Trade professionals gathered together October 19 in downtown Hartford for Brescome Barton’s “Art of the Cocktail” event. This year’s theme celebrated 30 years since the release of the iconic film, “Back to the Future.” The event began with a Campari Bartender Brunch featuring Aperol spritzes, Italian coffees and Frangelico, and Campari Americanos. Following the brunch, Spotlight Theater on Front Street in Hartford showed “Back to the Future.” Trade seminars followed throughout the afternoon.

Chris Cardone, head bartender at New York’s White Street and Diageo Mixologist, walked industry guests through the history of Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and whiskey’s evolution through cocktails at On20 Restaurant. Following Cardone’s seminar was Duane Sylvestre, lead bartender for Michael Mina Group’s Four Seasons in Washington, D.C. and Portfolio Ambassador for Remy-Cointreau. Sylvestre’s seminar focused on the evolution of the cocktail. A main tasting at the Hartford Marriott Main Ballroom concluded the day-long event for hundreds of trade guests.