Four Finalists Head to Tales of the Cocktail To See Who “Shakes Out” as Top Mixologist
HOOD RIVER, OR (June 19, 2014) – Mixologists representing Chicago, Illinois; Austin, Texas; Venice, California; and Medford, Massachusetts, have been selected as finalists in the second annual Broker’s Bowler Cup, a national mixology competition, and are heading to Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s premier cocktail event in New Orleans next month.
“We were thrilled with the complexity and creativity shown by all of this year’s entrants,” said Andy Dawson, co-founder, Broker’s Gin. “There were some tough decisions, but this year’s finalists are clearly masters in the way they created specialty cocktails that elevate the subtle nuances of Broker’s Gin in new and exciting ways. We can’t wait to see how the attendees at Tales of the Cocktail respond.”
Sponsored by Broker’s Gin, the award-winning, premium small batch London Dry Gin, and presented by The Tasting Panel Magazine, the Broker’s Bowler Cup was open to US-based mixologists who submitted their cocktail creations via Facebook and Instagram. Twelve semi-finalists – three each, representing the Central, South, West and East regions – were determined by consumer votes on Facebook and judged at a live tasting event in Los Angeles earlier this week. The cocktails were evaluated based on taste, originality, visual presentation and creative name. The panel of experts selected one mixologist per region, each winning a trip to Tales of the Cocktail to compete for a chance to be selected as the 2014 Broker’s Bowler Cup winner.
The finalists by region with their cocktail creations are:
- Central: Adam Staniszeski, Chicago, IL – “Smoke and Mirrors”
- South: Brett Esler, Austin, TX – “England’s First Love Affair”
- West: Gordon Alatorre, Venice, CA – “Oddjob”
- East: Eric Witz, Medford, MA – “The Magritte Cocktail”
The finalists and their specialty cocktails will be featured at the Broker’s Gin Tasting Room at Tales of the Cocktail on Thursday, July 17 from 3-5pm. During the Tasting Room, attendees will sample the cocktails while chatting with Broker’s Gin Co-Founders Martin and Andy Dawson, and the crowd favorite will be named the 2014 Broker’s Bowler Cup winner.
For more information about the Broker’s Bowler Cup, visit www.BrokersBowlerCup.com.
About Broker’s London Dry Gin
Broker’s Gin is small batch, micro-distilled in the heart of England. Located in Langley, England, the distillery where Broker’s Gin is made is over 200-years-old and uses only traditional pot stills. The raw ingredients are quadruple-distilled pure grain spirit made from English wheat and ten natural botanicals (herbs, spices and fruit). The botanicals are steeped for 24 hours in the pure grain spirit which is then distilled for a fifth time.
A key icon for the brand is the bowler hat, a distinguishing characteristic of an English gentleman. The two charismatic founders, Martin and Andy Dawson, are true believers in the personality of Broker’s, and find that the British humor that accompanies their gin is essential to occasions in which gin is best enjoyed. Broker’s Gin is distributed exclusively in the United States by Hood River Distillers.
About Hood River Distillers
Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Hood River, Ore., Hood River Distillers is the Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, producer, bottler, and marketer of distilled spirits. Pendleton® Whisky, Pendleton® 1910 Rye Whisky, Sinfire® Cinnamon Whisky, Lucid® Absinthe Supérieure, Broker’s® London Dry Gin, Yazi® Ginger Vodka, ULLR® Nordic Libation, HRD® Vodka, Monarch® distilled spirits and the Clear Creek Distillery portfolio are just a few of the company’s brands distributed across the country. Hood River Distillers is a member of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility and promotes responsible drinking habits. For more information, visit www.hrdspirits.com.
About The Tasting Panel Magazine
The Tasting Panel Magazine is the most widely circulated trade publication in the beverage industry, reaching an audience of over 100,000 key decision-makers every month and growing on an international scale. Manning the ship is the renowned wine and spirits veteran Anthony Dias Blue as Editor-in-Chief, and longtime wine and spirits Publisher and Executive Editor Meridith May. With their expertise, experience and esteem, they collectively have their finger on the pulse of the beverage industry, making for one of the most informative and cutting-edge publications focusing on beverages, the beverage trade and the people who make the industry tick. Regular features include: “Blues Reviews,” authoritative scores and reviews of wines and spirits; “Industry Spotlight,” highlighting innovators and leaders; “Steven Spurrier’s Letter from London,” from the world-renowned British authority; “Brief Encounters” and “Brand Spotlight.”