1st Annual Dame Hall of Fame Luncheon is on July 18th
By Francine Cohen

TOTC 2012 Dame Hall of Fame luncheon table set

Follow the hats on July 18th and you’ll notice that the ladies are at it again – celebrating their past accomplishments and looking towards an even brighter future that will be revealed at this year’s Dame Hall of Fame luncheon at Tales of the Cocktail 2013 (www.talesofthecocktail.com). This the day for some serious celebrating of the strides women have made in the spirits industry, and all are welcome at this celebratory luncheon held at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel (www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/neworleansroyalorleans).

Returning sponsor Hollis Bulleit, World Ambassador for Bulleit Bourbon & Rye, explains why she and her brand are coming back for the sophomore year of this event that is co-sponsored by LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails), “The Dame Hall of Fame means to me that I get to celebrate with my peers the breaking of another glass ceiling. It is a place for me to be proud of my accomplishments and taking the risk to add a feminine perspective and queer perspective in an industry that up until quite recently had a lot of rules on the right way to enjoy brown spirits.”

Having women lead the way on the right way to enjoy brown spirits, and spirits of every hue, is a far cry from the days when when women weren’t even allowed in bars. Now they’re shaking up the entire industry as mixologists, bar owners, ambassadors and more. It wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing dialogue and mentorship that LUPEC engenders throughout the year and, since LUPEC events are not simply brand commercials, that is why organizers decided to add an engaging educational component to this year’s luncheon via a Q&A session that will foster spirited conversation. LUPEC NYC President Lynnette Marrero notes, “It is important for LUPEC events at Tales of the Cocktail to be a chance for brands to interact with our members and to share their unique brand stories with our fan base.”

TOTC 2012 Dame Hall of Fame Lillet ladies talking

The luncheon’s supporting brands – Branca Distilleries (www.branca.it), Bulleit Bourbon (www.bulleitbourbon.com), Dorothy Parker Gin (nydistilling.com/spirits), Fonseca Porto (www.fonseca.pt), Hendrick’s Gin (www.hendricksgin.com), Imbibe Magazine (www.imbibemagazine.com, Laird’s Applejack Brandy (www.lairdandcompany.com), Lillet (www.lillet.com), Michter’s Whiskey (www.michters.com), Montanya Distillers (www.montanyarum.com), Solerno (www.solernoliqueur.com), Tres Agaves (www.tresagaves.com), Ty Ku (www.trytyku.com) and Zacapa Rum (www.zacaparum.com) will be on hand to both serve up delicious cocktails and conversation and bear witness as LUPEC salutes five women for their contributions to the cocktail arts as the newest inductees into the Dame Hall of Fame. These honorable women will be recognized at a special ceremony during the luncheon.

The women being honored are:
Bridget Albert, USBG National Charity Foundation President and SWS Regional Director of Mixology IL,KY,MN
Gina Chersevani, Mixtress and Partner, Hanks Oyster Bar and the Eddy on Capital Hill and at Buffalo and Bergen Soda Bar
Meaghan Dorman, Head Bartender, The Raines Law Room
Eryn Reece, Bartender, Mayahuel and Death & Company

Julie Reiner, co-owner and beverage director at the Flatiron Lounge and Clover Club in New York City, is the recipient of the Pioneer Award for this year’s Dame Hall of Fame. This special award was founded to honor a female mixologist who has helped shape today’s cocktail industry and has become a role model for other female mixologists around the world.

“Julie Reiner has totally paved the way for women in this industry, proving that nothing is impossible when hard work and good business acumen are applied,” said Charlotte Voisey, the first Pioneer Award winner and brand ambassador for William Grant & Sons. “Since I first met Julie in 2005, I have always known her to be a generous mentor, courageous pioneer and wonderfully supportive friend. Julie’s gregarious appetite for life sets an example to us all. I am delighted and not at all surprised that Julie is being honored with the Dame Hall of Fame Pioneer Award.”

Don your finest hat and honor these women, and the accomplishments of the entire industry at Thursday’s luncheon. Tickets to this special event are limited and can be purchased online at TalesoftheCocktail.com for $65.00 (tax and tip included).

Dame Hall of Fame Inductees 2012
Dame Hall of Fame Inductees 2012