Tales of the Cocktail 2019 concluded a little over a month ago, and in the time since it’s conlusion I’ve been able to reflect on this year’s Tales experience. In a week that is packed full of tasting rooms, educational seminars, and booze-filled parties, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the week. While that still remains true, I wanted to take the time to reflect on what my favorite events were this year and share them with you. So, here they are, in no particular order, my Tales of the Cocktail Top 5 Events.

1. The Whiskey Room

The Whiskey Room, an event that has been held The Chart Room in New Orleans the past two years has been one of my favorite reoccurring events at Tales. Each year they bring in guest bartenders to make signature cocktails featuring Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve or Old Forrester. The event lasts three days during Tales and it is the perfect opportunity to sample amazing whiskey-based concoctions curated by bartenders all across the world. No matter what do you attend, you are sure to find something that fits your fancy.

2. The Sexton Midnight Club

If you work in the industry, you know how hard it is to close down a bar and get off a shift at 12, 2, sometimes even 5 in the morning. The Midnight Club is a new experience from Sexton, it gives late-night professionals a place to grab a bite to eat, perhaps a drink & unwind after a long shift. During Tales 2019 Sexton had two guest bartenders create great NOLA-inspired drinks and Chef Alfredo cooked up some of the best food that I had during my entire time at Tales- and that’s in a city known for its food scene. The best part about the Midnight Club? Sexton is going on tour! They plan on taking the club and doing a popup at select cities in the US so make sure to follow them for more info.

3. Hendrick’s Peculiar Palace

Maybe it’s my love of theater or perhaps my love for extravagant decor and attention to details…either way this was one of my favorite events at 2019 Tales of the Cocktail. Hendrick’s put on a beautiful show where you were able to walk through 5 different 4 different rooms, each a representation of the different Hendrick’s varieties that are currently available in stores and at your favorite bar. In addition to decor that represents the spirits, there is also a unique cocktail in every room made with either the original Hendrick’s, Orbium or Midsummer Solstice.

4. Irish Whiskey 101

Was it the only seminar that I attended this year? Yes. That’s because it was one of the main events that piqued my interest while attempting to plan my weekend at TOTC. Living in the US, I always feel like it’s so easy to access information about bourbons and ryes, even mezcal and tequila is pretty easy to read up about and taste since it’s so prevalent in San Antonio. It’s not often that you get to hear and learn about Whiskey. Irish Whiskey 101 was my chance to do so! Tim Herlihy, brand ambassador for Tullamore Dew, led a wonderful seminar, talking briefly about his upbringing and where he is from, Termonfeckin (yes, thats the real name, after St. Feckin), then leading into Irish Whiskey and covering his book From Barley to Blarney: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland.

5. Vodka & Caviar

I know, I’m just shocked you are. If you know me, you know that while I do enjoy a vodka drink every once in a while, it isn’t my spirit of choice. This event completely changed my mind about vodka. Beluga Vodka hosted this elevated event where they paired their vodka line with different types of caviar. Now, the caviar it’s self was worth the wait for the event, then seeing how the flavor of the vodka and the caviar tasted based on what you matched it with was eye-opening….or…taste opening. Either way, it was a great event and if they have it again next year, I strongly recommend attending.

Tales of the Cocktail 2019 Honorable Mentions

What would a top 5 article be if it didn’t have honorable mentions?! Here are a couple of the events that I enjoyed attending and had tons of fun at:

• 

• 

Frozen Monkey After Party- Three Dots & a Dash, Monkey Shoulder, and kick-ass BBQ- what’s not to like? Take those three things and mix them with a night filled with fun games and you get an unforgettable night (assuming you limit your alcohol intake).

Marriot’s Fragrances Pop-Up- I never thought I would be impressed by the decor inside of a Hotel Room, but I was wrong. Marriot completely transformed one of their hotel rooms for the Fragrances Pop-Up at Tales.

As you can see, Tales 2019 was packed full of memorable and unique experiences. In case you are contemplating attending Tales of the Cocktail next year, I wanted to share a key survival tips with you. This tidbit is actually from Tim Herlihy, the Irish Whiskey 101 speaker, who shared this nugget of advice, “Drink lots of Water, plan what you want -it’s daunting so do your work. RSVP for events that you want to attend. Make the most of it, but try to tap the breaks when you have to and take time to experience the city and the food.” Make sure you can subscribe to Drinking In SA so that you can read more about my Top Ten Tales Survival Tips when the post comes out!