Secret societies do exist, and I'm a member!

(Guess it's not a secret anymore)

With the arrival of a square box this morning, I became the
latest inductee into the International Order of the Sazerac. Along with a crushed
velvet red fez, was the following note:  “Thank
you for all your support of Tales of the Cocktail. As a special friend of
Tales, we invite you to be a part of the International Order of the Sazerac,
our highest honor. Enjoy and wear with pride,” signed Ann Tuennerman, Founder.

Now, I thought I had the highest honor when I was named the
2010 Ambassador of Tales, but apparently there was another. Who knew?

There are nearly 25 people in the International Order so
far, Chris Hannah, bartender at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, one of America’s Top 5
bars by Esquire magazine, being one of them. He’s donning his fez in this youtube video where he shows viewers how to make a Brandy Crusta cocktail.  

“The inductees are hand-picked by me and it’s given to those
individuals that are beyond supportive of Tales,” said
Tuennerman.

The fez is by far one of the coolest things I’ve ever received.
I’ve gotten so much from my involvement with Tales of the Cocktail, from
friendships, professional relationships and industry knowledge of spirits,
customer service and maintaining those positive professional relationships.

When I wear the fez, and there’s no doubt that I will wear
it, I will remember everything I’ve gained from my Tales of the Cocktail
experience.