
  • 67  Easy Tomorrow
  • 68  Edwards Technologies
  • 69  El Oro del Agave
  • 70  El Yucateco Hot Sauces
  • 71  ELMECO
  • 72  ELO Touch Solutions
  • 73  Emuamericas, llc
  • 74  Enovation Brands Inc.
  • 75  ERC Specialists
  • 76  Essexx Collection Inc
  • 77  Excel Dryer
  • 78  FETCO
  • 79  Flip Tray Co LLC
  • 80  Focus POS Systems
  • 81  Food and Beverage Magazine
  • 82  Frosty Factory of America
  • 83  Frylow
  • 84  Funovation
  • 85  G&G Closed Circuit Events
  • 86  GC Pro
  • 87  Ghost Ice
  • 88  Ghost Tequila
  • 89  Grandstand
  • 90  Gravity Beverage
  • 91  Greenprint
  • 92  Grosfillex
  • 93  GuestQueue
  • 94  Happy Boy Distributor, Inc.
  • 95  Heartland
  • 96  Heineken Corporation
  • 97  Holsag (Mity Inc)
  • 98  Homia
  • 99  Hormel Foodservice
  • 100  Hoshizaki America, Inc. / Lancer
  • 101  Howler Head Kentucky Banana Bourbon (Wooler Brands)
  • 102  Hypemakerz
  • 103  iCashout
  • 104  Ice-O-Matic
  • 105  Idiosyncratic Marketing
  • 106  IDScan.net
  • 107  Ignite
  • 108  IGPM Distribution
  • 109  Illuminated Trees
  • 110  Industry Codes
  • 111  Jackson Warewashing Systems
  • 112  JetChill-Theatrical Molecular Mixology & Gastronomy
  • 113  Joe Hand Promotions Inc
  • 114  Jumbo Stuffed Tater Kegs
  • 115  KBEAN
  • 116  King of Sparklers
  • 117  Kold Draft
  • 118  Koloa Rum Company
  • 119  Koolmax Monitoring Technology and Soda Gun Jetter
  • 120  Last Call Trivia
  • 121  Leslie
  • 122  LineLeap
  • 123  LIQS
  • 124  Liquid Ice Energy Drink
  • 125  LloydPans
  • 126  LMD LLC
  • 127  Lola Soap
  • 128  Luxury Electronics
  • 129  Manitowoc Ice
  • 130  Marqii
  • 131  Matador Foods
  • 132  McGrath Events + A/V Services
  • 133  me&u
  • 134  MEGA-LITE
  • 135  Meltdown
  • 136  Melvin Brewing
  • 137  Mexcor International Wine & Spirits
  • 138  Middle West Spirits
  • 139  Middleby Corporation
  • 140  Middleton Mixology
  • 141  Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzers
  • 142  MistAmerica
  • 143  Mixed-Up Mules by Little Toad Creek Distillery
  • 144  Mobile Training
  • 145  Moyer Diebel
  • 146  Mr. Black Industry
  • 147  NASA Searchlights
  • 148  Navori
  • 149  NEFT V odka
  • 150  Nightcap
  • 151  Nightclub Security Consultants
  • 152  North American Beverage Company
  • 153  Nouveau Creations
  • 154  NuCO2
  • 155  Ole Smoky Distillery
  • 156  Open Water
  • 157  Orange Door
  • 158  Ovation Up
  • 159  Ovention Inc
  • 160  Pacific Coast Producers
  • 161  Partender
  • 162  PatronScan
  • 163  PayFacto
  • 164  Perlick Corporation
  • 165  phade by Wincup
  • 166  Pizcadores
  • 167  PlantSwitch
  • 168  Plate IQ
  • 169  PMQ Pizza Magazine
  • 170  Polycade
  • 171  Precision Pours Inc.
  • 172  Price Chopper Wristbands
  • 173  Provi
  • 174  QubicaAMF Bowling
  • 175  RD USA
  • 176  Reachify
  • 177  Red Top Farms Powered by Premier Proteins
  • 178  Redfern Enterprises Inc
  • 179  Religion Tequila

 

