03/07/2009 11:41:15
Gloria
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Well, this year's Bar Trade Show has come to an end, and although we are sad to see it go we are glad for the interesting and inspiring things that it brought. The first day of this year's show debuted how blended grains and whey give Australian startup company ASM's "Vodka O" it’s creamy texture, and also unveiled La Fée's new "sippable" NV (pronounced "envy") absinthe.
From the business side of things, there was GeckoFoots' handheld Scan & Measure inventory system, which scans in barcodes to identify which items are being looked at; users only enter details such as the amount of liquid remaining in the bottles into the device and the info is then sent by Bluetooth to your main computer. Then there were the flair performances of World Champion Nicolas Saint Jean. There was something for everyone at the kickoff of the two day trade show, and visitors and vendors alike were very pleased with the launch.
The second day was just as electrifying, with exhibits such as the Drink Factory’s "Science of the Hangover." John Blandy, of the Inspira Hotel Group, attended this session and said of it: "It covered a lot of stuff that I knew, but what I didn't know I found really informative. A great talk." The fantastic Phil Bayly let us all in on the secrets of tequila in his session at the Tequila Embassy. As for Bar Build, tables stole the show. Styles on show were everything from classic to contemporary and designers from all over the world presented their unique inspirations to set your drinks upon; some pieces showcased contrasting solid and translucent concepts while others flaunted beautiful resilient polythene and multihued polycarbonate sections. Digital art also made an appearance, showing off everything from plasma screens to pixel-tile walls. Using cutting edge technology in both hardware and software means that the days of having an old TV sitting in a corner are quickly disappearing. Digital art doesn’t have to mean cable TV hanging from the ceiling either; many venues are encouraging their customers to upload content from their cell phones and other mobile devices to contribute to the atmosphere and give patrons a more memorable experience.
Did you go to Bar09? Why? Why not? Have you been to a previous Bar event? What were your experiences? Are you currently using any of the technologies showcased at this year's (or previous years') event? What do you get out of this trade show?
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03/07/2009 11:55:55
Guest
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I was suprised by this year's bar show, and slightly disappointed. The major brands were almost entirely absent, and the quality and content of a good percentage of the stands were substantially poorer than previous shows.
It's entirely probable that the state of the economy has slashed advertising and promotion budgets, or perhaps the big brands just aren't seeing the return from the bar show any more; I guess only next year will tell. That said, given the quality of the show I can imagine next year will have a substantial reduction in participants.
The other interesting part was the number of energy drink brands; some established, some new, some with a point of difference, and some same-old... but all competion for what must be a very lucrative space.
Course, I did thoroughly enjoy the Tequila Embassy!
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06/07/2009 19:38:25
A.B.
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That is very unfortunate that things were so shabby this year, as years past were so successful.
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06/07/2009 19:40:30
Jenny Bean
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I agree; this is a world-renowned event, and I expected more.
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06/07/2009 19:47:41
Jenny Bean
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Ryan Chetiyawardana from Bramble Bar in Edinburgh is the UK 2009 Diageo World Class champion. He beat out Andreas Tsanos from Zuma, in London. Chetiyawardana wowed the judges in the first round by combining Pampero Anniversario rum with Lagavulin 16, Velvet Falernum, orange bitters and a pinch of salt and pepper; Tsanos tried his best, adding Ron Zacapa 23 with orange blossom water and liquorice bitters.
In the final round, Chetiyawardana made a Primavera, mixing two types of Don Julio tequila, Merlot wine jelly, Tabasco, and English breakfast tea. Tsanos created a Fairy’s Wand, combining Pampero Anniversario rum with cloves, Benedictine, Angostura bitters, and vanilla syrup.
Great efforts guys!
edited by Jenny Bean on 06/07/2009
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06/07/2009 19:56:04
Guest
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FYI:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CXSzcT4pxdk/Sh2CIUzg1OI/AAAAAAAAASk/8Et15C0ZOnA/s1600-h/cocktails_eflyer_final.jpg
Upcoming event, "Cocktails, Chemistry, and the Senses"
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08/07/2009 03:32:42
Nick S.
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Not sure this has anything to do w/Bar09, but thanks anyway...I think...
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08/07/2009 03:37:28
Arthur W.
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I also found the energy drink alcoholic beverage concept to be a bit dreary. I mean, aren't alcohol and the stimulants found in these energy drinks polar opposites? What's the point? I'm going to spend my hard earned money on something that is a canned contradiction? I think not.
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08/07/2009 03:39:16
Suzie Q.
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Excellent point. It does seem a bit like putting a wool sweater on in the summer and then cranking the a/c...
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08/07/2009 03:45:13
DeNiece
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Jenny Bean wrote:
Ryan Chetiyawardana from Bramble Bar in Edinburgh is the UK 2009 Diageo World Class champion. He beat out Andreas Tsanos from Zuma, in London.
Great efforts guys!
edited by Jenny Bean on 06/07/2009
These sound like incredible talents; I'm glad to see there are still some left out there!
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08/07/2009 03:46:47
Tom Dankins
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The Phil Bayly link is great; he is a very knowledgeable person, and very interesting to listen to. Great stuff!
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08/07/2009 04:03:44
TyeDi
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I agree. I really liked the way he started out by really relating to the customer by asking what their favorite drink is and then tailoring a tequila to their tastes. Somewhat sensical, but still brilliant!
edited by TyeDi on 08/07/2009
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08/07/2009 04:07:34
Leslie Andrews
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I hate to "rain on the parade," but I think the new watered down no-frills absinthe sucks. Part of the fun of enjoying absinthe is the ceremony that goes along with it. The le fee product is awful; don't mess with absinthe. Let it be.
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08/07/2009 04:09:29
Jenny Bean
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Wow Leslie, how do you really feel? 
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08/07/2009 04:11:19
Leslie Andrews
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That did come out kind of raw, but really, come on! Are we so lazy that we've cut out what makes absinthe absinthe? Besides, without the sugar, it tastes AWFUL! Have you ever had it straight?!
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08/07/2009 04:12:25
Guest
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Yes.
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08/07/2009 20:40:34
Leslie Andrews
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My thoughts exactly.
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15/07/2009 15:16:57
Guest
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I had to pass this year, too financially demanding.
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23/07/2009 21:43:12
Guest
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Maybe the big boys figured with the economy being as it is it just wasn't worth shelling out the money this year because their sales are sagging anyway.
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23/07/2009 21:43:53
Jenny Bean
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Great links!
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