'Competing in Competitions' Seminar with USBG Master Mixologist Bobby Gleason

Hey Gang!

There are still a few seats left for next weeks seminar on Competing in Cocktail Competitions so get your RSVPs in as soon as possible if you want to attend.   For all of you who took and passed Bar Smarts this year you are all now paid member of the COBG so if you are interested in attending please do not hesitate!

This really is going to be an incredibly educational class and I think is something everyone and anyone who's into cocktail competitions should try to attend.  I promise, just by attending this class everyone who attends from seasoned veterans to first timers will DRAMATICALLY improve their competition game.

In addition to the class we have some very big COBG news to share with you all so even if cocktail competitions aren't your thing but the COBG is, you might want to consider attending anyways... just sayin'.

Thanks everyone, hope to see you all on Tuesday!

Cheers,

Mike

On Tue, Dec 6, 2011 at 11:37 AM, COBG <coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello COBG!

COBG & LUPEC 'Competing in Competitions' seminar with USBG Master Mixologist Bobby Gleason

With an increasing number of cocktail competitions being held and an increasing number of Colorado bartenders winning national competitions, we thought it might be a good time to conduct a class on how to be competitive both locally and nationally and give Colorado bartenders the tools to kick ass in competitions. As you may know, the rules for competing on a national level can be much more strict than those held at the regional. However, most of us competing at the regional level haven't had access to information on how to compete nationally.

Well, that's about to change. We've invited USBG Master Mixologist Bobby Gleason to town for a hands-on class on competitive bartending. Bobby G. is one of 3 USBG certified master mixologists and is an expert in both the technical and liquid aspects of competing in a cocktail competition. Bobby has been both a technical and blind judge in numerous competitions and will be sharing with us what it takes to win. In addition, Bobby will be leading a panel discussion on competing in competitions along with our three of Colorado's national winners Bryan Dayton, Mark Stoddard, and Sean Kenyon.

You wont want to miss this event and its safe to say this will be one of the most educational, worthwhile, and eye opening event the COBG has ever held. Space will be limited to the first 40 people to RSVP and is exclusively for paid USBG and/or LUPEC members only.

Where:
Root Down
1600 West 33rd Avenue 
Denver, CO 80211-3507

When: Tuesday, December 13th at Noon

Sponsored by Beam Global, food provided by Root Down

Please RSVP to coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com (aka...this email)

Cheers,

Mike Henderson
President
Colorado Bartenders' Guild

'Competing in Competitions' Seminar with USBG Master Mixologist Bobby Gleason

Hello COBG!

COBG & LUPEC 'Competing in Competitions' seminar with USBG Master Mixologist Bobby Gleason

With an increasing number of cocktail competitions being held and an increasing number of Colorado bartenders winning national competitions, we thought it might be a good time to conduct a class on how to be competitive both locally and nationally and give Colorado bartenders the tools to kick ass in competitions. As you may know, the rules for competing on a national level can be much more strict than those held at the regional. However, most of us competing at the regional level haven't had access to information on how to compete nationally.

Well, that's about to change. We've invited USBG Master Mixologist Bobby Gleason to town for a hands-on class on competitive bartending. Bobby G. is one of 3 USBG certified master mixologists and is an expert in both the technical and liquid aspects of competing in a cocktail competition. Bobby has been both a technical and blind judge in numerous competitions and will be sharing with us what it takes to win. In addition, Bobby will be leading a panel discussion on competing in competitions along with our three of Colorado's national winners Bryan Dayton, Mark Stoddard, and Sean Kenyon.

You wont want to miss this event and its safe to say this will be one of the most educational, worthwhile, and eye opening event the COBG has ever held. Space will be limited to the first 40 people to RSVP and is exclusively for paid USBG and/or LUPEC members only.

Where:
Root Down
1600 West 33rd Avenue 
Denver, CO 80211-3507

When: Tuesday, December 13th at Noon

Sponsored by Beam Global, food provided by Root Down

Please RSVP to coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com (aka...this email)

Cheers,

Mike Henderson
President
Colorado Bartenders' Guild

Experience Cognac at Williams & Graham - Wednesday, November 30

COBG -

As the Late, Great Heavy D once said, "Sometimes I sit back, relax, sip on Cognac, reminscin on how it used to be, when we were kids. Laughin at the things that we did, damn near broke but we knew how to live." - Ask Heaven

Yep...We just went there. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Before you run off into your tryptophanic hallucinations, we'd like for you to schedule a little something for the Monday after you come back. BARSmarts & LushLife are presenting...

Experience Cognac at Williams & Graham (here's the schpiel)

At some point or another, you said you were going to study and ended up with a drink in your hand instead. Well, Experience Cognac is giving you a chance to study and drink on one special night at the very aptly bookstore themed Williams & Graham. On November 30th, we'll be taking over Williams & Graham for an Experience Cognac Throwdown. To enter, take the quiz over at ExperienceCognac.com. Our top 6 scorers will be invited to compete in the three round competition where the winner will take home a trip to Los Angeles complete with a shift at Caña. And, everyone who takes the quiz is eligible to win the grand prize, which is a full scholarship to BAR and a trip to Cognac. 

Everyone is welcome to join the fun, which begins at 5 pm. We'll be serving cocktails, punch and small bites featuring a number of delicious French spirits including: Combier, Chartreuse and many more! So, come on down and cheer on (or heckle) your colleagues.

To be considered to be entered in the contest, you must complete the quiz by 11/26 at noon PST. Once you've finished the quiz, please email Mindy@lushlifeproductions.com. We'll be announcing contestants at 6 pm on 11/25. 

Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon Street

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 5-8 pm

Hope to see you crazy kids there.
-COBG

For Ladies Only!

Ahem...we said, "FOR LADIES ONLY!" Gentlemen, please close your email client and return to your manscaping.

Ladies! This one's just for you...

LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails) is pleased to announce the new Denver chapter devoted to the service and liquor industry women in the Colorado Cocktail Community. LUPEC is dedicated to preserving, promoting and encouraging women in the spirits industry and "to create a secular "coven-like" atmosphere in which Classy Broads of today can invoke and honor the spirits of their Forebroads."

LUPEC Denver is a way for women in the industry to network, develop and support one another in the cocktail community. The goal is to unite all the kick ass bartenders, servers, spirit reps and distillery employees in the area and to show the rest of Denver (and our male colleagues) what we’re all about. We don’t hope to change the world, just people’s perspective of women in this industry. Basically, we want to have some amazing parties, great competitions, and spectacular events to support our chosen charities and the women in Denver who sling drinks everyday! For more information on our mission, please visit lupec.org.

Please join us for an introductory event featuring cocktails, food and learn more about this new chapter…

LUPEC Denver Happy Hour
Where: Zengo, 1610 Little Raven Street, Denver
Date: NOVEMBER 14TH, 2011
Time : 5 pm

PLEASE RSVP TO ELATTERMAN@GMAIL.COM

Hope to see you there!

