Hamden’s Wildcat, in collaboration with Brown-Forman, hosted an industry event on March 24. Sponsored by Fords Gin, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, and Diplomático Rum, The Lost Flamingo Ball pop-up event gave trade guests an opportunity to network while enjoying tiki-themed food and cocktails featuring the sponsor brands. Guest speakers Willy Shine, a New York City-based bar professional and Founder, Willy Shine Inc. Trade Advocacy & Hospitality Solutions Agency and Tim Cooper, Director of Advocacy, Fords Gin engaged in a Q&A and roundtable discussion focused on hands-on spirits training, cocktail innovation techniques and personal brand building while guests were treated to passed appetizers followed by a family-style dinner with cocktails.
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- Shane and Kris McGowan, Owners, Wildcat.
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- The Lost Flamingo Ball’s cocktail menu featured Fords Gin in event cocktails. Fords Gin is a collaboration between 11th-generation Master Distiller Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers and Simon Ford, designed in unison with professional bartenders and celebrated distillers.
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- Snaquiries: mini-daiquiris with Diplomatico Plata Rum.
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- A pour of Fords Gin.
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- The Many Moons cocktail: a blend of Fords Gin, guava, cinnamon, orgeat and lemon juice.
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- Sushi was among bites accompanying the evening’s spirits.
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- A cocktail pour.
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- A Daiquiri featuring Diplomatico Plata Rum, lime and simple syrup.
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- Willy Shine, Founder, Willy Shine Inc. Trade Advocacy & Hospitality Solutions Agency; Tim Cooper, Director of Advocacy, Fords Gin; and Akie Smythe, Connecticut Market Manager, Brown-Forman.
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- Wildcat Lead Bartender Christian Mutapcic.
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- A Fernet-Branca ice luge.
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- Guests at The Lost Flamingo Ball at Wildcat.
Photos by Alejandro Villacorta.
