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Manhattan Experience Names Rhode Island Champion

By May 1, 2019Rhode Island, Top News

The Woodford Reserve “Manhattan Experience” hosted by Brown-Forman took place at The East End in Providence on March 25. Five local bartenders competed for the chance to be named state champion and move forward in the next round of the national cocktail competition at the Woodford Distillery in Tennessee. Competitors were required to make two cocktails: an original cocktail and a version of the Manhattan, both using Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. Competitor Kaleigh Speck took the 2019 title with her two cocktail creations. One of 39 semifinalists from around the country, Speck advanced to the next phase, a week of brand education and continued competition at the Woodford Reserve distillery in Tennessee from April 22 – April 25. The top six finalists from the Tennessee round are slated to compete for the grand prize at the finale event in New York City on May 20.

 

Photos by Laura Widness.

Kayleigh Speck’s Winning Cocktail Recipes:

Walking Stick

  • 2 parts Woodford Reserve Bourbon
  • 1/2 part Cynar
  • 1/4 part Sotol
  • 1/2 part Porcini Mushroom Syrup
  • 2 dashes Saline
  • 1 dash Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry Bitters
  • 1 dash Xoacatl Mole Bitters

Masters Manhattan

  • 2 1/2 parts Woodford Reserve Rye
  • 1 part Cocchi di Torino
  • 2 dashes Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry Bitters
  • 1 dash Angostura Bitters

 

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