  • 189  Restaurant Technologies
  • 190  RevoSpin
  • 191  RFALV Services
  • 192  Richtech Robotics
  • 193  Ripples
  • 194  Robot Coupe
  • 195  Rockless Table
  • 196  Roxi Spice
  • 197  RX Music
  • 198  Saltwater Woody Rum
  • 199  SAVI x LG
  • 200  Sayersbrook Bison Ranch
  • 201  Sazerac
  • 202  Scotsman
  • 203  SevenRooms
  • 204  Shift4
  • 205  Shot Caller
  • 206  Siempre Tequila
  • 207  Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
  • 208  Singa Karaoke
  • 209  Sip Shine
  • 210  Skechers USA Inc.
  • 211  Skybox Sports Network
  • 212  SlingStir
  • 213  Smart Bar USA
  • 214  SmartTab POS
  • 215  Sound Stage Systems
  • 216  SoundTube Entertainment
  • 217  Sovereign Brands, LLC
  • 218  Specifi Global
  • 219  Spectrio
  • 220  Spiked Boozy Sorbets
  • 221  SpotOn
  • 222  Sprockets
  • 223  StarMed Benefits
  • 224  Strategic Tax Planning
  • 225  Stündenglass
  • 226  Sunday App
  • 227  Sunkist Foodservice Equipment
  • 228  Sweet Mesquite Bakery
  • 229  Tagrisk Insurance Services
  • 230  Tailgating Specialties
  • 231  Tar Foods
  • 232  Ten of Twelve, LLC
  • 233  The Cawley Company
  • 234  The Fan’s Place
  • 235  The Foghat Cocktail Smoker
  • 236  The Kurvball Whiskey Company
  • 237  The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley
  • 238  Tiki Farm
  • 239  TiNDLE
  • 240  T-Mobile
  • 241  Toast
  • 242  Topo Chico
  • 243  Total Touch Point of Sale
  • 244  Trident Beverage/ Lazy Bay
  • 245  True Brands
  • 246  True Manufacturing Co. Inc.
  • 247  Tubeaux
  • 248  U R Stickers/Marketing Ideas Group
  • 249  Uber Eats
  • 250  Ultimate Bars
  • 251  United Standard POS
  • 252  UrthPact
  • 253  US BeerSAVER Systems INC
  • 254  US Bowling Corporation
  • 255  Userve Inc.
  • 256  Valley Dynamo
  • 257  Virtual Dining Concepts-MrBeast Burger
  • 258  VITO Fryfilter
  • 259  VividLite Wireless LED Lighting
  • 260  White Claw Hard Seltzer
  • 261  Wonkyware
  • 262  Wristband Resources
  • 263  Wynn
  • 264  WyreStorm
  • 265  XXI Martinis
  • 266  ZLight Technology

The Bar & Restaurant Expo announced the winners of the 2022 Industry Excellence Awards during a special awards ceremony. The Industry Excellence Awards, sponsored by sunday, recognize, celebrate, and support the people who make the independent bar and restaurant industry great.

The award recipients were selected by a panel of expert judges based on their talent, integrity and commitment to equality, sustainability, community, and culture across the industry. The Industry Excellence Awards are dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and supporting the companies and individuals who make the independent bar and restaurant industry great.

