Downtown New Haven venues participated in a weeklong showcase of spirits brands and cocktails for the annual New Haven Cocktail Week Sept. 15-21. Founded in 2018 and organized by New Haven bar owners and industry professionals, including Ordinary’s and Gioia’s Tim Cabral and Ben Zemke, The Owl Shop’s Glen Greenberg and Elm City Social’s and Olives and Oil’s John Brennan, the goal to “showcase area bars and restaurants” through education and walk-arounds was met with sold-out seminars and a variety of spirits-centric events for the trade and public alike. The festivities kicked off with a Spirits Ball at Wooster Street’s Gioia on Sept. 15. With more than 38 bars offering specialty cocktail menus and over 22 spirits brands highlighted, participants had the chance to learn about spirits brands, try new tastes and explore New Haven’s cocktail scene culminating in a Friday Happy Hour in the Plaza celebration in Temple Plaza on Sept. 20.
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- New Haven Cocktail Week kicked off with a Spirits Ball at Wooster Street’s Gioia on Sept. 15.
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- Veronica Saurett, Account Development Manager, Brescome Barton showcasing Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
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- Scott Randall, Brand Manager, Slocum & Sons highlighting Bumbu Rum and XO Rum.
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- Jasmin Askew, Brand Ambassador; Mike DePasqua, State Manager, Beam Suntory; and Carmen Torres, Brand Ambassador.
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- Haku Vodka, Toki Suntory Whisky and Roku Gin.
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- David Vogel, Founder and CEO and Sandra Lee, Owner and VP of Regional Sales, Badger Bevs, LLC.
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- Badger Bevs, LLC, drink mixers in Sparkling Grapefruit and Ginger Ale.
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- Richard Fiorillo, Planteray Rum and Craig Randi, Key Account Manager, Martignetti Companies.
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- Brand Ambassador Alan Kessler showcasing Licor 43.
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- Byron Kidd, Field Sales Manager, Constellation Brands.
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- Joy Flanagan, Regional Sales Director, MS Walker Brands showcasing Pelotón de la Muerte Mezcal.
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- Brand Ambassador Jennifer Arnaboldi showcasing Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and Straight Rye Whiskey.
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- Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey and Small Batch Bourbon.
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- Miki Silver and Keith Appleby, Liberation Bitters.
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- The Liberation Bitters line.
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- New Haven Cocktail Week merchandise.
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- Aperol, Amaro Averna and Campari.
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- A pour of Licor 43.
