WEEK 3 RECAP - Pour-Offs
- Justin Morales
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
Taco 'Bout Tipsy Shocks the League | Diablos Cools Down | Playoff Race Wide Open
Week 3 brought the heat to Birch Hill Tavern, and when the final scores were tallied, the Pour-Offs CCCL standings had been completely shaken up. The league's biggest upset yet proved one thing: anyone can win on any given night.
Featured spirit of the night? Up N' Down Rock & Bourbon—Connecticut's own flagship spirit. Teams had their choice of three expressions: the bold 100-proof Fig Infused Colonel's Cut or the smooth 84-proof Pumpkin Mash. The creativity on display was next-level. 🔥 THE HEADLINES
Taco 'Bout Tipsy Stuns with First Win
In what can only be described as a Cinderella moment, Taco 'Bout Tipsy exploded onto the scene with a league-shaking 107-point performance and their cocktail "Midnight Embers." After finishing 5th in both Weeks 1 and 2, the Martin sisters started bartender, Mary Cashman and their squad proved that patience, persistence, and creativity pay off.
This wasn't just a win—it was a statement. With $100 in prize money and 4 crucial season points, Taco 'Bout Tipsy has officially entered the playoff conversation.
🌊 WITH A SPLASH MAKES WAVES
After missing Week 2 entirely and posting just 77 points in Week 1, With a Splash came roaring back with a 106-point stunner—finishing just 1 point behind first place with their cocktail "Sun-Made."
That's a +29 point improvement from Week 1 and the kind of momentum that can carry a team deep into the playoffs. Their fig-infused bourbon creation with blue spirulina foam and flawless execution had judges buzzing. This mobile bar crew is proving they belong in the conversation.
💪 HIGH PROOF HUSTLE STAYS CONSISTENT
For the third straight week and third straight bartender (go Lenny!), High Proof Hustle landed in the top 3, this time with 96 points and "Sticky Fingers"—a bold cocktail featuring peanut butter orgeat, sweet potato syrup, and the 84-proof pumpkin mash bourbon.
Consistency wins championships, and Renee Strother's squad is proving they have the depth, creativity, and composure to compete every single week. They're now tied for first place with 9 points and boast the league's most top-3 finishes (3).
If there's a team built for the long haul, it's this one.
🎭 THE ATMOSPHERE
Birch Hill Tavern brought the energy. The Up N' Down bourbon expressions gave bartenders the perfect canvas to showcase their creativity. From fig infusions to pumpkin mash applications, teams embraced the challenge and delivered some of the most innovative cocktails of the season.
The crowd was locked in, cheering every garnish, every pour, and every bold flavor choice. This is what the Pour-Offs is all about: community, creativity, and a whole lot of fun.
👩⚖️ THE WEEK 3 JUDGES
Suzie Johnson — A staple voice of the Pour-Offs, Suzie has judged every match this season, bringing her signature balance of expertise and heart to the table.
Kendra “Kennie” Valliere — Beverage Director for Rooftop 120 and The Marlborough Tavern, Kennie’s precision palate and deep hospitality background made her an invaluable presence on the panel.
Shyam Kulkarni — Owner and founder of Fruitful Mixology, Shyam brought creative insight into flavor balance, infusion techniques, and presentation artistry.
Aged & Infused Stays in the Hunt
With 91 points and their cocktail "Because You're Mine," Aged & Infused posted their third consecutive scoring week and remain firmly in 3rd place in the standings. Their Japanese-inspired cocktail—featuring yuzu sake, miso, nori, and 18-year aged balsamic vinegar—was ambitious, artistic, and technically impressive. (just forgot the bitters, it happens sometimes!)
This team knows how to compete, and they're not going away.
Nutmeg Knockouts Find Footing
After two straight 4th-place finishes in Weeks 1 and 2, the Nutmeg Knockouts landed in 4th again with 95 points and "Cereal Killers." Consistency is their calling card, and while they haven't cracked the podium yet, they're right there—and that playoff spot is within reach. (amazing components and presentation. Judges just wanted them all together)
⚠️ PLAYOFF PICTURE AFTER WEEK 3
With 3 weeks remaining, the playoff race is wide open. Only 5 points separate 1st from 6th place. Here's how the standings shake out:
🏆 BY THE NUMBERS
Week 3 Final Results:
🥇 Taco 'Bout Tipsy – 107 pts (Midnight Embers) + $100
🥈 With a Splash – 106 pts (Sun-Made)
🥉 High Proof Hustle – 96 pts (Sticky Fingers)
4️⃣ Nutmeg Knockouts – 95 pts (Cereal Killers)
5️⃣ Aged and Infused – 91 pts (Because You're Mine)
6️⃣ Diablos Team – 89 pts (Fall in Love)
🔥 STORYLINES TO WATCH
Can Taco 'Bout Tipsy keep the momentum and make a playoff push?
Will Diablos Team respond to their first loss?
Can With a Splash stay hot and steal a playoff spot?
Will High Proof Hustle finally take over first place outright?
Who claims that crucial 4th playoff spot, Nutmeg Knockouts score has been steady as a rock?
📈 STAT LEADERS AFTER WEEK 3
🎃 WHAT'S NEXT: WEEK 4 - HALLOWEEN SHOWDOWN
Date: Monday, October 27th Venue: Hop Haus Berlin Featured Spirits: Trinchero Portfolio
Hanson Sonoma Cucumber Vodka
Hanson Sonoma Habanero Vodka
Tres Agave Blanco Tequila
Special Halloween Twist: 🎃 Come in costume! We're awarding a prize for Best Costume in addition to the $100 cash prize for the week's winner.
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