The United States Bartenders Guild Connecticut Chapter (USBG CT) and William Grant & Sons hosted the Sailor Jerry Bartender’s Throw Down at Mezzo Grille in Middletown on June 8, 2014. An education seminar and tasting of Sailor Jerry Rum preceded the competition, and the event featured a Sailor Jerry Pop-Up Barber Shop and Salon for guests as well as Sailor Jerry cocktails. Competitors used the outside bar and created Tiki-inspired cocktails. The judges included Sailor Jerry National Brand Ambassador Daniel “Gravy” Thomas, Anthony DeSerio, President of the USBG CT and Paul Mazurek, Treasurer of the USBG CT. A raffle was also held that benefitted the USBG CT chapter to help fund education, seminars and regional events for members.
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- After the competition. Standing left to right: Paul Mazurek; Jamie Montesi, William Grant & Sons; a Mezzo guest; Rob Martini, first place; Brent Bushong II; Anthony DeSerio; Raj Patel; Joe Aceto; Adam Patrick; Sarah Alokones, Divisional Sales Manager, Brescome Barton; Erik Vitiglione; and Dimitrios Zahariadis. Front row left to right: Sailor Jerry National Brand Ambassador Daniel “Gravy” Thomas and Peter Lloyd Clayton.
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- First place Rob Martini making “The Big Kahuna.”
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- Sailor Jerry National Brand Ambassador Daniel “Gravy” Thomas and Joe Aceto, bar manager at Mezzo Bar and Grill and USBG Secretary.
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- Anthony DeSerio holds the winning cocktail.
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- Peter Lloyd Clayton, owner of Bartenders Academy emceed the event from the patio stage.
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- Competitor Brent Bushong II of Millwright’s and Raj Patel.
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- Competitor Mike Loudon.
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- Competitor Erick Vitiglione.
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- Adam Patrick (third place) and Dimitrios Zahariadis (second place) rounded out the top three slots.
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- Brescome Barton’s Director of Education and Account Development Dave Rudman at the Sailor Jerry Pop-Up Barber Shop.
