Yes, his proper title is a mouthful. But "Executive Director of Mixology & Spirits Education" doesn't communicate the impact Lafranconi has had on the local beverage scene since he left Venice, Italy, in early 2000.

He did so at the invitation of Southern Wine & Spirits boss Larry Ruvo, who wanted Lafranconi to develop an educational program for Las Vegas bartenders and Southern's sales force. The Academy of Spirits & Fine Service was established in September 2000; since then, more than 1,200 students have attended Lafranconi's 12-week course, which covers tasting skills, mixology techniques, and the history and manufacture of spirits, from field to bottle to glass.

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Source: http://vegasseven.com/