Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI) hosted the first of its Mixology Madness cocktail competition series on January 30 at Cure Restaurant & Bar in Unionville. Great King Street Artist’s Blend Scotch by Compass Box was the showcased base spirit with a match-up between five Hartford-area bartenders: Atilio Lopez, Patrick Youngquist, Conrad Meurice, Chelsea Solkowski and Emily Dube. Chelsea Solkowski won with her cocktail, Benedict Cumberscotch. She will advance as the Round One winner into the bracketed competition. Atilio Lopez and Patrick Youngquist tied for second place. Qualifying rounds will run throughout February, semifinals will be held in March, concluding with the round three Championship event on April 10.
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- The featured spirit for CDI’s Mixology Madness event on January 30 was Great King Street Artist’s Blend. Named for the address of Compass Box’s Edinburgh offices, Great King Street offers a range of whiskies, with Artist’s Blend its first edition, described as “rich, round, fruity.”
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- Basil My Beeting Heart cocktail by Emily Dube.
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- Competitor Chelsea Solkowski.
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- Chelsea Solkowski’s cocktail, Benedict Cumberscotch.
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- Competitor Conrad Meurice.
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- The Kingsmen Nut by Conrad Meurice.
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- Competitor Patrick Youngquist.
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- The King a.k.a Limey Bastard by Patrick Youngquist.
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- Competitor Atilio Lopez.
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- Blood In, Blood Out by Atilio Lopez.
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- Competitors Atilio Lopez, Patrick Youngquist, Conrad Meurice, Chelsea Solkowski and Emily Dube.
Photos by Michael Leung.
