The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) Hartford chapter hosted a master class featuring Amaro Nonino Quintessentia at The Essex in Centerbrook on October 15. Francesca Bardelli Nonino of Italy’s Nonino family led an education session and tasting of the product line, followed by a cocktail competition. Competing bartenders were challenged to use no more than seven ingredients in their creations, including Amaro Nonino Quintessentia as the primary ingredient, all in five minutes or under. Francesca Nonino, along with guests Chris McDermott and Colt Taylor, judged the competition, resulting in three winners. Michael Frazier of The Essex took first place, Andrew Martins of Treva won second and Dustin Amore of Highland Brass Co. placed third.
-
- Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is a digestif amaro made from “Quintessentia of herbs” with a portion of ÙE® Nonino Grape Distillate aged in barriques, resulting from a fusion of Antonio Nonino’s ancient recipe of herb-infused grappa and modern distilling processes.
-
- Francesca Bardelli Nonino showcased her family’s namesake brand and judged the cocktail competition.
-
- Competition judges Chris McDermott, Colt Taylor and Francesca Bardelli Nonino with Adam Kaufman, District Manager – Spirits, Terlato Wine Group.
-
- First-place winner Michael Frazier, The Essex.
-
- Michael Frazier, The Essex.
-
- Frazier’s cocktail.
-
- Second-place winner Andrew Martins, Treva.
-
- Martins’ cocktail.
-
- Third-place winner Dustin Amore, Highland Brass Co.
-
- Amore’s cocktail.
-
- Competitor Stephanie Cohen, Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen.
-
- Cohen’s cocktail.
-
- Second-place winner Andrew Martins and Alexa Doyer, Bar Manager, The Essex.
-
- Third-place winner Dustin Amore and Alexa Doyer, Bar Manager, The Essex.
Photos by Michael Leung.
