CARRETA ORO DE
PR%F the Magazine
Michael Politz Publisher
Michele Tell Founder, Executive Director/Publisher
Jennifer English Editor-At-Large
Debbie Hall Editor-in-Chief
RJ Dixon
Creative Director, PR%F Awards & PR%F the Magazine
Terry Hart Director of Brands & Competition
Colleen Banks Director of Business Development
Lara Stone Trade Show Editor
George Manska
L.A. Walker
Contributors: Contributing Photographers:
Monica di Loxley
Claire Abdo
Nick Fewings
Clay Banks
Devin Woodrow
Alyssa White, Poiema and Grace Creative Photography
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Readers,
We are so excited to showcase our newest cover story family member, Carreta De Oro Tequila, which blends authentic Mexican flavors with those of the South and throughout the country.
It’s hard to believe summer is over, and we are diving into Q4. PR%F Awards is thriving. We want to ensure all our readers associated with spirits, wine, and beverage brands know our intricate and marketing-focused platform.
We are not just for spirits and wine. We are a beverage competition led by a team of judges who are all beverage buyers. We embrace all forms of beverages—waters, teas, sodas, energy drinks, functional drinks, alcohol-recovery drinks, mixers, salts/sugars/rim garnish, and RTDs of all varietals—to enter our competition. Currently, the only beverage that is not in our competition is beer. A separate competition—PR%F Awards Presents BR%W—is coming soon.
We also have more than 40 bar gadget categories to enter. Our judges, all beverage buyers, also include beverage buyers for small, medium, and large retail outlets looking for your newest invention. Get rated and win medals to showcase on your bar gadgets.
A growing category for PR%F Awards is coffee. We rate coffee, which is especially sought after by our hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Our talented chef staff will brew your coffee to specifications for our judges to taste and rate, along with all the coffee condiments.
All our judges are beverage buyers. They come from all areas of the hospitality industry and look for the “new,” the “irreverent,” the “classic,” and the “unique” to ensure their customers have the best possible array and choice. They are looking for your brand.
Enter with one price ($495) per SKU and get entered into two separate competitions with a chance to win two separate awards. First, PR%F Masked—our coveted double-blind competition. The next day, our judges come into a different room—all the bottles, cans, and boxes are revealed for the “Unmasked” competition. Our judges (buyers) will taste your brand, see your bottle, meet your logo, read your ingredients, and get your price point. Day Two, what we affectionately call “the total package” award, is the private buyer’s trade show, looking for the newest brands.
All Women-Owned Brands, Veteran/Military Brands, and Certified Kosher brands will receive an automatic Accolade medal to showcase these extraordinary highlights of their brand. These awards come as a bonus to any double-blind or total package award you might win.
Winners Edition. Here is a direct way to see our winners from PR%F Awards 2023. This winner’s edition, which doubles as a buyer’s guide for all our buyers and our private database of thousands of buyers is distributed four times a year, each season to our lists which gives you four times more a year to be introduced to our network.
Win medals. At PR%F Awards, we have created a proprietary 100-point system where brands compete with only themselves and the 100-point system. We are not a brand vs. brand competition; therefore, you are not being rated against any other product. It is your brand, our judges, and 100 points.
Enter three (3) SKUs by September 30, and we will provide you with a full-page ad space (value at $4K per page). It is absolutely free with your three paid entries. It’s time to get mega visibility on your brands through our publications and marketing distribution networks. Enter here. www.proofawards.com
Cheers & Namaste!
Michele D. Tell Executive Director, PR%F the Magazine Founder, PR%F Awards
Day One – Representatives from Walmart®, Palms Casino Resort, Delta Airlines Delta SkyClub®, and Sahadi’s NY Day Two – PR%F Unmasked, all your bottles/cans are on display for our Unmasked awards day.
Food & Beverage Magazine Guide to Restaurant Success
Even with all of the economic changes and new hospitality business models, anyone wanting to open a restaurant can read this book and learn how to open one for $25,000 anywhere in the country. Potential customers have demonstrated that they want to eat out, try new cuisines (with delivery and takeout), enjoy different menu items, and socialize with others over a meal. With this guide, restaurateurs make any necessary adjustments and find a way to make their dreams happen. Anyone with a passion and goal to open a restaurant (or keep one open) will be guided by the clear steps to becoming part of the food and beverage industry.
Each month, countless new restaurants open their doors as others fail. Despite continuing industry growth, many new restaurants need help to succeed. Even established restaurants are challenged to stay open. These businesses may have great food and amazing service, yet some still need more certainty in their futures. Help has arrived with this book.
This restaurant success guide provides vital information on protecting the significant investment—sometimes ranging from $250,000 to $425,000—required to open and keep a restaurant running during the first six months. Michael started his career with an ice cream business and founded several restaurants, a frozen food distribution business, a restaurant consulting service, and
a respected online magazine for the food and beverage industry with over 14 million readers. Michael shares his extensive knowledge gained through both success and failure. With his indispensable guide, you can easily doublecheck to ensure the readers are doing things right.
•Get guidance from a restaurant owner’s handbook of what to do and not do
•Refer to handy tips and checklists that help you launch your business
•Discover insight into the triumphs of Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, and more
•Gain food industry knowledge with a comprehensive restaurant how-to guide
Whether opening a burger joint or a fine dining restaurant, this advice-filled resource will help the readers cover all the details that make a difference.
Photo courtesy of Wiley
CALCUTTA BIG BITE RUMS:
Right on their big win at the PR%F Awards (winning Century, Double Gold, and Gold awards), Cape Fear Distillery is back with flavor-packed, boldly flavored rums that will bring fun to your fishing trip. With flavors like Classic Caribbean Spiced, Cabo Jalapeno Spiced, Key West Key Lime, and Conando Coquito Coconut, Calcutta rums bring new innovative rums to an otherwise crowded flavored spirits market. This series of rums was created to bring a unique experience to those who love the “joys of fishing and drinking” but can be a great addition to any outdoor adventure. Visit www.calcuttaoutdoors.com and www. capefeardistillery.com
FORECRAFT COCKTAILS:
Founded in Richmond, Virginia, in 2021, Forecraft Cocktails wanted to make drinking on the golf course a more “sporty” experience. With a line of golf-inspired canned cocktails, you can now drink on the golf course with a drink that suits your lifestyle. The original cocktail, The Transfusion, is the perfect concoction of ginger ale, grape juice, vodka, and a splash of lime. These perfectly sized and mixed cocktails make drinking and golfing easy. No more carrying around multiple bottles and cups while out on the greens! With no artificial colors or sweeteners, this will surely become a favorite for any golfer. Visit forecraftcocktails.com/
LODESTAR WHISKEY:
While women make up almost 40% of whiskey drinkers, only 8% of whiskey distilleries are owned and operated by women. Lodestar Whiskey, a women-owned spirits brand, is trying to disrupt the Whiskey industry and prove that whiskey is a drink for everyone. Being a blend of High-rye Bourbon and Single Malt American Whiskey, this whiskey has a unique flavor profile that even seasoned whiskey drinkers will love. Lodestar Whiskey has taken the whiskey industry by storm, proving that Whiskey is no longer just a man’s drink. Visit lodestarwhiskey.com/
GRAIN DE SAIL WINE CLUB:
While gourmet French wines are a must, unfortunately, they are often transported unsustainably and expensively, doing damage to the planet and your wallet. Grain de Sail aims to end both of these problems by offering a large variety of biodynamic wines at great prices shipped sustainably from France. Founded by twin brothers who are experts in renewable energy, Grain de Sail transports their own line of products across the Atlantic and is offered through a variety of avenues, including membership clubs, wholesale offers, and through supply chains. Grain de Sails' mission is to “revolutionize the wine industry through sustainable practices,” and they have accomplished that. For an even more grand experience, you can track your wine on its sustainable journey and be there at the docks to meet it at the end of its journey. Visit graindesail-overseas.com.
