Newington’s Rooster Co. set the stage for a bartending competition featuring Barr Hill Gin on September 23. The competition kicked off Bee’s Knees week, an effort founded by Barr Hill Gin in collaboration with bartenders across the country to raise funds for the preservation of honeybees. Caledonia Spirits in Vermont, makers of Barr Hill Gin, call it “our ode to the hardworking bees of the Northeast.” Raw, Northern honey is added after distillation, giving Barr Hill Gin its unique, rich texture and subtle notes of blossom and juniper. Nine bartenders faced off to create cocktails featuring Barr Hill Gin and Barr Hill Reserve Tom Cat Gin, available via Brescome Barton. Jordan Krizenosky of Artisanal Burger Company won first place, with Jason McClellan of Porrón & Piña taking second and Dustin Amore of Highland Brass Co. winning third place.