
Slocum & Sons, in collaboration with Sovereign Brands, hosted the third annual Halloween-themed iron bartender competition at The Charles in Wethersfield on Oct. 28. Twelve local bartenders competed in teams of two, wearing festive attire all while creating craft cocktails featuring Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal, Las Californias Citrico Gin, Las Californias Nativo Gin, Nocheluna Sotol, Alma Finca Orange Liqueur, Nixta Licor de Elote and Abasolo Whisky for guests and a panel of judges: Johnny Ramos, Brand Ambassador, Casa Lumbre Spirits; Erin Sweeney, General Manager, Vaughan’s Irish Public House; and John Tsipouras, Sales Representative, Slocum & Sons. Competitors were also awarded for their best Halloween costumes, as well as from a blind tasting of their creations. The winning teams were first place: Justin Morales and Shane Thomas, Fire by Forge and Sugar Skull Spirits; second place: Jennifer Esponda and Renee Strother, Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour; and third place: Zach O’Brien and Scott Killelea, Max Fish.
- Slocum & Sons, in collaboration with Sovereign Brands, hosted the third annual Halloween-themed iron bartender competition at The Charles in Wethersfield on Oct. 28.
- Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal, Las Californias Citrico Gin, Las Californias Nativo Gin, Nocheluna Sotol, Alma Finca Orange Liqueur, Nixta Licor de Elote and Abasolo Whisky.
- Bartender Bridget Hurley, The Charles showing the Halloween spirit.
- Event hosts John Tsipouras, Sales Representative, Slocum & Sons and Alex P. Taylor, Nacho King of Connecticut.
- Competitors vied for the championship belt.
- Competitors chose from the previously hidden ingredients in the iron bartender-style competition.
- First-place winning team Justin Morales and Shane Thomas, Fire by Forge and Sugar Skull Spirits.
- The winning cocktail by Fire by Forge and Sugar Skull Spirits.
- Second-place winning team Jennifer Esponda and Renee Strother, Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour.
- Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour’s cocktail.
- Third-place winning team Scott Killelea and Zach O’Brien, Max Fish.
- The Max Fish team’s cocktail.
- Chris Rue and Jack Forbes, The 196 Club.
- Cocktail by The 196 Club.
- Marlon and Andres Soriano, Owners, The Industrial Cocktail Bar and I Know You Know.
- The Sorianos’ cocktail.
- Dustin Amore and Suzie Johnson, Fire by Forge.
- Fire by Forge’s cocktail.
- Competition judges Johnny Ramos, Brand Ambassador, Casa Lumbre Spirits; Erin Sweeney, General Manager, Vaughan’s Irish Public House; and John Tsipouras, Sales Representative, Slocum & Sons.
- Dressed for Halloween, bartenders competed in teams of two while crafting cocktails for a panel of judges.
Photos by Michael Leung.