🥃 WEEK 2 RECAP - Pour-Offs

Diablos Team Stays Perfect | High Proof Hustle Surges | Rivalry Brews in Connecticut’s Bartender League

Under the glow of IKYK Bar Cocktail in New Britain, shakers rattled, citrus sprayed, and the crowd roared as Week 2 of The Pour-Offs CCCL delivered another unforgettable night. Creativity flowed as freely as the spirits—literally—thanks to the featured lineup from Connecticut Distilling Co.: Fort Hill Bourbon, Waterville Vodka, and Kavo Greek Island Rum.

Waterville Vodka-Connecticut Distilling Co.

🔥 THE HEADLINES

Diablos Team Dominates Again

The Diablos Team continued their unstoppable run, posting a league-record 111 points with their cocktail “Bikini Bottom”—their second consecutive win. Agustin and crew have now pocketed $200 in prize money and sit alone atop the standings with a perfect 2–0 record and a commanding 105.5 average.

“Back-to-back wins, back-to-back hundreds,” said one League Official. “This team is setting the bar impossibly high.”

⚔️ IS A RIVALRY BREWING?

It’s starting to feel like The Pour-Offs CCCL has its first true rivalry.

Both the Diablos Team and High Proof Hustlers feature bartenders nominated for “Best Bar Team in Connecticut” at this year’s CRA Crazies Awards—and it shows. These two squads have separated themselves early as the teams to beat, consistently trading high scores and crowd attention.

The respect is mutual, but so is the competition. As one spectator put it, “Both these teams are loaded with talent and the rest of the state obviously knows that with their nominations in the Craizies.”

Still, it’s early enough in the season for other teams to make moves—and there’s plenty of time for underdogs to turn the tables and change the narrative.

🎉 THE ATMOSPHERE

IKYK Cocktail Bar New Britain, CT

IKYK was buzzing. The house was packed, and the crowd’s energy fueled every performance. Every shake, pour, and garnish drew cheers—proof that the league’s community spirit is as strong as its cocktails.

👩‍⚖️ THE WEEK 2 JUDGES

This week’s judging panel brought serious credibility:

• Victoria Geary – Nearly 20 years in hospitality across every style of service. Now an on-premise rep for Connecticut Distributors, Victoria brings leadership, sales expertise, and palate precision.

• Shyam Kulkarni – Co-Founder Central CT Distillers and Fruitful Mixology

• Suzie Johnson – Crazies Bartender of the Year 2024 —and she’s back! Returning after Week 1, Suzie kept standards high with her signature blend of artistry and authority.

• And the Ref Anthony Deserio - Dr. Booze beverage consultant and independent hospitality, spirit, and beverage consultant. Specializes in new brand launches, distributor connections, cocktail and menu creation, staff education on brands/cocktails/techniques, and private/online classes.

📈 MOVERS & SHAKERS

High Proof Hustle Finds Its Rhythm

Renee Strother’s “Cornography” scored 107 points—an 11-point jump from Week 1—vaulting the team into a tie for second place. With a Crazies-nominated bartender at the helm, High Proof Hustlers is proving they’re not just talented—they’re tactical.

Renee Strother of Hartford Flavor Parlour

Aged & Infused Stay In the Hunt Derek Chalastawa's “Pop My Cherry” earned 101 points and a second straight podium, keeping them in prime playoff position with a 99.25 average. This team’s consistency makes them dangerous.

⚠️ PLAYOFF RACE HEATS UP

• Nutmeg Knockouts (4th place, 88 pts) – Their “Thyme Traveler” keeps them on pace and consistently in the playoff picture. With two solid weeks and room to grow, they’re a smart bet for that fourth slot aka playoffs.

• Taco ’Bout Tipsy (71 pts) – A young, fearless team bursting with creativity. As they learn, refine, and build chemistry, they could become the season’s biggest surprise contender.

• With a Splash (DNP) – Sat out Week 2 but still in the hunt. Their innovation and flair could quickly rewrite the standings once they return.

  

  Chris Lazich - Thyme Traveler

  🏆 BY THE NUMBERSWeek 2 Final Results:

• 🥇 Diablos Team – 111 pts (Bikini Bottom) + $100🥈

• High Proof Hustlers – 107 pts (Cornography)

• 🥉 Aged & Infused – 101 pts (Pop My Cherry)

• 4️⃣ Nutmeg Knockouts – 88 pts (The Thyme Traveler)

• 5️⃣ Taco ’Bout Tipsy – 71 pts (Tipsy in Paradise)

• 
  

  Storylines to Watch:

  • Can anyone slow the Diablos streak?

  • Will High Proof Hustlers keep climbing—and can the rivalry intensify?

  • Can Taco ’Bout Tipsy find their breakout moment?

  • Will Nutmeg Knockouts hold that playoff line?

  • Will, With a Splash, comeback and make a splash?

  

  Connecticut Distilling - Fort Hill Bourbon

  📈 STAT LEADERS AFTER WEEK 2

Category	Leader
Most Points	Diablos Team (8)
Highest Single Score	Diablos Team (111)
Best Average	Diablos Team (105.5)
Most Top-3 Finishes	Diablos / High Proof Hustle / Aged & Infused (2 each)
Prize Money Leader	Diablos Team ($200)

⏰ SEASON SNAPSHOT

• Matches Completed: 2 of 6

• Matches Remaining: 4

• Teams in Playoff Position: 4

• Still in the Hunt: Everyone

Follow the action → @pouroffsNext Match: Week 3 – Up n Down Rock and Bourbon at Birch Hill Tavern

The Pour-Offs CCCL — Where Connecticut’s Best Bartenders Compete.