At bartending conferences, spirits brands will often give pseudo-educational presentations that feature statistics and sales data specific to their own brands. And more often than not, said data gives the audience a skewed representation of that spirits category at large and fails to look at trends through a broader lens. For example, proclaiming that “tequila is the go-to spirit for most consumers” isn’t totally invalid, but it does disregard the fact that vodka is still the best-selling spirit in the country.
A branded cocktail masterclass is one thing, but industry pros should probably take brand-centric lectures about entire spirits categories with a grain of salt — especially when they make no mention of any other brands competing in the same space.
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach ponder why so much educational content and conference presentations are sponsored and shaped by drinks brands. The benefit is obvious for those brands, but it rarely gives a clear and complete picture of the topic or category. Is it really just about underwriting the costs, or is there more at play? Tune in for more.
Joanna is drinking: Las Jaras “Waves”
Zach is drinking: Antica Fratta Franciacorta
Adam is drinking: Robert Mondavi “I Block” Sauvignon Blanc
