Beverage trade professionals and consumer guests mixed together to join dozens of whiskey suppliers and experts at Twin River Casino in Lincoln for the 2nd Annual New England Whiskey Festival on September 30-October 3, 2015.
The event included seminars by local, regional and national whiskey companies, owners, brand ambassadors and beverage professionals, and a kick-off dinner with Bobby “G” Gleason, Educator and National Master Mixologist for Beam Suntory. Owners of Sons of Liberty, Bully Boy, and Mad River Distillery, along with local beverage professionals, discussed current trends, future growth opportunities and challenges. Gabe Cardella, National Whiskey Brand Ambassador for Bacardi USA, focused on Aberfeldy & Craigellachie Single Malts. A Grand Tasting offered approximately 1,300 consumer guests a day of sampling brands alongside entertainment.
“We were pleased to once again bring back this event, so our guests could experience everything the culture of whiskey has to offer,” said Frank Martucci, General Manager of Beverage Operations for Twin River Casino. A portion of event ticket sale proceeds benefitted the RI Hospitality Association Education Foundation.
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- Fred Smerlas, Owner Fred & Steve’s Steak House and Bobby “G” Gleason, National Master Mixologist, Beam Suntory, hosting the six-course festival opening night dinner at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse on September 30, 2015.
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- Frank Martucci, General Manager of Beverage Operations, Twin River Casino at the opening night dinner.
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- Carlos Garcia, Graduate Center Bar, Brown University at the opening night dinner.
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- Anthony Guaetta, Bartender, Twin River Casino at the opening night dinner.
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- Bobby Gleason, National Master Mixologist, Beam Suntory on October 2, 2015 at New England Whiskey Festival “Whiskey and Wisdom” seminar at RHODEHOUSE Live!, in Twin River Casino.
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- Bobby Gleason, National Master Mixologist, Beam Suntory on October 2, 2015 at New England Whiskey Festival “Whiskey and Wisdom” seminar at RHODEHOUSE Live!, in Twin River Casino.
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- Brett Little, Mad River Distillers and Bobby Gleason, Educator and National Master Mixologist, Beam Suntory, during the seminar discussion.
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- Whiskey sample during the New England Whiskey Festival dinner on Friday Oct. 2.
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- The Bloody Derby cocktail samples.
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- Jen David, Bar Manager, The Eddy.
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- Mike Reppucci, Founder of Sons of Liberty, during the whiskey seminar discussion.
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- The Whiskey Festival at Twin River Casino, now its second year, hosted more than 30 different whiskey vendors. The Whiskey Treaty Brand provided musical entertainment during the Grand Tasting.
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- Jackie Connetti, Innovation and Rhode Island Market Manager, Edrington Americas with Sammy Karachi, Brand Ambassador, Edrington Americas.
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- Jerusha Torres, Manager Regional Sales, Four Roses Distillery; Chris Almeida, President, USBG RI; Alexei Beratis, President, Inspired Beverages, Inc.; Caroline Abbott, Boston-Metro Market Manager, Inspired Beverages, Inc. Almeida was mixing a variety of cocktails in the Four Roses Distillery lounge.
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- Tony Colavecchio, Guest; Mike Reppucci, President and Founder, Sons of Liberty Spirits; and Ian Single, Brand Ambassador, Sons of Liberty Spirits.
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- Kelly McCarthy, Brand Development Manager, Anchor Distilling Company.
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- Nathaniel Stewart and Jim Black, Sales Representatives, Alpha Distributing.
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- John Sturino and Matt Browne of Pernod Ricard.
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- David Tretola, Promotions, John Dewar & Sons Whisky with Gabriel Cardarella, National Brand Ambassador, John Dewar & Sons Whisky.
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- Molly Peabody, Sales and Tasting Representative, M.S. Walker with Andy Valeri, Sales and Tasting Representative, M.S. Walker.
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- Jen Davis with Kate Palmer, Sales Director, Origin Beverage Co.