IICHIKO SILHOUETTE:
Iichiko Shochu's first and most traditional expression boasts a 25% ABV, as shochu is the world’s only inherently low-ABV spirit. The expression delights with a light umami flavor alongside notes of warm rice, Seabreeze, peach, and plum. It is most commonly enjoyed in a simple chu-hai or an invigorating shochu highball. While it can be a great addition to cocktails, this drink is so delectable that it can be enjoyed alone and on the rocks as well. Visit www. iichiko.com.
SIDEKICK SODA:
Sidekick Soda brings you a more functional beverage. Committed to using real fruit juice, as well as the inclusion of New Zealand honey and apple cider vinegar, this drink is better for you than most. These ingredients can improve gut health and support you with even more health properties. With a refreshing new flavor and ingredient list, this will surely be a drink you’ll love! Visit sidekicksoda.com.
ETTE FLORA ROSA:
Imagine roaming the luxurious Rose fields throughout Bulgaria with the unique and refreshing aroma, the silkiness of the petals on your fingers and tips, and the comforting bright pink color of the petals. Ette perfectly captures this essence in their rose-flavored vodka Flora Rosa. Made with real rose petals from Bulgaria, all-natural flavors, and sustainable, locally sourced corn, this is a taste you can love and feel good about. For even more sustainability, the bottle becomes a vase for flowers after use. As well as an exciting flavor and aroma profile, Flora Rosa is distilled 6 times using a unique distilling process which elevates the flavor further and brings out the delicious and distinct flavor of the roses. Visit ettespirits.com.
KINTSUGI SAKE:
Kintsugi Sake aims to celebrate imperfections rather than hide them, and it gets its name from traditional Japanese philosophy. In order to do this, they want to hold room for both traditions while welcoming innovations. They perfectly capture both of these entities with their two expressive sakes; the Kintsugi Sake #40 and the Oishii Sake. The Kintsugi sake is made from the valuable Yamada Nishiki rice and stuns at a 40% abv. With a special blend of honeydew, pear, and fig notes, The Kintsugi Sake #40 will stun with a refreshing and light airy taste. Because of its lower ABV, it is the perfect ingredient for cocktails, and with no sulfates, it offers the ideal hangover-free refreshment. This newly launched American Sake company is sure to turn heads. Visit kintsugisake.com
BLUEBIRD HARD WATER:
Needing a refreshing and hydrating beverage while wanting to be social or have fun? Bluebird Hard Waters is perfect for you. Bluebird Hard Water started with the first alcohol-infused water beverage, creating a new space for avid water drinkers and social drinkers. Now with four new flavors to choose from, including tequila and vodka beverages, you can experience the great taste and feeling of alcohol while still drinking one of the purest forms of hydration; water. This brand provides a much healthier option for America's favorite pastime with zero sugar, real fruit juice, and at only 88 calories a can. Visit bluebirdhardwater.com/
CHROME HORSE SOCIETY TEQUILA:
While you typically have to pick between new and inclusive and classic and luxurious, Chrome Horse Society Tequila has it all. Queer-owned, Chrome Horse Society strives to be inclusive for all while having a classic and unique luxurious look. Its blends of citrus, spicy pepper, and a lingering sweetness lead to an indescribable, rich taste that perfectly blends classic luxury with a modern look and feel. Inspired by New York City, this Tequila will have you breaking confines in an inspiring and sophisticated way. Visit chromehorsesociety.com.
APPLETON ESTATE JAMAICA RUM:
Rum has played a significant role in Jamaican History and Cuisine and is often overlooked as an imperative part of Jamaican Culture. Appleton Estate understood the relevance of Rum and embarked on a journey to create a drink that immerses guests into Jamaican Culture. Instead of solely releasing a signature Jamaican Rum, in order to truly appreciate the culture, The Appleton Estate decided to host an event to truly give people the experience of Jamaican culture, with tastings or authentic Jerk cuisine as well as many recipes utilizing the signature Rum. Join the distillery for fun culture-infused events, or enjoy the unique flavors delivered from the karsts of Jamaica from the comfort of your home. Visit appletonestate.com/en-us.
COMMON GROUND SPIRITS:
Living in a world pressured by societal norms, the meaning and beauty of diversity can be lost. Common Ground Spirits, a black-owned brand, sought a legacy to change it. Common Ground Spirits has an overall vision to impact the spirits industry by creating pride in diversity. To show that diversity can be powerful, they created two diverse flavor profiles, each with a unique blend that people of all backgrounds can enjoy. The first is a gin with a special blend of botanicals, including basil and elderflower, creating an elegant flavor profile. The second is a black currant and thyme blend that is sophisticated and unique, with a subtle sweetness and lingering finish. Visit commongroundspirits.com.
CROWN ROYAL WHISKEY SOUR WITH BLACK CHERRY:
Have you ever wanted the taste of a classic Whiskey sour but with a new and refreshing element? Crown Royal brings you a mess-free, ready-to-drink cocktail, Whiskey Sour, with a hint of sweet black cherry. This drink is sure to help bring ease and excitement to your NFL parties this fall and is beloved by some of your favorite NFL stars and their wives, who have partnered with Crown Royal to bring you this new spin on a favorite classic! thecocktailcollection.com/
UPSTATE ELEVATOR HEMP:
Upstate Elevator, the first Vermont company to join the Delta-9 market, is changing the game for social drinkers. Entering the market with an alternative drink, you can now enjoy an alcohol-free social buzz! The new Delta-9 beverages bring a new innovation to the market, made with either 1 or 5 milligrams of THC instead of alcohol. They come in a variety of flavors, including both tropical sunrise and watermelon. Because these drinks are alcohol-free, they are less likely to cause alcohol-related problems such as hangovers! Visit upstateelevator.com.
DE NADA TEQUILA:
De Nada Tequila is making waves in sustainability efforts with the first permanent aluminum spirits brand packaging and a 100% sustainable cork. Using 100% estate-owned Blue Weber Agave and the packaging makes De Nada Tequila an industry leader in sustainability. Aluminum packaging has other benefits, such as not breaking like glass and being more easily portable. The company acknowledges that this is a “great first step” but continues to want to do more in the future. Visit www.denadatequila.com
Interested in entering The Drinkable Space? Send a press release, photo, or website to Devin@proofawards.com. All press releases will be considered, but space is limited for announcements.
ORIGAMI SAKE BRINGS ITS ONE-OF-A-KIND BREWERY AND PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES
Origami Sake is the first and only sake brewery in Arkansas, the largest domestically owned sake brewery in the United States and utilizes 100% Arkansas-sourced products. Origami Sake is proud to be brewing a 100% Arkansasmade product, and they are determined to lead the rediscovery of sake in America. Origami Sake resides in Arkansas which is considered “The Rice Capital of America” producing over 50% of the total rice grown in the U.S. Arkansas is also the first location outside of Japan to
grow “sakamai” or Japonica varieties of rice grown specifically for sake brewing.” Like their water quality, the combination of soil, terrain, and climate enables Arkansas to grow and source the quality of rice necessary to create truly special sake. Origami Sake sources water exclusively from the Ouachita Mountains aquifer in the infamous Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Origami Sake was born from a vision shared by two Arkansas natives, Matt Bell and Ben Bell. Their dream was to transform Arkansas into the “Napa Valley
of Sake.” Leveraging the state's status as the leading rice-growing region in the U.S. and the pristine water resources of Hot Springs, Arkansas, they set out to create a globally recognized brand that would shine a positive light on their home state.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, NHK Japan, Japan News, and many others, further solidifying their position in the industry.
