Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/687399
128 / the tasting panel / june 2016 The 2016 Wholesaler Iron Mixologist Competition (left to right): judges Camper English, Derek Brown, Tobin Ellis and Wayne Curtis, with emcee Tony Abou-Ganim and contestants Max Solano, Beverage Program Specialist/Whisky & Spirits Educator, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada; Casey Wallin, mixologist for Young's Market Company; Caterina Miltenberger, Corporate Mixologist, Glazer's Wholesale Distributors; Sly Cosmopoulos, Corporate Mixologist, Republic National Distributing Company; Nick Nistico, Beverage Program Specialist, Breakthru Beverage Florida; Travis Fourmont, Cocktail Ambassador, CSS, Great Lakes Wine & Spirits; and Troy Clarke, Director of Mixology & Spirit Education, Martignetti Companies. The 2016 secret ingredients for the Wholesaler Iron Mixologist Competition were Ruby Red grapefruit, maple syrup, dragon fruit and orange marmalade. Judge Tobin Ellis, owner of Bar Magic, enjoys Max Solano's aperitif, named The Golden Tassel. Who said judging has to be all work and no fun? Judges (left to right) writer Camper English, spirits expert Derek Brown and author Wayne Curtis enjoy the elaborate garnish of Nick Nistico's long drink. Casey Wallin, mixologist for Young's Market Company, shakes things up at this year's Iron Mixology Competition. WHOLESALER IRON MIXOLOGIST COMPETITION Without pre-decided recipes and with four secret ingredi- ents—Ruby Red grapefruit, maple syrup, dragon fruit and orange marmalade—the seven contestants had 30 minutes to create two drinks, an aperitif and a long drink, using all four of the ingredients between the drinks and at least one in each. As each contestant battled against the clock, it was going to be a tight race. In the end, Max Solano, Beverage Program Specialist/ Whisky & Spirits Educator for Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, brought home Best in Show by impressing the judges with his attention to detail and the risks he took. WSWA