Marie Brizard USA Cocktail Challenge

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Marie Brizard, world renowned French purveyor of spirits and liqueurs since 1755, will host the Marie Brizard USA Cocktail Challenge on July 27, 2012 in New Orleans. Each contestant will prepare their original Marie Brizard cocktail to be sampled and judged by a panel of industry leaders for a chance to win a cash prize of $1000, and represent the U.S. at the Marie Brizard International Bartender Seminar and Competition in Bordeaux, France.  This year marks the Seminar's 30th Anniversary.  Attendees will have the privilege of cheering on contestants with the event's emcee, Francesco Lafranconi, National Director of Mixology & Spirits Educator Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. 

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"Marie Brizard Liqueurs is pioneering the revitalization of the cordial industry," said Timo Sutinen, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Imperial Brands, Inc. "We are excited to share this revolutionary brand and are honored to team up with the nation's top bartenders and mixologists to crown our U.S. champion."

Competitors will give cocktails a creative twist using Marie Brizard Liqueurs, the "natural choice of bar professionals." Their signature recipes will be showcased for an expert panel of judges as they represent their states which include California, Nevada, Florida, Massachusetts, Illinois and New York. Guests will experience the rich history and culture of Marie Brizard as they enter the French-themed landscape and backdrop of the Marie Brizard Tasting Room at this year's Tales of the Cocktail®. 

Earlier this year, Marie Brizard introduced Chocolat Royal, the only super-premium dark chocolate liqueur in the industry. Made with cocoa beans, Chocolat Royal combines delicate aromatic notes of vanilla and caramel with sweet intense chocolate to create a liqueur that enriches the senses.  Guests will be able to sample this delectable liqueur with desserts as well as cocktails. 

Tales of the Cocktail® is the world's premier cocktail festival, bringing together the most respected minds on mixology for five days of cocktails, cuisine and culture. Marie Brizard, one of the proud brands featured at this year's festival, will participate in the Tasting Room portion of the five-day event.

About Marie Brizard

Marie Brizard Liqueurs, created in Bordeaux, a world renowned region for its tradition of quality wines, is one of the world's most venerable producers of liqueurs and drinks crafted from plants, fruits and spices. Founded in 1755, Marie Brizard made its name with its signature aniseed liqueur, later to become the Marie Brizard Anisette. Marie Brizard includes a wide range of cocktail-based liqueurs, spirits, and syrups.  The Marie Brizard line of liqueurs has an unrivaled reputation throughout the world.  For more information, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarieBrizardUSA 

About Imperial Brands, Inc. 

Imperial Brands, Inc. is an importer and marketer of distinctive spirits, most notably, the record breaking Sobieski Vodka.   Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., it is a U.S. subsidiary of Belvedere S.A., one of Europe's largest producers and distributors of white spirits and wines. Belvedere S.A. operates production and distribution units in Poland, France, United States, and other countries and additionally owns subsidiaries in Europe and South America. For more information, please visit www.ibrandsinc.com.

SOURCE Imperial Brands, Inc.