A Mad, Mod World with Eban Freeman

Yoooooooooo COBG!   

Ok, between you, us and the wall, we have no idea what the title of this event means. But isn't that they way you'd want it when Superstar Barman/Molecular Mixologist comes to town with Pama Pomegranate Liqueur?

Join Pama and Eban Freeman for Endless PAMAbilities, Monday, September 19 from 1-3 pm @

ROW 14
891 14th Street

Cocktails & Lunch will be provided while Eban talks about modifiers, smoking stuff, and the general awesomeness that is his brain.

Please RSVP to this email if you're able to attend. Seats will be limited.

-Cheers!
COBG

St. Germain Can-Can Competition

Dear Bartenders,

We love it when you compete for prizes...it's great for the kids and the community, and well...usually your pocketbook. That's why we wanted to let you know abou tthe 4th Annual Edible Communities & St. Germain Can-Can Classic.

Your Task: To develop an original cocktail recipe with St. Germain that utilizes the bounty that is Colorado seasonal ingredients.

Your Prize: Each area will have one winner who will receive a profile in Edible Communities Magazine, a Yarai mixing glass from Cocktail Kingdom and a chance to win $10 Grand!

All you have to do to enter by 8/31/2011 - That's next Wednesday folks...get workin!

Vsit www.stgermain.fr/cancanclassic and submit your recipe. Also, you must submit this recipe as well to Lyndsey Geiger @ LGEIGER@STGERMAIN.FR

Good Luck Everyone!
COBG

2011 Can-Can Competition Colorado Entry Form.doc Download this file

CAN-CAN PDF LOCAL TRADE.pdf Download this file

ICE, ICE Baby & Denver F&W

Hey COBGers!

So in keeping up with this year's theme of educational opportunities for our community, our friends at Hendrick's Gin are bringing an Ice Program class with John Santer this Tuesday, August 30th.

Beginning at 2 pm, join us at Freshcraft (1530 Blake Street) as we will have a hands-on class where we will be taking down a 300lb block of ice into 2-inch cubes, spheres, cylinders...etc. Mr. Santer will be speaking about managing a proper ice program from storage to carving, shaping and cocktail specific ice usage (and yes, that is the technical term). There will be food, and most importantly, cocktails. The class is free and is guaranteed to be educational as well as enjoyable.

Please RSVP to THIS email address to let us know you'll be attending.

Also...remember, we're looking for a few more Food and Wine volunteers for the weekend of the 9th & 10th. If you're interested in working with us Friday night or Saturday day, please check your email or our website and RSVP ASAP.

Thanks everyone. Have a great rest of August, and we'll see you in Ice Class!
COBG

Spirits Confidential Dinners and Seminar

We know...it's short notice....

But we wanted to let everyone know who might have their Tuesday and Wednesday nights free that a couple of banging Beam Global events are going on tonight and tomorrow night.

We've talked about it over the past couple of emails, but tonight there are 3 killer dinners at 3 different venues to attend.

At LOLA at 6:30 join Armando Zapata of Hornitos and Andrea Bearbower of Beam Global for a four-course paired dinner featuring Hornitos and El Tesoro. $75 per person.

at AVENUE GRILL join Gary Nelthropp of Cruzan Rum, Dave Racicot of Thatchers and Don Tullio of Canadian Club for a 5 course paired dinner for $49 plus tax & tip from 6:30-9:00 pm. For reservations call 303.861.2820.

at BIG HOSS BBQ join Fred Noe of Jim Beam and Rob Samuels of Maker's Mark for a 5 course dinner with Bourbon pairings for $50 from 6:30-9:00 pm.

And tomorrow night, join everyone at Kevin Taylor's in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for a panel discussion and cocktail reception. Details are below:

Wednesday, August 17, 2011
6-7 Panel Discussion with Master Distillers and Mixologists
7-10 Cocktail Reception
WHERE: Kevin Taylor’s in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
(corner of 14th and Curtis Streets)
RSVP: beth.smith@beamglobal.com or call: (949) 200-7214

Sorry for the short notice, but you know how these things can go. Please call ahead to the venue you wish to ensure they have a spot for you. See the attachments for more details.

Much love!
COBG

Big_Hoss_Bourbon_Dinner.pdf Download this file

lola_tesoro sauza dinner_2011.pdf Download this file

Avenue_Grill_Distiller Dinner.pdf Download this file

Denver Spirits Confidential.pdf Download this file

Tanqueray Invites and a Denver Job Posting

Ohhh....my....god....

We still feel hungover from Tales of the Cocktail, even though we've been sleeping since Sunday night, but we're finally upright and wanted to pass along a few amazing events that are coming your way this weekend from the good people at Tanqueray.

This weekend, Angus Winchester, the global ambassador for Tanqueray Gin and the owner of Alconomics, will be in town to host a slew of GIN seminars featuring...yes, Tanqueray. Space for each of these exclusive seminars will be a scant 20 people, so get your RSVP's in to Melanie magramlich@beveragedistr.com. And please, if you RSVP for these...do everyone a favor and show up. It wouldn't be kosher to snag a spot and then develop a case of the "I Couldn't Get Off Work-Itis"

FIRST OFF

Sunday, July 31^st

Location: Row 14

891 14th Street

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m

Join Angus Winchester for cocktails and light apps then head up to Spire 42 Floor Skybox for Seminar on the Evolution of the Martini

Sunday, July 31st

Location: Row 14
891 14th Street

Time: 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Seminar Discussion: Gin and Juice with Angus "Snoop Doggy Dog" Winchester in the Spire 42 Floor SkyBox

 

Monday, August 1^st

Location: Linger
2030 W. 30th Ave

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

This is the large event that we sent an email out for last week. Definitely RSVP, but this is going to be a much bigger party. Check your inbox for the invite.

 

Tuesday, August 2^nd

Location: Bitter Bar
835 Walnut Street - Boulder

Time: 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Seminar Discussion – Wreck a Few Rocks with Winchester

Tuesday, August 2nd
Location: Bitter Bar
835 Walnut Street - Boulder

Time : 1:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Seminar Discussion – The Art of the Appertif with Angus

And Finally:

Our Colorado Cocktail Competition winner, Marnie Ward, is looking for one good man or woman to mixologize with her team over at Avenue Grill. Here's the add for those interested...

 

Avenue Grill – The Avenue Grill, a 24 year old staple of the uptown restaurant row district, is looking for a passionate mixologist to join their barstaff fulltime. Qualified candidates should be able to create complex cocktails in a high-volume restaurant environment. Must have a good knowledge base of spirits, beer, wine and food. BAR Smarts and COBG is a plus. Please send cover letter and resume to Marnie Ward at marnie@avenuegrill.com

Cheers everyone! Hope to see you at the seminars!
COBG

BDC_388650_GeneralMarketTanquerayPAGE1.pdf Ice.pdf Download this file

BDC_388650_GeneralMarketTanquerayPage3.pdfMartini.pdf Download this file

BDC_388650_GeneralMarketTanquerayPage4.pdf Gin and Juice.pdf Download this file

Tanqueray Appertif.pdf Download this file

Tales of the Cocktail and Some Other Jazz

3434202_tmp231334_3214499.pdf Download this file

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: COBG <coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Subject: Tales of the Cocktail and Some Other Jazz
To: mike henderson <coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com>

Hidee-ho! (can someone get a spell check on that??)

