Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co.’s Loyal 9 Vodka was the showcased spirits base for a winter festival Espresso Martini Contest held at Bar and Board Bistro on February 19. Area bartenders – including Alex Brandarez from Surf Club, Vincent Xavier Gunn from Johnson & Wales, Johnathan Edgell from Buskers Pub & Restaurant, Adrienne Nicole Rubin from Independent Catering, Melissa Meier from Bar ’Cino and Charlie Bullis from Bar and Board Bistro – showcased their best craft work with a judging panel and a crowd favorite vote to choose the top martini cocktail. The winning bartender was Adrienne Nicole Rubin with her cocktail, the Chaispresso Martini. The runner-up was Melissa Meier. Guests were encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for Newport’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, a central service provider for at-risk individuals, families and seniors. An independent nonprofit, the MLK Community Center fights hunger, promotes health, educates young and school-age kids, supports families, and engages seniors.
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- Featured spirits during the Espresso Martini Contest held at Bar and Board Bistro during the Newport Winter Festival included Galliano Ristretto Espresso Italian Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, Fernet-Branca and Loyal 9 Vodka. Locally made Loyal 9 Vodka is made from 100% corn and is a tribute to the nine American patriots who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.
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- Winning bartender Adrienne Nicole Rubin pours guest samples of her cocktail, Chaispresso Martini.
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- John Begin, Founder, Newport History of Cocktails and Associate Director, Mariner Gallery; Competition Judge Cameron Hutchinson, Sales Representative, Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co.; Competition Judge David Rosenberg, Newport Winter Festival; Competition Judge David Spengler, Newport Winter Festival; and Runner-up Melissa Meier.
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- Runner-up Melissa Meier.
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- Meier’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Charlie Bullis.
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- Competitor Alex Brandarez.
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- A deconstructed espresso martini cocktail by Competitor Johnathan Edgell.
Photos by Laura Widness.
