William Grant & Sons Toasts the 10th Anniversary of Tales of The Cocktail With Opening Night Celebration

NEW ORLEANS, July 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The family-owned independent distiller William Grant & Sons celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Tales of The Cocktail on Wednesday night by hosting its highly anticipated annual portfolio party at the iconic New Orleans Museum of Art.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120726/NY47049 )

William Grant & Sons, whose award-winning spirits portfolio includes Glenfiddich and The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, Hendrick's Gin, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Sailor Jerry Rum, Milagro Tequila and Stolichnaya Vodka, brought its coveted portfolio of brands and ambassadors together to pay tribute to the premier cocktail festival's storied history with a "Big Birthday Party" marking the event's 10th anniversary.  More than 1,200 spirits industry professionals, respected mixologists and guests attended the epic installation.  

"Last night we gathered to celebrate the success of our partner and friend Tales of the Cocktail Founder Ann Tuennerman, who over the past ten years has spearheaded the growth of this hallmark festival that brings more than 20,000 people to New Orleans," said Casper MacRae, Vice President of Brand Marketing for William Grant & Sons. "As a producer of some of the world's most innovative spirits, we support Tales' mission and revel in the opportunity to share our products, people and lessons with the trade community at large and encourage the advancement of the industry as a whole."

Each brand was brought to life on the museum's great lawn through immersive experiences, while inside the Great Hall guests sampled vintage Glenfiddich and Balvenie whiskies.  True to form, the unusual Hendrick's three story bar featured drinks cascading down to eager guests below, while the Milagro ice bar was a destination for guests interested in an exquisite punch featuring the award-winning reposado tequila.  A highlight of the evening was the launch of Montelobos, a super premium mezcal that offered an introduction to the liquid in intimate, candlelit ambiance; and Monkey Shoulder, a ground-breaking blended malt Scotch whisky that delighted visitors with a Slap and Tickle Village and bartenders shaking made to order cocktails while jumping on a trampoline.

"This year's Tales of the Cocktail is particularly special, as we debut two new products, Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky and Montelobos Premium Mezcal, to the trade community and consumers nationwide," said MacRae. "We look forward to sharing these one-of-a-kind product offerings – which are aptly positioned to revolutionize their respective categories -- and we're confident that each will contribute to the incredible success and growth of our portfolio at large."

Acclaimed mixologist and William Grant & Sons Ambassador, Charlotte Voisey, served as the evening's host and led a special salute dedicated to Tuennerman.  A surprise bagpipe performance followed, featuring world renowned bagpipe player and Balvenie Ambassador Lorne Cousin, known for his collaboration with Madonna on her 2004 World Tour.  A colorful fireworks display and burlesque dancers concluded the festivities, setting the stage for the next four days of tasting rooms, seminars and cocktailing events.

The celebration included signature cocktails crafted by renowned mixologists, including Julie Reiner (Flatiron Lounge); Alba Huerta (Anvil Bar & Refuge); Trevor Easter (Rickhouse); Ted Kilgore (Taste by Niche); Dean Herst (SideBern); and Jennifer Colliau (Slanted Door) and featured William Grant & Sons celebrated group of Brand Ambassadors. 

William Grant & Sons' brands will continue to host seminars, tasting rooms, spirited dinners, and more throughout the week-long celebration of Tales. For more information on William Grant & Sons, visit http://www.grantusa.com; for information on Tales of the Cocktail visit www.talesofthecocktail.com.

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's most awarded single malt Glenfiddich^®, The Balvenie^® range of handcrafted single malts and the world's third largest blended Scotch Grant's^® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick's^® Gin, Sailor Jerry^® Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and Milagro^® Tequila.

Among the most recent accolades for the well-awarded company, William Grant & Sons was honored as the "Distiller of the Year" by the International Wine & Spirit Competition for the second year running and the fourth time since 1999. When counted along with the same designation from the International Spirits Challenge, William Grant & Sons has received this title an unprecedented nine times in the past 12 years.

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the USA with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, Stolichnaya Vodka, Grant's, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson's Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Lillet, Art In The Age, The Knot and BOLS cordials. The company has offices in New York City (sales and marketing) and Edison, NJ (bottling and warehouse facilities). For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.grantusa.com.

SOURCE William Grant & Sons