Liquor lobby lures DC journos with 'product samples'

In a month filled with often tedious "year-in-review" press events, there is one industry that clearly knows how to pack a Washington press conference.

The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America will hold its first annual State of the Alcohol Industry briefing and panel discussion Thursday at the National Press Club. The group has made the savvy decision to hold a cocktail reception immediately afterwards.

Thirsty reporters will be treated to a specialty drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and rare liquor tastings, including Hennessy Black label cognac and Johnny Walker Blue label scotch, which retails for more than $200 a bottle. 

Of course, the booze industry has an unfair advantage over, say, the solar power industry when it comes to luring Washington journalists, but perhaps there's a lesson here for other special interest groups.