Sake is a beverage originally developed over 1,500 years ago in Japan. The country has developed techniques and processes over many centuries there, and the learning curve for the craft of making world-class sake in America is steep. The equipment required to produce sake is complicated to source and acquire in the U.S., and much of it has been procured, adapted, and modified from the wellestablished American wine and beer industry.
Origami Sake has developed styles of sake that are focused
Their commitment to quality and sustainability has not gone unnoticed. They are proud to have received the Platinum Peoples Choice Award, the Sake Brewers Association of North America’s highest recognition for domestically crafted sake. Ben Bell, their co-founder, was also honored by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as one of the top 40 tastemakers in America. their brand has been featured in prestigious publications such as the New York Times, Punch, on the typical wine drinker. Their “wine drinkers’ sake” style targets wine consumers as an alternative to wine. With similar ABV and their fruit-forward and balanced style of sake, they strive to gain market share from the $80 billion domestic wine market. Currently, sake sales in the U.S. are approximately $80 million annually. They aim to help increase sake sales in the United States to 1% of wine sales. This growth target represents a ten-fold increase in sake sales and an $800 million domestic market potential.
For more info, visit DrinkOrigami. com and follow on Instagram @ origamisakeco and tag #THISISSAKE.
What Our Winners
have to say...
Bénédicte Hardy
“Winning the perfect score Century Award and Best of Show in 2020 - in the middle of COVIDwas like a breath of fresh air. PR%F Awards opened big doors that were once closed for Hardy like providing an introduction for Hardy Legend 1863 to be on the shelves of Delta Airlines Delta SkyClub lounges. It was such an opportunity for our brand! ”
Photo by Nick Fewings
Offers Up To $500 in Local Areas in Free Gift Cards for Customers’ Birthday Month .com
From restaurants and bars to golf experiences and more, GiftLocal.com’s Birthday Loyalty Program brings and retains customers.
GiftLocal.com, the innovative Las Vegasdeveloped eGift card partner to thousands of local businesses across the United States, proudly announces the Birthday Loyalty Program.
Aall folks need to do is visit GiftLocal.com/ Birthdays and simply enter a name, number, birthday, and zip code—no app or credit card is needed. From there, GiftLocal.com will send registrants eGift cards to some of their favorite establishments during their birthday month. GiftLocal.com is the gift card partner for thousands of local businesses nationwide. Birthday gift cards that registrants receive will depend on their birthday month and zip code.
“Since GiftLocal.com’s inception, customers have purchased more than $100 million in gift cards to local businesses,” said founder and CEO David Leibner, GiftLocal.com. “GiftLocal. com and our partners are thrilled to launch the
by Debbie Hall
Birthday Loyalty Program.”
With corporate America like Costco, Walgreens, and Kroger all pushing chain restaurants on plastic gift card walls, GiftLocal.com was conceived to level the playing field by creating a platform that makes it easy to GIFT LOCAL and supports the local businesses that make our cities so unique. For more information and to claim up to $500 in local gift cards, visit www. GiftLocal.com/Birthdays.
“Over 30 years ago, I was a restaurateur and successful at it, but I just didn't want to be in brick and mortar anymore. I transitioned into software, which I've been doing for almost 20 years," said David.
The business worked with large companies over the next decade, and their software generated increased revenue, including attracting new customers, driving repeat visits, and doing all sorts of things that drive a business' health, both gross and net revenues.
The software company pivoted and chose the gift card industry to create software and market independently. It's a very consumer-toconsumer-focused solution: one consumer buys a gift card for another.
“We just thought about, as the world was getting bigger and social media was getting bigger, it was crazy, the idea of having to buy a piece of plastic at a store, stick it in a mailbox where a truck drove it to a plane, and the plane flew it to another car, and then that truck drove it to the destination three days later or a week later.
“So we digitized the gift card and innovated business-to-consumer gifting solutions. So it is not just one consumer buying a gift card for another consumer but a business being able to give or accept a gift card without developing it themselves.”
This is results-based marketing. A promotional gift card only has a net liability if it is used. With business-to-consumer gifting, like Black Fridays, bonus gift cards, and a birthday loyalty program, new customers will be driven into their business.
If someone clicks the gift card button on thousands of websites, it is probably giftlocal. com. They are growing nationwide with their birthday loyalty program. Merchants sign on to participate, and consumers sign up for the birthday loyalty program for free. They don’t have to download an app, subscribe, or upload a credit card.
Launched in Las Vegas, GiftLocal.com was developed to support the local businesses that make communities unique. The platform provides these local businesses with a global distribution channel in which anyone in the world
can purchase an eGift card in real time and send it to friends and family to use in their neighborhood. GiftLocal.com also powers multiple customer acquisition programs designed to drive these local businesses to hundreds of new customers per month.
For more information, visit www.GiftLocal.com and follow @GiftLocalDotCom on Facebook and Instagram @ giftlocaldotcom.
Photo by Claire Abdo
Photo by Clay Banks
Las Vegas Distillery Opens Production Facility and Tasting Room in Henderson’s Booze District
Photos courtesy of Las Vegas Distillery
Las Vegas Distillery is now open, set in the heart of Henderson’s Booze District. Under new ownership since 2022, the renovated and retooled space is now open to the public. It features a fully operational distillery, from raw grain to bottling, an interactive tour, an immersive tasting room, craft cocktails showcasing worldclass spirits, and bottle sales.
“We are thrilled to open our doors to the community with fully upgraded production equipment, a knowledgeable and passionate team, and a beautiful tasting room to enjoy the very finest cocktails,” said owner Rob Saucier, “Las Vegas Distillery is unique to the Las Vegas Valley, and we are looking forward to serving local cocktail and spirit enthusiasts as well as curious tourists interested in the pride and productions behind our spirits.”
the spirits
Concerning tradition and in the spirit of innovation, Las Vegas Distillery produces high-quality spirits, including vodka, rum, bourbon, whiskey, and American single malt. The small batch process, headed by Master Distiller Jonny Ver Planck, with over 20 years of fermentation and distillation experience, is managed from start to smooth finish in the Henderson facility, including barrel aging. ain't
Currently, the spirits being bottled and o ered in the tasting room include:
◊ VODKA – cane and grain-based, made with hard white winter wheat and unrefined Louisiana cane sugar;
◊ WHITE RUM – single blend rum with a base of blackstrap molasses and unrefined cane sugar from a single source mill in Louisiana;
◊ COFFEE LIQUEUR – rum base with anaerobic processed Colombian beans, roasted and cold brew extracted by Dark Moon Co ee Roasters in Henderson, Belizean cacao, Mexican vanilla, and Louisiana cane sugar, bottled at 54.2 proof;
◊ Special limited edition release of OVERPROOF RUM – a pure single rum, 100% molasses fermented and distilled twice in copper pot stills at 126 proof, full-flavored, and
◊ two NEW MAKES that are the start of the progression series tracking the aging of the Bourbon Whiskey and American Single Malt from unaged to 6, 12, and 18 months – unaged version of the AMERICAN SINGLE MALT mash bill and un-aged version of the BOURBON mash bill.
Guests can expect di erent spirits released and rotated every month.
the experience
Las Vegas Distillery’s fully remodeled space allows guests the opportunity to indulge in artisanal spirits combined with education. Entering through the unassuming front door, guests can head into the tasting room for hand-crafted drinks and thoughtful bites or tour the brand-new production facility.
The immersive tour walks guests through each step of the production process, highlighting their sustainability e orts, local partnerships, and unique methods that create noticeably elevated spirits. Each 45-minute tour includes a welcome cocktail tasting, an education in distilling history, raw material exploration, and a walking tour of spirits production, aging, and bottling in the production facility.
espresso martini
old fashioned
atmosphere
The Las Vegas Distillery's cocktail program is all about using the freshest, highest quality ingredients to create cocktails that truly showcase our expertly crafted spirits. For those who prefer their spirits neat, our tasting room also o ers the option to taste all our spirits in a curated flight, with educational insights provided by our knowledgeable team."
