Manhattan Experience Names Rhode Island Champion

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.

: Five local bartenders competed in the Woodford Reserve “Manhattan Experience” semifinals cocktail competition on March 25 at The East End.

: Sarah Gwizdowski, Bartender, The East End; Winner Kayleigh Speck, Beverage Director, The East End; Christina Mercado, Beverage Manager/Head Mixologist, The Vanderbilt; Anthony Guaetta, Bartender, Twin River Casino; and Perry Miller, Chop House.

: Judges Phil Stafford, Bar Manager, Durk’s Bar B Q; Rebecca McNally, Brown-Forman’s Slane and Scotch Ambassador in Boston for Greenhouse Agency; Ben Terry, United States Bartenders’ Guild Rhode Island Board Member and Craft Brand Manager, Horizon Beverage Company/Origin Beverage Co.; and Kristen Cubicciotti, Market Manager MA/RI, Brown-Forman.

: Winning bartender Kayleigh Speck mixing her first-round cocktail. She moves on to the next round to be held in Tennessee, where she will vie for a slot in the grand finale for the top prize: title of “Master of the Manhattan,” an all-expenses-paid trip to London and a feature on Liquor.com.