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Pictured above from left – Matthew Sharpe, Director of Operations, and Wayne Curtis, Head Judge of the New Orleans Spirits Competition.
This time around, we’re bringing you a preview of the 2024 New Orleans Spirits Competition, now in its 3rd year. We chat with Head Judge and noted cocktail author, Wayne Curtis, and Director of Operations and spirits industry veteran, Matthew Sharpe. They let us know about the competition, how it works, and lots of new and exciting things coming this year! We discuss how it all culminates with the final judging at Tales of the Cocktail with much of it open to attendees to observe. If you are a spirits producer, we let you know about how to submit your stuff with the deadline to do so looming soon!
Last year, we chatted with these guys about the competition. At that time, we did something somewhat unique to this show – we taped a segment before the final judging and then reconvened at Tales of the Cocktail right after the award winners were announced. You can check out that show here. Guessing we will probably do something similar this year, too – chatting at Tales to wrap it all up. So, stay tuned on that front!
Pictured above – Andrew Faulkner, Managing Partner of the New Orleans Spirits Competition.
Matt and Wayne give us a rundown of how the competition is structured with a preliminary round that then sets up the six finalists selected to be judged in the final round this July. We discuss the categories and how they have evolved and grown.
We also talk about the unique process where the final round is open to attend for Tales attendees. It’s great fun to see the judges in action “live.” You can also try your hand at evaluating the spirits and participate in an open conversation with the judges to compare your results! This will grow from four category sessions last year to eight.
Also, Wayne and Matt share some things they are excited about this year. This includes some of the changes as well as a couple trends that are expected to firmly manifest in the 2024 iteration. If you’re coming to Tales, be sure to put this on your radar!
If you a producer interested in submitting, check out the link here. The deadline to do so is April 26, 2024.
Connect –
New Orleans Spirits Competition – Website and Instagram
Tales of the Cocktail – Website and Instagram
Cheers and Be Well, You All!
~ Bryan
