Cocktail Competition
Saturday, January 29, 2011
This Wednesday, four mixologists from across the country will compete in the first-ever Sundance Showdown at High West Distillery. The contest will take place during the Sundance Film Festival.
High West has significant accolades since the distillery and saloon opened in November 2009, from its award winning craft whiskeys to its Zagat rated restaurant. High West spirits will be the featured spirits in the cocktail contest, including the distilleryís newest product, the Double Rye, which debuts this month. Double Rye is a blend of a two straight rye whiskeys, a spirited two-year-old and a saddle smooth 16-year-old. The result is a well-balanced, full-bodied whiskey ideal for mixing in cocktails.
The participating bartenders will create cocktails based on a variety of spirits, mixers and two 'secret ingredients'; testing their expertise. Participating bartenders include Christian Schnurr (High West; Park City, Utah), Dustin M.C. Smith (Red Door; Salt Lake City, Utah), Ryan McGrale (Flatiron Lounge; New York, N.Y.), Bill Codman (Woodward Tavern; Boston, Mass.).
Judges will include David Perkins, proprietor of High West Distillery. Winning cocktails will be based on presentation, taste, creativity, flare and innovative use of the secret ingredient. Bartenders will compete in three rounds, the last of which will be chosen based on the crowd's favorite. A live band will also be performing throughout the evening.
The High West Cocktail Contest will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 10:30 p.m. and is free to the public. The winning libations will be available for purchase for adults over 21.