All...as we gear up for Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, we'd like to present you with a special announcement from my man Robert Sickler

Lads & Lasses -

 

Please let the guys and gals heading down for Tales know that if there are any Diageo events they’re interested in attending to let me know ASAP.  All of the presenters have a certain number of ‘passes’ we’re able to utilize for friends and colleagues in the industry.  The sooner I know names the sooner I can secure a spot for them.  Attached are all of the available Diageo seminars that will be offered throughout the week.

 

One event I highly recommend is *cough* my own tasting event Friday afternoon on July 22^nd:  http://www.talesofthecocktail.com/functions/totc_nola_2011/quo/tasting_rooms/worldly_whiskey_and_tea_libations

 

I will be mixing up 5 distinctive whisky & tea cocktails, incorporating whiskies and teas from around the world with local Louisiana ingredients.  A fantastic way to wet one’s whistle on a warm summer day in preparation for a long evening of libations!  Brian Melton has graciously offered his services to assist me and my dear friend and colleague Joanna Skiba for what will surely be a memorable afternoon with tea unlike any before ;)  If anyone else is free and would like to assist they’re more than welcome to join the fun.

 

Red beans and ricely yours,

Robert

Awh! In further news....

Tanqueray is throwing a little get together with their Global Ambassador Angus Winchester (we're friends on facebook...)

The Date: Monday, August 1st

Time: 6 - 8 pm

Place: Linger - 2030 W. 30th Ave.

RSVP to TONIGHTWETANQUERAY@MKTG.COM (if you email us at COBG, we will TP your house)

If we don't see you at Tales, we'll see you in August.
XOXO -
COBG

Colorado Cocktail Project Party Extravaganza!! (And a little Don Julio Announcement)

COBG(ers) -

You've read about it in Westword. Or maybe Sean Kenyon told you about it via Skype (you luck devil you!).

We've selected the finalists (there's 10 of em) and are ready for a two day Colorado Cocktail EVENT!

Come one, come all and explore the artistry of mixology and the craft of distilling in a two-day event where our finalists and distillers compete to create a signature Colorado cocktail, made from Colorado spirits. The program starts on Sunday, June 26 with a sampling of the unique flavors of Colorado’s 11 distillers, plus food, drinks and talks by historians, brewers and other cocktail luminaries (I'm not sure what all that means...it was on the website). On Monday, June 27 the ten finalist bartenders compete before a panel of judges (and Bryan freakin' Dayton!) for a chance for their drink to be crowned the Colorado Cocktail. Both days feature drinks, food and fun.

Here's the deets below if you're interested in attending the first event of it's kind in Colorado! A two day pass for 2 is $70 ($35 bucks a peace for those of you counting)...or purchase a one day pass for two for $40 (again, $20 for two...you can see which is the better deal).

Sunday, June 26, 2011
12–6PM All-Day Colorado Spirits Tasting & Lecture Marathon Series
Food Trucks. Drinks. Colorado Cocktail Experts.

Monday, June 27, 2011
5–9:30PM Meet the bartenders and help the judges decide which will be the winning, Colorado Cocktail.
Learn. Drink. Vote.

For more information and to purchase tickets...head over to http://mcadenver.org/index.php/programs/Colorado_Cocktail_Project

Also...if you've made it this far down the email...The folks over at Don Julio are throwing a little party at Lola this Sunday night. They're looking for a few more contestants for a "Iron Chef" style cockail comp. So if you're free this Sunday night and are ready to play for a chance to win some great prizes, send Jennifer Muenzenmayer an email today expressing interest at jmuenzenmayer@mktg.com. So if you're interested in throwing down, shoot Miss Jen and email ASAP to secure your spot.

Thanks everyone! We'll see you this weekend.
-COBG

--

cobartendersguild.org

COBG (USBG Colorado Chapter)
Mike Henderson, President
Sean Kenyon, Vice President
Anika Zappe, Treasurer
Brian Melton, Secretary

Coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com

On Twitter and on Facebook

Spirits Confidential

InvitationCard_Denver_email.pdf Download this file

Hey Everyone!

Hope we're all enjoying this extremely hot weather we're having...and those random lightning storms last night that had my dog cowering behind the toilet.

It's been a little while since we last chatted, but that just means we've all been very busy. With all of your hard work, Denver's beginning to get that national recognition we all deserve. That's why....

Beam Global is inviting us to an exclusive opportunity to meet their world famous Master Distillers and Ambassadors. This is an unparalleled opportunity to share in generations
of spirits expertise and mingle with some of the industry’s most respected craftsman and mixologists. On hand for this excellent evening will be Fred Noe Sr., Jim Beam Distiller and Great-Grandson of Jim Beam; Rob Samuels, Master Distiller of Marker's Mark; Bobby "G" Gleason, Master Mixologist; Gary Nelthropp, Master Distiller of Cruzan Rum; Carlos Camarena, Master Distiller of El Tesoro...and many more!

WHEN: Wednesday, August 17, 2011
6-7 Panel Discussion with Master Distillers and Mixologists
7-10 Cocktail Reception

WHERE: Kevin Taylor’s in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
(corner of 14th and Curtis Streets)

RSVP: beth.smith@beamglobal.com or call: (949) 200-7214

Attached is the invite. Space will be VERY limited, so RSVP just as soon as you can.

Thanks everyone. Keep an eye out for a couple of more emails this week as we get some events nailed down.

Cheers!
COBG

Our First 2011 COBG Meeting & Whiskey Brigade

Whisky Brigade Denver.pdf Download this file

Hi Dee Ho Kids!

As you may already know, Denver kicked some serious Bar Smarts ass last month and as a celebration and introduction for all of our new members, we thought we would throw a little meet and greet party at Vesta Dipping Grill on Wednesday, May 11th from Noon - 1 pm.

Brought to you by Domaine de Canton, Peach Street Distillers and Justin Bieber's bangs...wait...no, we were just told Bieber Bangs Inc. just pulled their sponsorship. Bummer.

Anywho, we're all set for our FIRST 2011 COBG Meeting. If there's only ONE COBG Guild Meeting you're planning on attending this year, this is it.

For just the LOW LOW price of ABSOLUTELY FREE you'll receive:
1) Cocktails (duh!)
2) Food
3) An Introduction to new members and current members to the COBG and it's current Officers
4) A State of the Union, so to speak. We want as many ideas from you all as possible to make the Colorado Bartenders Guild one of the best in the nation.