2022 Winners of the Industry Excellence Awards:

  • Bartender of the Year- Josh Davis, Brown & Balanced, IL
    • A bartender of exemplary performance, skill, and dedication, both behind the bar and beyond it. This person has worked tirelessly to improve their bar program, their bar culture, and the industry at large, serving as a positive example for other beverage professionals.
  • Chef of the Year- Rhonda McCullar, Uchi Dallas, TX
    • A chef who has dedicated themselves to culinary excellence, as well as sustainable, ethical practices and inclusive culture. This individual sets high personal and professional standards for food professionals across the industry, behind the pass and beyond it.
  • Cocktail Bar of the Year- well, Austin, TX
    • A cocktail bar that consistently demonstrates exceptional hospitality, creativity, training, culture and service. The Cocktail Bar of the Year has a unique identity and has established itself as a leader within the category.
  • Community Leadership Awards- Jeremy and Natalee Price, Taste of Tuscany Ristorante, CA
    • This award is open to anyone in F&B who has demonstrated outstanding contributions and dedication to bettering their local community, and by extension, the F&B community at large.
  • Innovator of the Year- Christie Lawler, The WITI Group, TXAND Lindsey Johnson, Lush Life Productions, NY
    • This award is open to anyone in F&B who tirelessly moves the industry forward, pushing existing boundaries and establishing new foundations for the industry to build upon that are both equitable and sustainable.
  • LGBTQ Venue of the Year- Downtown Olly’s, Indianapolis, IN
    • This bar or restaurant consistently delivers exceptional hospitality, creativity and service, while championing the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ Venue of the year fully epitomizes what it means to be an LGBTQ Venue and has a demonstrated history of supporting the queer community.
  • Most Original Concept- Cosmic Gorilla, Cincinnati, OH
    • A new or rebranded bar or restaurant that breaks the mold of convention, creating an exciting, new standard likely to make a significant impact in years to come. (Must have launched or re-branded in 2021)
  • Operator of the Year- Barbara Sibley, La Palpa / Holiday Cocktail Bar, NY
    • A bar/restaurant owner dedicated to exemplary hospitality, creative entrepreneurship, ethical business practices and the betterment of the industry at large. This person serves as a role model, paving the way for a better future for F&B.
  • Restaurant of the Year- Lumi, San Diego, CA
    • A restaurant that consistently demonstrates exceptional hospitality, creativity, culture and service. This venue boasts a unique atmosphere, thoughtful F&B offerings, and a training program. The Restaurant of the Year has established itself as a leader in the community and has made a significant impact within the industry.
  • Sports Bar of the Year- Dawg House Saloon & Sports Book, Las Vegas, NV
    • A place that embodies the spirit of the category, including excellence across design, F&B offerings, training, events and community engagement. The Sports Bar of the Year has a unique brand identity and has established itself as a leader within the category.

The winners were presented with a beautiful custom award and a VIP Ticket to attend the Expo in 2023. Winners are also eligible to become part of the judging panel moving forward.

For more information about the 2022 Bar & Restaurant Expo, visit barandrestaurantexpo.com. Bar and Restaurant Expo will return to Las Vegas on March 27-29, 2023.

About Bar & Restaurant Expo

Bar & Restaurant Expo, formerly known as Nightclub & Bar Show, has continued to evolve to mirror the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry. The event 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. The Bar & Restaurant Group is a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces VIBE Conference, World Tea Conference & Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com.  Follow Bar & Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest industry news and trends.

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.

Masters of Taste Returns with Host Chef Vanda Asapahu As L.A.’s Top Tastemakers Come Together On The Field of the Rose Bowl Sunday, April 3rd, 2022! Use Promo Code EVEWINE22 to get $10 off!

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A preview teaser from Eve: Have you ever been to the Masters of Taste event that benefits the Union Station Homeless Services? I was treated to a preview and now can’t wait for the main event April 3rd on the field of the Rose Bowl! It’s like no other with fabulous culinary masters, sweet masters and beverage masters! To name a few just from our preview presented by Lawrence Moore and Associates: 2022 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai, Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery, Kabobaholic, Gabi James, Georgia’s Restaurant, Gracia Madre, Bertha Mae’s Brownies, House of Suntory Yatai Cart, 14 Cannons Brewing Company, CRU Winery, Humm Kombucha, Knox and Dobson…check out my photos here, read the latest press release below and go the website for tickets —> https://mastersoftastela.com/  And use EVEWINE22 to get $10 off!

Los Angeles, CA – Come celebrate and be part of the 5th Anniversary Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as it’s first-ever female Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022, which also happens to mark the 5th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Culinary Master and 2022 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai and she has participated in Masters of Taste since the event’s inception in April 2016. Asapahu went to college at UCLA and to graduate school at Yale, then she spent four years living, traveling, and working her way through Thailand before returning home to Los Angeles. During Asapahu’s stay in her native country, she took extensive notes, which included absorbing the Bangkok Street Food scene and reviving old family recipes. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, Asapahu brought back treasured old recipes and new flavors to share at Ayara Thai. While her mother, Anna Asapahu, still helms the family kitchen, Asapahu is the vanguard, taking up the torch of her family’s culinary tradition at Ayara Thai, and under her leadership in May of 2019 Ayara Thai was named one of Michelin Guide California’s 2019 Bib Gourmands.    