CODY FREDRICKSON
cody fredrickson
the cocktails
Created by noted mixologist Cody Fredrickson, Las Vegas Distillery’s cocktail program blends worldclass spirit selections from the distillery into classic cocktails and new favorites. Selections include:
◊ BARREL AGED OLD FASHIONED with choice of Las Vegas Distillery New Make Bourbon or White Rum;
◊ MOSCOW MULE with Las Vegas Distillery Vodka;
◊ ESPRESSO MARTINI with Las Vegas Distillery Cold Brew Co ee Liqueur and local roaster Dark Moon Co ee Roasters Espresso; and
◊ KEEP THE CHANGE (YA FILTHY ANIMAL) with Las Vegas Distillery New Make Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, and Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters.
Large-format specialty cocktails and seasonal Spotlight Cocktails round out the Distillery’s cocktail menu, with spirit flights, wines, and beers also available.
the bites
Cocktail enthusiasts won’t go hungry at Las Vegas Distillery. The team’s thoughtful bites menu includes Assorted Nuts, Soft Pretzel Basket, Artisanal Pizzas, and Charcuterie and Cheese Boards featuring a unique selection of meats and cheeses from local provider Cured and Whey and bread from local favorite Italian restaurant, Monzú Italian Oven + Bar.
Opened in 2024, Las Vegas Distillery is a locally focused distillery and tasting room with craft cocktails in the heart of Henderson, NV. O ering house-made vodka, rum, bourbon, and more, guests can tour the new facility and enjoy cocktails in the vintage Vegas-inspired tasting room. Collaborating with master distillers and nationally recognized mixologists, Las Vegas Distillery is driven by tradition and innovation, putting its best in every bottle.
Follow Las Vegas Distillery on Instagram @ lasvegasdistillery and Facebook @ /LasVegasDistillery, and visit lasvegasdistillery.com for more details and tour bookings. Las Vegas Distillery is open Thursday noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
soft pretzel basket pizza
Mission Cocktails Expands Reach and Impact in SoCal
The award-winning cocktail brand continues to pour it forward, now providing over 41,988 meals through 5% of sales cash donation, and expanding their reach to all Pavilions locations across California
Mission Cocktails, award-winning, purpose-driven cocktail company, known for its premium ready-to-pour craft cocktails and commitment to philanthropy, is set to make a significant splash With their products now available in all Pavilions locations across the state, including their acclaimed Margarita and Jalapeno Pineapple Margarita, the brand is poised to elevate the cocktail experience while continuing to make a meaningful impact on local communities.
Crafting Excellence, Pouring It Forward
Founded by Amit Singh and Marcin Malyszko, Mission Cocktails embodies the spirit of California through its dedication to quality, authenticity, and social responsibility. Each cocktail is meticulously crafted using locally-sourced ingredients within a 100-mile radius of their Ventura bottling facility. This ensures that every bottle not only delivers exceptional taste but also supports local farmers and businesses, promoting sustainability and community engagement.
A Taste of California, Now at Pavilions
The launch of Mission Cocktails at all Pavilions locations marks a significant milestone for the brand. Customers throughout California can now enjoy the flavors of the Golden State in convenient, readyto-pour cocktails. Whether it's the classic Margarita or the adventurous Jalapeno Pineapple Margarita, each drink is a testament to Mission Cocktails' commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
www.missioncocktails.com
The award-winning Jalapeno Pineapple Margarita, which was awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco Ready to Drink Competition, scored an impressive 94 points in Wine Enthusiast’s ready to drink, best of summer category, and won platinum at the 2024 SIP Awards, exemplifies their dedication to blending bold flavors with premium ingredients. Featuring Blanco Tequila from Jalisco, real lime juice, California-made orange liqueur, jalapenos, and pineapples, this cocktail offers a unique fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that capture the essence of California's diverse culinary landscape.
Impacting Communities a Pour at a Time
Beyond their product excellence, Mission Cocktails is equally renowned for its philanthropic efforts. Through their 'Pour It Forward' initiative, the company donates 5% of its proceeds to local food banks, translating cocktail sales into tangible support for families in need. As of their latest update, Mission Cocktails has provided an impressive 41,988 meals to local communities, underscoring their commitment to making a difference beyond the bar.
As Mission Cocktails continues to expand its footprint and impact, the founders remain committed to innovation and social responsibility. They are dedicated to exploring new flavors, expanding partnerships, and furthering their mission of Pouring It Forward across California and beyond.
With their launch in all Pavilions stores across California and their significant contribution of over 41,988 meals to families in need, Mission Cocktails is not just raising the bar in the beverage industry but also setting a standard for community engagement and philanthropy. As more Californians embrace these locallycrafted cocktails, they are not just enjoying a drink—they are supporting a brand that embodies the spirit of California and strives to make a positive impact with every pour.
www.missioncocktails.com
Cheers to Mission Cocktails and their continued success in blending taste with purpose. To learn more about their good work, visit their official website: missioncocktails.com and follow them on Instagram: @missioncocktails.
By George Manska, CSO, CR&D, Arsilica, Inc., sensory researcher, inventor, entrepreneur
George F Manska is a published sensory science researcher, entrepreneur, BSME, and NEAT glass co-inventor with a mission to replace myths and misinformation with scientific truth through consumer education. Contact: george@arsilica.com | 702.332.7305 | Visit theneatglass.com/shop for more info.
Photo by Monica di Loxley
Arsilica, Inc. is dedicated to sensory science research for all alcoholic beverages, spirits, wine, and beer. Since 2002, our mission has been to empower spirits lovers with a sciencebased understanding of spirits evaluation to improve appreciation and enjoyment. As Chief of R&D at Arsilica, sensory research is my life’s passion, supported by a BSME, 60 years of product design experience including 20 years of sensory research, four sensory patents, and author of a published, cited, peer-reviewed beverage open access journal research paper on sensory diagnostics. We take issue when uneducated critics claim tulip glass design is based on science.
Applied scientific principles demonstrate that the drinker using tulip-style glasses is his worst enemy when evaluating spirits. In our history of over 20 years of research, we have searched long and hard for any redeeming evidence that the tulip glass contributes any measurable benefit to the spirits drinker and challenge anyone to submit any shred of scientific evidence that conclusively verifies that the aromas are better detected, identified, and discriminated and analyzed from a tulipshaped glass. Opinions are unacceptable for reasons which will become evident as you continue to read.
Tulip History and Myth:
From the 1700s to the 1800s, a tiny copita (little cup) designed for 22% ABV fortified wines validated cargo in the sherry trade and was nicknamed “dock glass.” Carried back to the UK, copitas (also called tulips) eventually appeared in every household that drank sherry, port, or wine. In the late 1900s, scotch sales boom. Since tulips hold a convenient amount of spirit for a single serving, a different, costly glass, which would be timeconsuming to develop and gain wide acceptance, was quickly deemed unnecessary, and wine tulips were enlisted to perform double duty for spirits. The ethanol “nose-cannon” is born, 40% ABV in a 22% ABV designed glass, and the tool is put in place to support expanding scotch popularity. Science is conspicuously absent.
exact copy of the copita, renaming it “ISO whisky glass” to sell more glassware. There is no ISO whiskey glass standard. Glencairn introduces a tulip derivative that captures industry and consumer, fueled by spirits marketers, and “nose-cannons” become the norm. Rum and other spirits drinkers borrow them from scotch, and tulip popularity expands. There is no science here.
