Tales of the Cocktail® New Orleans 2016

I love to learn and share knowledge about all things involving--and particularly the intersection of--spirits, cocktails, science, and history.

Ira Koplowitz worked for more than two years at the Violet Hour in Chicago where he developed a number of house-made syrups, tonics and bitters and contributed cocktails to more than a year's worth of seasonal cocktail menus. Beyond bartending, Koplowitz has traveled extensively, eating and drinking his way across more than forty countries, spanning five continents.  In 2009, Koplowitz founded Bittercube along with partner Nicholas... Read More →

A 16 year veteran of the Spirits/Hospitality Industry and Native Kentuckian Joe Riggs has written cocktail programs for concepts ranging from Brewery, Taiwanese, Craft Cocktail, to 4 Diamond Fine Dining Italian concepts. Now the National Brand Ambassador for Redemption Whiskies Joe is happy to speak on anything whiskey, Kentucky, cocktails, or hospitality. Try Rye!

Bittercube was founded by Nicholas Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz in 2009, and they began developing, formulating, and tweaking the lineup that is now the six varieties of Bittercube Bitters. The first larger batches began maceration in July of 2010, and since then the business has grown to distributed in many states around the country. | | Beyond bitters, Bittercube has consulted with a number of restaurants and bars, creating unique cocktail... Read More →

Honestly, I love meeting new people and talking about all kinds of things in and outside of our industry. So people should talk to me about anything they want. To sum up the formalities though, I'm an entrepreneur and Bar Manager from Louisville, Kentucky, and I started The Beer Syrup Company. We produce non-alcoholic Beer Syrups, which are simple syrups made from different flavors of craft beer. Our syrups were designed to be used by the... Read More →

I am a 25 year old bartender out of Miami, FL. Though having such a short time of 4 years in the industry, I've always been a person to strive for the best. I founded Tyler's Tonics in 2016 after creating house tonics that sparked interest. My passion for a great G&T have set off to a new venture, and am very excited to bring them to you this year at TOTC!

Zachari Wilks has been a familiar face behind bars for a little over 15 years. He has pioneered the craft cocktail scene in Indianapolis and acted as catalyst to the growing mixology culture now found within the city. Zach’s appreciation for the art of a well-balanced cocktail and his ability to put a creative spin on old classics has earned him much recognition countrywide. | As founder and former owner of the Ball and Biscuit, Zach was... Read More →