The Tales of the Cocktail, a culinary and cocktail festival in New Orleans’ French Quarter, recently celebrated Beefeater Master Distiller Desmond Payne’s 40 years as a distiller in true New Orleans style. To mark his Ruby Jubilee a deputation from the Mayor’s office presented him with the keys to the city. Fittingly five of New Orleans’ finest mixologists also prepared specialty cocktails in honour of the occasion. These drinks reflect the flavor and flair of two of the greatest cocktail cities in the world – New Orleans and London – and celebrate one of the most influential people in the gin industry, Desmond Payne.