Click this photo to get to the Masters of Taste ticket link and use EVEWINE22 for $10 off!

“I have had the pleasure of participating in Masters of Taste since its inaugural year,” states Asapahu. “As a proud UCLA alum (Go Bruins!), I’d give anything for the opportunity to cook, eat, and dance on the field of the Rose Bowl. Now I get to! The most amazing thing about Masters of Taste is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services and not many food festivals can say that. Union Station Homeless Services is committed to ending homelessness in Los Angeles.”

Masters of Taste 2022 will bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, along with select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more. 

This year, Masters of Taste falls in April, during which Thai New Year, Songkran, is also celebrated. Chef Vanda has invited 3 other L.A. Thai restaurants, to participate in the Songkran Thai SELECT Pavilion, a celebration spanning the Rose Bowl’s end zone. The transformation will reflect a traditional Thai sundry general store and Songkran festival. As a culinary challenge, each Thai restaurant will prepare a dish, dessert, and/or cocktail using a common paste, sahm kler (which translates to “3 buddies”), and comprises white peppercorn, garlic, and cilantro root. This aromatic mixture is used in a variety of Thai dishes and is quite possibly the reason why Thai food is so special. Like sahm kler, the 3 buddies paste, the 3 other restaurants comprising the Songkran Thai SELECT Pavilion are 3 of Chef Vanda’s personal buddies!        

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2022 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Union Station has served the community for nearly 50 years and today it is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. In addition to its recent expansion into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, Union Station Homeless Services is the lead County agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities, with a combined population of over 1.5 million across the San Gabriel Valley. Union Station Homeless Services’ mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home. In the last four years Masters of Taste has raised over $2 Million in support of Union Station Homeless Services life-saving programs.

This year Masters of Taste 2022 will partner with Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, Los Angeles (C-CAP LA), a national 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by culinary educator Richard Grausman in 1990 and Co-Chaired by Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) provides culinary, job, and life skills to over 20,000 middle-and-high school students in seven regions across the United States: New York City, Newark, Philadelphia and Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Arizona, including 7 Navajo Reservation schools and was named a National Apprenticeship Program by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2021. Due to the restaurant industry labor shortage, the Los Angeles Region, C-CAP LA will be partnering with Masters of Taste by bringing high school student volunteers to assist this year’s Masters of Taste 2022 Culinary and Sweet Masters throughout the event to gain real-time event training while helping support these incredible chefs and restaurants that are participating in this year’s event.

Some of this year’s Masters of Taste 2022 participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants include:

Ayara Thai 2022 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu – Westchester

786 Degrees Chef Ali Haider – Pasadena, Sun Valley

1212 Santa Monica Chef Luca Maita – Santa Monica

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery Chef Thomas Kalb – Pasadena

Alexander’s Steakhouse Chef Richard Archuleta – Pasadena

Arth Bar + Kitchen Chef Sagar Ghosh – Culver City

Bone Kettle Chef Erwin Tjahyadi – Pasadena

Celestino Ristorante Chef Calogero Drago – Pasadena

Champion’s CURRY Chef Yoya Takahashi – Downtown, Los Angeles

Drago Centro Chef Celestino Drago – Downtown, Los Angeles

Five 55 Chef Austin Lee – Monterey Park

Gabi James Sarah Gabriele & Adam Aro – Redondo Beach

Georgia’s Restaurant Nika Shoemaker-Machado – Anaheim, Long Beach

Gracias Madre Chef Justin Haefler – West Hollywood, Newport Beach

Granville Mark Dix – Studio City, Burbank, West Hollywood, Pasadena

Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken – Burbank, Long Beach, Los Angeles

Hank’s Chef Isaias Peña – Pacific Palisades

Holy Basil Chef Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat & Tongkamal “Joy” Yuon – Downtown, Los Angeles

