SAN DIEGO SPIRITS FESTIVAL ROCKS WITH VINCE NEIL
Michael Hepworth
San Diego, CA(Spiritsman)8/28/13/–The fifth San Diego Spirits Festival was its usual chaotic and exciting self this past weekend, and was highlighted by the launch of the new vodka from Vince Neil of heavy metal group Motley Crue. Named Tatuado, it was just one of over sixty beverage companies displaying their wares, with some of the bigger and more established names on tap such as Milagro, Rum Chata, Hendricks Gin and El Cartel Tequila on hand. Most of the emphasis appeared to be on vodka and tequila, although there were several Rum brands on hand including the new rum by actor Ron Jeremy called ‘Ron De Jeremy.’
The annual event is held every August at the spacious Harbor Pavillion, and although there were a few parking hassles this time around, I look forward to next years event when no doubt there will be a bunch of new start ups yet again.
The black owned Voo Vodka made it out from Detroit for the first time, and there was a new launch from Venom Vodka, an ultra-premium brand that has won gold medals for taste in 2012. Going back to the Tatuado Vodka, I have no idea how good it is as a tasting review will appear down the road, but Vince Neil certainly made himself available to sign autographs and take part in a cooking exhibition. Despite some grumblings from some of the other vodka vendors like ‘what the **** does Vince Neil know about vodka,’ it will be interesting to see how the brand fares in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market place.
On the tequila front I was hearing good things about the taste of Fortaleza Tequila, as well as a brand new launch of Te Quava, which is a sparkling tequila cocktail based out of Los Angeles. Very interesting to me in particular was the new tequila called ‘Julio Cesar Chavez,’ with a picture of the boxing legend on the bottle.
As a boxing writer, I have seen the man fight, and if the drink is even half as good as the greatest Mexican fighter of all time, then it has a bright future.
The food and wine spirit pairing competition was won by chef Charles Andres representing the Pacific Rim cuisine of Roy Yamaguchi’s in San Diego.Despite Only beating out a couple of other teams from the area, the competition was intense with yours truly being one of the judges along with Henry Preiss of HP Sepicurean and Frankie Thaheld of the Snake Oil Cocktail Company
San Diego Spirits Festival 2013
www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com
San Diego Spirits Festival highlighst the cocktail and culinary community and the talented bartenders and chefs who are shaking up San Diego’s vibrant scene. Its all about Cocktails, Culinary and Culture set on San Diego Bay! San Diego Spirits Festival is all about Lifestyle, make San Diego your Lifestyle Destination and Join us for Year 5!!
The San Diego Spirits Festival has been designed to celebrate the industry and all that it encompasses ranging from industry advancement, professionalism, education, showcasing product innovation, market launches, entertainment, camaraderie and just good fun.
San Diego Spirits Festival brings together people from throughout the country and overseas to participate over the week leading up to the two-day weekend festival where the industry and public can mingle, be entertained, educated and make new friends and contacts.
Dozens of new and diverse brands are showcased each year From the cocktail nerd to the novice drinker, there’s something to please everyone’s palate.
http://www.tatuadobyvinceneil.com/
Tatuado Restaurant & Cantina, created by legendary rock star Vince Neil.
The atmosphere is cool and casual and the menu expansive, with numerous innovative margaritas like the “Green Iguana” Margarita, “Blue Coconut” Rita, or “PERFECT CADILLAC” MARGARITA. The rockin’ bar in Las Vegas also offers a comprehensive list of tequilas and beer.
Pair your drink with a delicious appetizer with menu items ranging from spicy Tortilla Chips and Salsa to Vince’s Dragstrip Superstar Taquitos and Smoking In The Boy’s Room Fish Tacos at our Las Vegas cantina. And don’t forget to try the Red Hot Oyster Shooters, consisting of oysters drowned with Tatuado Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice and a splash of Tabasco. For the main event, you have to try one of Vince’s delicious Rock Star Burritos or Road Show Enchiladas. An additional menu of all-American favorites is also available.
Hours of Operation
DINNER: 5:00PM – MIDNIGHT DAILY
DAILY HAPPY HOURS: 2:00PM-5:00PM and 9:00PM-11:00PM
All appetizers and Tatuado margaritas are HALF PRICE!
$1 TATUADO SHOOTERS
2:00PM – 11:00PM
VINCE NEIL ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MUSIC VIDEOS
2:00PM – 11:00PM
JOiA
MANZANITA
SAINT JAMES SPIRITS
Saint James Spirits is a fast growing company with over six different products. These products include: Pineapple Brandy, Kirsch Brandy, Pineapple Rum, California Gold Agave, Peregrine Rock, and many more. Here at Saint James, we take pride in following the old European tradition of distilling in small batches with the use of an Alambic Copper Pot Still; and each bottle of our spirit is distilled using only the finest ingredients. So again, please feel free to look through our Home Page and be a part of the countless of others who have fallen in love with Saint James Spirits.
Mike Fendt: Photography
Michael Hepworth
287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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