Downtown New Haven venues participated in a weeklong showcase of spirit brands and cocktails for the inaugural New Haven Cocktail Week (NHCW). Founded by New Haven bar owners and industry professionals, including Ordinary’s Tim Cabral and Ben Zemke, Owl Shop’s Glen Greenberg and Elm City Social’s John Brennen, the goal was to “showcase area bars and restaurants” through education and walk-arounds. With more than 25 bars offering specialty cocktail menus and more than 30 spirits brands highlighted, visiting patrons were given the chance to learn about spirits brands, try new tastes and participate in a “passport program” culminating in a Saturday celebration. The 2019 New Haven Cocktail Week is already in the works with plans to “make it bigger and better,” said Cabral. A portion of proceeds collected by NHCW were donated to All Our Kin, a New Haven-based organization that trains, supports and sustains community childcare providers.
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- The Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum line was the first spirits seminar of New Haven Cocktail Week, offered at The Anchor Spa on August 20. The rum is handcrafted on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.
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- Joe Landolfi, Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum, National Brand Manager.
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- Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum is handcrafted on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. The tasting included Shipwreck Gold, White Reserve, Spiced, Vanilla, Coffee, Mango and Coconut.
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- “Bootleg” Greg Genias, Part Owner/Bar Manager, The Anchor Spa, making the Got Ginga?
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- The cocktail, Got Ginga?, was among signature evening cocktails featuring Shipwreck rums.
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- Jeff Sansone, Regional Manager, Opici; Scott McDonald, Northeast Manager, Opici; Joe Landolfi, National Brand Manager, Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum; Renee Reignier, Fine Wine Manager, Opici; and Tim Cabral, Owner, Ordinary and Part Owner, New Haven Cocktail Week.
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- Beam Global Spirits’ Master Ambassador Simon Brooking showcased Laphroaig Single Malt whiskies from Islay, Scotland, at Owl Shop on August 20, the second seminar for NHCW.
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- Scott Randall, Vice President of Sales, Opici Family Distributing of Connecticut; Ben Zemke, Bartender, Ordinary and Part Owner, New Haven Cocktail Week; Kyle Zimmerman, Startender; Tim Cabral, Owner Ordinary and Part Owner, New Haven Cocktail Week; Glen Greenberg, Owner, Owl Shop; and Simon Brooking, Beam Global Spirits’ Master Ambassador.
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- Brooking addresses guests during the tasting session.
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- Joe Caccone, Bar Manager, Owl Shop presents the Toki Highball cocktail, a Beam Suntory whisky offering.
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- Tasting and education session on Day 2 of NHCW featured Rémy Martin V, Rémy Martin VSOP, Rémy Martin 1738 and Rémy Martin XO at Oak Haven Table & Bar on August 21.
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- Neclerc Dufane, Account Manager, Brescome Barton; Steve Lentz, General Sales Manager, Brescome Barton; Veronica Saurett, Account Manager, Brescome Barton; and Albert Greenwood, Owner, Oak Haven Table & Bar and Bull & Swine.
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- Spirits specialist and bartender Dee Blackmer explains the finer points of Rémy Martin cognacs.
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- Oak Haven General Manager Dan Shekman pours Rémy Martin XO for guests.
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- Litchfield Distillery was featured at Bull & Swine on August 21.
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- Litchfield Distillery Partner Peter Baker with Distiller Naomi Adler.
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- The Batchers Boulevardier made with Litchfield Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Meletti 1870, Cinzano Sweet Vermouth, Smoky Bay Rose, Litchfield Distillery Gin, smoked pink peppercorn simple syrup, grapefruit and club soda.
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- Litchfield Distillery Brand Ambassador Dimitrios Zahariadis.
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- Grand Marnier brands were showcased at ROÌA on August 22. The tasting included Grand Marnier, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Grand Marnier Cuvée Collection Centenaire 1880 and Marnier Grand Cuvée Collection Quintessence.
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- Will Thompson, Grand Marnier Brand Ambassador (standing) with guests at ROÌA.
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- Elm City Social’s rooftop showcased Absolut Elyx on August 23. National Brand Ambassador Teresa Cesario educated guests on the award-winning luxury vodka.
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- Teresa Cesario, National Brand Ambassador, Absolut Elyx.
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- Dan Madera, Multicultural Marketing Manager, Pernod Ricard; Mary Zalewa, Retail Account Specialist, Pernod Ricard; Teresa Cesario, National Brand Ambassador, Absolut Elyx; and Katie Trubinski, Retail Account Specialist, Pernod Ricard.
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- Dan Rek, Bar Manager, Elm City Social.
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- Gary Dritschler, Connecticut State Manager, Campari; Daniel Warrilow, Italian Portfolio Ambassador, Campari Group. Campari America showcased a journey through the history of vermouth and amaro at Olives and Oil on August 23.
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- The liqueur tasting included Campari, Cynar Cinzano 1757 and Aperol among others.
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- Preparing Campari cocktails at Olives and Oil.
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- Gary Dritschler, Connecticut State Manager, Campari; Daniel Warrilow, Italian Portfolio Ambassador, Campari Group; Tim Cabral, Owner, Ordinary and Part Owner, New Haven Cocktail Week; and Kyle Zimmerman, Startender.
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- Max Fiore, Bar Manager, Olives and Oil, presents his By the Beard of Zeus cocktail.