Tulip - the Ethanol Concentrator:
In the early 1980s, greedy glass manufacturers twist the International Standards Organization’s official wine-tasting ISO-3591 standard, a near
Early on, whisky drinkers realize the tiny tulip packs a powerful blast of ethanol, frying nose hairs with concentrated ethanol pungency and interfering with aroma identification. The “nose-cannon” spurs a search for methods to alleviate pungency. “Fixes” from whisky educators include: (1) inhale through mouth and nose simultaneously, (2) don’t swirl, (3)
wafting aromas to the nose adjusts to pungency, and (4) add a little water. These band-aid fixes become the lifeblood for tulip justification, augmented by the axiomatic false-science Tiny Rim Doctrine: “Small rims collect all aromas so none can escape detection.” The fact that anyone was looking for ways to alleviate overpowering ethanol is proof enough that the experts considered it a problem, something drinkers ignore entirely.
To the untrained, these “fixes” became “science” only because expert marketers, critics, and bloggers have repeatedly said so over the decades. Perhaps science was too busy to analyze how glass shape can control aroma profile until we (Arsilica, Inc. came along). However, when true scientific principles are applied:
•Simultaneous mouth and nose inhaling reduces the olfactory aroma sample,
•No swirl = few aromas,
•Wafting acclimates pungency but can’t prevent ethanol numbing,
•Adding water raises surface tension and shuts down ALL aroma evaporation, not just ethanol.
The Ethanol Problem:
Highly volatile ethanol is medically classified as an anesthetic because it numbs sensory receptor neurons. Drinkers are unaware since numbness occurs painlessly, aided by faulty thinking, “If you can’t see or feel it, it’s probably not there.” A tulip of 1½ ounces of 40% ABV spirit contains 65% anesthetic ethanol in the headspace. The rest is air, water, and 2 to 4% character aromas. Ethanol raises detection, identification, and discrimination thresholds, slows response time, blocks signals to olfactory receptor neurons, and ruins accurate evaluation with distracting pungency. That’s science. After four sniffs of a neutral spirit from a tulip, most aromas from a spirit sample are undetected or unidentifiable, and many of those detected cannot be discriminated (peach from apricot, anise from fennel).
State-of-the-Art:
Tiny rims mask aromas hide behind concentrated, pungent ethanol. All the “fixes” fail to handle ethanol, the enemy of accurate evaluation. A different glass would have avoided the hoopla. As opposed to “twistedmarketing science,” “blogger-opinion science,” and “fill-in-the-blank science, true, professional science disciplines (sensory, chemistry, physics, behavioral) dispel the myth, disseminate usable knowledge and reduce the revered critics to just another opinion. We are reminded of a saying attributed to the stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, "The opinion of 10,000 men is of no value if none know anything about the subject,"
A scientific approach to glass design was non-existent until 2002, when Arsilica began research. Decades of marketing have ensconced tulips as the popular glass shape for industry and consumer, subconsciously training multiple generations to rely on the presence of intense, anesthetic ethanol at first sniff to validate a spirit. This sets the stage for high ABV levels (cask strength anyone?) to numb the senses and hand over purchasing decisions to subliminal, suggestive marketers and vicariously influential videos. Ethanol’s mental fog is the perfect screen for opportunistic, prurient marketing and bogus product claims. Craving and seeking out ethanol when tasting spirits has taken priority over distillers’ craft and art. Tulips have created drinkers, not evaluators. Marketingstoked popularity may be fun, but it’s not science.
neck where the ethanol is. You can have it both ways with the same glass.
Conclusion:
The facts: short, fat, wide-rim glasses are easy to swirl, provide more aromas to sniff, and can mitigate ethanol numbing and distracting, irritating pungency for better evaluation, providing a pathway to enjoy aromas for longer than the quickly fading first-sniff memory. A decade of research by Arsilica led to the introducing of the sensory-engineered NEAT glass in 2012. Other glasses, such as widemouth tumblers, also provide some olfactory ethanol relief. To set the record straight, we love ethanol, too, but we don’t want it when evaluating spirits. Some will argue that “It’s part of the spirit,” and rightly so, as are the many subtle aromas you can’t smell through the overpowering, nose-numbing ethanol. If you are not willing to give up numbing ethanol, use NEAT anyway and put your nose down in the
Tulips may have topped the marketing game, yet scientifically, they need to improve more, working against accurate spirits evaluation. Drinkers encounter a significant crossroads on their spiritual journey:
•Stick with the traditional, iconic, unscientific, dysfunctional tulip or
•Embark on a new experience with a state-ofthe-art diagnostic tool.
Simply put, you can follow the ethanoldominated-good-times-let’s-drink-whiskey party or discover much more about spirits by dissipating anesthetic ethanol. Your glass, your choice.
CARRETA ORO DE
Carreta De Oro Tequila From Soil to Spirit: The Rise of a Midland Tequila The Tequila You Sip
By Debbie Hall
Photos courtesy of Carreta De Oro Tequila
carreta de oro tequila - the tequila you sip
In the heart of Spartanburg, South Carolina, a journey began that would transform the life of a young man, the community in which he would embrace the spirits industry.
Ronak Patel, the importer of Carreta De Oro Tequila, embodies the community-crafted artisanal tequila made from the highest quality 100 percent blue Weber agave grown in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico. Produced and developed by three generations of Agave farmers, Destiladora Juanacatlán has created the best tequila Mexico has ever exported.
The tequila is additive-free and contains no pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals. The next step is to add “organic” to the label.
Ronak also appreciates nature and the ecosystem that helps develop his tequilas. For example, Mexican long-nosed bats were on the endangered species list in Mexico before, and they actually helped pollinate the agave, so the distillery doesn’t use any chemicals to harm the bats or the ecosystem. The distillery was announced as being the only distillery in Mexico to be non-contaminant to the environment. Carreta De Oro Tequila is produced in the Midlands as the official 100 percent nonblended Midland tequila in the market.
Carreta De Oro Tequila is a sipping tequila that adds a twist to classic
cocktails such as Mojitos and Screwdrivers. Mixologists and connoisseurs are substituting it for other spirits.
Tequila with Weber Blue Agave offers a natural flavor without the sugars that are also low in carbs.
“I never thought I would ever get into the spirits industry. It's not like I was looking to get into the tequila business. It happened to land on my lap. The product is amazing, and Carreta De Oro Tequila is telling people what tequila should taste like, and it's a sipping tequila, which is the best part about it,” says Ronak.
His story begins on a small farm in India to becoming a serial entrepreneur and community leader in the United States. Ronak’s story merges ambition, resilience, and the power of giving back into a compelling tale.
“I was part of a close-knit family that valued hard work and community service. My father, Dinesh Patel, was a farmer with a boundless heart, always ready to help others. In 1987, seeking better opportunities, we moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina. This transition was challenging, but it taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance,” explains Ronak.
As a teenager, Ronak was directed towards a traditional path of success—education. He would enroll
at the University of South Carolina to pursue pharmacy but soon realized that the conventional college path was not for him. This decision to drop out after 18 months was difficult, yet it set the stage for pursuing an entrepreneurial life.
At 23, under the guidance of his fatherin-law, Ronak acquired a gas station in downtown Hardeeville, South Carolina. What began as a single venture expanded rapidly as he discovered his passion for business and his ability to inspire and lead others. Over the years, Ronak has acquired multiple businesses, including commercial real estate, liquor stores, and apartment complexes, each step teaching him more about the complexities and rewards of entrepreneurship.
As his business ventures flourished, so did his ambitions. Ronak ventured into technology and partnerships, always looking for innovative ways to serve and connect with the community. His role
Krunal Patel, the importer, comes from a long line of successful business owners. He moved from New Jersey to the Savannah, Georgia, area in 2005 because his father had an opportunity to buy a gas station there. Krunal worked with his father until he bought his first business in the United States in his home state of South Carolina. He sold that gas station and bought another one in Ridgeland, South Carolina, moving his family to Bluffton, South Carolina. He then purchased another gas station in Savannah, bringing his total count to two.
