We’re packing our bags, and getting ready for Bartender’s Weekend, which is LESS THAN ONE WEEK AWAY! If you haven’t gotten your tickets, you can do that here. Want to see the schedule (which is still getting updated with more fun!)? Click here. The events this year are going to be INCREDIBLE, and we’re back at the iconic Lafayette Hotel and Club, which has been fully renovated and is ready to meet 2500+ Bartenders. The hotel is nearly sold out (and our room block has been sold out since March 12!), so if you’re planning to stay there, I’d reserve my room today.
I will be doing my best to attend every single event I can, but I guarantee you can find me at the Copalli Rum Happy Hour at Botanica on Sunday snacking on some Belizean treats with a Daiquiri in hand (featuring either Copalli Rum or Ritual NA depending on when you catch me!). Come say hi! But, before you do, RSVP here!
As always, if you want to see your program, brand or project featured here, send it to tips@lushlifeproductions.com.
Headlines
The World Central Kitchen Killings Are a Tragedy—and an Important Sign via Slate. As we allow this genocide to continue, there will be more and more casualties in every sector. There is absolutely no reason for any government to target aid workers - unless you’re trying to continue starving people. Am I disappointed that it took this heinous act to get the US government to consider changing our policy? Absolutely. Am I glad that our tax dollars might stop funding a genocide? Certainly.
Here Are the 2024 James Beard Awards Restaurant and Chef Finalists via Eater.
House of Suntory meets Japanese whisky regulations via The Spirits Business.
How Women’s Sports Bars Are Bringing Fans and Brands to March Madness via AdWeek. The Sports Bra in Portland is seriously one of the best bars I’ve been to in a long time.
Kendall-Jackson becomes NBA’s first official wine partner via The Drinks Business. In an effort to connect with a younger audience, Kendall-Jackson is partnering with the NBA.
The 10 Most Popular Cocktails In The U.S.—According To NielsenIQ Data via Forbes.
Sons of Bartenders Are 36 Times More Likely to Pursue Mixology, Survey Says via VinePair.
Boisson Closing Retail Stores Amid ‘Restructuring,’ As Non-Alc Industry Looks for Answers via BevNet. Last week’s rumors are confirmed to be true.
Introducing the Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers Jackson Class of 2024 via Thirsty.
Nyetimber set to acquire The Lakes Distillery via The Drinks Business.
Bespoken Spirits moves to $3.2m Kentucky home via The Spirits Business.
Tequila’s Sweet Spot Shifts To The $25-$40 Segment via Shanken.
DISCUS Earns ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award via Fred Minnick.
Product Launch
Patrón XO Cafe is back via The Spirits Business.
MONIN adds spice to concentrates range with NEW Ginger concentrate flavour via Bar Magazine.
Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri relaunch ‘Mezquila’ spirit via The Drinks Report.
Almave Blue Agave Spirit From Lewis Hamilton and Casa Lumbre Launches New Blanco via BevNet.
Orphan Barrel Releases Indigo’s Hour 18-Year Bourbon via Fred Minnick.
Jamie Foxx launches ‘Brown Sugar Blend’ whiskey via The Drinks Business.
Burnt Faith releases Bourbon-finished brandy via The Spirits Business.
Dalmore Luminary Series Announces Two New Offerings via Fred Minnick.
Old Fitzgerald Unveils 13-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon in Decanter Series via VinePair.
Crown Royal unveils newest flavour via The Spirits Business.
Templeton Announces April Release of Fortitude Bourbon via Fred Minnick.
Personnel Changes
D’USSé Cognac names Agathe Boinot cellar master via The Spirits Business.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Promotes John Landry to Executive Vice President, General Manager, California via Business Wire.
Blue Ridge Spirits Names New Chief Sales and Marketing Officer via BevNet.
Banfi announces new chief commercial and strategy officer via The Drinks Business.
Program Updates
Brown Forman is hosting a SafeBars Training in Louisville. If you’d like to join RSVP here! This valuable program is completely free for the trade thanks to Brown Forman!
ALL ENTRIES DUE on April 30th.
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