Cocktail Wars Newport, in collaboration with Newport Live Events and Litchfield Distillery, hosted a Halloween-themed cocktail competition at Newport Harbor Island Resort on Oct. 26. Led by Bartender and Cocktail Wars Newport Founder John Begin, the Spooky Cocktail Wars event showcased the spirits of Connecticut-based Litchfield Distillery. Local bartenders competed to create their best version of one of these classic cocktails for a panel of judges: Kane Lewis, Food and Beverage Manager, Newport Harbor Island Resort; Peter Baker, Co-owner, Litchfield Distillery; and Jeff Blanchette, Newport Ghost Tours. The winner was Tait Applegate, Newport Harbor Island Resort, with his cocktail, All Eyes on You.
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- Cocktail Wars Newport, in collaboration with Newport Live Events and Litchfield Distillery, hosted a Halloween-themed cocktail competition at Newport Harbor Island Resort on Oct. 26.
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- Litchfield Distillery Vodka, 5 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Gin, Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Agave Spirits.
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- Litchfield Distillery Brand Ambassadors Tom Kelley and Douglas Maloney.
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- Litchfield Distillery Co-owner Peter Baker.
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- Competitors Stephanie Valencia; Daniel Nobler, Jefferson Speakesy; Sierra Porter, Jefferson Speakeasy; Alex Collazo, Owner, Jefferson Speakeasy; Natasha Marie, Newport Harbor Island Resort; Mike Rogers, Cocktail Consultant, Newport Live Events; Carson Ford, Newport Harbor Island Resort; and Tait Applegate, Newport Harbor Island Resort.
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- Winner Tait Applegate, Newport Harbor Island Resort.
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- Applegate’s cocktail, All Eyes on You.
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- Competitor Stephanie Valencia.
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- Carson Ford, Bartender, Newport Harbor Island Resort making The Poison Apple.
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- Kane Lewis, Food and Beverage Manager, Newport Harbor Island Resort; John Begin, Founder, Cocktail Wars Newport; Peter Baker, Co-owner, Litchfield Distillery; and Jeff Blanchette, Newport Ghost Tours.
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- Eight local bartenders competed in the cocktail challenge.
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- DJ Darwin provided the afternoon’s musical backdrop.
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- Competitors’ colorful themed cocktails lined up.
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- John Begin, Founder, Cocktail Wars Newport and Douglas Maloney, Brand Ambassador, Litchfield Distillery.
Photos by Alison Turpin.