He worked in the family business alongside his father until 2016, when he purchased his first retail business in South Carolina. In 2023,
in importing a unique Mezcal brand and diversifying into insurance showcased his belief in the power of diverse opportunities.
As for his path forward, “My journey has been about breaking barriers and exceeding expectations set by myself and others. As I look to the future, I focus on innovation, community, and teaching the next generation that they can achieve
Krunal purchased his second retail business in Savannah, Georgia.
Krunal launched Carreta de Oro Tequila as the importer in South Carolina, the exclusive Carreta de Oro Importer for South Carolina, while operating two gas stations.
Krunal is actively involved in multiple charitable activities both inside and outside the United States. He supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Patel Foundation of the Lowcountry, various religious organizations, and the first responders in his community. Krunal is a devoted husband and a father of two daughters.
anything with hard work and dedication,” says Ronak. The story of Ronak Patel is an ongoing testament to the belief that there are no limits to what can be achieved when a person steps out of their comfort zone and strives to make a difference.
For more info, visit carretadeoro. com and follow on Facebook @ drink.carretadeoro, Instagram and Tiktok @ carretadeoro.
CARRETA ORO DE
The Patel Foundation
As explained by Ronak Patel
The growth of my businesses was paralleled by a deepening desire to give back to the community that supported me. My wife, Vaishali, and I founded the Patel Foundation. Our mission was clear: to provide immediate relief and sustainable support to those in need. From organizing food drives to aiding disaster relief efforts, we worked to make a tangible difference.
Launching an after-school resources program marked a significant chapter in my commitment to the future generation. By focusing on life skills and financial education, we aimed to empower young people to build confidence and make positive choices. Witnessing the impact of these initiatives on children’s lives reinforced my commitment to continuous community involvement.
For more info, visit hiltonheadisland.org/patelfoundation-lowcountry or follow on Facebook @ PFOTLC.
BLANCO
NOM 1551
DESCRIPTION
It strikes the palate with its intense strong but sweet flavor, giving a pure harmonic character of fresh agave at first with a roasted flavor at the end.
THE LOOK
Crystalline, bright and bright.
THE TEXTURE
Well-formed pearls and suspended bubbles of medium-high permanence invite you to taste it.
THE AROMA
Herbal essence with a distinctive citrus touch, harmoniously mixed with roasted agave.
THE TASTE
Intense strong but sweet flavor, giving a pure harmonic character of fresh agave at first with a roasted flavor at the end.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Drink alone or accompanied by pure spring water. Keep the product at an ambient temperature and do not freeze or use ice. Easy to sip on its own or mix into a margarita.
ALTITUDE: 6,374.67’ / 1,943m
AGAVE REGION: Midlands - Central
PROOF: 80.0 / ABV: 40.0%
BRIX: Tequilana Weber Agave grown at 6,374.67’ in municipality of Juanacatlan, Jalisco
OVEN TYPE: Brick
EXTRACTION METHOD: Shredder – Roller Mill
DISTILLATION METHOD: Copper Pot Still – 100% Stainless Steel DISTILLATION: Double Distilled
REPOSADO
NOM 1551
DESCRIPTION
A unique product slowly aged in white oak barrels for a minimum period of six months, giving it a special flavor and balance between the blue agave and the barrel, and giving it a ripe profile.
THE LOOK
With an intense and bright golden color
THE TEXTURE
Well-formed pearls and suspended bubbles of high permanence are detected which showcases its excellent body.
THE AROMA
Citrus with touches of wood, bringing a pleasant aroma of cooked agave and wood.
THE TASTE
Soft and sweet to the palate.
MASTER DISTILLER
Destiladora Juanacatlan, S.P.R. de R.L.de C.V.
NOM: 1551
ALTITUDE: 6,374.67’ / 1,943 m
AGAVE REGION: Midlands - Central
PROOF: 80.0 / ABV: 40.0%
BRIX: Tequilana Weber Agave grown at 6,374.67’ in municipality of Juanacatlan, Jalisco
OVEN TYPE: Brick
BARREL – CASK: American White Oak
EXTRACTION METHOD: Shredder - Roller Mill
DISTILLATION METHOD: Copper Pot Still –100% Stainless Steel
DISTILLATION: Double Distilled
The AÑEJO
NOM 1551
DESCRIPTION
An exquisite flavor reminiscent of fine wood, great body and an exceptional character, which touches the palate with delicate notes of nuts.
THE LOOK
Bright and dark golden color
THE AROMA
Intense agave and oak notes
THE TASTE
Robust wood flavor, full-body and recognizable character, but with a soft and delicate flavor experience, aged for more than 18 months.
MASTER DISTILLER
Destiladora Juanacatlan, S.P.R. de R.L.de C.V.
NOM: 1551
ALTITUDE: 6,374.67’ / 1,943 m
AGAVE REGION: Midlands - Central
PROOF: 80.0 / ABV: 40.0%
BRIX: Tequilana Weber Agave grown at 6,374.67’ in municipality of Juanacatlan, Jalisco
OVEN TYPE: Brick
BARREL – CASK: American White Oak
EXTRACTION METHOD: Shredder - Roller Mill
DISTILLATION METHOD: Copper Pot Still –100% Stainless Steel
DISTILLATION: Double Distilled
JOIN US ON THE 56 TH FLOOR
EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS
EXQUISITE CUISINE
UNPARALLELED HOSPITALITY
Anteel Tequila
One of the MOST Awarded Emerging Tequila Brands
Photos courtesy of Anteel Tequila
Anteel Tequila is a multiple awardwinning tequila brand known for its exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to excellence and is making waves in the spirits industry. With a legacy rooted in passion and authenticity, Anteel continues to redefine the tequila experience.
Their first time to submit in the 2022 PR%F Awards brought four awards, including:
•Anteel Coconut Lime (Masked Gold)
• Anteel
• Anteel
•Anteel Coconut Lime (Unmasked Bronze)
• Anteel
•Anteel Reposado (Masked Gold)
• Anteel
•Anteel Reposado (Unmasked Gold)
Their submissions into the PR%F Awards in 2023 brought eight awards, including:
•Anteel Blanco (Masked Gold)
• Anteel
• Antele
•Antele Blanco (Unmasked Gold)
• Anteel
•Anteel Coconut Lime (Masked Gold)
• Anteel
•Anteel Coconut Lime (Unmasked Gold)
• Anteel
•Anteel Blood Orange (Masked Silver)
• Anteel
•Anteel Blood Orange (Unmasked Silver)
•Anteel Reposado (Masked Gold)
• Anteel
• Anteel
•Anteel Reposado (Unmasked Double Gold)
Celebrating Excellence
Since 2019, Anteel Tequila has garnered 117 prestigious awards and accolades, solidifying its position as a leader in the premium tequila category. Anteel Tequilas founders Nayana and Don Ferguson have crafted a portfolio that captivates connoisseurs worldwide from the heart of Jalisco, where the sun kisses the agave fields.
The Anteel Difference
Anteel Tequila has five expressions in its portfolio, including a traditional lineup and innovative flavored expressions, unlike any other tequilas. All expressions are made at one of the most awarded distilleries in Mexico from mature 100% Blue Weber Agave.
The brand also uses a proprietary Highland and Lowland-grown agave blend that accentuates the sipping experience.
Traditional expressions include an unaged Blanco, a Reposado aged eight months in charred Tennessee whiskey barrels, and an Anejo aged 15-17 months in toasted and charred Tennessee whiskey barrels.
Flavored expressions include the world’s only Coconut Lime Blanco, infused with all-natural flavors from coconuts and limes. The flavored lineup also includes the first Tarocco Blood Orange Blanco, infused with all-natural flavors from Tarocco blood oranges grown in Sicily, Italy. The flavored tequilas contain no added sugars, sweeteners, or syrups.