AND AS AN ADDED GIFT -

After the meeting we're going to take the FIRST 30 to RSVP to the Rockies vs. Mets Game at 1:10.... courtesy of your friends at the COBG. We'll also be handing out free bags of homemade cracker jacks and pats on the back.

So Be There.

And in further news, Skyy Spirits is bringing all things Whisk(e)y to the Green Russell on Monday, May 9th from 8 - 10 pm. We've attached the invite. You have to RSVP to Kelsey@wagstaffworldwide.com by this Friday to reserve your place in the base...wait for it...ment.

So RSVP to coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com to snag your seat for the game, and RSVP to Kelsey@wagstaffworldwide.com to snag your seat for the booze.

KaPeesh?

Loves, hugs and bar spoons,

- COBG

Kentucky derby Party needs bartenders

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "COBG" <coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com>
Date: Apr 22, 2011 2:29 PM
Subject: Kentucky derby Party needs bartenders
To: "Sean Kenyon" <seankenyon13@gmail.com>

All,

The organizers of the huge Annual Kentucky Derby event at Infinity Park in Glendale (they have outgrown the Botanical Gardens where the event has been held for 10yrs), have sent us a request for 30 bartenders for the Derby Party. If you are available and would like to participate, please email us with your name and phone number so that we can forward your info to them. See Info below...

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

 

 

 

DATE:  Saturday, May 7, 2011

WHERE: Infinity Park, Glendale
TIME:   11am to 7pm (aproximately)
PAY:    $5/hour, plus tips (there should be no problem in making at least $25/hour in tips based upon the last couple years information)
DETAILS:  This event is a large party for the Kentucky Derby.  For the last several years this has been held at the Botanical Gardens.  They have outgrown that facility.  Current expected attendance is around 4,000, but they are still selling tickets and have requested 60 bartenders and 6 runners for the event.  I need 30 basic bartenders.  They will be serving tap beer, wine, sodas and waters.  There will be 3 areas that will involve a full bar (vodka, rum and bourbon), along with beer, mint juleps and champagne.  I am not quite sure where everyone will be working yet as they are still finalizing placement of everything.  I would like to schedule a meeting with everyone next Monday, May 2nd at 6pm at the stadium.  At that time I will go over all the details for the day and get more of an idea as to where I will place certain people.  I also need everyone to wear black dress pants and a white shirt.