Iron Teapot Dim Sum & Bar Sally Chan – Los Angeles

Kye’s Feel Good Food Jeanne Cheng – Santa Monica

La Bohéme Chef Atsushi Kenjo – West Hollywood

Little Llama Peruvian Tacos Chef Jean Valcarcel – Downtown, Los Angeles

Lunasia Chef Lee Han Fu – Pasadena, Alhambra, Cerritos

Luv2Eat Thai Bistro Chef Somruthai “Fern” Kaewtathip & Chef Noree “Pla” Burapapituk – Los Angeles

Mercado Chef Jose Acevedo – Hollywood, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica

Mi Piace Chef Gille Saulnier – Pasadena

Open Face Food Shop Chef Lene Houck – West Adams, Los Angeles

Otus Thai Kitchen & Coffee Chef June Intrachat – West Hollywood

Pez Cantina Chef Bret Thompson – Downtown, Los Angeles

Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed Chef Michael Reed – Downtown, Los Angeles, Anaheim

Qué Padre Chef Isaias Peña – Pacific Palisades

Ramen Tatsunoya Chef Ryuta Kajiwara – Pasadena, Silver Lake

Ruam Mitr Kwanklao Disbanchong & Benchawan Phoungtai – Los Angeles

Santuari Chef Seth Greenberg – Toluca Lake

Stand-Up Burgers Chef Kajsa Alger – Berkeley, Los Angeles

Taishi Hainan Chicken Chef Theo Shio – Redondo Beach, Long Beach

The Colony Club and SO.PA Chef Michael Hung – Palm Springs

The Raymond 1886 Chef Gabriel Cappelli – Pasadena

True Food Kitchen Chef Stephanie Nguyen – Pasadena

Vegan Sunday Supper Richard Klein – Los Angeles

We Olive Ervin Galvan – Pasadena

World Empanadas Chef Matthew Hirtz – Burbank

Yardbird Chef Eduardo Osorio – Los Angeles

Yuca’s Restaurant Socorro “Mama Yuca’s” Herrera – Pasadena

Food Trucks:

Kabobaholic Ali Pooya – Los Angeles, Orange County

Okamoto Kitchen Gerald Abraham – Los Angeles

The Tropic Truck Lauren Saravia – Los Angeles

VCHOS Wendy Centeno – Los Angeles

Wings N Waffles Jontae Vinson – Los Angeles, Orange County

Sweet Masters: A select group of Los Angeles Top Sweet Masters will showcase an assortment of delectable desserts such as Bertha Mae’s Brownies, unique Indian treats from Banana Leaf, handcrafted pudding from Better Together Sweets, custom cakes and desserts from Butter Cake Shoppe, French macarons and gourmet cookies from Etoile Filante Patisserie, deliciously scrumptious scratch baked custom cakes and cupcakes from Fantasy Frostings, Lark Cake Shop, Chocolatier Mignon Chocolate, Nomad Ice Pops, homemade premium sorbets from Pop’s Artisinal Creamery,  Nothing Bundt Cakes, and more.

Some of this year’s participating Beverage Masters include:

Bars & Spirits: 2022 Masters of Taste Platinum Sponsor Beam Suntory will be premiering their House of Suntory Tiny House on the 50 Yard Line along with a Maker’s Mark Lounge, and more. Some of L.A.’s top bartenders and cocktail bars will be creating first-rate craft cocktails, including Maxwell Reis of Gracias Madre and Miguel Perez of 1886 Bar at The Raymond. Top brands showcasing their finest spirits at Masters of Taste will include American Born Whiskey, Dulce Vida Tequila, High Road Spirits serving Lucky Dog Sake Juice Boxes, Knox & Dobson, Krafted Spirits, Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal, Pomp & Whimsy, Smoke Lab Vodka, Ventura Spirits, Veso Aperitifs, Wild Roots Organic Vodka, Xoloitzcuintle Tequila, and  Woodford Reserve will be exclusively featured in the Rose Bowl Court of Champions.

Brewmasters: Beverage Masters who specialize in barley and hops will be presenting top-notch ales, lagers, pilsners and more for guests to sample, sip and savor all throughout the event, including Southern California favorites 14 Cannons Brewing Co., L.A.’s new All Season Brewing, Arts District Brewing Company, Pasadena’s Cerveceria Del Pueblo, hard kombucha from Flying Embers in Ojai, Downtown’s Homebound Brew Haus, North Hollywood’s Lawless Brewing Co., Arcadia’s first Microbrewery Mt. Lowe Brewing Co., Ola Brew hard seltzer, Over Town Brewing Co., San Fernando Brewing Co., and 2022 Thai Sponsor Singha Beer.

