Windsor Court Hotel and Area Businesses Partner in Barrel Exchange
The New Orleans Spirits Exchange is an exciting new collaboration of leaders in New Orleans craft liquors and cocktails to purchase full barrels of high-end spirits. The cooperation of Windsor Court Hotel, Kiefe & Co., Cure Co., Bar Tonique and Serendipity pools buying power for large inventory high-end spirits, brings the best possible product to the city and elevates New Orleans’ allocation for premium spirits.
The exchange is a unique partnership because it brings together what are otherwise competing local hotels, retailers and bars for a common goal. Members of the exchange include: Skip Adams of Windsor Court Hotel; Jim Yonkus and John Kiefe of Kiefe & Co.; Neal Bodenheimer of Cure Co.; and Ed Diaz and Steve Wilshire of Bar Tonique and Serendipity. The New Orleans Spirits Exchange is the only collaboration of its kind in the region.
Skip Adams, Food and Beverage Director at Windsor Court Hotel, describes, “The New Orleans Spirits Exchange will energize the market, our consumers and ultimately the spirit of New Orleans.”
A full barrel program allows vendors to taste-test and select specific barrels based on flavor profile and other distinguishing factors. For the most part, boutique vendors cannot accommodate such a large inventory increase. For example, a barrel of bourbon typically produces around 250 750ml bottles. The New Orleans Spirits Exchange enables the collaborators to purchase quality products at a whole sale value.
The exchange also benefits the larger New Orleans food and beverage industry. Each type of liquor is available to markets based on use. By purchasing large quantities of high-end spirits directly, the New Orleans Spirits Exchange elevates the future amount of premium spirits allocated to the city.
The first two barrels bought in the exchange are Elijah Craig 12-year small batch bourbon and Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage. The bourbons will be available through retail service at Cocktail Bar at Windsor Court, Keife & Co., Cure, Bellocq, Cane & Table, Bar Tonique and Serendipity are now available.
