Tales of the Cocktail on Tour announces Edinburgh Seminars

Edinburgh’s thriving bar community will again play host to world-renowned cocktail event, April 7 – 10

​Tales of the Cocktail® on Tour​ is a four-day gathering of international specialists in the spirits industry designed to educate, illuminate and entertain bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts from the city and beyond. The event will run from Saturday, April 7 to Tuesday, April​ ​10, 2018.

Seminars will dive deep into the techniques, history and business of making drinks and cover a variety of issues from the rising popularity of low-proof cocktails, to an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes of some of the most innovative beverage programs in the world. Participants will be immersed in interactive, educational seminars like “Against the Grain,” led by a world expert in whisky distilling, flavour generation and blending, Davin de Kergommeaux​.

“I’m excited to announce this selection of seminars from some of the most influential figures in the drinks industry,” says Philip Duff, ​Tales of the Cocktail Director of Education. “We can’t wait to return to the beautiful city of Edinburgh.”

Attendees can expect to see, and taste, world class brands such as Aperitivo Select, Bacardi, Havana Club, El Guapo Bitters, Libbey Glassware, Tipple Box and Muddle Magazine with more sponsors being added weekly.

Tales of the Cocktail on Tour​ events will be centered around The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square.

​2018 Seminars:

SPRITZER : From the Italian Classic Aperitivo to Low ABV Cocktails

Discover the evolution of the modern Italian aperitivo and how the classic Spritzer became the 21st century worldwide trend. When and where was the first Spritz ever made and which was the original recipe? How craft and historic bitter liquors have defined the different styles of Spritzes, depending on the city? We will take you through a journey that will reveal where everything began; how the recipe changed across the years and made its appearance to the cocktail world, until it finally became part of our aperitivo culture. Hosted by Italian drink expert Giuseppe Gallo.

Breaking the Mould

This seminar looks at some of the most progressive and innovative beverage programmes in the world, and explores what goes on behind the scenes. Join Joe Schofield, Matt Whiley, Mimi Lorandova and Vasilis Kyritsis as they discuss their systems and thought processes to push away from the confines of trends and conservativeness.

Against the Grain

How does grain translate into whisky flavors? Does the choice of grain matter, and if so how? How does distillation shape whisky flavors? Let Canadian whisky authority, Davin de Kergommeaux, and glassware expert, Kevin Vollebregt, lead you through a one-time-only tasting of newly distilled rye, wheat, barley and corn spirits in this master class in distilling, flavour generation, and how best to enjoy it.

Ballin’ on a Budget

Everyone wants to be nominated for Tales or listed in World’s 50 Best, but what if you don’t have a PR budget? Or ANY budget? Edinburgh’s favorite son, Iain “Panda” McPherson is here to show you how, with practical tips and hacks from his own Edinburgh empire. Leave this seminar knowing the how and the why, and armed with the mistakes to avoid on the road to fame and fortune.

The Dollars of Diversity

Boosting Your Bar’s Bottom Line By Embracing Inclusiveness. Everyone wants to have both a diverse workforce and customer base, but how do you actually go about it? Join New York mixologist Elayne Duff for a session packed with immediate-action tips to boost ALL diversity – gender, race, age, country of origin and even social class – both behind and in front of your bar. And not just because its nice, but because diversity boosts revenues and secures a sustainable business. Joining Elayne to detail the how and why of practical inclusiveness are award-winning Norwegian bartender Monica Berg, WSET UK educator Hannah Lanfear, and Sullivan Doh, owner of Parisian cocktail bars Le Syndicat and La Commune.

Sound Advice – Better Bar Music

In the rush to design brilliant spaces and stock bars with brilliant products, many otherwise brilliant bars are neglecting their music offering, and failing to stimulate the most powerful sense of all. Sasha Petraske used to say he’d made up his mind whether he liked a place in 5 seconds after opening the door. Music is the most important way to create an instant atmosphere in your venue. Join moderator Jacob Briars, along with Panelists Sly Augustin and Metinee Kongsrivali to learn about the latest technology, how to promote your music offering, how to manage it, and what might be the best music to drink to.

Tickets & Schedule Release

Tickets are now available for the program’s coveted seminars and Taste of Tales event.
On March 8th, we will unveil a series of supplemental, complementary events throughout the city – from guest bartender experiences to private, brand-affiliated parties – to showcase a curated look at the cocktail culture of Edinburgh through the local bars and restaurants that make the city legendary.

These exclusive events will be free to ticket holders with RSVPs opening on March 8th on a first-come, first served basis.

All information available on the TOTC website: https://talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-on-tour/