Wineries and Sake: A specially curated collection of Wine Masters will be showcasing their finest varietals including premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, CRŪ Winery, Ferguson Family Wines, Golden Star Vineyards & Winery, Hitching Post Winery, Kikusi Brewery (Sake), Obvious Wines, Anderson Valley’s Navarro Vineyards, Seisyu Akagisan Sake, Tobias Glen Vineyard, and more.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A variety of premium non-alcoholic Beverage Masters will also be on hand for those who wish to hydrate, caffeinate or regenerate, such as Yerba Mate from Erva Brew Co., Humm Kombucha, distilled and elegantly blended non-alcoholic beverages from Optimist Drinks, boba milk tea from Sunright Tea Studio and Bearology, natural ginger beer from TrueRoots Brewing Co., handcrafted beverage starters from The Base Co., and more.

Sponsors: Masters of Taste 2022 is made possible through the generous support of our Platinum Sponsors, Beam Suntory. The Songkran Thai SELECT Pavilion is made possible by Thai Trade Center Los Angeles, including Thai SPIRIT, Department of International Trade Promotion, Singha, N.A. Trading Company, Theppadungporn Coconut Co., and Sunlee. Gold Sponsors include Judith L. Chiara Foundation, US Bank, and Western Asset Management. The event is also made possible by Silver Sponsors: AppDynamics, Capital Group, Charlie and Rene Chiara, Hannah and Russ Kully, Homebridge Financial Services, Inc., HomeStreet Bank, Jim & Cary Moore, John and Marie Queen, Kaiser Permanente, Liz & Rhodes Trussell, Philip and Nancy Naecker, Union Bank MUFG, Vickie and Alex Taylor, Wells Fargo, Woodford Reserve; and Bronze Sponsors: ADP Foundation, Avantis Investors, Bank of America, Bart and Pam Wald, Catherine Simms & Garrett Bell, City National Bank, David & Janet Lazier, HKG LLP, Lonnie and Lorraine Schield, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, Sally Lash, Terry & Teresa Krupczak, Verlasso, Wendy Lees & Tom Boyle and Westport Construction. 

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2022 will take place on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets to this event are only available for guests 21+ and over. For more information on Masters of Taste 2022 or to book your tickets directly, please visit https://mastersoftastela.com/tickets/. 

Location:  Pasadena Rose Bowl – 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103. 

Transportation and Parking: Guests are encouraged to utilize car services – Lyft, Uber, Taxi, etc. – since this event does serve alcoholic beverages and is a 21+ and over event. Complimentary parking is also available at the Rose Bowl.

Day Chaser® Cocktails and Hendrick Motorsports Launch New Partnership With No. 48 Team

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CONCORD, N.C. (PRWEB) – Canned cocktail brand Day Chaser has joined Hendrick Motorsports as an official partner of Alex Bowman and the driver’s No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in the NASCAR Cup Series.

With a three-year agreement through 2024, Day Chaser will be featured on the fire suits of Bowman and his No. 48 crew members. The brand will also receive prominent placement on the team’s transporter and other equipment used throughout race weekends.

In addition to Bowman and his No. 48 Chevy, Day Chaser will have rights to use the full Hendrick Motorsports stable of race cars and stylized car numbers in its advertising and promotion.

“It’s thrilling to align Day Chaser with Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in NASCAR history,” said David Mandler of Northeast Drinks Group, parent company of Day Chaser. “The multi-year partnership allows us to build the Day Chaser brand alongside the best in the sport. We look forward to utilizing all the touchpoints Hendrick Motorsports has to offer via its deep relationships in the auto and racing worlds, including live events, advertising, and social media.

“We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Alex and the No. 48 team and look forward to a successful first season in 2022. We expect to see Day Chaser in victory lane a lot this year.”

Bowman, 28, is coming off a banner 2021 season in which he delivered a career-best four points-paying race wins and secured his fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series playoff appearance. The Tucson, Arizona, native opened the year with his second DAYTONA 500 pole position and went on to achieve personal bests in top-five finishes (eight) and top-10s (16).

