Pour-Offs CCCL Playoffs: Semi-Finals Recap

High energy. Big moments. Championship dreams on the line.

The Pour-Offs CCCL Semi-Finals brought electric energy to Pig’s Eye Pub, with four teams stepping behind the bar knowing everything they’d worked for all season was on the line.

High Proof Huslters Sabrina's Cocktail with Tres Agave Tequila

Match One: Diablos vs. Taco ’Bout Tipsy

The first matchup delivered immediate drama. Unfortunately for Diablos, the team was only able to field one competing bartender, meaning only a single cocktail could be scored.

Using Hendrick’s Gin Gran Cabaret, Augustin—fresh off a CT CRAs win for Best Bar Team with I Know You Know—put on an absolute clinic. The cocktail was sharp, technical, and beautifully executed. But playoff rules are unforgiving, and even perfection can fall short without a full team score.

Taco bout Tipsy Mary's Cocktail with Up n Down Colonel's Cut 100 proof Bourbon.

That opened the door for Taco ’Bout Tipsy—and they kicked it wide open.

• Jordyn posted the highest individual score of the night, working with Hanson Habanero Vodka

• Mary followed closely with the second-highest score, featuring Up n’ Down Colonel’s Cut Bourbon

The result?🔥 A monster upset.The #4 seed didn’t just win—they posted the highest team score of the night and claimed the top two individual scores.

Match Two: Aged & Infused vs. High Proof Hustlers

The second semi-final was a razor-thin battle between two disciplined, creative teams.

Aged & Infused

• Brem (Captain) – Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin

• Emily – Fort Hill Bourbon (Connecticut Distilling)

High Proof Hustlers

Aged and Infused Brem's Cocktail with Hendrick Mid Summer

• Sabrina – Tres Agaves Tequila

• Renee (Captain) – Amaro Montenegro

Both sides delivered thoughtful, well-balanced cocktails with clear concepts. In the end, High Proof Hustlers edged out a three-point victory, proving once again that consistency matters in playoff conditions. Sabrina’s tie for third-highest score of the night played a key role in securing the win.

 Championship Matchup Set

The finals are officially locked in—and they’re shaping up to be special.

📍 Fire by Forge🔥 Taco ’Bout Tipsy (#4 seed) vs High Proof Hustlers (#2 seed)

One team is red-hot and peaking at the perfect time. The other has been relentless, disciplined, and consistent all season.

✨ Cinderella story… or execution by the bar titans?

Along with the championship showdown, we’ll also be announcing season awards, including Most Outstanding Bartender, presented by TOAST POS and more.

Pull up. Celebrate the season. This is what The Pour-Offs are all about.