![\"Helmsman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Helmsman-Westlight.jpg\")
Helmsman Imports brought together 28 industry professionals at Westlight at The Vale hotel<\/p>\nNew York-based Helmsman Imports hosted an invite-only event at the Westlight cocktail bar on 10 June, on the last day of BCB Brooklyn.<\/p>\n
Helmsman Imports brought together 28 industry professionals at Westlight at The Vale hotel<\/p>\n
BCB Brooklyn<\/a> took place on 9-10 June, gathering almost 200 exhibitors in the New York borough.<\/p>\n At the end of the second day, Helmsman invited 28 guests, including 15 brand founders, 6 distributors, and on- and off-premise buyers, to the rooftop bar on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.<\/p>\n The evening showcased cocktails featuring five craft spirits: Paladar Tequila, Avua Cacha\u00e7a, Casa Malka Tequila<\/a>, Veda Mushroom Liqueur, and Svol Aquavit.<\/p>\n Janzen Eagler, chief strategy officer at Helmsman Imports, said: \u201cEvery brand founder in that room is solving the same problem: how do you get a distributor or a bartender to believe in your product before you have the track record to prove it?<\/p>\n \u201cAn evening like Wednesday gives you the chance to let the liquid do the talking. That is hard to manufacture anywhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n Helmsman emphasises that its most valuable service is facilitating connections and \u2018opening the right doors\u2019.<\/p>\n In the US three-tier system, spirits brands cannot sell directly to bars, restaurants, or retailers; they must go through licensed distributors. According to Helmsman Imports, these relationships are crucial for a brand\u2019s success.<\/p>\n Jeff Diego, founder and CEO of Helmsman Imports, explained: \u201cWe built Helmsman around one idea: the best relationships in this industry happen before there is a deal on the table. Brand founders, buyers and bartenders in a room together, with nothing to close.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are founders ourselves. We know what that room is worth. The Night Cap at Westlight was built to be exactly that.\u201d<\/p>\n Recently, the company has formed import partnerships with Bottle Dreams<\/a>, Vieroma<\/a>, and P\u00e1jaro Agave Spirits<\/a>, helping the brands navigate the US market.<\/p>\n Related news<\/p>\n \n \n
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