Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI), hosted a cocktail competition featuring Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin at Via Gastrobar in New Haven on July 17. Seven local bartenders mixed up their best summer gin cocktails for a panel of judges using Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin as a base spirit. The top three winners were Michelle Jazzo, Sign of the Whale; Jacob Failla, Sherkaan Indian Street Food; and Nick Gmuer, Market Place Kitchen & Bar. The gin is crafted by Master Distiller Lesley Grace and inspired by the Scottish coastline, combining Hendrick’s signature base gin with an additional blend of locally sourced seaside botanicals, fresh coastal herbs and a crisp citrus finish from its unique combination of sea kelp, coastal thyme and lime.
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- Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI), hosted a cocktail competition featuring Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin at Via Gastrobar in New Haven on July 17.
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- Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin was the featured spirit in competitors’ cocktails.
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- Competition judge Dan Rek, Beverage Director, Mecha Noodle Bar; Katelyn Munn, Sign of the Whale; and Competition Judge Deon Ross, Bar Manager, Olives and Oil.
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- The competition’s top three winners: Michelle Jazzo, Sign of the Whale; Jacob Failla, Sherkaan Indian Street Food; and Nick Gmuer, Market Place Kitchen & Bar.
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- Winner Jacob Failla, Sherkaan Indian Street Food.
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- Failla’s cocktail.
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- Winner Nick Gmuer, Market Place Kitchen & Bar.
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- Gmuer’s cocktail.
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- Winner Michelle Jazzo, Sign of the Whale.
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- Jazzo’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Carley Carvalko, Dockside Brewery and Stacey Pabst, Trade Development Manager, CDI.
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- Competitors Zac Lyons, Fruitful Mixology; Liam Malmquist, Olives and Oil; and Jeremy Madres, Spirits Representative, Craft Beer Guild of CT.
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- Winners Michelle Jazzo, Sign of the Whale; Nick Gmuer, Market Place Kitchen & Bar; and Jacob Failla, Sherkaan Indian Street Food.
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- Cocktails featuring Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin.
Photos by Lisa Nichols, Bread & Beast Photographer.
