It's a cocktail throwdown!
Professional Bartenders compete to come up with a fantastic drink using one of the spirits from our sponsoring distillers!

Compeition begins at 2 p.m. June 11th, 2011 Custom House Plaza!
Winner takes all!
Competitors are:
Brian Means - Chow,San Francisco, CA
Beet & Bruised

David Ruiz - That's My Jam, San Franciso, CA
Escobar's Exilir

Mike Perry - Portola Hotel & Spa, Jack's Lounge, Monterey, CA
Cucumber Jalapeno Mezcal Margarita

Michael Peabody- The Fish Hopper, Monterey, CA
Strawberry Martini

Adam McDonald - The Fish Hopper, Monterey, CA
LOS NAHUALES MEZCAL CUCUMBER MARGARITA

Anthony - Domenico's on The Wharf, Monterey, CA
Domenico's Special

Win the Bartenders Fedora sponsored by Goorin Bros. Inc.
fedora
"From our heritage line, this American Made crushable modified derby that features a 1 1/4" brim. This derby is crafted from 100% wool. The crown features a grosgrain ribbon band, in metal grey. The band is accented with five rows of stitching. The brim of the derby is turned up, and features an edge that is bound with ribbon."
&
A selection of fine spirits for your own private bar
&
200 dollars cash.
Total prize value $500.00
(compeition rules & judges are listed below)

craftdistillery

A wonderful collection of beautifully-crafted small-batch spirits.

Craft methods of distillation means everything is hand-made. Every brand, every bottling reflects the creative individuality of a single human being, working with small, hand-operated equipment: his quirks and insights, his special talents, his innovations.

Every spirit represented by Craft Distillers® is based on rigorous, old-fashioned, hands-on pot-distillation methods. Craft methods of distillation are an antidote to all those commoditized large-production spirits you see advertised. This is about authenticity, personal attention, real ingredients, and love of one's work. These products are real – and very few distilled spirits can make that claim.

dryfly

IT BEGINS WITH A RIVER
A few years ago, we were knee-deep in the Gallatin River, just outside the lie on a scenic bend. It was still early and the sun was rising slowly behind the alders. It occurred to us how privileged we are to live, work and fish in one of the most amazing places on Earth. We felt so fortunate that we wanted to find some way to share the natural beauty and purity of the great Northwest. What better way than by producing fly fishing-inspired distilled spirits, made from only the purest locally grown ingredients? Heck, even the name sort of presented itself. Dry Fly Distilling is a craft distillery in Spokane, Washington. We produce craft-distilled vodka, gin and whiskey using only locally grown grains and botanicals. Our still, manufactured in Goppingen, Germany, is a Christian Carl pot still with multiple rectification columns. It has a 450-liter capacity and we expect an annual output of approximately 3,500 cases of 12/750 mL bottles.Dry Fly is owned and operated by Don Poffenroth and Kent Fleischmann. Prior to starting Dry Fly, Don and Kent studied with Kris Berglund at Michigan State University and trained in distillery operation with Alexander Plank and Nick Haase of Christian Carl Distilleries in Germany.

craterlake
Bendistillery was founded in 1996 with the goal of reviving the tradition of handcrafted American gin and vodka and in the process helped launch the boutique spirits revolution. We are proud that of the more than 150 wonderful small-batch distilleries in the country today Bendistillery is still winning awards and earning accolades unsurpassed by any. Located in Bend, Oregon we use only the freshest natural ingredients and pure Cascade Mountain water to create our spirits. Try us and taste for yourself why Bendistillery spirits are the most award winning small batch gin and vodka in America. If you would like to learn more about Bendistillery or are interested in our private label program
am please contact us.

