Pour-Offs Mid Season Edition

Justin Morales
Oct 26
6 min read

Updated: Oct 27

The teams for season one of the Pour-Offs Cocktail Competition League

Halfway Through Season 1 | Leaders Reflect, Contenders Respond

We’ve reached the halfway point of the inaugural Pour-Offs CCCL season, and what a ride it’s been. Three weeks of competition have delivered upsets, breakout performances, and some of the most creative cocktails Connecticut has ever seen.

With three matches remaining and the playoff picture taking shape, we sat down with team captains to get their perspective on the season so far, what they’ve learned, and what’s coming next.

🏆 THE SEASON SO FAR

After three intense weeks, the standings tell a story of consistency, resilience, and anyone-can-win drama:

Rank	Team	Points
🥇	Diablos Team	9 pts
🥇	High Proof Hustlers	9 pts
🥈	Aged and Infused	8 pts
🥉	Taco ’Bout Tipsy	7 pts
🔥	With a Splash	4 pts
🔥	Nutmeg Knockouts	4 pts

Only five points separate first from sixth. With three matches left, every team is still alive for a playoff berth.

FROM THE COMMISSIONER’S DESK

Justin Morales, Pour-Offs CCCL Founder & Commissioner

“This league is humming. The teams are starting to get locked in and the roster rotations make it fun.We’re all figuring it out as we go, and it’s been more amazing than I hoped. The bartenders are getting better through competition and comfort. The crowds have been amazingly supportive — as have the venues. It’s cool to see different styles of bartending, spirits, and setups all shine. The community aspect has been great, and the parity is wild. Literally any given Monday. I’m now excited for every match.”

🎤 CAPTAIN’S CORNER

Tricia Martin | Taco ’Bout Tipsy | 4th Place (7 pts)

“Each round just keeps getting better! We’ve learned a lot along the way, and this past week Mary absolutely crushed it—staying true to our coffee house roots with an espresso martini made with Up n Down Bourbon (only the best, of course). It all paid off with a 1st place finish! 🏆 The creativity and talent in this competition continue to inspire us, every team raises the bar week after week. Up next, our reigning Espresso Martini Champion, Jordyn, is stepping behind the bar, and we can’t wait to see what she brings to Round 4. We’re so thankful to be part of such a supportive and talented community. The rest of the season? We’re just getting started. 💪”

Commissioner’s Take: Experience was bound to be a factor, but what’s impressed me most is their resilience. They finished last twice, then came back and won with a cocktail true to their identity. That’s what this league is all about — learning, adapting, and competing with heart.

Atilio Lopez | Diablos Team | 1st Place (9 pts - tied)

"I always said never stop learning and trying, specially as a team. Life is about growing up in all the different ways!Diablos never stop working until we get there, never stop believing in, and never give up our dreams and goals!"

Commissioner’s Take: The Diablos came out swinging with back-to-back wins in Weeks 1 and 2, including a league-record 111-point performance. Their Week 3 stumble (6th place, 89 points) was their first taste of adversity. But champions respond — and this team has the talent, experience, and fire to reclaim their dominance. Still tied for first and sitting on $200 in prize money. Don’t count them out.

Renee Strother— High Proof Hustlers | 1st Place (9 pts - tied)

The High Proof Hustlers are having a great time at The Pour-Offs. Nights like this remind us why we love what we do, it’s more than a competition; it’s a celebration of craft, creativity, and community. We’re proud to be part of something that pushes boundaries and truly honors the spirit of our industry.

Commissioner’s Take: If there’s one word for the High Proof Hustlers, it’s consistent. Led by captain Renee Strother (“The Flavor Huntress”), this squad has finished top-three in all three matches — the only team to do so. They haven’t taken gold yet, but their steady performances prove that consistency might be the ultimate weapon in this league.

Brem | Aged and Infused | 3rd Place (8 pts)

Commissioner’s Take: Aged and Infused has quietly built one of the league’s most impressive resumes. Three straight scoring weeks, a 96.5 average score, and some of the most ambitious drinks we’ve seen. They’re in solid playoff position — and they’re just getting warmed up.