AMERICAN HARVEST LAUNCH PARTY AT EUCLID HALL

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: COBG <coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 3:15 PM
Subject: AMERICAN HARVEST LAUNCH PARTY AT EUCLID HALL
To: "Anders, Rich" <rich.anders@beamglobal.com>, "Anderson, Allison" <allidawna@gmail.com>, "Anderson, Allison" <Allison@frascafoodandwine.com>, "Anderson, Tyler" <tyler.anderson@colorado.edu>, "Atencio, Andrew" <atencioandrew@yahoo.com>, "Bachman, John" <mo@bigredf.com>, "Baldwin, Michelle" <michelle@montanyarum.com>, "Baldwin, Michelle" <viviennevavoom@gmail.com>, "Baldwin, Timothy" <tbaldwin@broadmoor.com>, "Ballen, Johnny" <john.e.ballen@gmail.com>, "Balthaser, Eric" <scrhoolgan@aol.com>, "Beck, Frank" <FrankieBecky@msn.com>, "Behrenhausen, Erin" <erin@erin-b.com>, "Belk, Ky" <kybelk@hotmail.com>, "BERKEY, JOHN" <jberkey@southernwine.com>, "Boller, Jared" <jboller14@hotmail.com>, "bouquin, bertrand" <bbouquin@broadmoor.com>, "Brisco, Jimmie" <briscoejimmie@yahoo.com>, "Brogan, Chad" <vinnieledaro@yahoo.com>, "brough, brandon" <brandonbrough@gmail.com>, "Buckelew, Michael \"Bucky\"" <buckstore2000@gmail.com>, "Burke, Kevin" <Kevin.Patrick.Burke@gmail.com>, "Burmeister, Chris" <chrisburmeister@yahoo.com>, "Bush, Noah" <nohaboosh@msn.com>, "Cafasso, Joshua" <jfass145@hotmail.com>, "Cameron, Fletcher" <fletcher@trystlounge.com>, "Cardinal, Kristie" <kristen.cardinal@ymail.com>, "Cerretani, Michael" <michael.cerretani@bigredf.com>, "Cerretani, Michael" <MichaelCerretani@gmail.com>, "Clark, Erin" <erinxclark@gmail.com>, "Combs, Jaci Aragon" <jac538@comcast.net>, "Conley, Chelsea" <cconley@southernwine.com>, "Corbin, Matthew" <MATTCORBIN77@msn.com>, "Cox, Ian" <icox55@gmail.com>, "Cummings, Kari" <karikins79@yahoo.com>, "Curry, Tara" <nateandtara@me.com>, "Daniel, Burton" <cubano_be@yahoo.com>, "Davis, Barry" <barry@bolvail.com>, "Davis, Robert Love" <roblove781@hotmail.com>, "Davis, Sean" <sdavis8888@aol.com>, "Dayton, Bryan" <bryan@frascafoodandwine.com>, "DeBouchet, Maximo" <maximo28@gmail.com>, "Delissio, Eddie" <eddiedelisio@gmail.com>, "Devore, Devlin" <devlindevore@gmail.com>, "Dittman, Bob" <rldittman19@yahoo.com>, "Dreistadt, Julianna" <snorydgrl@yahoo.com>, "Dunbar, Adam" <robwgordon@gmail.com>, "Dutton, Eric" <dutton.eric@gmail.com>, "Eberle, Sinjin" <sinjin.eberle@gmail.com>, "Eisenzopf, Erik" <zopf@comcast.net>, ejboulder@yahoo.com, "Elio, Moe" <moeelio@gmail.com>, "Ellenberger, Rachel" <lahela.e@gmail.com>, "Engel, Dan" <daniel.p.engel@gmail.com>, "Ericson, Scott" <lowendtheory82@aol.com>, "Ericson, Scott" <dafreeagents@gmail.com>, "Estes, Patricia" <ptrcestes@yahoo.com>, "Evans, Kent" <spike778@gmail.com>, "Faber, Evan" <e.h.faber@gmail.com>, "Farrow, Matthew" <mattiefarr@gmail.com>, "Ferguson, Gregory" <colorsbygreg@gmail.com>, "Flores, Delia" <dflores@southernwine.com>, "Flores, Levi" <Levi.Flores@veevlife.com>, "forgy, aaron" <aaron.forgy@freshcraft.com>, "Foster-Jaramillo, Michelle" <mountainmammacita@gmail.com>, "French, Tyler" <french.tyler@gmail.com>, "Fulcher, Ty" <tyvino@hotmail.com>, "Gabala, Kevin" <kevin.galaba@gmail.com>, "Gallegos, Jocelyn" <jocegall@yahoo.com>, "Garcia, Edward" <cocktails@ed-garcia.com>, "GEIGER, LYNDSEY" <LGEIGER@stgermain.fr>, Geoff <geoff@thekitchencafe.com>, "Geppert, Alexandra" <amgeppert@gmail.com>, "Gillette, Joshua" <supersouldriver@msn.com>, "Gilman, Darrin" <gilmandarrin@hotmail.com>, "Gordon, Ken" <ken@tavernhg.com>, "Gottesfeld, Jason" <hbk7713@gmail.com>, "Gottier, Natosha" <natoshagottier@yahoo.com>, "graham, matt" <grahammatt13@gmail.com>, "Greco, Lauren" <misgreco@yahoo.com>, "Greenleaf, Courtenay" <ceegreen11@yahoo.com>, "Gregier, Andrea" <madandiepanda@yahoo.com>, "Gregory, Christopher" <tyegreg@gmail.com>, "Guaydacan, Daniel" <dangmex74@hotmail.com>, "Hansen, Bryan" <bryan.hansen@beamglobal.com>, "harris, timmy" <timharris12@gmail.com>, "Heaney, Noah" <nsheaney@gmail.com>, "Henderson, Mike" <michaeljohnhenderson@gmail.com>, "Hendrix, Rachel" <rachmhendrix@yahoo.com>, "Henkin, Al" <alhenkin@yahoo.com>, "Henze, Brittany" <britthenze@gmail.com>, "Hills, Dana" <dhills123@aol.com>, "hines, joseph" <hines421@yahoo.com>, "hodak, adam" <adam@osteriamarco.com>, "Hodak, Adam" <adamhodak@gmail.com>, "hodges, matthew mo" <mohodges1@yahoo.com>, "Ikwuakor, Chinedum" <ikwuakor@msn.com>, iva <iva@bigredf.com>, jd@sketch-restaurant.com, "Jergerian, Raffi" <misterraffi@gmail.com>, "Johnson, Tammy" <tcjohnson@southernwine.com>, "Jones, Jillian" <jonesincolo@yahoo.com>, "Jones, Mike" <mjones@southernwine.com>, jpmbacon@msn.com, "Kaplan, Bradley" <bradleykaplan@gmail.com>, "Kass, Justin" <jkass@southernwine.com>, "Katopodis, Dimitri" <dkatopodis1@gmail.com>, "Keithley, PnB" <rocketsurgeonz@gmail.com>, "Kelly, Katherine" <Susiechapstick@hotmail.com>, "Kempster, Amy" <DANCINELLA@gmail.com>, "Kenyon, Sean" <seankenyon13@gmail.com>, "Kodys, Ken" <kenpkodys@gmail.com>, "Kremer, Matthew" <kremer1976@hotmail.com>, "Kropp, Nicholas Robert" <Nicholas.Kropp@colorado.edu>, "Kurnos, Timothy" <tim_kurnos@yahoo.com>, "Ladd, Garret" <bzmxr@comcast.net>, "Lange, Bryce" <bwlange@hotmail.com>, "Latterman, Eryn" <elatterman@gmail.com>, "lavacchi jr, robert" <rlavacchi@southernwine.com>, "Lavenue, Justin Marsh" <Justin.Lavenue@colorado.edu>, "Lavin, Michael" <lavin.mike@gmail.com>, "Lawinski, Michael" <Mike@bigredf.com>, "Lawlor, Dustin" <dustin.lawlor@gmail.com>, "Lawrie, Makayla" <mlawrie@southernwine.com>, "layman, randy" <randalloflayman@gmail.com>, "Layman, Ryan" <rylayman@gmail.com>, "Layne, Daniel" <Harbringer2000@yahoo.com>, "Leavy, Robert" <rpleavey@msn.com>, "LeBeau, Shanda" <shanvbva@hotmail.com>, "LeBeau, shanda" <slebeau@southernwine.com>, "Lee, James" <wet2zolo@gmail.com>, "Leicester, Cory" <cory.zydecos@gmail.com>, "lemire, ryan" <camby2185@yahoo.com>, "Levine, Nancy" <nancy@nancyalevine.com>, Lillian <Lillian.t.s@hotmail.com>, lmjonesy@aol.com, "Lobato, Aaron" <eat@interstaterestaurant.com>, "Luther, Thomas" <bvbf@yahoo.com>, "Mangan, Andrew" <mangan.andrew@gmail.com>, "Manwaring, John" <eatatjohns@gmail.com>, "Manwearing, John" <eatatjohns@hotmail.com>, "Marlowe, Daniel" <marlowedenver@gmail.com>, "Marshall, Ty" <ty_1ercru@live.com>, "Martz, Nathan" <Naturaldoo@hotmail.com>, "Marvin, Christin" <cm@mizunadenver.com>, "Masters, Rob" <rmasters@epicdistilling.com>, Matt <Chadmatt3@yahoo.com>, mattorrin@gmail.com, "McClain, Adam" <adammccln@yahoo.com>, "McGill, Michael" <mcgillmk@mac.com>, "Melton, Brian" <beezymelt@gmail.com>, "Mercado, Sara" <sarabelles78@yahoo.com>, "Merritt, Lynn" <lmerritt@southernwine.com>, "Miller, Corina" <corinamill@gmail.com>, "Moore, Jason" <jasonmoore2@southernwine.com>, "Mountain, Kristine" <kristismp@hotmail.com>, "Moyer, Andrew" <amoyer@southernwine.com>, "O'Neill, Christopher" <coneilldesign@yahoo.com>, "Olig, Amanda" <amolig4u@yahoo.com>, "Orozco-Joyce, Toni" <torozco@southernwine.com>, "Orrin, Matt" <mattorrin@yahoo.com>, "Ortega, Dylan" <dylan.ortega@gmail.com>, "Pakele, Jared" <jmpakele@gmail.com>, "Parks, Alexandra" <Xan_5@me.com>, "Parks, Alexandra" <xan_5@mac.com>, "Patz, Jason" <patzphoto@comcast.net>, "Pauls, Matthew" <matthewfpauls@gmail.com>, "Paxton, Brandon" <bmpaxton543@yahoo.com>, "Pettenger, Joe" <joepettenger@yahoo.com>, "Plakke, Travis" <tdplakke@gmail.com>, "Pollak, Glenn" <glenemy@msn.com>, "Query, Dave" <davequery@gmail.com>, "Ramey, Parker" <parker.ramey@gmail.com>, "Rheaume, Joel" <jv8150@comcast.net>, "Rico, Anthony" <anthony.rico@live.com>, "Robertson, Aaron" <aaron.robertson01@gmail.com>, "Rodgers, Anthony" <Airodg1@yahoo.com>, "Rogers, Cameron" <cameron@tavernhg.com>, "Rogers, Colette" <coletteodle@hotmail.com>, "Ross, Mark" <markafp@yahoo.com>, "Rossi, Brian" <brian@elcaminotavern.com>, "Ryan, Mike" <gastronautmike@gmail.com>, "rydell, colin" <colin.rydell@gmail.com>, "Sagaria, Sabato" <sagaria@mac.com>, "Saltzman, Daniel" <fiveseveneighty@gmail.com>, "Schnee, Tony" <dimitrilef@aol.com>, "Schnorr, Tyler" <tschnorr@southernwine.com>, "Schopen, Kirsten" <mauiguenther@hotmail.com>, "Scroggins, Carrie" <letslooksogood@gmail.com>, "selbitschka, brian" <brian@bigredf.com>, "Shahamat, Alicia" <AShahamat@southernwine.com>, "Shauinger, Libby" <libby.lou@comcast.net>, "Sherwood, Susan" <basusan@goldenbellpress.com>, "Shields, Greg" <gregchef2003@yahoo.com>, "Shock, Andrew" <pingodoche@yahoo.com>, "Shomaker, Sarah" <sarah@osteriamarco.com>, Sian <scotgalusa@gmail.com>, "Skelly, John" <mulletfrk@hotmail.com>, "Skogstad, John" <john@tastieconcepts.com>, "Slingsby, Nate" <nslingsby@robertkacherselections.com>, "Smith, Josh" <heshuasmyth@gmail.com>, "Solley, Lacey" <lacey@bonesdenver.com>, "Sornig, Donovan" <donovanrsornig@hotmail.com>, "Steinhaus, Shelly" <shelly@bellabistro.com>, "Stoddard, Mark" <markastoddard@gmail.com>, "Stroup, leah" <leahstroup@gmail.com>, superwade777@hotmail.com, "swink, sage" <sageswink@yahoo.com>, "Tebbe, Brandon" <tebbebd@yahoo.com>, "Templet, Marcel" <marcelt@comcast.net>, "Terrill, Ali" <aliraeterrill@gmail.com>, tgmilazzo@yahoo.com, "Thomas, Heidi" <Heidicthomas@gmail.com>, "Thomas, Heidi" <hthomas@southernwine.com>, "Thompson, Robert" <boblounge@aol.com>, "Touch, Nick" <ntouch303@gmail.com>, "Toyoda, Yoko" <yoko.toyoda@pernod-ricard-usa.com>, "Trauernicht, Katie" <kat.49@hotmail.com>, "Twiford, Johanna" <johanna_twiford@hotmail.com>, "Van Wagner, Gregory" <gvw317@yahoo.com>, "VanCleave, Travis" <travis@travisvancleave.com>, "VanRAvenswaay, Nikki" <nikkivwaay@gmail.com>, "Ward, Marnie" <marnie@avenuegrill.com>, "Ward, Marnie" <marnie@marnieward.com>, "Wasilewski, Daniel" <DanWasilewski@yahoo.com>, "Webber, Keith" <jkeithwebber@hotmail.com>, "West, Kyle" <mnt_life@hotmail.com>, "Whittum, Lynn" <rlwhittum@comcast.net>, "Wilkins, Jonny" <Jonny3102667792@yahoo.com>, "Williams, Marcus" <apollogreed222@gmail.com>, "Williams, Patrick" <pdwill747@yahoo.com>, "Wilson, Courtney" <courtnelee@hotmail.com>, "Windham, Nate" <natewin@earthlink.net>, "Winward, Heather" <hwin77@gmail.com>, "York, Justin" <justin.york@beamglobal.com>, "Zanon, James" <Jimmy_zanon@yahoo.com>, "Zappe, Anika" <azappe@yahoo.com>

