Twin River Casino hosted the 2018 New England Tequila & Rum Festival from May 2 through May 5. During the four-day event, guests had a chance to sample rum and tequilas from around the world, take part in a blind spirits tasting, see cooking and bartending demonstrations, and enjoy food pairings. The festival opened with the Goslings Rum Cocktail Challenge on May 2 and continued with a six-course pairing dinner sponsored by Don Julio Tequila at Twin River’s Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse on May 3. During the main Grand Tasting event on May 5, Mia Mastroianni from the TV show “Bar Rescue” served as emcee and live entertainment was provided by Rhode Island-based reggae band, The Ravers. A portion of the proceeds benefited Johnson & Wales University’s student fellowships and faculty internships.
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- TV’s “Bar Rescue” mixology expert Mia Mastroianni addresses the crowd at the fourth annual New England Tequila & Rum Festival.
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- Sarah Blais, Promoter, Big Orange Productions and Jackie Connetti, Senior Innovation & Market Manager RI, Edrington Americas with Partida Tequila and Regal Rum.
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- Leo Luciano, Sales Representative, C&C Distributing with Sol Lager.
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- Jen Sutherland, Director of Off Premise Sales, Privateer Rum Co.
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- Ian Magiros, On Premise Specialist/Sommelier, MS Walker; Michael Lester, On Premise Manager/Brand Manager, MS Walker; Phil Correia, Sales Representative, MS Walker; and Shawn Ramos, Merchandiser, MS Walker, with Casa Azul Tequilas, Grand Mayan Tequilas, Mezcal de Leyendas and Peloton de la Muerte Mezcal.
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- Joe Pereira, Bar Manager/Promotions, Herbs & Rye with brands from Johnson Bros. of RI, including Nucano Mezcal, Centinela Tequila, Mezcal Marca Negra and La Hechicera Fine Aged Rum.
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- Nikki Nadeau, Bartender, East End/Bottles Group and Ed Goll, Brand Representative, The Real McCoy Rum.
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- Ben Terry, Craft Brand Manager, Origin Beverage Co. and Chris Almeida, United States Bartenders’ Guild Member, with Tanteo and Chinaco tequila brands.
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- Sally Desrosiers, Brand Ambassador, Shipyard Brewing; Michael Moss, Brand Ambassador/Owner, Drink More Beer (DMB) Promotions; and Russell Bairos, Promoter, DMB Promotions.
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- Orlando Silva, Sales Consultant On-Premise, Patriot Division, Horizon Beverage Company of RI.
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- All with Flaming Leprechaun Irish Whiskey: Jack Walsh, Managing Partner; Brian Fitzgerald, Founder; and Jim Black, Jr., Portfolio Manager.
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- Nikki Hatton, Brand Ambassador, William Grant & Sons/Milagro Tequila Company.
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- Brand Ambassadors Linda Gomez, Pratha Patel and Melissa Simmons showcase Ghost Tequila.
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- Sean Frederick, New England Area Manager, Maison Ferrand with Plantation Rum.
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- Kristen Cubicciotti, Market Manager MA/RI, Brown-Forman and Megan Schmidt, Promoter, Brown-Forman with Tequila Herradura.
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- Skyla Blackinton, Brand Ambassador, Captain Morgan USA/Diageo and Samantha Melaragno, Brand Ambassador, Captain Morgan USA/Diageo.
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- Katie O’Brien, Brand Ambassador and Amanda Jackson, Brand Ambassador with Don Julio Tequila cocktails.
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- Amy Folco, Brand Ambassador, Proximo Spirits and Trevor McCombe, Marketing Developer, Proximo Spirits with Kraken Rum and 1800 Tequila.
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- David Tretola, President, Boston Promotions; Nicole Saramento; and John Brennon, all showcasing Corzo Tequila and the Bacardi rum line.
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- All of Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.: Theresa Malafronte, PR & Events Coordinator; Nate Henley, Events Crew; and JR Rodrigues, VP of Operations.
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- Nicole Mercier, Paradise Promotions; Gary Dritschler, State Manager CT & RI, Campari America; Candace Dristchler; Stephanie Cisnero, Paradise Promotions; and Denise Normandin, Paradise Promotions.
Photos by Laura Widness.
