So – here I am, at the media room for Tales of the Cocktail, digesting my brunch and having a couple of Oxley gin cocktails while waiting for the next tasting session I want to do.

WOOHOO TALES WOO!

Sorry.? Had to get that out of the way.

I’ve actually been in New Orleans since Sunday thanks to my day job.? I’ve got to hit various joints this time such as Luke’s, dba, and Jacques-Imo’s.? We, the bloggers, have a house again this year with a bar sponsored by a number of companies.? It’s already been a blast and I have way too many pounds worth of swag in my bags.

If you haven’t been here before it’s kind of hard to describe.? The lobby of the Monteleone was overrun this morning as people registered for Tales as tons of high school Lutheran kids – here earlier this week to do charity service – try to check out.? Bartenders complain about the early hours, presenters run around trying to make sure all their stuff is ready to go, and people from around the world renew their acquaintance and have a few drinks.

For me, I’ve got a tasting room in about 1/2 an hour, cigars and Mandarin Napoleon liqueur a couple of hours after that, and a Bulleit Bourbon event tonight.? If you’re in town, feel free to shoot me a line, check my Twitter ( @highwaystar ), or give me a holler on my phone.? Tomorrow: my day full of sessions!