ONE NATION, ONE SPIRIT...

You are cordially invited to join Sidney Frank Importing’s return into the vodka category with the launch of AMERICAN HARVEST. 

The party will feature complimentary cocktails and food as well as a special appearance by the Denver Broncos very own Brandon Lloyd.

Event benefits Project Angel Heart, please see attached invite for details.

Please RSVP to rsvpcolorado@ahspirit.com 

Cheers,

Great...Bar Smarts is over with...now what??

Well...

Congratulations on everyone who came out and took Bar Smarts this past Tuesday. From what we're gathering from BAR, they were absolutely impressed with the dedication of the Colorado bartending scene and are very eager to get back here. We've all know how awesome we all are for some time, but to have the best minds in our industry come and see what we're made of was absolutely an honor. Cheers to breaking that 80% pass rate every other market has been saddled with. We know you all did amazing.

This email is going to be both a schedule of events and contests that are hurdling towards us like some meteorite from the planet Krypton. You know, after it exploded and stuff...

First Up...Next Monday, April 18th at 6:30 pm

Just a reminder. Michael Collins is releasing their new 10yr Single Malt at Japoix, 975 Lincoln Street. For those of you who are still confused about the second spirit in Tuesday's tasting portion of BarSmarts, this one should really piss you off. So come by and taste Irish Whiskey that tastes a hell of a lot like scotch. Make sure you RSVP...not to us. See attachment.

Second Up...Next Tuesday, April 19th at 5:30 pm

Thatcher's Organic Artisan Liquor founder Dave Racicot will be in town for a meet and greet seated dinner at TAG Restaurant, 1441 Larimer. Cocktails will be consumed and dinner will be had at 7:00 pm. Free food and booze? Yup! Just what you needed after the ass-whoopin that was BarSmarts. Seating is limited to 30 people and this sucker is going out to everyone in the industry, not just COBG peeps, so get on it if you want in. RSVP to Bryan Hansen at 303.214.2873 or bryan.hansen@beamglobal.com. DO NOT RSVP to this email address. We'll just laugh at you.

Thrice Up...Russian Standard Cocktail Competition

Have you ever wanted to go to Russia? No? Well how bout now?

Russian Standard Vodka is creating a pretty unique opportunity for you and a friend (or you can go solo if you need a ticket to bring your mail order bride back) to head to Russia to check out Russian Standard's operations.

The contest is called Emotions in a Glass, and yes, they want you to cry. Or laugh. Or smirk. Just make sure your drink represents whatever emotion it is you want to convey. Our's is probably going to have something to do with a Deadmau5 album. Cause that kid can DJ. For real.

This is hosted by our parents over at the USBG. It's simple...just go to www.usbg.com before May 5. You have to submit a picture, so yes, you actually have to MAKE your drink. The top 20 cocktails go up on their facebook page for a consumer voting contest. Winner of Consumer's Choice gets a trip to Tales. Hurray!! So if you win both you could go get drunk in New Orleans and get yourself hitched in the former U.S.S.R. You don't know how lucky you are. (Yes, Superman, Deadmau5 & the Beatles in one post!! Take that Perez Hilton!)

RSV-Emotions-In-A-Glass-Sellsheet_-_04.05.pdf Download this file

Aight. That's it. Enjoy with reasonable responsibility. We don't want you going crazy or anything.

Love your faces!
COBG

Michael Collins Irish Whiskey DENVER Kick Off Party

Join Michael Collins Irish Whiskey at Japoix Restaurant and Lounge at 975 Lincoln Street on Monday, April 18th from 6:30 - 9:30 pm.

