Opici Family Distributing of Connecticut hosted a cocktail competition featuring VDKA 6100 at Nellie’s in Branford on April 15. Six local bartenders competed, creating their best cocktails using VDKA 6100 as a base spirit for judges Michela Zurstadt, Beverage Director, Gioia; Monica McNulty, Sales Manager, VDKA 6100; and Darryl Lyte, Beverage Director, Graduate New Haven. The winners were first place: Kris McGowan, Wildcat; second place: Tom Stao, Nautilus Milford; and third place: Brenny Savoy, Osa. VDKA 6100 is a premium vodka brand crafted on the North Island of New Zealand. It is produced with fresh seasonal whey from grass-fed cows and pure New Zealand spring water. VDKA 6100 is triple-distilled and filtered through carbon, producing a distinctive, silky smooth and elegant vodka. It is gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free and free from chemical additives. It is also certified kosher.
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- Opici Family Distributing hosted a cocktail competition featuring VDKA 6100 at Nellie’s in Branford on April 15.
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- Competitors Casey Costa, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina; Jose Colon, Elm City Social; Matthew Rodas, Elm City Social; Tom Stao, Nautilus Milford; Brenny Savoy, Osa; and Kris McGowan, Wildcat.
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- First-place winner Kris McGowan, Wildcat.
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- McGowan’s winning cocktail.
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- Second-place winner Tom Stao, Nautilus Milford.
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- Stao’s cocktail.
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- Third-place winner Brenny Savoy, Osa Restaurant.
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- Savoy’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Matthew Rodas, Elm City Social.
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- Rodas’ cocktail.
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- Competitor Casey Costa, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina.
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- Costa’s cocktail.
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- Competitor Jose Colon, Elm City Social.
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- Colon’s cocktail.
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- All from Opici Family Distributing: Jenny Nosal, Wine and Spirits Consultant; Michelle Funaro, Wine and Spirits Consultant; Madison Vestergaard, Wine and Spirits Consultant; and Anna Lisa Stockwell, Market Manager and On-Premise Specialist.
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- Competition judges Monica McNulty, Sales Manager, VDKA 6100; Michaela Zurstadt, Beverage Director, Gioia; and Darryl Lyte, Beverage Director, Graduate New Haven.
