New Haven’s Elm City Social hosted a holiday-themed cocktail competition featuring whiskeys from Roe & Co and Bird Dog on Nov. 29. As part of Elm City Social’s Surf’s Up Santa holiday pop-up events, the competition showcased the talents of nine local bartenders who created their best holiday cocktails using one of the two base spirits for guests and a panel of judges: Dan Rek, Mecha Noodle Bar; Andrew Lawrence, Mancini Beverage – Northeast Beverage; and Terrell Patterson, Chef, Olives and Oil. The holiday-themed event was emceed by Deon Ross, Olives and Oil, and guests were encouraged to taste each drink and vote for their favorites. The winners were Third place: Kevin Melindez, Nolo; Second place: Chris Altavilla, Olives and Oil; and First place: Mark Esposito, Mecha Noodle Bar. The People’s Choice Winner was Jose Colon, Elm City Social. Both Roe & Co Irish Whiskey and Bird Dog Whiskey are distributed in the state through Mancini Beverage – Northeast Beverage.
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- New Haven’s Elm City Social hosted a holiday-themed cocktail competition featuring Roe & Co and Bird Dog whiskeys on Nov. 29.
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- Roe & Co Irish Whiskey, a Dublin blend of rich malt whiskey and smooth grain whiskey aged in bourbon casks.
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- Bird Dog Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Salted Caramel Flavored Whiskey.
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- Winner Mark Esposito, Mecha Noodle Bar.
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- Esposito’s winning cocktail, Elf Nectar.
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- Second place’s Chris Altavilla, Olives and Oil making his cocktail, Wait Are There Nuts in Here?
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- Third place’s Kevin Melindez, Nolo.
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- Melindez’s cocktail, Salted Dog.
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- People’s Choice Winner Jose Colon, Elm City Social.
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- Colon’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Kris, Anchor Spa.
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- Kris’ cocktail.
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- Competitor Zach O’Brien, Max Fish.
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- O’Brien’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Matt, Elm City Social.
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- Matt’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Mike Dempsey, Owl Shop.
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- Dempsey’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Ricky, Sherkaan Indian Street Food.
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- Ricky’s cocktail.