Why: Booze. Bartenders. Cool stuff. You know the drill. They're unveiling their 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey. And if you're like us, you love whiskey. Especially of the Irish kind.

What: We'll gather together while Sean Kenyon, Mike Henderson and Todd Richman from NYC make us some spectacular drinks with the help of Japoix's great team of bartenders. There will be some Irish eats as well.

Cost: It's free silly. Just RSVP to RSVPDenver@michaelcollinswhiskey.com

BONUS! Michael Collins needs TWO more bartenders to shoot a little video for use on the interwebs that evening. If you're interested in concocting a drink (your Michael Collins concoction BTW) and slinging it on camera for promotional purposes, please respond to coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com. We'll get in touch with you on the rest of the details.

See ya at the party -
Your COBG

USBG and Don Q Rum Ultimate MixOff Challenge!

Contests, contests, contests...phew! Are you exhausted yet? Hope not, cause this one's sweet...

Everyone...The USBG and Don Q Rum are having their annual MixOff for a trip to NYC for the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. It's easy, make up a recipe, submit it to coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com by April 15th (TAX DAY...DUN DUN DUN) and wait to hear back from us. We figured that with all the crazyness going on with BarSmarts and such that a mail-in contest seemed appropriate (for us anyway). Here's them rules...

Competition Drink Category Descriptions:

 1.       Fancy Spirited Cocktail with a Signature Ingredient: Competitor will utilize the DonQ family of rums, limited ingredients and a “signature” or “housemade” ingredient that is made by the mixologist, whether it be bitters, an infusion, foam, etc. Primarily judged on creativity, technique, seasonality and visual. There will be a secondary judging on best “signature” ingredient as it stands alone.

2.       Fruit Forward Long Drink with a Garnish Focus: Use of seasonal ingredients and pairing of such in a rum drink utilizing the DonQ family of rums. Primarily judged on technique, creativity, flavor. There will be a secondary judging on the garnish and its look and creativity as it stands alone.

So send us your best shot(s) — two seperate recipes please — to us by the 15th. TWO — yes TWO — COBG competitors will head to the Manhattan Cocktail Classic the week of May 14th to compete in the final round - courtesy of Don Q.

Our font changed...weird.

-COBG

 

2011 USBG Pina Coloada Competition

COBG Members -

Wanna trip to Tales of the Cocktail? Sure you do. We ALL do.

The USBG, Tales of the Cocktail and Bacardi are inviting our chapter to participate in the USBG Bacardi Rum Piña Colada Competition at Tales of the Cocktail 2011.
 
Finals for the competition will take place on Friday, July 22, 2011 from 7:30PM to 10:00PM in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the week of Tales of the Cocktail, meaning, of course, that if your recipe is picked to compete, you get yourself a free trip to Tales. Pretty sweet huh?

The contest is only open to PAID members of the COBG, and is just one of many elements we're trying to incorporate as incentive to being an ACTIVE member of the guild.

Entry deadline is Friday, April 8th and should be submitted to www.talesofthecocktail.com. AND PLEASE...attached is all the entry rules and they are as complicated as a Friday night shift is long.

2011_USBG_Piña_Colada_Competition_presented_by_Bacardi_Rum_(2)_Copy.pdf Download this file

Take your time and read through them. We wouldn't want your winning recipe tossed out on a technicality.

Thanks everyone. Have fun, and good luck!
- COBG

St. Germain and Boca Loca Barroom Brawl

See the full gallery on Posterous

St. Germain and Boca Loca have teamed up for what should be a fantastic event at Green Russell — yes, down the rabbit hole and through the pie shop at 1422 Larimer St. It's a three-round competition for a trip to Tales of the Cocktail! Nuff said, right? Wrong.

It's a Prom Theme...so you have to dress up. Prom King and Queen will be awarded, there will be $7.00 cocktails all night long and a selection of beer for those of you who enjoy that sort of thing. Hors d'oeuvres will be from 7:30-9:30...so get there early if you don't eat dinner.

Finally...the competition consists of three rounds:
ROUND ONE - the normal cocktail competition where you're making your drink for a panel of judges to include Jeffrey Morgenthaler (our bloggy hero), Phillip Pepperdine from St. Germain in NYC and our very own, Anika Zappe.
ROUND TWO - It's improv yall. On-The-Fly style.
ROUND THREE - Get yourself a punch recipe. Finalists will be putting their best "punch" forward.

All recipes must include St. Germain and Boca Loca and must be submitted by March 13th at 11:59pm. All recipes must be submitted to both lgeiger@stgermain.fr and Rhonda@drinkbocaloca.com

Ready...set....Go!
-COBG

A Jim Beam Event You Won't Want To Miss!

We have an amazing COBG event to announce on Sunday, March 13th, 2011...conveniently just after the end of Restaurant Half Month!

Check It: Beam Global and the Colorado Bartenders' Guild will be hosting an event at Lou's Food | Bar on Sunday, March 13, from 3 - 5:30 pm. The event is a launch party for Knobb Creek Single Barrel as well as a few other products Beam Global will be releasing this year. FYI...The Single Barrel, like the original, will be 9-years-old, but will be bottled at a significantly higher proof, 120° (60% alcohol) vs the original Knob Creek at 100 proof (50% alcohol). Bobby Gleason (aka Bobby G!), Jim Beam's National Ambassador and Mixologist will be flying in for the event to present the new products. Those of you who attend will also be able to sample and experiment with these new products.

"But," you might be saying to yourself, "why would I want to miss that week's episode of Undercover Boss just to go drink bourbon?"

First of all, Undercover Boss doesn't come on until 8. Second of all, at the end of the event Jim Beam is giving away TWO TICKETS TO KENTUCKY to tour some of America's best whiskey distilleries. See why we're so excited?!

DEETS:

• WHAT — COBG & Jim Beam 'Knobb Creek Single Barrel Release Party'
• WHEN — Sunday, March 13th 3-5:30pm
• WHERE — Lou's Food | Bar - 1851 West 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
• WHO — You and Your Bartending Friends

Please RSVP to coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com if you plan on attending this most-excellent event and we'll see you at Lou's.

The past three weeks in pictures...

So, we've been busy. WAY too busy. You'd think writing a little blog and posting some pictures would be easy. But it's not. Well, not when you're bartendering, mixoogoling and sitting at everyone else's bars on your days off. Your COBG has been all over our city, and instead of boring you with the details, we thought some pictures might sum it up real well(ish).

42Below Cocktail World Cup Regionals @ The Bluebird Theater

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Tanqueray 10 Gin Seminar with Aka Wine Geek @ TAG Restaurant

COBG Bowling Mixer @ Elitch Lanes

Colorado Cocktail Project Showcase @ MCA Denver

See and download the full gallery on posterous

A Jim Beam Event You Won't Want To Miss!

We have an amazing COBG event to announce on Sunday, March 13th, 2011...conveniently just after the end of Restaurant Half Month!

