Hendrick's Gin Brand Ambassador Jim Ryan Named Best American Brand Ambassador At Tales Of The Cocktail 2012 Spirited Awards

The most delightfully curious Hendrick's Gin is proud to announce that its Brand Ambassador, Jim Ryan, won the 2012 Spirited Award for Best American Brand Ambassador as part of the 10th Annual Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award which took place this past Saturday evening.

The Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards honors the bars, spirits, bartenders, writers, experts and other members of the cocktail industry who have excelled above their contemporaries over the past year. The Best American Brand Ambassador award recognizes the importance of personality in the promotion of drinks brands and their creative use of brand communication to engage the trade and their ability to execute compelling education and seminars. This person must be working as an Ambassador full time in the USA and not be working behind the bar.

"On behalf of Hendrick's Gin and William Grant & Sons, I am thrilled to congratulate Jim on this special award. Jim's passionate advocacy for the Hendrick's brand, as well as his tireless efforts towards partnering with our key on & off-trade partners, has played such an important role in the brand's continued success," said Jonathan Yusen, Senior Vice President Marketing, William Grant & Sons North America. "I am equally pleased that the recognition comes from the Tales of the Cocktail team given their leadership role in establishing an incredibly strong culture across the bartender, mixologist and ambassador community."

A devotion to quality ingredients and creative mixology mixed with an unusual dash of eccentricity makes Jim Ryan the perfect embodiment of Hendrick's Gin. His holistic approach to bartending has allowed him to hone his craft and bring a unique perspective to his role as Ambassador for Hendrick's Gin.

"We are very proud that Tales of the Cocktail has recognized Jim as the top American Brand Ambassador," said Joanne Birkitt, Hendrick's Gin Senior Brand Manager. "He has been a valuable member of the Hendrick's team and outstanding Ambassador for the brand."

Jim worked his way up through the ranks as a bartender and mixologist in some of New York's top bars and lounges. While working under the tutelage of the famed Jean-Georges Vongerichten, at Perry Street Restaurant, Jim discovered a passion for anticipation and invisibility in service as well as a seasonal approach to mixology. He brought that perspective to Brooklyn's Dressler Restaurant where he served as beverage director developing the restaurant's bar program until he joined Hendrick's Gin as an Ambassador in 2008.

An avid cocktail book collector with an unending appreciation for the classics and precision in mixology, Jim has been honored to train and judge alongside the most renowned mixologists in the business. His cocktails have been featured on menus and in publications across the country, including The New York Times, The Seattle Times, The Kansas City Star, as well as IMI Drinks and Out Magazine.


About Hendrick's Gin
Hendrick's is the most unusual Gin that has taken the world by storm since it was first introduced, thanks to its delightfully unique flavour, which combines a distinct blend of eleven botanicals , as well as the signature infusions of Cucumber and Rose petals, producing a wonderfully refreshing gin with a delightfully unique aroma . Hand crafted n Scotland in miniscule batches by William Grant & Sons, Hendrick's uses a marriage of spirits from a Carter-Head and Copper Pot Still, a combination produces a divinely smooth gin that has both the required character and balance of subtle flavours. In the ten years since Hendrick's was first introduced to America, it has gained widespread acclaim and received numerous awards, includi