The Hummingbird
Inspired by the Antillean Crested Hummingbird—a symbol of courage and positive energy—Anteel Tequila encourages us all to “live significantly.” Nayana and Don’s journey mirrors the hummingbird’s resilient, vibrant, and purposeful flight.
Nayana is an 18-year pancreatic cancer survivor a 12-year breast cancer survivor, and lives with neutropenia, a disease that affects her white blood cell count. Due to the hours-long pancreatic cancer surgery years ago, Nayana is now pre-diabetic, which is a big reason why she began enjoying tequila years ago.
Inspiring Generations
When the brand launched in 2018, Nayana Ferguson became the first black woman to own a tequila brand. As the brand's face, Nayana has shattered glass ceilings in the spirits industry, hopefully inspiring others to pursue their passions in life.
“Nayana Ferguson’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers,” says 1Erin Post, spokesperson for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Her journey inspires those in the spirits industry and those facing adversity.”
The Anteel Tequila Movement
Anteel Tequila has been featured on multiple TV shows, including The Kelly Clarkson Show, Bravo TV’s top-rated show “Married To Medicine,” celebrity chef G. Garvin’s “Hustle, Sizzle and Smoke,” AMC streaming network ALLBLK’s show “LACE,” Cheddar News, and Fox Soul’s “The Night Cap.”
Anteel Tequila is more than a brand; it celebrates life’s sweetest moments. Crafted with passion, integrity, and a touch of magic, Anteel invites you to raise your glass—to courage, resilience, and the hummingbird's dance.
For more info, visit www. anteeltequila.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @anteeltequilas and YouTube @ anteeltequila.
Sammy Hagar, the Red Rocker, will rock out on his birthday
Sammy Hagar’s 34th annual Birthday Bash is expanding to Las Vegas. The famous Cabo celebration adds a new destination at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort on Friday, Oct. 4, and Saturday, Oct. 5, to ring in Sammy’s 77th birthday. The “Sammy Hagar & Friends” concert lineup includes bassist Michael Anthony, guitar virtuoso Vic Johnson, and acclaimed drummer Kenny Arono . Each year, the birthday bashes are an open invitation to all of Sammy’s friends, so there are always surprises in the lineup – announced and unannounced.
"Every year, we try to do something di erent with the birthday bash shows to accommodate the tens of thousands
of requests. So this year, this should help a few thousand more people be a part of the birthday shows, and the island at the Palms is closing for the winter; it's a double celebration in Las Vegas. I hope everyone is happy with this year's concept. I can't wait. What a way to close the year out and flip another number, 77. Wow, 77 sounds like a lucky one to me,” Sammy Hagar commented.
Sammy’s Birthday Bash concerts follow on the heels of his highly-anticipated launch of his The Best of All Worlds 2024 Tour. Hagar will be joined by rock heavyweights and longtime bandmates Michael Anthony (bass, backing vocals), Jason Bonham (drums), and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani. Fans can expect a setlist of rock anthems like “Finish What Ya Started,” “5150,” “Your
Love is Driving Me Crazy,” “Best of Both Worlds,” “Sexy Little Thing,” “One Way To Rock,” “Right Now,” and more.
For more than five decades, Sammy Hagar has been recognized as one of rock music's best and most accomplished lead singers and songwriters. From breaking into the industry with the seminal hard rock band Montrose to his multi-platinum solo career to his ride as the frontman of Van Halen, Chickenfoot, and his latest best-selling supergroup, The Circle, Hagar has amassed 25 Platinum albums on sales surpassing 50 million worldwide. Along his journey, he has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written with songs like "I Can't Drive 55," "Right Now," and "Why Can't This Be Love," and earned the highest respect of the music
industry with a Grammy Award, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Since opening his flagship Cabo Wabo Cantina in 1990, Hagar has turned a lifelong passion for great food, music, and spirits into a thriving lifestyle brand encompassing restaurants and spirits. Hagar launched Cabo Wabo Tequila as a spirits industry pioneer in 1996. She catapulted it into the #2 ultra-premium tequila brand in the United States before selling it in 2010 for a record-breaking nine-figure deal. He now owns an awardwinning portfolio of top-shelf spirits and beer, including Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, a partnership with rock icon Rick Springfield, Santo Spirits, a collaboration with tastemaker Guy Fieri, Sammy’s Beach
Bar Cocktails. and Red Rocker Brewing Co.
Hagar’s thriving restaurant portfolio includes the original Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabos San Lucas, home to the rocker’s legendary annual Birthday Bash celebrations, Cabo Wabo Beach Club in Huntington Beach, which celebrates its first anniversary in May; Cabo Wabo Cantina on the Las Vegas Strip; which celebrates its 15th anniversary later this year; and Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grills in Cleveland, Maui, Honolulu and Las Vegas airports.
Tickets starting at $59.95 (not including applicable service charges or fees) ard are available at ticketmaster.com.
Website: www.redrocker.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
SammyHagar
Twitter: twitter.com/sammyhagar
Instagram: instagram.com/sammyhagar
“I care about having high quality products and it's inspiring to me when experts recognize them. Thanks to PR%F Awards for being professionals and true experts passionate about spirits, you are a great and empowering competition.”
The coveted double-blind tasting competition
The total package competition
Double Gold Award
Century Award
Perfect. To receive a Century Award is to be de ned as perfect. It is a 100-point perfect score, unanimously, from all judges present at the awards tasting program. Unanimous. Only a selection of these brands makes it to the prestigious level. It is the ultimate accolade and the utmost level of achievement in a spirits and wine brand. Unparalleled.
Outstanding. Spirits and wine awarded a Double Gold are beyond industry standards and celebrated with prominent elegance in their respected categories. These brands de ne nesse and make a palate dance with superiority. When you achieve this award, your brand de es gravity.
Silver Award
Rated as good and recommended for the public, our Silver award recipients demonstrate a noticeable well-balanced presence between avor and complexity, taste and nish. Many of our Silver recipients can be found nationally in stores, restaurants, bars, and online.
Gold Award
Great and distinguished with high praise and worthy of celebration. Our Gold award is a high merit of achievement. These are the brands that set the bar beyond standard heights and reach it — at all costs and are classi ed as some of the best brands in the arena. Hue, Taste, Texture, Power, Length, and Echo all balance to create a superb avor and moment.
Bronze Award
Our Bronze award recognizes these brands to be fair, well-crafted, attractive to nose, taste, and nish—worthy of recognition.
Mother and Daughter team up as JYC Family Importers
By L.A. Walker
Selecting a new wine to add to the favorites list can be an overwhelming experience, given the sheer number of options available today. The market is flooded with wines from all over the world, each claiming to offer something unique. Wine enthusiasts may be looking for that perfect bottle that stands out for its authenticity, sustainability, low sugar content, lack of sulfites, and distinctive taste.
JYC Family Importers offers a carefully curated selection of exclusive wines from Italy's Ceschin Giulio vineyards, designed to please even the most discerning palate.
JYC Family Importers is a mother-and-daughter team, June and Heather, who turned their shared love of Italy and passion for wine into a thriving family business. Their journey began in 2015 when they decided to combine
these passions with their deep affection for the Ceschin Giulio Vineyard, a family-owned vineyard in Italy. This partnership was born out of a perfect confluence of interests, creating an opportunity to bring something truly special to the American wine market.
The Ceschin Giulio Vineyard, established in 1884, is steeped in tradition and history. Passed down from father to son for four generations, this vineyard has been producing high-quality wines for over 140 years. What sets these wines apart is the meticulous care that goes into every bottle. The grapes are manually harvested, and the wines are produced without adding sugar or yeast, adhering to the traditional methods that have been perfected over generations. This commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that every bottle from the Ceschin Giulio Vineyard truly represents the vineyard’s rich heritage.
