MaineDistilleries Announces Maine Mixologist Winners
  From Its 2nd Annual Cold River Bartenders Bash

Freeport, Maine–Gin trumped vodka at the 2nd Annual Cold River Bartenders Bash, according to partners at Maine Distilleries.  The company shared results of its sold-out February 28th mixology competition today, with Old Port Sea Grill’s bartender Leah Chamberlin topping the list of 20 competitors with her Cold River Gin “Cucumber Martini.” 
Second-place honors went to Roxanne Dragon of Hugo’s who earned high marks for her “Gin Ginger Fizz,” while 50 Local’s James Ferguson took third for his “The Local Greyhound” cocktail.  All three awards, decided by attendees’ “People’s Choice” votes, came with cash prizes for the winners ($500, $300 and $200, respectively).
Also of interest were results of the event’s “Experts’ Pick” vote, a separate vote cast by attending Maine bartenders, who named Vignola’s “Provincial” cocktail the winner.  The concoction, a spin on the French countryside created by Vignola bartenders Scott Doherty and Guy Streitburger, featured Cold River Gin, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, and simple syrup infused with lavender flowers.
The evening’s “Most Outrageous Cocktail” vote went to Havana South barkeep Eddie Costales for his popular “The Scorned Woman” cocktail, featuring habañero, jalapeño, and serrano chili peppers, and passion fruit purée.
More than 500 guests attended the Bash held at Portland’s Ocean Gateway, which featured the talents of 20 Maine mixologists, live rock and blues music by the Ken Grimsley Band, and gourmet fare by Aurora Provisions.  Portland restaurant veteran and Mainemagazine contributor Joe Ricchio acted as emcee.
“A tremendous amount of care and attention to detail went into every cocktail entry,” noted Dick Grotton, President and CEO of the Maine Restaurant Association.  “Every participating bartender and their restaurants were 100 percent behind the project, and that really wound up being clearly evident in the quality of entries throughout the evening.”
On March 11th, over $2,000 raised from the event will be donated to Share Our Strength Maine’s “Cooking Matters to Maine” program.  Cooking Matters to Maine, a nutrition education program benefiting hundreds of families throughout the state, features the talents of numerous Maine chefs and nutritionists who teach healthy cooking techniques and how to stretch families’ grocery store dollars.
The 2nd Annual Cold River Bartenders Bash was generously sponsored by Mainemagazine, the Maine Restaurant Association, the Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau, Maine Beverage Company, Bow Street Distributors, RSVP Discount Beverage and Better Bread Company.

Photo Caption: Guests cheer the winning entries at the 2nd Annual Cold River Bartenders Bash, held February 28th at Portland's Ocean Gateway.  Over 500 guests attended the event. Old Port Sea Grill's Leah Chamberlin took top cocktail honors. (Photo courtesy Ted Axelrod)