Woodford Reserve’s annual national cocktail competition, Manhattan Experience 2016, has begun.  On February 8, 2016 the New York Regionals took place at Tao Group’s newly opened Vandal.

Ten competitors battled it out for the best Manhattan but Francesco Dionese was the one who came out on top and won New York City over with his two cocktail creations, a Manhattan and an original cocktail, as required by all of the participating bartenders.

NY Regional Winner – Francesco Dionese

Francesco’s cocktails were:

Woodford Reserve Manhattan
Created By: Francesco Dionese
Woodford Reserve
Antica Formula
Punt E Mes
Angostura Bitters
Orange Oils

The Lost Borough
Created By: Francesco Dionese
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Homemade Beer Based Vermouth
Gentian Liqueur
Citrus Bitters
Kentucky Fire Cured Cigar Smoke

Following the 34 location regional tour Liquor.com and the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG), the conductors of the competition, will be sending the semi-finalists on an all-expense paid trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery. While there, the 6 finalists that will be going to New York in April for the finals will be announced.

NY Region Participants:
Christopher Andino of Toro
Stefanie Bair of American Whiskey
Anthony Bohlinger of Chefs Club by Food & Wine
Franceso Dionese of Shelter Pizza
James Fransioli of Parker & Quinn
Alicia Lombardo of The Raines Law Room at the William Hotel
Gabriel Morales of The Rum House
Laura Newman of Mother of Pearl
Hunter Orahood of The Musket Room
Jennifer Sandella of Burger and Lobster

To find out more information the Manhattan Experience you can visit Liquor.com website. CLICK HERE
Woodford Reserve
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