The second annual Arizona Bartenders Bourbon Battle occurs on Monday, August 27 at BLT Steak Scottsdale at JW Marriott Camelback Inn.  Last year 15 bartenders representing 15 bourbons presented their best bourbon cocktail for a crowd of almost 200 people, who voted to crown the People’s Choice Best Bourbon Cocktail.  This year we anticipate an additional five more bourbons and bartenders for the event which “Kick’s Off” our month long celebration in September of National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Attendees of the competition will have the opportunity to sample and vote on the People’s Choice “Best Bourbon Cocktail” by making a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network Charities, $1 = 1 Vote with all proceeds from the voting going to the charity.  The Top Three Bartenders determined by our panel of judges will compete head to head, “Iron Chef” style to make their final bourbon cocktail to determine who is Arizona’s Top Bourbon Bartender for 2012.  For the final battle each finalist will have 15 minutes to make their cocktail from a ‘Mystery Basket’ containing three secret ingredients.  Creativity counts, which is why we award an additional prize for the Best Garnish of the event, to be eligible for this award each bartender is required to present their best edible garnish for the judges.

Last year’s battle proved to be a premier competition with each bartender showing off their creativity and professionalism proving that the Valley is an up and coming Cocktail Destination in the US.  With less than a month away, I am anxious to review their recipes knowing each of the bartenders are going to bring all they have to this year’s battle.  We hope to see you there!

Cheers!