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Pour Offs: Week 1

🥂 The Pour-Offs CCCL – Week 1 Recap

The lights were on, the shakers were rattling, and the energy was electric. Week 1 of The Pour-Offs CCCL wasn’t just a cocktail competition — it was the launch of something brand new: a league for bartenders and barbacks, with all the drama of sports and all the flavor of craft mixology.

Nobody knew exactly what to expect. Could we pull it off? With suppliers on board, a buzzing venue, sharp judges, and bartenders bringing their A-game, the answer was crystal clear: we did.

We were especially excited to kick things off with Hendrick’s Gin Cabinet of Curiosities — the wildly imaginative playground of Master Distiller Lesley Gracie. From the bright, zesty Oasium to the floral and intriguing Grand Cabaret, these gins gave competitors the perfect canvas to push boundaries, balance flavors, and bring their visions to life in Week 1.

Pour-Offs Captains and Officials Meeting
Pour-Offs Captains and Officials Meeting

🎤 The Judges & Referee

We stacked the deck with some of Connecticut’s finest:

And patrolling the action was Dr. Booze (Anthony DeSerio) — referee, storyteller, and one of the OGs of CT’s cocktail culture.

Christopher Hodson/Jillian Fitzgerald/Suzie Johnson
Christopher Hodson/Jillian Fitzgerald/Suzie Johnson

🏟️ The Venue

TJ Burritos of Bloomfield set the stage. With snacks flowing, an awesome patio buzzing with fans, and bartenders muddling, shaking, and smoking like it was the playoffs, this was the perfect launchpad for the league.











🍸 Week 1 Results & Cocktail Spotlights

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🥇 Diablos – 100 pts (Winner)

Bartender: Augustin | Barback: Atilio

Drink: Sakura Garden

  • Hendrick’s Gin (Cabaret varietal)

  • Sakura Flower

  • Lavender Flower

  • Raspberry & Lemon

  • Italicus Rosolio

  • Agar Agar

  • Soda Water

  • Raspberry Blossom Smoke

✨ Judges loved the floral elegance, the ice game, and the theatrical smoke. A near-perfect opener — though they noted just a touch more acid could have made it unstoppable.

🥈 Aged & Confused – 97.5 pts

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Bartender: Brem

Drink: A Whole New Revival

  • Gran Cabaret

  • Citrus + aromatics

  • Herbal elements (botanical-driven)

✨ A thoughtful and layered cocktail that wowed with depth. Judges said: “Beautifully built, but an edible flower garnish would have sealed the deal.”


🥉 High Proof Hustle – 96 pts

Bartender: Sabrina

Drink: The Unusual Vision

  • Hendrick’s Gin (Oasium varietal)

  • Velvet Falernum

  • Lemon Juice

  • Cilantro Oil

  • Lemon Zest

  • Cactus Salt & Sugar Rim

✨ A Saturn-inspired creation with cilantro intrigue and a cactus-salt kick. Judges praised the boldness but noted stirring with juice changed the texture. Still, a strong third-place finish — once we corrected the Commissioner’s slip-up.


#4 Nutmeg Knockouts – 95.5 pts

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Bartender: Chris Lazich

Drink: Rings of Oasis

  • Hendrick’s Gin (Oasium varietal)

  • Velvet Falernum

    Orgeat

  • Mango Liqueur

  • Lemon

  • Passion Fruit

  • Fruit Salad Purée

✨ A tropical powerhouse bursting with fruit and texture. Judges loved the creativity but felt it needed just a little more acid to shine.


#5 Taco ’Bout Tipsy – 89.5 pts

Bartender: Hannah Martin |

Barback: Tara Martin

Drink: Berry Botanica

  • Egg White

  • Chambord

  • Gran Cabaret

  • Lemon

  • Raspberry Purée

✨ Silky, berry-forward, and foamy with a lush presentation. Judges loved the garnish but flagged the acidity balance.


#6 With a Splash – 77 pts

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Bartender: Alex Brown |

Barback: Bri

Drink: Amethyst Garden

  • Hendrick’s Gin (Oasium varietal)

  • Lemon Balm Tea

  • Lemonade

  • Lavender

  • Butterfly Syrup

  • Garnished with Cucumbers

✨ A show-stopping color and garden aromatics gave this cocktail visual wow-factor. But the sweetness overpowered, and judges agreed it needed more acid to balance.


📊 By the Numbers

The top four teams were separated by only 4.5 points — razor-thin margins that show just how tight and competitive this season is going to be.

📝 Commissioner’s Note

In the heat of Week 1, I made my first official fumble as Commissioner. When announcing the results, I mistakenly called out Nutmeg Knockouts as the third-place finisher instead of High Proof Hustle.

Cue the awkward pause, a few cheers cut short, and me having to turn around and squeamishly explain the mistake to both teams.

Thankfully, everyone laughed it off, and the corrected standings were set straight. Both squads took it with grace.

“Working out the kinks in Week 1.”— Commissioner Morales

Pour-Offs Standings Week 1
Pour-Offs Standings Week 1

🔮 What’s Next?

Match 2 heads to IKYK – I Know You Know Speakeasy in New Britain, CT.

In the heart of the city, brothers Marlon and Andres Soriano have built a haven of mystery and hospitality. The featured spirits from Connecticut Distilling will bring serious firepower:

  • Kavo Greek Island Rum

  • Waterville Vodka

  • Fort Hill Bourbon

If Week 1 was this close, Week 2 is bound to be an absolute blast.

Stay tuned — the Pour-Offs have only just begun.

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