Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI) hosted an iron bartending competition at Fork & Fire in Farmington on Nov. 8. Local bartenders took on the challenge of creating a cocktail for judges on the spot, each featuring a surprise selection from the William Grant & Sons portfolio of brands, chosen via random drawing. Seven mixologists competed for prizes, with Chelsea Solkowski, The Charles, taking home first place. Runner-up was Suzie Johnson of Taino Prime. Featured spirits included Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Reyka Vodka, Fistful of Bourbon, Monkey Shoulder Malt Scotch Whiskey, Hendricks Gin, Milagro Tequila and Hudson Whiskey Do the Rye Thing.
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- Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI) hosted an iron bartending competition at Fork & Fire in Farmington on Nov. 8 featuring William Grant & Sons Inc. brands, including Monkey Shoulder Malt Scotch Whiskey, Reyka Vodka, Fistful of Bourbon and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum.
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- Dustin Amore, The Place 2B; Suzie Johnson, Taino Prime; Dylan Jefferis, Ideal Tavern; Jack Forbes, Agave Grill; Alfredo Gonzalez Barrera, Brinx Kitchen & Bar; Chelsea Solkowski, The Charles; Mario Wongsosudiro, Cotton Hollow Kitchen and Ruvin Bogati, Manager, Fork & Fire.
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- First-place winner Chelsea Solkowski, The Charles, creating her winning cocktail.
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- Solkowski’s cocktail, featuring Monkey Shoulder.
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- Runner-up Suzie Johnson, Taino Prime.
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- Johnson’s cocktail, featuring Hendricks Gin.
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- Competitor Jack Forbes, Agave Grill.
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- Forbes’ cocktail, featuring Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum.
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- Competitor Dustin Amore, The Place to Be.
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- Amore’s cocktail, featuring Reyka Vodka.
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- Competitor Mario Wongsosudiro, Cotton Hollow Kitchen.
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- Wongsosudiro’s cocktail, featuring Fistful of Bourbon.
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- Dylan Jefferis, Ideal Tavern.
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- Jefferis’ cocktail, featuring Milagro Tequila.
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- Alfredo Gonzalez Barrera, Brinx Kitchen & Bar.
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- Gonzalez Barrera’s cocktail, featuring Hudson Whiskey Do the Rye Thing.
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- Winners Chelsea Solkowski, The Charles and Suzie Johnson, Taino Prime.
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- Winner Chelsea Solkowski, Bar Manager, The Charles and Ruvin Bogati, General Manager, Fork & Fire.
