TOTC2012-Recap-FINAL.. - Tales of the Cocktail

Cocktail Apprentice Program (CAP)Started in 2008, the Cocktail Apprentice Program was developed to give promising cocktail talent theopportunity to apprentice with some of the biggest names in the industry at Tales of the Cocktail®. The NOCCPSprovides travel, room and board to more than 60 of the world’s up-and-coming mixologists every year. WhileTales of the Cocktail® benefits from the talents of these apprentices behind the bar, the program providesapprentices unprecedented opportunities to learn alongside some of the biggest names in mixology. (See page 8for Class of 2012 Cocktail Apprentices)Coming from such a small city and an even smaller cocktail scene, I cannot translate into words how much thisopportunity meant to me. It will change my life and I will never forget it.--Jenner Cormier, 2012 Apprentice“Let me just say how incredible my experiences as a CAP were this year; both Vancouver and NOLA. I can’texpress to you the beauty and sincere inspiration I’ve taken from all of it. My bartending career is truly takingoff here in Toronto and I owe a great deal of gratitude Tales for creating such a wonderful event that brings somany genuine and passionate people together for the love of all things cocktail. Thank you from the bottom ofmy heart.-- Michael Webster, 2012 CAPCocktail Apprentice Scholarship FundThe Cocktail Apprentice Scholarship Fund was started in 2010 to allow former apprentices to pursue theirpassion for mixology through both educational opportunities and research projects. The NOCCPS grants aminimum of $25,000 every year to assist apprentices these special pursuits that will benefit the greater cocktailcommunityA few past recipients include:Chris Churilla(Bartender, Terminus - Corvallis, OR)“Artisanal Spirits of the Pacific Northwest”Jason Kemp(Bar Manager, The Family Dog - Atlanta, GA)“Angostura thru Prohibition”Logan Lavachek(Bartender, NoMad - New York, NY)“Digital Cocktail Aggregate”Franky Marshall(Bartender, Monkey Club &The Tippler – New York, NY)“Ms. Franky on Stage”David Delaney, Jr.(Bartender, Citizen – Boston, MA;Bar Manager, Still & Stir - Worcester, MA)“B.A.R.”Thomas Klus(Bar Manager, Kask - Portland, OR)“P.U.B.”Brian Matthys(Bartender Le Bernardin – New York, NY)“Shochu Beyond the Highball.”Neil Kopplin(Creator and Owner Imbue Vermouth - Portland, OR)“Roots…Tracing Origins of Vermouth and Amaro”Cocktail Apprentice Medical FundSparked by former apprentice Logan Lovacheck’s battle with a broken femur and the resulting medical bills, theNOCCPS established the Cocktail Apprentice Medical Fund in 2011. This program provides short-term financialassistance in the form of cash grants to former Tales of the Cocktail® Apprentices to help off set large medicalexpenses in times of need.Sazerac Seal of ApprovalIn an effort to preserve the quality of New Orleans’ most legendary cocktail, the NOCCPS created the SazearcSeal of Approval program in 2010. Using anonymous judges, only those establishments that adhere to thehighest standards for their Sazeracs (quality ingredients, proper preparation and presentation) are awarded theSazerac Seal of Approval. In 2012, the program expanded to include bars from around the world. (See page 7 fora list of 2012 Recipients)Flo Woodward Memorial ScholarshipHonoring one of New Orleans’ most beloved barkeeps, the Flo Woodward Memorial Scholarship providescontinuing education opportunities for members of the New Orleans hospitality industry. Recipients of thisaward are sent to the Bartending/Beverage Management Course at the Crescent City School of Bartending inNew Orleans (valued at $3000).What PeopleAre Saying…“I always tell people that I don’t go to Tales to findout what the industry is doing, I go to find out whatthe industry is going to be doing a year to threeyears from now.”—David Alan, The Tipsy Texan“It was impossible to see, hear, and drinkeverything — but we sure tried.”—Valerie Murray of Victoria Spirits“Food Trucks and Go Cups is one of those ideasyou know is genius, because it is so obviously rightthat you can’t believe someone hadn’t thought itup earlier.”—Alex del Castillo of Taceaux Loceaux“Tales is special, not only because it offers up themost in depth learning experience when it comesto sharing knowledge within the drinks industry,but because it’s a chance for us to have a drinksindustry family gathering in a city where almostanything goes.”—Daniel Priseman,BittersandTwisted.com“Thank you for giving us all a chance to seecocktail “family.”—Aidan Demarest“Tales offers so much to anyone with any interestin drinks and drinking. You can discuss the meritsof classic cocktails with Gaz Regan or DavidWondrich all in an afternoon. That’s a pretty coolthing to have right in our backyard. So if youhaven’t been before, mark your calendar for theend of July, because you’ll need to go.”—Tommy Klus, Past CAP“Looking forward to the next TOTC adventure. Ihad heard the stories – of both New Orleans andTales of the Cocktail – and now I understand theawesomeness that is. The reason everyone wantsto come back year after year. Why everyone asks ifthey’ll see you at Tales. Old friends and new friendsaround every corner, comfortable Southern farepaired with the best cocktails in the industry, andan opportunity to learn about the history and pathof those creating and mixing your favorite drinks.”—Jennifer Heigl of Daily Blender“It is a real pleasure and an honor to be able tosupport and to be part of such an incredible event,specially to be able to meet and know such greatpeople that every year comes to Tales. So I have tothank you for this life experience.”—Matteo Luxardo