Annual New England Whiskey Fest Provides Spirits Showcase

The Twin River Casino Event Center hosted its sixth annual New England Whiskey Festival on September 26-28. The event kicked off with a pairing dinner sponsored by Beam Suntory in the Twin River Casino Hotel Courtyard featuring Beam Suntory bourbons, including Jim Beam, Basil Hayden’s and Knob Creek. Educational seminars were available on September 27 for both trade guests and whiskey fans. Beverage suppliers and state wholesaler teams showcased whiskey products, taste trends and innovations for guests, who sampled food offerings and enjoyed live entertainment by New York’s Popa Chubby band during the Grand Tasting event on September 28. New York City’s Pamela Wiznitzer, a multi-award-winning bartender and beverage industry adviser, was this year’s Master of Ceremonies. Approximately 1,500 guests attended the event and $2,750 was donated to RI Hospitality Association Education Foundation.

: All of Brown-Forman: Don Jean, Emerging Brands Manager MA/CT; Kristen Cubicciotti, On Premise Manager – MA; and Steve Foohey, State Manager MA/RI.

: Skyla Blackington, Brand Ambassador, Crown Royal and Meghan Larrat, Brand Ambassador, Crown Royal highlighting Crown Royal Regal Apple and Crown Royal Vanilla whiskies.

: Ian Single, Bartender and Brand Ambassador showcasing expressions of Laphroaig Auchentoshan and Bowmore whiskies.

: Jennifer Sutherland and Matt Simmons pouring for Four Roses Bourbon.

: Horus Alvarez, Durk’s Bar B Q and Ben Terry, RI Craft Brand Manager, Horizon Beverage showcasing WhistlePig Old World Cask Finish Rye and WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey.

: Andy DeFarias, Market Manager, Jack Daniel’s and Rachel Bean, Brand Champion, Jack Daniel’s.

: Brand ambassadors showcasing Heaven Hill Distillery brands, including Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey and Larceny 1870 Bourbon Whiskey.

: Brand Ambassadors Cassandra McNamara and Corinne McNamara, Bacardi USA.

: Jessica Cruz, Brand Ambassador, Rémy Cointreau USA for Westland Whiskey.

: Christine Zecker, Area Manager – New England, Prestige Beverage Group and Melissa McIntosh, Brand Ambassador – NE, Glen Moray.

: Candace Brodeur; Kevin Brodeur, Retail Sales Manager; and Shawna Dietz, Premium Portfolio Manager, all Johnson Bros. of RI.

: Doug Maloney, Brand Ambassador, Litchfield Distillery featuring The Litchfielder canned cocktails.

: Abre McDonald, Account Development Specialist, 21st Century Wine Co. and Elizabeth Vincent, Account Development Specialist, Inspired Beverage Inc.