The United States Bartenders’ Guild Connecticut (USBG CT) chapter, along with Eder Bros., Inc. and Allan S. Goodman, hosted the fourth and fifth bartending competitions in its “Civil War” series of ten. On May 22, Highland Brass Company hosted the fourth competition and Macchu Pisco was the featured spirit with Master Distiller Melanie Asher serving as a competition judge, along with Jeff Conelius of Allan S. Goodman and Adam Patrick, President, USBG CT. Justin Morales of The Blind Pig came in first place, followed by Rachel Markoja from The Market Place in second place and Katie Allen of Amis in Westport in third. The fifth competition on June 12 was held at Market Place Kitchen and Bar in Avon, with Zaya Rum as the featured spirit. Rob Martini of Ideal Tavern came in first place, Bryce Hardy of The Olive Bar placed second and Jeff Hodson of Hub & Spoke placed third.
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- Event judges on May 22 included Melanie Asher, Master Distiller, Macchu Pisco; Jeff Conelius, Allan S. Goodman; and Adam Patrick, President, USBG CT. Photo courtesy David Curtis (HDFA).
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- Justin Morales of Hartford’s The Blind Pig took first place the fourth series competition, held at Highland Brass Company on May 22. Photo courtesy David Curtis (HDFA).
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- Rachel Markoja of The Market Place in Avon came in second place on May 22. Photo courtesy David Curtis (HDFA).
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- Macchu Pisco. Photo courtesy David Curtis (HDFA).
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- In third place, Katie Allen of Amis in Westport at Market Place Kitchen and Bar in Avon. Photo courtesy David Curtis (HDFA).
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- Bryce Hardy of The Olive Bar took second place; Rob Martini of Ideal Tavern, Winner; Jeff Hodson of Hub & Spoke placed third; Jeff Conelius, Craft Spirits Specialist, Allan S. Goodman on June 12.
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- Rob Martini’s winning cocktail featuring Zaya Rum on June 12.
