Brescome Barton, in collaboration with Max Hospitality, hosted a bartending competition showcasing Irlandés Tequila at Bar Max in Hartford on March 24. Colm O’Faolain, Owner and Founder, Irlandés Tequila, kicked off the evening by introducing the brand to guests and competitors. The competition followed with 10 local bartenders creating their best cocktails using Irlandés Blanco or Reposado tequila as their base spirit for a panel of judges: Moriah Aronson, Sunberry Restaurant & Bar; Szabolcs Geiger, Bar Manager, Max Downtown; and Frank Dean, Owner, 1928 Cocktail Club. The winners were first place: Jenn Espo, Bar Max; second place: Zachary Lyons, Fruitful Mixology; and third place: Jessica Torres, Market Grille. Irlandés Tequila was created in honor of the little-known history of the soldiers of the St. Patrick’s Battalion, who fought with Los Ninos Heroes in the Mexican-American War in 1847. Made from Irish holy water and blue Weber agave from the Los Altos region of Mexico, Irlandés Tequila is additive-free and available in Blanco and Reposado expressions. The tequilas are distributed in Connecticut by Brescome Barton.