Until 2020, to every bartender, bar owner, distiller and cocktailian, the third week of July meant Tales of the Cocktail — the annual, international gathering that has dominated the beverage industry scene for the past 16 years. This year’s Tales, planned as a virtual, online event, has been postponed until late September. But don’t worry. This week’s Louisiana Eats is guaranteed to satisfy your Tales itch.

We begin with New Orleans’ ultimate liquor experience, The Sazerac House. The multimillion-dollar, three story interactive museum, opened last fall on the corner of Canal and Magazine Street, is a liquor laden Disney World for historians and cocktail lovers alike. We’ll take a guided tour, including a peek at the first distillery ever located smack in the middle of downtown New Orleans.

Then, we’ll revisit some of our favorite interviews with Tales attendees from years past — including Jimmy Russell, who’s been making Wild Turkey Bourbon for over 65 years. And Kate Gerwin, a redheaded tattooed marvel, who was the first American and the first female to win the prestigious Bols Around the World competition. Finally, we speak with Mikey Enright, award-winning proprietor of The Barber Shop in Sydney, Australia

For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.