
Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI) held its annual “CDI Experience” at the High Rollers Luxury Lanes and Lounge at Foxwoods Resort Casino on October 4. Trade guests enjoyed time with supplier representatives from various wine, spirit and cordial brands, a themed photo wall, trade vendor education, and a cocktail competition, where select area bartenders crafted cocktails using Absolut Elyx, Nolet Dry Gin and Camarena Silver Tequila, among other spirits. Joe Aceto of Mezzo Grille in Middletown was crowned the winner by popular guest vote with his cocktail “Mermaid Water,” which featured Sugar Island Coconut Rum, Bacardi Black Rum, Midori, Dekuyper Blue Curacao, coconut puree, pineapple juice and Scappy’s Orange Bitters. Justin Morales, Josh Pekar, Dimitrios Zahariadis, Will Macey, Erik Zeiss, Nikki Simches, Albert Greenwood, Rich Hewitt, Meg Fanion, Justin Cyr and Dezirae Moldonado were among the competing bartenders. This event marks the eighth year CDI has partnered with the Connecticut Food Bank to donate $5 for each case sold to accounts on the day of the event.
- Kevin Dunn, Regional President, Breakthru Beverage; John Parke, President, CDI; Michael Evans, CDI.
- Daniel Madera, Pernod Ricard with Chivas Regal.
- Laurie Villano, CSW and Northeast Area Sales Director, Rodney Strong Wine Estates.
- Pernod Ricard’s Jackie Blau and Heather Godsell with Absolut Lime.
- Garrett Fardelmann, E. & J. Gallo with Tatiana Nessier, Brand Ambassador, Alamos Wines.
- Fanny Duval of 180 East Limited with Hawthorn’s London Dry Gin.
- Ava Van Daalen, Belvedere Vodka with Sandra Terenzio, Portfolio Manager-Moet Hennessy USA, CDI.
- Patrick Langworth, Northeast Sales Director, Casa Dragones Tequila.
- Jessica Larkin, Trinchero Family Estates; Kathryn Costello, Trinchero Family Estates; Jeremey Doyle, Account Development Specialist Trinchero, CDI.
- Paul Sevigny, Brand Ambassador, Disaronno.
- Brian Sweeney from Spire Collection.
- Michael Corso, Owner, Michael Corso Selections.
- Peter Ravetto of Quintessential Importers.
- Ed Lowry, Regional Manager, Feldman and Associates.
- Michael Copeland and Michael Evans of CDI.
- Chrissy Amatrudo, Bacardi Portfolio Manager, CDI and Peter Kawulicz, Business Manager, CDI.
- Brian Slone, Subscriber and Account Services Manager, Connecticut Beverage Journal; Savannah Mul, Editorial Administrator, Connecticut Beverage Journal; Greg Altieri, New Accounts/Events Planning, CDI.
- Jim Sokol and Michele Maillet, Somrus Indian Cream Liqueur.
- James Bruton of Biggar and Leith, representing Malfy Gin.
- William McPharlin, Jr., Regional Manager Metro NY and CT, C. Mondavi and Family.
- Alexei Beratis, Inspired Beverage, Inc.
- Matthew Rizzo, Director of Sales, Bedell Cellars.
- Sanjeev Banga, President International Business, Radico Khaitan Ltd., with Kunal Madan, Radico Khaitan Ltd.
- Brendan David Edwards of Inspired Beverage Inc.
- Beverage Professional Donna Taylor with Roca Patron.
- Doug D’Auria representing Undurraga Wines of Maritime Wine Trading Collection.
- Scotch Display.
- Jim Burns, Vice President, North America Beverage Company.
- Michael Gilbert, CSS and Division Manager Empire Central, Trinchero Family Estates.
- Kelly Boren, Sales, Q Drinks.
- Menage a Trois Gold Chardonnay.
- Barry Glovitch, Regional Manager, Michael Corso Selections.
- George and Christina Haverly representing Hennessy.
- Avion Tequila.
- United States Bartenders Guild Connecticut (USBG CT) chapter President Dimitrios Zahariadis mixing cocktails featuring Absolut Elyx.
- Nikki Simches, Bar Manager, Cure Restaurant during the cocktail competition.
- Will Macey from A’Vert in West Hartford during the cocktail competition.
- Joe Aceto (middle) of Mezzo Grill and Bar was crowned the winner during the event’s cocktail competition.