“The opportunity to introduce a cool new brand like Day Chaser to Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR is awesome for me,” Bowman said. “The product tastes great and really fits my personality and lifestyle. Our team has a lot we want to accomplish this year, so the goal is to have plenty of post-race celebrations featuring Day Chaser.”

Part of the Vermont Cider Company’s portfolio of award-winning brands, Day Chaser is a refreshing spirit-based canned cocktail made with real fruit juice and sparkling water. The easy drinking beverage is perfect for those living an active lifestyle full of adventure. All Day Chasers are 100 calories and certified gluten free with only 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of sugar and no artificial ingredients.

“We’re pleased to welcome Day Chaser to our team,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “It’s a young and exciting brand that we’re able to pair with a young and exciting driver. Alex is a rising star in our sport and will be an excellent ambassador for Day Chaser. We look forward to growing this new relationship and developing a successful program together.”

ABOUT DAY CHASER® COCKTAILS:

Day Chaser is a ready-to-drink spirit-based canned cocktail made with real fruit juice and sparkling water. This easy drinking beverage is perfect for those living an active lifestyle full of adventure. All Day Chasers are 100 calories, certified gluten free, with only 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of sugar and no artificial ingredients. Day Chaser features the perfect balance of spirit, fruit flavors and carbonation. Day Chaser launched first with two vodka and sparkling water styles, with two more vodka and four tequila styles available in Spring 2022. For additional information, to purchase online and find Day Chaser near you, please visit DayChaser.com. Be sure to follow @DayChaser on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Day Chaser is part of the Vermont Cider Company’s portfolio of award-winning brands, based in Middlebury, Vermont, owned by Northeast Drinks Group.

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:

Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (280) and laps led (nearly 75,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 37 different seasons, including an active streak of 36 in a row (1986-2021). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 100 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

S Bar At Mandalay Bay Covers All of Your Senses

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Back in December, a few days before their opening on New Year’s Eve, I shared news about the latest S Bar in the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Unable to attend that first night Eddie and I rectified our loss by visiting them two weeks later. From the outside in, we were excited with just how the place looked. Once seated we had our chance to sample as much as we could – the atmosphere, art, drinks, food and music – and by the end of our time there we were left thinking, this is not the bar for selfies and to be seen, at least not for us. This is the bar of 2022, where all of your senses will be gratified in luxury. Let me share why. (And for those of you that just want to skip reading, photos and videos can be found here and here.)

Photo: S Bar website

The Space

I took a lot of photos of the S Bar before we even entered, it’s that grand looking. When you exit the parking garage elevators onto the Casino floor it is one of the first things you see on your immediate left.

Gold glimmers, lights from the interior flicker to catch your eye, and the hostess waits for you to find your way to her. Once inside the big sparkly bar will definitely catch your eye, in the center of the room and a fantastic focal point. But then, after you are seated on one of several cozy areas, your eyes will be drawn to the framed black and white photographs all around you, and the two from the owner Sam Nazarian’s private contemporary art collection that he removed from his home to share with his guests: a large Marilyn Monroe and a second piece of art, a seated naked woman. Both will make you catch your breath.

There were two main sitting areas, and a third private VIP lounge tucked away and conveniently located near one side of the bar – giving the impression that you would have private access to the bar. This is intentional.

Near the front entrance is an area for musicians. On this night we benefitted from a talented electric violinist that played along to current popular favorites. She was amazing.

Then at this point, before you have really taken it all in, one of the many attentive members of the service staff will greet you, offer you several types of water, offer the drink and food menus.

The Drinks

We usually order our favorite drinks at bars. But when it’s a new bar, with what we understood to be very experienced barmen, we asked our server which cocktails she thought we might like based on our tastes.

Neither of us like sweet drinks, and she made great suggestions. Eddie went for “The Second Rodeo” which was described on the menu as Green Chile Vodka, Spiced Hibiscus, Lime and Rose Kombucha. Eddie has never had any of these ingredients, and I was proud of him for trying something out of the box. And one of the reasons the drink was suggested was because it came on fire. After blowing out the flame Eddie had his taste and declared it spicy but not too spicy, and enjoyed all of the unique flavors.

