The Grange in Providence welcomed United States Bartenders’ Guild Rhode Island (USBG RI) chapter members and guests to the fourth annual Edinburgh Gin Cocktail Competition and Friendsgiving Celebration on January 16. The event was sponsored by Spencerfield Spirits, Frederick Wildman and Sons, M.S. Walker and The Grange. During the first round, competitors had to create an original and seasonally-inspired cocktail containing at least 1 oz. of Edinburgh Seaside Gin or Edinburgh Cannonball Navy Strength Gin. Stephanie Merola, Audrey King and Benjamin Terry advanced to the final round. The judges, last year’s winner Greg Mayer, Ian Magiros of M.S. Walker and Tim Master of Frederick Wildman and Sons, named Merola the first place winner. King followed in second place and Terry in third place. Edinburgh Gin gift baskets and products were awarded to the three winners. Edinburgh Cannonball Navy Strength Gin and Edinburgh Seaside are distributed in Rhode Island via M.S. Walker.
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- Edinburgh Cannonball Navy Strength Gin and Edinburgh Seaside and a cocktail creation.
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- Vito Lantz, USBG RI, served as the event emcee during the fourth annual Edinburgh Gin Cocktail Competition.
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- Frank Martucci, General Manager Beverage Operations, Twin River Casino; Chris Almeida, USBG RI member and competitor.
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- Stephanie Merola, USBG RI member and first place winner.
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- Audrey King, USBG RI and second place winner, creating a cocktail.
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- Ben Terry, Treasurer, USBG RI and third place winner.
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- Judges’ score sheet.
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- Tim Master, Director of Specialty Spirits, Frederick Wildman and Sons, judging the cocktails.
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- Merola with her first place prize.
