Anthony Bohlinger, Trade Advocacy Manager: Fords Gin, Gin Mare, Diplomatico Rum Anthony Bohlinger is the Trade Advocacy Manager for Fords Gin, Gin Mare and Diplomatico Rum in Miami. He leads local brand advocacy, concentrating on programming for the bar trade industry, educating consumers, media and industry partners about his spirits portfolio. Anthony assists with cocktail and brand development as well as supporting ideation and production of brand-building campaigns, events and experiences.Bohlinger was immersed in the hospitality and bartending scene, opening over 30 restaurant & bars, receiving the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program, and was a national finalist for GQ’s Most Imaginative Bartender competition. After graduating from Rutgers-New Brunswick, where he enjoyed playing lacrosse on the varsity team, Anthony sharpened hospitality know-how at Chefs Club by Food and Wine in both New York City and Aspen, Colorado. Soon after he hit the road to begin speaking engagements and share his passion for all things beverage. His travels brought him to Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, New York to work as a bartender, followed by a position as Bar Director of The Group NYC, overseeing the operations of 5 top tier New York restaurant & bar programs. Here he tested the limits of cocktail creation to find his unique, individual spirit. With over 10 years of experience in the beverage industry, Bohlinger came to Brown-Forman from William Grant & Sons, where he served as the US National Ambassador for Fistful of Bourbon and previously was the East Coast Ambassador for Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. During his time at William Grant & Sons, Bohlinger was integral in expanding his brands in restaurants, bars, and retailers, assisting in the launch of a successful new spirits brand in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and creating and launching large-scale, consumer-facing events in 15 major markets. Anthony has run successful bar programs, served as keynote speakers for industry events and bartended at nationally-acclaimed locations. Working in several different roles within the hospitality industry, Bohlinger has experienced every aspect of the bar business