New Haven Cocktail Competition Showcases Diplomático Rum

New Haven’s Olives and Oil, in collaboration with Brown-Forman, hosted a brand education and cocktail competition showcasing the Diplomático Rum line on Dec. 17. Akie Smythe, CT Market Manager, Brown-Forman, led trade guests through a brand education of the Diplomático Rum line, which includes Mantuano, Reserva Exclusiva, Planas, Distillery Collection No. 1 and No. 2, Single Vintage and Ambassador expressions. Then, 12 local bartenders competed, crafting their best cocktails using Diplomático Planas Rum for judges Genna Bestmann, Bar Manager, The Owl Shop, and Carolyn Flaherty, Bar Manager, Elm City Social. The winners were first place: Rob Chavez, Barcelona Wine Bar, Fairfield; second place: Jose Colon, Elm City Social; and third place: Chris Altavilla, Olives and Oil. Bryce Wade of BAR was the People’s Choice winner. Diplomático Planas Rum is an aged white rum that gets its clear color through a charcoal-filtering process while keeping its complex flavor.

: New Haven’s Olives and Oil, in collaboration with Brown-Forman, hosted a brand education and cocktail competition showcasing the Diplomático Rum line on Dec. 17. Diplomático Rum is available in Planas, Manuano and Reserva Exclusiva expressions.

: Deon Ross, Event Host, Olives and Oil; Max Fiore, Viron Rondo Osteria; Genna Bestmann, Bar Manager, The Owl Shop; Carolyn Flaherty, Bar Manager, Elm City Social; and Akie Smythe, CT Market Manager, Brown-Forman.