Check It: Beam Global and the Colorado Bartenders' Guild will be hosting an event at Lou's Food | Bar on Sunday, March 13, from 3 - 5:30 pm. The event is a launch party for Knobb Creek Single Barrel as well as a few other products Beam Global will be releasing this year. FYI...The Single Barrel, like the original, will be 9-years-old, but will be bottled at a significantly higher proof, 120° (60% alcohol) vs the original Knob Creek at 100 proof (50% alcohol). Bobby Gleason (aka Bobby G!), Jim Beam's National Ambassador and Mixologist will be flying in for the event to present the new products. Those of you who attend will also be able to sample and experiment with these new products.

"But," you might be saying to yourself, "why would I want to miss that week's episode of Undercover Boss just to go drink bourbon?"

First of all, Undercover Boss doesn't come on until 8. Second of all, at the end of the event Jim Beam is giving away TWO TICKETS TO KENTUCKY to tour some of America's best whiskey distilleries. See why we're so excited?!

DEETS:

• WHAT — COBG & Jim Beam 'Knobb Creek Single Barrel Release Party'
• WHEN — Sunday, March 13th 3-5:30pm
• WHERE — Lou's Food | Bar - 1851 West 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
• WHO — You and Your Bartending Friends

Please RSVP to coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com if you plan on attending this most-excellent event and we'll see you at Lou's.

A Jim Beam Event You Won't Want To Miss!

We have an amazing COBG event to announce on Sunday, March 13th, 2011...conveniently just after the end of Restaurant Half Month!

Check It: Beam Global and the Colorado Bartenders' Guild will be hosting an event at Lou's Food | Bar on Sunday, March 13, from 3 - 5:30 pm. The event is a launch party for Knobb Creek Single Barrel as well as a few other products Beam Global will be releasing this year. FYI...The Single Barrel, like the original, will be 9-years-old, but will be bottled at a significantly higher proof, 120° (60% alcohol) vs the original Knob Creek at 100 proof (50% alcohol). Bobby Gleason (aka Bobby G!), Jim Beam's National Ambassador and Mixologist will be flying in for the event to present the new products. Those of you who attend will also be able to sample and experiment with these new products.

"But," you might be saying to yourself, "why would I want to miss that week's episode of Undercover Boss just to go drink bourbon?"

First of all, Undercover Boss doesn't come on until 8. Second of all, at the end of the event Jim Beam is giving away TWO TICKETS TO KENTUCKY to tour some of America's best whiskey distilleries. See why we're so excited?!

DEETS:

• WHAT — COBG & Jim Beam 'Knobb Creek Single Barrel Release Party'
• WHEN — Sunday, March 13th 3-5:30pm
• WHERE — Lou's Food | Bar - 1851 West 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
• WHO — You and Your Bartending Friends

Please RSVP to coloradobartendersguild@gmail.com if you plan on attending this most-excellent event and we'll see you at Lou's.

Republic Tequila Tasting & Seminar

In keeping up with our continuing education (thanks to EVERYONE who came out to both our Tanqueray 10 event and the Distiller's Guild event), Republic Tequila and Lola have asked us to announce the following to our members and friends...

Talk about a much needed night of relief before Restaurant Half-Month begins and we all disappear into daily doubles and couples trying to split $52.80 for one...Put on your party pants people!!

The good folks from Austin, Texas based Republic Tequila are traveling North to host this great (read:free and fun) tequila seminar. Tasters, education, taco buffet, margaritas and prizes will be raffled off to all who stop by. One of the founders of Republic Tequila, Mr. Ken MacKenzie, will also be there to answer your Republic questions. Stick around for Lola's legendary Industry Night. Party Pants removal is optional.

Hope to see everyone there!
COBG

The past three weeks in pictures...

So, we've been busy. WAY too busy. You'd think writing a little blog and posting some pictures would be easy. But it's not. Well, not when you're bartendering, mixoogoling and sitting at everyone else's bars on your days off. Your COBG has been all over our city, and instead of boring you with the details, we thought some pictures might sum it up real well(ish).

42Below Cocktail World Cup Regionals

See the full gallery on posterous

Tanqueray 10 Gin Seminar with Aka Wine Geek

COBG Bowling Mixer....sorry, we were really more interested in strikes and tequila than taking pics.

Colorado Cocktail Project Showcase at the MCA Denver

See and download the full gallery on posterous

FEB 3 - Tanqueray TEN Gin Tasting and Comparative Cocktail Clinic!

ATTENTION ALL GIN LOVERS (or heck...even likers)!

It's official...on Thursday, February 3, 2011...AKA Wine Geek Steve Olson, along with Andy Seymour and Leo DeGroff will be presenting an exclusive, industry-only gin seminar, comparative tasting and cocktail clinic (seriously, say that ten times fast) from 1-3 pm. The Wine Geeks will host a sit-down tasting of gins, explore the history of this great spirit and showcase the drinks that are shaping the category today. Light appetizers will be provided by TAG Restaurant and fun will most certainly be had by all. Unless you're lame.

Anyone who has signed up, or is thinking of signing up for B.A.R. in April or musing about taking the 5-Day B.A.R. certification in New York should plan on attending and cramming your brain full of gin knowledge. It's an afternoon of everything you ever wanted to know about gin, but were afraid to ask.

DATE: February 3, 2011
TIME: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
PLACE: TAG Restaurant Underground – 1441 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80202

Space is limited. Please RSVP to: alejandro@akawinegeek.com

We'll see you there -
COBG

Just Announced - The Colorado Cocktail Project & Showcase

You've read about it in the Westword and heard grumblings about it from our V.P., Mr. Sean Kenyon.

Now that it is set in stone, it's time to announce...

The Colorado Cocktail Project

This free, evening showcase with Colorado Distillers Guild will be held on Monday, Feb 7th at 7pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art. This is the launch of the first annual Colorado Cocktail Project, a one-of--kind collaboration between the Westword, the MCA, the COBG and the CDG. This is an opportunity for COBG members and affiliates to sample all of Colorado's Spirits in one place. It'll be a fantastic night that will lead up to the Colorado cocktail contest to end all contests. Fourteen Colorado distillers will be on-hand to showcase their fantastic spirits in a night filled with complimentary appetizers, cocktails and good ol' fashioned Colorado cheer.

When: Monday, Feb 7th @ 7pm
Where: The Museum of Contemporary Art
             1485 Delgany Street Denver, CO 80202
 
After the showcase, local bartenders will head back into the lab with the spirits they've picked to use for their own signature Colorado Cocktail. That cocktail must be featured in your establishment from March 15th - June15th. During that time the panel of judges as well as the general public will be able to try the drinks and vote online (website to be released soon). This will be heavily promoted by the Westword and will insure publicity for all establishments involved. The field will be narrowed to 10 finalists who will compete at the MCA in late June during a gala cocktail event. The winner will take home the rights to brag about the biggest prize in Colorado history...creating THE OFFICIAL COLORADO COCKTAIL.

More details will follow. We just wanted to make sure everyone marks this amazing event on their calendars.