Countdown to 10th Anniversary Tales of the Cocktail® Kicks Off at the

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Tales of the Cocktail
Ann Tuennerman
504.548.0511
Ann@TalesoftheCocktail.com

Hotel Monteleone
Emily Schmidt
504.324.4242
Emily@gambelpr.com

Countdown to 10^th Anniversary Tales of the Cocktail® Kicks Off at the
Newly Renovated Carousel Bar and Lounge
Media and cocktail lovers are invited to the grand re-opening of the Carousel Bar for a preview of what's in store at Tales of the Cocktail® 2012

WHO: Tales of the Cocktail®, Hotel Monteleone, members of the media and cocktail enthusiasts.

WHAT: A joint event with Tales of the Cocktail® and the Hotel Monteleone to officially kick off the six-month countdown to the 10^th Anniversary Tales of the Cocktail® and unveil the newly renovated and expanded Carousel Bar and Lounge.

This special event will include:

• Carousel Bar and Lounge grand reopening and auction of memorabilia
• Tales of the Cocktail® 2012 countdown event with a sneak peak of spirited events and special unveilings for the festival's historic 10^th Anniversary
• Preview of the official 2012 poster by artist Robert Rodriguez
• A look at the cocktail festival's first book, Tales the Cocktail from A to Z
• Display of the world record centerpiece, A Million Greetings From New Orleans, by bead artist Stephán Wanger
• The unveiling of Tales of the Cocktail and Fleurty Girl's newest Cocktail Collection t-shirt celebrating the Old Fashioned
• Complimentary Old Fashioneds featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Luxardo Cherries prepared by the Carousel Bar's renowned bartending team

WHEN: Wednesday, January 25, 2012

1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Carousel Bar and Lounge Grand Reopening

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Countdown to Tales of the Cocktail

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Performance by Robin Barnes

WHERE: Carousel Bar and Lounge

Hotel Monteleone

214 Royal Street

WHY: Over the past decade, Tales of the Cocktail® has only gotten better with age. Now, just six months from its 10th Anniversary, Tales of the Cocktail® is ready to get the party started a little early at Countdown to Tales. This one-of-a-kind media event will give a sneak peak of the spirited events that will make this the biggest and best Tales of the Cocktail yet. Additionally, the Hotel Monteleone will celebrate the reopening of the famous Carousel Bar and Lounge.

HOW: This event is free and open to the public. Click here to reserve your spot today.

About Tales of the Cocktail®

Tales of the Cocktail® is the world's premier cocktail festival, bringing together the most respected minds on mixology for five days of cocktails, cuisine and culture. Held annually in New Orleans, this international event has something for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike with a spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where brands showcase their latest products. Tales of the Cocktail® returns in 2012 for a historic milestone-its 10^th Anniversary of rocking the cocktail world. Join the celebration July 25-29, 2012 and see how Tales of the Cocktail® only gets better with age.

About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society

The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society (NOCCPS) is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of cocktails and cuisine in New Orleans and beyond. Since it's founding in 2006 the NOCCPS has supported members of the hospitality industry through programs like the new Apprentice Aid Fund, providing financial assistance to former apprentices in times of medical need, the Cocktail Apprentice Scholarship Program and the Flo Woodward Memorial Scholarship as well as the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail®.

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail®, visit the website at TalesoftheCocktail.com or call 504-948-0511.

About Hotel Monteleone

Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone, http://www.hotelmonteleone.com/, has proudly stood as one of the first landmarks in the famous French Quarter. The hotel is the Quarter's largest full-service hotel, featuring 600 comfortable, luxurious guestrooms and suites. Hotel Monteleone is within walking-distance of some of New Orleans most famous attractions and is conveniently located 11 miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Hotel Monteleone is a member of the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, a consecutive AAA Four Diamond award-winner, and has won the J.D. Power and Associates Upscale Hotel Award for "An Outstanding Guest Experience." The Hotel Monteleone is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011.

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