Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
86 / the tasting panel / november 2017 EVENT RECAP During the event, The Artisanal Group staged an ingredient-driven cocktail competition with California- based mixologists from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Chosen by local Artisanal Group representatives, all were given the chance to express themselves in an upbeat, creative environment and encouraged to invent an imaginative cocktail from an assigned list of spirits. The aim of the competition was to feature Artisanal Group brands and mixers—not only to prove their quality straight out of the bottle, but also to highlight their versatility in a craft cocktail creation. Stephen Kurpinsky of George's at the Cove in La Jolla won first place with his Plantation Rum–based Ayer cocktail, which featured serrano spice and al pastor taco mix, while Cory Alberto, Chef de Bar at the U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego, came in second for his Violet Underground cocktail with Greenbar Distillery's CITY Gin. Cory Alberto, Chef de Bar at the U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego, took second place for his Violet Underground cock- tail featuring Greenbar Distillery's CITY Gin. The Dudes' Brewing Company is a family-owned and -operated craft brewery founded in 2013. Based in Los Angeles, it specializes in new approaches to classic beer styles. Distillery No. 209 was established in 1882 as the 209th registered distillery in the U.S. Its tradition of small-batch spirits has influenced the modern- day cocktail renaissance. Jim Pollock shows off his Burnside Bourbon, the award-winning, small-batch bourbon from Eastside Distilling in Portland, Oregon. A SHOWCASE OF