The New England Whiskey Festival hosted at Twin River Casino in Lincoln returned for its third year. An opening night dinner on September 30 was held at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse, with regional bartending talent creating cocktails to accompany the cuisine. William Grant & Sons sponsored the opening night dinner, showcasing whiskeys from its portfolio such as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Tullamore Dew and Hudson. The grand tasting event, on October 1, was met by more than 1,100 whiskey fans who enjoyed sampling and learning about the featured whiskey brands. A stage demo called “Flippin’ Out for Whiskey” featured flair bartending and whiskey creations. “Wicked Wings of Fire,” a chicken wing eating contest, food and entertainment were also among the event offerings. Allan Roth, Glenfiddich Ambassador; Mike Reppucci, Founder of Sons of Liberty and Michael Lester of MS Walker also presented during the festival. A portion of event ticket sale proceeds benefitted the RI Hospitality Association Education Foundation.
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- Opening night dinner was sponsored by William Grant & Sons. Connecticut’s Corey Bonderenko, Partner, Highland Brass Co.; Kat Dacier, Bartender, Twin River Casino; Rhode Island’s Willa Van Nostrand, Owner, Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails; Connecticut’s Carl Summa, Owner, Enlightened Spirits; Patrick McDonald, Bar Manager, Central Provisions, Portland, Maine; Frank Martucci, Director of Beverage Operations, Twin River Casino and Boston’s Jared Sadoian, Bar Manager at The Hawthorne and Brand Ambassador at Tequila Fortaleza.
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- Brown-Forman and Twin River Casino also presented “Take the Pledge” to drive safe and sober, gathering signatures from all participants.
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- Frank Martucci, Director of Beverage Operations, Twin River Casino and Mike Lester, On-Premise Manager, MS Walker.
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- Bryan Ricard of Sons of Liberty.
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- Mike Reppucci, Founder, Sons of Liberty Spirits Company.
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- Isaac C. Perez, New England Regional Manager, Frederick Wildman & Sons; Michael Lester, On-Premise Manager, MS Walker.
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- Patrick Cull, Cicerone, Beer Barrel & Koval.
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- Donald Jean, Off-Premise Manager, Brown-Forman; and Kristy Bouchie, Brown-Forman.
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- Rebecca Frechette and Crystal Howard, Highland Park.
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- Will Boynton, Marketing, Horizon Beverage, showcasing Serpent’s Bite.
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- Michael Bauchspies, Marketing, RI Distributing with Balvenie.
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- Deedra Cetoute, Bruichladdich Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
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- Molly Peabody and Amanda Leandro, MS Walker, Old Pulteney.
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- Tucker Reeks, Brand Ambassador, Brown-Forman
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- Maria Gatautis, Territory Manager, Beam Suntory
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- Patrick Bailey, Brewery Rep, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
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- Roadhouse comedian John Morris
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- Tara Consolie, Dewars.
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- Bird Dog Whiskey
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- Four Roses Bourbon.
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- Whiskey Treaty Band
