There are very few cases in which world-famous cocktails have a creator who’s still alive, but they’re certainly out there. Consider a handful of modern classics, such as Sam Ross’s Paper Plane and Penicillin.
Just like a chord progression in music, he may not be able to legally copyright these cocktail recipes. However, it feels — at the very least — disrespectful for a brand to capitalize on them without giving any flowers to Ross. We’re not necessarily talking about monetary compensation, but some form of acknowledgment certainly feels appropriate.
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the potential consequences of brands failing to recognize a cocktail’s inventor. With so many spirits companies turning toward modern classics to build marketing and ad campaigns, what (if anything) do they owe to the creators of those drinks in terms of compensation, credit, or outreach? Tune in for more.
Zach is drinking: Côte Bonneville Riesling
Joanna is drinking: Wine Cask-Aged Westland Distillery Whiskey
Adam is drinking: ZBiotics