Another recommendation was for me, to try the “Palm Reader” which was crafted with Bourbon, Cacao Rum, Licor de Elote, Palo Santo and orange bitters – and if you watch the video you can see that our bartender also served the drink on the rock with a little bit of white chocolate shavings! After we lingered over these for an hour…we did try our usual Sazerac (for Eddie) and an Old Fashioned (for me) and they were just as yum-worthy.

A note on the bar itself: all top notch equipment including cut crystal mixing glasses, copper jiggers and strainers, clear ice (they even have clear tall Tom Collins ice), and house-made simple syrup and bitters.

The Food

We started with the Charcuterie board and probably could’ve stopped there as it was more than enough for two for dinner with all kinds of meats, cheeses, nuts, jellies and toasted Crostini. But we didn’t. The “Tarte Flambee” flatbread that came next just slayed us, it was described as a loaded potato on flatbread and it didn’t disappoint as it was loaded with onion, bacon, Crème Fraîche, Fromage Blanc and chives! We finished with a beautiful Tuna Poke tower with large wonton chips.

Friends we were happily surprised to discover sitting at the bar had the Deviled Eggs, Wagyu Sliders and were about to order the Charcuterie board and Lobster Mac when we left!

Conclusion

Walk, don’t run as I know you will be dressed nicely, to the new S Bar in Mandalay Bay for your slice of heaven soon. https://www.sbe.com/nightlife/s-bar/las-vegas

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.

Where We Started: Drinking Wine and Spirits

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I recently wrote about how I got started with writing about and studying wine. Made me think about how I got started with drinking both wine and spirits. Had a chat with my husband Eddie, and a boozy trip down memory lane, and this is where it started and led me:

Spirits And Wine

Eve at Del Dotto, into caves with winemaker Gerard Zanzonico, circa March 2012.

When I was in high school and underage drinking was at every party, I have seriously no recollection of imbibing but I’m sure I did – and God knows what. My earliest memories of booze include Bartles and Jaymes Wine Coolers, wine spritzers, as well as Mateus and Blue Nun wines. Not a fan of beer but I did enjoy Mickey’s Big Mouth malt liquor at least once.

Fast forward to my early 20s and I enjoyed Myer’s Dark rum with orange juice, Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitans, Tequila Sunrise and Kahlua with milk, cream and/or vodka. So yea, I wanted sweet cocktails, preferably ones that hid the flavor of the base spirit.

When I met Eddie his mother introduced me to Vodka Tonics. Later came single spirits, for Eddie it was Chivas Regal blended Scotch whisky, for me my tastes evolved much later, into single malt, as there’s what Eddie became more interested in. I was covering cocktail events, which we both loved, and then whisky events. In both I was learning more and more about the spirits, and how to make cocktails with them. While I prefer gin cocktails like a Negroni or a Martini, Eddie prefers whisky. So added to my home-bartending recipes are the Sazerac, Old Fashioned and Manhattan.

Only Wine

I never drank White Zinfandel. When that was introduced I was enjoying red Zinfandel. I can remember being at Sutter Home in Napa and everyone ordering White Zinfandel, it was the moment I had to start saying “red” before the word Zinfandel to get what I wanted. Thank God that craze is over.

After we got married my sister-in-law and her husband invited us to a vertical wine tasting at Concannon. I didn’t know what that was at the time but quickly learned that we were to taste the same wine from the same winery over several years. It was U.S. my a ha moment as we carefully studied the difference in each vintage. A few years later, during our first trip to France, I wanted to visit Willi’s Wine Bar that I had read about in Wine Spectator. I’ve written about Willi’s several times over the years, suffice it to say that being introduced to the perfect Chateau Lynch Bages Bordeaux with owner Mark Williamson was a turning point for me.

Around the same time my first wine classes were via The Wine House in West Los Angeles: starting with sparkling wine and junk food, Chardonnay Fests, Cab Fests, and a few weeks worth of classes just on France. It would be decades later, after already obtaining my WSET Level Two that I would return there for classes held there by the North American Sommelier Association and my Level One Sake Certification.

Now, how did you get started?

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.