Happy first week of spring! There are a few exciting headlines in the news this week, though what I would like to draw your attention to foremost is the Perfect Puree release, Dale DeGroff's touring show, and the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Details on those and more below. Cheers!
New Sips:
- Perfect Puree's New Flavors - I am super excited about this for two reasons: 1) my review samples just arrived today and 2) if the new flavors are as impressive (and super easy to work with) as those I've reviewed previously, there is some serious drink mixing fun to be had. Did I mention I love these purees? My excitement aside, the newest Beverage Artistry flavors that have me in a tizzy are: Thyme & Citrus, Thai Basil & Black Pepper, and Chipotle Sour. So many possibilities, so little time, and one of these may be the missing ingredient for a tamarind and tequila cocktail I've been playing with. I'll be sure to have an update on all of this soon. For now, go to the headline link for more info.
- Vodka One - This is billed as the 'industry's first draught vodka.' Will it be appearing in a bar near you? Who knows. The system, filled with 5-time distilled vodka, and is meant to save bars time, money, and loss of product. That is not to mention eliminating the pesky task of having to pick up a bottle to pour a drink (that is if the only ingredient is vodka and the customer doesn't call for a brand).
- Canadian Club Dock 57 - Take Canadian Club's 6YO whisky, add "spicy notes of cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and "a little bit of oak in there, too," and you have the new Dock 57.
Spirited Events:
- ON THE TOWN- A Tribute to Bars, Speaks, and Legendary Saloons! - Dale DeGroff? is in the middle of a one man show that is touring the United States this year and if you get a chance, do not miss this performance that includes stories, drinks, and songs from his many journeys and years behind the stick. The next show is in Chicago on March 26th, and others will follow through October in New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New Brunswick, Boston, and Wilmington.
- Manhattan Cocktail Classic - We are just 2 months out from NYC's premier cocktail event and if you are planning on attending, I suggest getting tickets very soon as they are likely to sell out. Also, for a preview of this year's event check out the NYT's Diner's Journal: Cocktail Conference to Mix Whiskey with 'Macbeth'.
- Ohio Tequila Festival - This is the first year for this event that will take place in Cleveland on May 1st. If you want to enter the margarita contest, the deadline is March 31st.
- BarSmarts Pioneers of Mixology - An event for BarSmarts graduates. The NYC and LA programs are filled up, but you can get on a waiting list. Check out the BarSmarts Facebook page for details.
Win Something:
- Star of the Bar - This cocktail contest is put on by The National Restaurant Association and encourages professional and amateur bartenders to submit an original cocktail recipe. Finalists will be invited to the 2012 International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event in Chicago this May. The deadline for entry is April 6th.
- Campari's "Best Aperitivo" Cocktail Competition - Campari and the USBG are currently holding regional competitions for this contest which is looking for the best pre-dinner drink and has the U.S. finals during the Manhattan Cocktail Classic this May. The United States winner will then go t0 compete at the 2012 International Cocktail Competition in Beijing. Contact your local chapter of the USBG for details right away because regional competitions are either taking place now or are passed (March 15-April 15), like Colorado's on the 26th (entry deadline has passed).
- Camarena Tequila's Marzo Mayhem Mixology National Champion - Submit an original Camarena Tequila cocktail recipe on their Facebook page and that tongue twisting title could be yours.
- El Jimador "Cinco de Jimi Cup" - This one requires no cocktail recipe, though I want to pass it along for the soccer fans out there. El Jimador Tequila is giving you the chance to win: "... a trip to Casa Herradura in Jalisco, Mexico to play a friendly match alongside former soccer legends from the U.S. and Mexican National teams. Eleven prize winners will receive round-trip airfare, accommodations, and local transportation for themselves and a guest."
In Other News:
Gin!: North Carolina again finds the G-spot - For those interested in the craft distillers of North Carolina, this article on Creative Loafin-Charlotte is a great find.
Glenfiddich Bottle Sale Sets World Record - Back in December, I wrote about the super-spendy bottle of Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve that sold for $72,000. That was nothing. The third bottle recently went up for auction and beat out its two predecessors significantly when the gavel hit. The $94,000 (￡59,335) bottle of whisky sold to an Atlanta-based real estate developer and set the record for The World's Most Expensive Whisky (sold at auction).
Irish Fog: 9 Myths About Whiskey Mogul John Jameson - I assume that by now most people have seen the new TV campaign for Jameson Irish Whiskey. The spots are entertaining and enjoyable, but if you haven't figured it out, they're also not entirely true. An article from Business Insider breaks down the legends and makes for a fun and quick read.
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