Cocktail Competition Showcases Roku Gin

Brescome Barton and Beam Suntory, in collaboration with Bar Bushido in Norwalk, hosted a cocktail competition featuring Roku Gin on Aug. 11. Nine local bartenders congregated for a friendly competition to make their best cocktails for the panel of judges: Andrew Dominick, Managing Editor, CTbites; Besar Kaba, Owner, SoNo Wood Fired, Norwalk; Adrian Hurtado, Owner, Taco Guy, Norwalk; and Oscar Molina, CT Territory Manager, Suntory Global Spirits. Three competitors advanced to the final round, where they were challenged with making a cocktail in 10 minutes with a limited well, plus Roku Gin and a mystery ingredient made by Bar Bushido’s Chef and Owner Jeff Taibe. The winners were first place: Junior Leon, Sophie’s Pizza Bar, Fairfield; second place: Jonathan Ackerman, Lazy Sister, Norwalk; and third place: Mario Cardenas, Sunset Grille, Norwalk. Crafted from six unique Japanese botanicals picked at the height of freshness, Roku delicately balances a subtle spiciness with vibrant floral notes.

: Roku Gin was highlighted during a cocktail competition at Bar Bushido in Norwalk on Aug. 11.

: Guests enjoyed cocktails featuring spirits from Beam Suntory, including Toki Blended Japanese Whisky, Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky and The Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Japanese Whisky.

: Oscar Molina, CT Territory Manager, Suntory Global Spirits; Rob Neilsen, Sales Consultant, Brescome Barton; Sara Leibowitz, Sales Representative, Brescome Barton; Erika Robertson, Sales Representative, Brescome Barton; and Paul Murphy, Account Development Manager, Brescome Barton.