Alex Brown | With a Splash | 5th Place (4 pts - tied)

"Justin has put together such a cool concept that’s so fun to be a part of. Can’t wait to see how the season plays out! :)

Commissioner’s Take: With a Splash’s season has been a rollercoaster. After a tough Week 1 (77 points) and missing Week 2 entirely, they exploded back in Week 3 with 106 points — just one shy of the win. A +29-point turnaround is serious momentum. Connecticut’s premier mobile bar crew is showing they belong in this race.

Chris Lazich | Nutmeg Knockouts | 5th Place (4 pts - tied)

“For myself, and our team, The Pour-Offs is so much more than a competition. Of course we want to win, or even do really well… but for us, the ultimate goal is network, community, and camaraderie among our peers. It’s been a blast making new connections, learning new tricks, and really just having fun with so many like-minded, uber-talented people!”

Commissioner’s Take: That quote sums up the spirit of this league better than I ever could. The Nutmeg Knockouts have been the definition of steady — three straight 4th-place finishes, consistent scoring, and a great attitude. Led by Chris, they’re right in the mix and one big performance away from breaking through. Heart, humility, and hustle, that’s what they bring every Monday.

⚖️ FROM THE JUDGE'S TABLE

Suzie Johnson, Crazies Bartender of the Year & Season 1 Judge

"I love that the Pour Offs give an opportunity for growth. The first week was similar to a standalone contest where everyone showed up and competed, but the results were a building block instead of being the end. After seeing what the other teams bring to the table the week before, the teams keep upping their drinks in taste and presentation. If any of the teams are looking for advice, I'd say focus on the drink first. The garnishes are getting more complex and I love that, but make sure your drink is worthy of the garnish. We eat or drink with our eyes first and it can be a let down if the extraordinary aesthetics don't go hand in hand with an extraordinary taste. It really still is anyone's game and I can't wait to see the drinks we get in the final rounds!"

📊 MID-SEASON STAT LEADERS

Category	Leader
Most Points	Diablos Team / High Proof Hustlers (9 - tied)
Highest Single Score	Diablos Team (111)
Best Average Score	Diablos Team (100.0)
Most Top-3 Finishes	High Proof Hustlers (3)
Most Prize Money	Diablos Team ($200)
Biggest Improvement	With a Splash (+29 pts from Week 1 to Week 3)

🔥 WHAT WE’VE LEARNED SO FAR

Anyone Can Win on Any NightTaco ’Bout Tipsy went from back-to-back fifths to a Week 3 win. With a Splash jumped 29 points. Diablos went from record-breaking highs to a humbling week. There are no easy nights in this league.

Consistency Wins ChampionshipsHigh Proof Hustlers haven’t won a single match — yet they’re tied for first. That’s what showing up and executing every week looks like.

The Playoff Race Is Wide OpenFive points separate 1st from 6th. Three matches remain. Every team’s still alive. A hot streak can rewrite the season.

The Creativity Is Next-LevelPeanut butter orgeat. Blue spirulina foam. Miso and nori infusions. Espresso martinis with bourbon. These bartenders are redefining what’s possible behind the bar.

The Community Is EverythingDifferent venues, different spirits, different styles — one shared passion. The energy every Monday night is proof of how strong Connecticut’s hospitality community really is.

⏰ WHAT’S NEXT

Week 4: Halloween Showdown

📅 Monday, October 27📍 Hop Haus Berlin🍸 Featured Spirits: Trinchero Portfolio — Hanson Sonoma Cucumber Vodka, Hanson Sonoma Habanero Vodka, Tres Agave Blanco Tequila🎃 Twist: Best Costume Prize in addition to the $100 cash prize for the winner.

With the playoff picture tightening and Halloween energy in the air, Week 4 might be the wildest night yet.

🏁 THE FINAL STRETCH

Three matches.Four playoff spots.Six teams still in the hunt.

The captains have spoken. The commissioner is fired up. The bartenders are ready. The creativity, talent, and competitive fire have never been higher.

This is The Pour-Offs CCCL — where Connecticut’s best bartenders compete.Where every match matters.Where champions are made.

Any. Given. Monday.