Fords Gin was highlighted at a cocktail competition at 1928 Cocktail Club in Branford on July 10. Patrons, industry guests and competitors gathered in the speakeasy for a brand education led by Tim Cooper, Director of Advocacy, Fords Gin, and stayed for the friendly cocktail competition. Five bartenders from the tri-state area created their best cocktails using Fords Gin for the panel of judges: Cooper; Anthony DeSerio, Dr. Booze CT; and Meaghan Dorman, Bar Director, Raines Law Room and Dear Irving. The winners were: First place: Niki Stein, Uncle Cheef; Second place: Mike Vanderhorn, Queen Jayne’s Lounge and Royal Drinkery; and Third place and People’s Choice: Ozzie Casco, Craft 260. Known as “the cocktail gin,” Fords Gin is distilled with a signature blend of nine botanicals sourced from Joseph Flach & Sons Ltd., importers of medicinal and culinary botanicals from around the world for London gin houses and tea companies since 1882. The blend imparts a uniquely balanced flavor, making it a versatile gin for any cocktail. Fords Gin is distilled at Thames Distillers in London in collaboration with 11th-generation Master Distiller Charles Maxwell and Simon Ford of The 86 Co. Fords Gin is distributed in Connecticut by Eder Bros., Inc.