One of the reasons people love to recount their stories from Tales of the Cocktail is that there is so much going on, simultaneously, that depending on where he/she is at any particular moment, each person is carving out their own Tales Experience.As the lobby at Hotel Monteleone heaves with the hordes, a few main groups begin to come into focus. Wide-eyed “Tales Virgins” need a day to figure out how to maneuver both the schedule and the city. The slick Brand Ambassador set is rushing from seminar to party to meeting. The media folks wield cameras, notepads and cell phones feverishly noting the latest trends, products and people to watch. Mixed in are a few NOLA locals who seem to honestly enjoy the booze fest taking over their city. And, of course, the heartbeat of it all are the people working behind the scenes such as Ann Teunnermans’s staff and the amazing CAPS, or Bar Apprentices, without whom there would be no Tales, period.This year marks the 10^th anniversary of Tales of the cocktail. I’ve gone annually for the last 6 years, for the same reasons: 1) I get to see friends from all around the world who congregate in the same place for 5 days. 2) I learn about new products 3) I go home inspired.Each year, I have my favorite moments, so I’m going to share my top 5 of 2012 with you:1) William Grant & Sons opening party: always an extravaganza, this year the gondolas, giant Collins bar, birthday cake and fireworks made it pretty spectacular2) Gin & Tonic seminar: This iconic drink is a staple and exploring it in further depth brought to mind the importance of mastering the basics in order to build creativity.3) Pig & Punch: This charity event by the Bon Vivants felt like a mini-vacation in the midst of the madness. Fresh-roasted pork in the park washed down with garbage cans filled with punch? Yep, my idea of heaven.4) Meeting more cool female bartenders from everywhere: The Dame Hall of Fame luncheon was only one example of the growing influence of women in the spirits industry. (Charlotte Voisey was honored as dame of the year.) I also enjoyed meeting Ivy Mix, one of the ladies behind Speed Rack.5) Hosting the “Live From the Red Carpet” video: This is my baby! I pitched the idea of a red carpet video 4 years ago, and have hosted and produced it every year since. I only wish we could make the video 20 minutes long so we could include every single nominee as they enter the gala.Things I’m really bummed I missed:1) Diageo’s World Class party: The global World Class competition is more than impressive, and I would have loved to try cocktails from the various competitors.2) Drunken Botanicals seminar: What a great fit with my new book Edible Cocktails: Garden to Glass! I would have loved to attend this presentation!3) Mr. Solerno competition and Milagro closing pool party at the Monteleone: Really, no explanation needed why this would have been a blast.4) Cheryl Charming’s Balcony Party: This female powerhouse (more than 10 bartender books under her belt) hosted this personal get together at her home, which took place after my plane left NOLA. Next year, Cheryl! I could go on-and-on about all that Tales has to offer – but instead, why don’t you take a gander at my Tales of the Cocktail 2012 video series, and get a little vicarious sip of the fun. See YOU there next year…