This year at Tales of the Cocktail, we teamed up with the Marriott Bonvoy Bar & Restaurant team to create a truly standout experience: the Do Not Disturb Lounge, an immersive two-part pop-up inspired by European café culture by day and a moody speakeasy by night.

Hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, the DND Lounge welcomed guests into a sensory journey—starting with hand-pulled espresso, small-batch gelato, and low-proof sips in the daytime, and transforming into a velvet-draped cocktail escape after hours, complete with rare pours and culinary-inspired cocktails.

The lounge served as a luxurious respite from the buzz of Tales, and for our industry VIPs, the tucked-away speakeasy in the VIP room was the real highlight. There, guests sampled some of the most compelling spirits on the market—an exclusive preview of what’s to come at Top Shelf 2025 this November in San Francisco.

We’re proud to have poured a stellar lineup of brands that embody innovation, craft, and story. Here’s a closer look at what was behind the bar:

Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10 Year & Sherry Cask: A true Colorado icon, Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10 Year is a rich, complex American single malt with layers of dried fruit, spice, and oak. The Sherry Cask variant adds a velvety touch of dark berries and roasted nuts.

Viviente Mezcal Cupreata: Crafted from 100% Cupreata agave in Guerrero, this mezcal is elegant and bright, with notes of citrus peel, herbs, and a subtle smoky finish.

Cutwater Spirits Reposado & Extra Añejo: Known for their award-winning RTDs, Cutwater’s premium tequilas deserve their own spotlight. The Reposado offers smooth vanilla and oak, while the Extra Añejo delivers rich complexity and long-lasting warmth.

New Riff Distilling 8-Year-Old Bourbon: An age-statement rarity from a craft powerhouse, this 8-year bourbon is bold and beautifully balanced, with layers of caramel, spice, and toasted oak.

Perro Verde Mezcal Ensamble: A vibrant blend of agaves that results in a layered, earthy profile. Expect fresh minerality, vegetal notes, and a silky smoke finish out of Perro Verde Mezcal Ensamble. 

Good Trouble Bourbon: More than a spirit, Good Trouble is a movement. This high-rye bourbon is bold and unapologetic, with spicy depth, dried fruit, and a smooth finish that lingers.

IH Spirits Loca Loka Reposado: A playful name, but serious flavor. This Reposado is aged to perfection, offering notes of honey, stone fruit, and gentle oak with a fun, approachable twist.

Casa 1921 Maria Bonita Mezcal: This mezcal is full-bodied and expressive, featuring notes of baked agave, white pepper, and citrus zest.

The Moon Shift Madrecuixe Mezcal: Distilled from wild-grown Madrecuixe, this mezcal is floral, mineral-driven, and elegantly smoky. 

Couldn’t make it to the DND Lounge? Catch these top-tier pours and dozens more at Top Shelf 2025, the ultimate tasting experience happening November 8–9 in San Francisco. You won’t want to miss this curated celebration of the finest in spirits.