Opici Family Distributing of Connecticut hosted a cocktail competition featuring Mijenta Tequila at Prime 16 in New Haven on May 1. Five local bartenders competed, creating their best cocktails for the judging panel: Joseph Hamboussi, Chef and Co-owner, Prime 16; Bob Potter, Co-owner, Prime 16; Michelle Funaro, Wine and Spirits Consultant, Opici Family Distributing; Connor Wotus, CT Happy Hour; and Dani Somerville, CT Happy Hour. The winners were first place: Haley Bouvier, Prime 16; second place: Zach O’Brien, Max Fish; and third place: Cecilia Shea. Mijenta Tequila, available in Blanco, Reposado and Gran Reserva expressions, is a women-led venture that prioritizes sustainability in creating its carbon neutral spirits. Maestra Tequilera Ana Maria Romero, one of the most respected and awarded tequila authorities in Mexico, has crafted a distinctive flavor profile through a meticulous slow process and traditional methods.
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- Opici Family Distributing hosted a cocktail competition featuring Mijenta Tequila at Prime 16 in New Haven on May 1.
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- Mijenta Reposado, Blanco and Gran Reserva tequilas.
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- Competitors Zach O’Brien, Max Fish; Cecilia Shea; Alec “Swayze” Reed, Prime 16; Haley Bouvier, Prime 16; and Jay Liburd, Prime 16.
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- First-place winner Haley Bouvier, Prime 16.
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- Bouvier’s cocktail.
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- Second-place winner Zach O’Brien, Max Fish.
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- O’Brien’s cocktail.
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- Third-place winner Cecila Shea.
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- Shea’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Alec “Swayze” Reed, Prime 16.
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- Reed’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Jae Liburd, Prime 16.
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- Liburd’s cocktail.
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- Competition judges Joseph Hamboussi, Chef and Co-owner, Prime 16; Bob Potter, Co-owner, Prime 16; Michelle Funaro, Wine and Spirits Consultant, Opici Family Distributing; Connor Wotus, CT Happy Hour; and Dani Somerville, CT Happy Hour.
