The word terroir is often used to describe wine and the region, land and soil in which its grapes are grown. Often, a wine’s terroir directly impacts its flavor profile. Tony Conigliaro, always on the cutting edge of bartending, cocktail creation and distillation, has taken terroir, quite literally, and distilled it. Blending three distillations of flint stone, clay and reindeer moss, Tony has created a “cocktail in a bottle” that tastes like nothing else on earth.

A few more sips and seminars, a bit of dancing and some great music capped off Natalie’s time at tales. Another wonderful time in the heart of New Orleans with great friends has come to an end. See you next year!

What to do next? There is so much to choose from at Tales of the Cocktail! Natalie grabbed some lunch at the PIg and Punch fundraiser, then headed over to the LUPEC Dame Hall of Fame Awards. After a quick rest, she was off to chat with Gaz Regan as well as Tales Ambassador for 2012 and owner of CURE and Bellocq, Neil Bodenheimer. How do you cap off a day like that? Ogle some men at the Mr. Solerno Competition, that’s how!

Natalie started Tales of the Cocktail 2012 at the William Grant and Sons 10th Birthday Bash. It was one amazing party! A new Mezcal, Montelobos, was tasted, birthday cake was eaten and fireworks were exploded! What a great start to Tales 2012!

The red carpet at the Tales of the Cocktail 2012 Spirited Awards was hoppin’! This year’s celebration of cocktails, bartending and mixology was the biggest yet; no surprise seeing as it was the 10th anniversary of this global gathering of the best of the best in the world of spirits. Natalie had the privilege of interviewing so many who are at the top of their game.

Natalie had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the inaugural Arizona Cocktail Week put on back in February. Among the participants in this years festivities were Kim Hassarud, Dale DeGroff, Charlotte Voisey and many more.

Tales of the Cocktail 2011 finished off with an amazing Spirited Awards ceremony. Natalie had the red carpet all to herself and grabbed some great interviews with the best in the business.

Who could resist a ride in a Morgan with two dashing young Scots? Natalie didn’t need anyone to twist here arm! Andrew Weir and Nicholas Pollacchi of The Balvenie have been traveling the country in style. Natalie was lucky enough to grab a ride after a visit with the TOC Apprentices and a sip from the world’s largest Negroni.

Tales of the Cocktail 2011 keeps rolling on as Natalie sips some rare 1982 vintage Lillet with brand ambassador Jackie Patterson. After milking a cow at the William Grant and Sons 1940’s party for a fresh off the farm Ramos Gin Fizz, Natalie hits Spa Aria at the Hotel Monteleone for a manicure and some delicious Solerno cocktails! It’s a tough life!

Gaston Martinez of Milagro Tequila reveals a new product at the William Grant and Sons 1940’s party and Natalie learns about the Hotel Monteleone renovations that will take the famed Carousel Bar from great to magnificent!