Anchor

The Anchor Distilling Company is the spirits division of Anchor Brewers and Distillers.  Anchor Distilling is both a distiller and an importer and truly provides ‘The Bridge between discerning buyers and the world’s finest spirits’.  Our portfolio consists of the finest collection of spirits from around the world, sought by enthusiasts for their superior handcrafted artisanal qualities. All of our products are from family companies, most of which are multigenerational.   With our headquarters the historic Anchor Brewery and Distillery in San Francisco, we are located in an epicentre for artisanal culture and innovation. Our portfolio currently includes: 
A.H. Hirsch, Anchor Beers, Armorik, BenRiach, Berry’s Own Selection, BlackBull, BrewDog, Briottet, Cachaça 21,
Cadenhead’s, Château du Breuil, Château du Busca, Château Montifaud, Château Paulet, Chinaco, Chinchón,
Christian Drouin, Coopers, D’Aristi, Darroze, Don César, Duncan Taylor, English Harbour, Etter, F. Meyer,
Genevieve Genever, Glen Breton, GlenDronach, Glen Scotia, Granier Mon Pastis, Grupo Aamsa, Hazelburn,
Hugo, Inchmurrin & Littlemill, Junípero Gin, Kilkerran, King’s Ginger Liqueur, Léopold Gourmel, Lepanto,
Longrow, Luxardo, Mangoustan’s, Mitchell’s Glengyle, No. 3 Gin, Noyau de Poissy, Old Potrero Whiskeys,
Old Raj, Pagès, Pastis Prado, Pommeau de Normandie, Pontarlier, Sathenay, Senior & Co., Soberano,
Springbank, Toucano, Très Vieux Marc de Bourgogne, Van Hoo, Védrenne, Verveine de Velay, and Ypióca.

www.anchordistilling.com


Bartenders must be professional bartenders in order to compete. Only 6 bartenders will compete based on the drink recipes provided. Drink must contain at least one ingredient from any of the four above participating distilleries. Bartenders should email their recipe to tina@montereywine.com by May 20th, 2011 in order to be considered. Competing bartenders need to complete their drink within a 10 minute timeframe for presentation to the judges. Just three cocktails needed for judging and for presentation. Judges decisions are final.

Thank you to our judges: Summer Jane Bell -

Crafting balanced and unique cocktails has become Summer-Jane’s favorite art form.  Qualifying in eight bartending competitions in the last year, she has been gaining attention in the Bay Area scene. As an active committee chair in  the U.S. Bartender’s guild (USBG), she has expanded her network and knowledge to new heights. Her passion for spirits and travel inspired trips to Mexico’s tequila region and Japan’s whisky distilleries.  This experience and enthusiasm landed her the position of Brand Ambassador for Tequila Revolucion. Most recently she has become a new partner in Easy Cocktail Lounge in Oakland, CA which is featured in June’s Sunset magazine. There she will reinvent the décor and the cocktail program focusing on farm to glass in a contemporary style for it’s grand reopening in September 2011. Ultimately it’s about enjoying life to its fullest and sharing that joy through cocktails.

Lead Judge: Michael Callahan - Raising the Bar LLC, Vice President Northern California Chaper of the United States Bartenders Guild. Stariting out in New York City Michael has had an extensive career in very diverse bartending cultures. From Ohio to Hawaii Michael has earned his expertise by continually honing his own skills and passing his passion for exceptional bartending on to the industry at large. Currently an active figure in the San Francisco community Michael has been involved in various high profile program redevelopements that include menu construction, production streaming and comprehensive staff training. Michael is a recurring guest educator at the San Francisco Hospitality and Culinary Arts Department.

Travis Manach: The Santa Barbara Independent -

Born and raised in the sandy land of Pilgrims and lobsters that actually have claws, Cape Cod native Travis Manach overcame a childhood in a world where alcohol was only sold 6-days a week to become a mixologist of the highest degree. On the record as being opposed to bottle flips, trick pours and any other such self-serving bartender flair, Manach is a  practically ludite old-school drink pouring type of dude who puts a premium on the power of smooth, strong drinks delivered by a guy or gal who knows how to carry a conversation. Nothing more, nothing less. It this passion that has helped Manach develop a following in and around Santa Barbara as a top notch MC and drink judge of the highest degree.


     

  
Montertey Wine Festival