JYC Family Importers proudly introduces six of the finest varietals from the Ceschin Giulio Vineyard to the United States. These exceptional wines include Estreme Prosecco Imperial Cuvée, Estreme Prosecco Superiore, Icos White Blend, 1884 Cabernet, Bla Bla Vino Rosso Spumante, and Roncalli All Natural Vino Spumante. Each wine has been carefully selected to showcase the very best of what this historic vineyard has to offer.
These exclusive wines are distributed from JYC Family Importers' warehouse in North Las Vegas, Nevada, making them accessible to wine lovers nationwide.
Getting the word out about new wines is a challenging feat. In a crowded marketplace,
mother and daughter team up as jyc family importers
broadcast and print media ads significantly introduce consumers to the latest offerings. However, word of mouth remains one of the most powerful forms of advertising. Whether a new wine is recommended by a trusted sommelier, a knowledgeable pub bartender, or a fellow wine enthusiast, personal recommendations carry a lot of weight. For many, the taste of the wine is the ultimate test of its quality. Unlike cocktails, where consumers might tolerate a mediocre mix, wine is often a like-it-or-not experience. Wine tastings are a popular way for consumers to explore new options, and it’s not uncommon to see tasters quickly discard wines that don’t meet their expectations.
The history and production methods behind a wine often fade into the background at the end of a long workday, at a wedding
reception, during a family member’s birthday celebration, or while relaxing in a beach resort lounge chair. What matters most is how that glass of wine makes that person drinking the wine feel. During JYC Family Importers' private degustazioni (winetasting) events, guests are invited to explore the nuances of each wine and understand why it tastes the way it does. These events provide an opportunity to learn about the fermentation process, the importance of vineyard location, and how factors like soil and sun impact the flavor profile of a wine.
In recent years, a growing number of people have reported adverse reactions, such as headaches or upset stomachs, after drinking wine. This has prompted some wine producers to prioritize social responsibility in their production methods. The Ceschin Giulio Vineyard is committed to producing wines that meet these standards, ensuring that their products are not only enjoyable but also considerate of the well-being of their consumers.
Through JYC Family Importers, June and Heather offer more than just a bottle of wine; they offer a journey into the heart of Italy’s rich winemaking tradition. With their guidance, clients can explore the regions where these exceptional wines are produced, learn about the care that goes into every harvest, and, most importantly, discover wines that will elevate their drinking experience to new heights. Whether a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning exploration of fine wines, JYC Family Importers provides an opportunity to savor the best that Italy has to offer.
JYC Family Importers is deeply committed to giving back to the community. June, who has been a nurse for over 40 years, lost her husband 11 years ago to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). In his memory, she has devoted countless volunteer hours to the ALS Organization, offering her support and expertise to those affected by the
disease. In addition to her work with ALS, June volunteers in Flagstaff, Arizona, with Native American communities, including the Navajo and Hopi. She teaches them about diabetes and hypertension and spends time socializing with elders in nursing homes, engaging in activities like bingo or simply chatting with them outdoors. Many elders in their 80s and 90s do not speak English, making the experience challenging but immensely rewarding for June.
"It's a unique culture, and while the language barrier can be difficult, connecting with them feels great. It’s very worthwhile," June shares.
JYC Family Importers also supports Nevada nonprofits, helping them raise funds through wine-tasting events. These efforts reflect the company’s core values of love, integrity, and passion for family, the earth, and the community. The partnership between JYC Family Importers and Ceschin Giulio Vineyards embodies these values, creating a perfect union. Indulging in a bottle of their Italian wine is more than just a treat for the senses—it’s a way to support a company that truly cares about making a positive impact.
For more info, visit www.jycfamilyimporters. com and www.ceschingiulio.it/en/.
Las Vegas’s hottest event of the year, Aid for AIDS of Nevada’s (AFAN) 38th annual Black & White Party, presented in partnership with Clark County’s Love! Live! Undetectable Equals Untransmittable campaign (U=U) returns to KAOS Nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, food and beverage pop-ups, immersive photo opportunities, black and white fashions, and a few naughty surprises. Proceeds from the Black & White Party will provide support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.
“Celebrating 40 years of service, AFAN is proud to have provided unwavering support and advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. This milestone marks our continued commitment to the community,” said Antioco Carrillo, AFAN’s executive director.
“The Black & White Party is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of our community’s resilience and generosity.”
Estevan Velasco and Norma Llyaman will host the event, kicking off an unforgettable night with performances and appearances by cast members from “Beyond Brunch” and Chippendales, “Exxcite The Show,” Harrison
Billy the Crud
Barnes, Skye Dee Miles, and Gipsy and Piranha Nightclub. Friends and supporters of AFAN, Penn & Teller, will also be there to toast AFAN’s 40th anniversary.
Closing out the evening is singer and songwriter VINCINT, best known as a finalist in the first season of the singing competition “The Four.” Since the release of his debut EP, “The Feeling,” in February 2020, VINCINT's career has catapulted to new heights. In 2022 alone, he completed his first North America headline tour, opened for MAX on his tour, made his Coachella debut, collaborated with Kesha, and performed for over 40,000 fans nationwide.
Guests can indulge in cuisine and cocktails by the pool, with tastings provided by some of the best restaurants in town, including Mabel’s BBQ, Scotch 80 Prime, Send Noodles, Taco Bell, Tim Ho Wan, Vetri Cucina, Badass Coffee, Tito’s Vodka, and RhondaRita.
Before the main event, AFAN will host an exclusive VIP reception from 7 to 8 p.m. for VIP, VIP+ ticket holders, and table ticket holders. This special reception offers early access, tastings, exclusive entertainment, and a welcome toast.
General admission will be held from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., and festivities will continue at the official Black & White afterparty hosted at Gipsy and Piranha Nightclub. For more information about the event, including a complete list of programming silent auction details, and to purchase tickets, visit afanlv. org.
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. 2024 marks AFAN’s 40th anniversary of practicing its unyielding commitment to the community by providing
unparalleled health expertise, support, and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. Over the years, AFAN has created programs offering consistent and comprehensive assistance, including HIV testing, medical case management, medical transportation, housing assistance, medication referral, food programs, prevention and education, and community outreach. As part of AFAN’s mission, these client service programs assist in enhancing the physical health and psychosocial wellness of the individuals they serve while promoting dignity and improving the quality of their lives. For more information, please visit afanlv.org. Keep up with AFAN events and news on Facebook @ AidforAIDSofNevada, Instagram @ afranlv, and Twitter @ AFANLV.
AFAN’s 38th annual Black & White Party is presented in collaboration with Clark County’s Love! Live! Undetectable Equals Untransmittable campaign (U=U) underscoring the importance of awareness and accessible resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS. To explore U=U and access local resources, please visit uequalsulas.com.
What Our Winners
“With our having received so many awards from the team at PR%F, it’s obvious this panel of experts are true spirit a cionados. Highclere Castle Gin is well on its way to becoming the most awarded gin in the world due to PR%F’s commitment to recognizing authentic, well produced brands.”
2023 PR%F Awards Shines in 5th Year
The 2023 PR%F Awards Spirits, Wine & Beverage competition was held in Las Vegas on November 8 and 9. The celebration of its fifth year was held with its newest partner, Palms Casino Resort, with its diverse mix of bars and restaurants and reputation in the hospitality industry.
More than 70 judges (spirit/wine experts) who are all beverage buyers assembled in a private tasting competition rating more than 500 spirits and wines that have elected to participate in the rating competition. This unique competition hosted two very distinct separate competitions - PR%F Awards-Masked, The Double-Blind Tasting and PR%F Awards-Unmasked, The Total Package.
