The Bitter Affair began with a panel discussion titled “Why is Everyone So Bitter: The Evolution of the American Palate.” Panelists included Willy Shine of Jägermeister; Duane Sylvestre of Collectif 1806/Remy Cointreau; Lindsay Matteson of New York City’s Amar y Amargo; T.J. Delle Donne of Johnson and Wales University; Russ Beauregard of Long Trail Brewing Company; Bill McAvoy of Two Roads Brewing Company; Scott Mayer of Infinium Spirits; Paul Sevigny of DiSaranno; Nick Korn of Offsite and Italian Spirit Specialist of Campari; and moderator of the panel discussion Johnathan Pogash.