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WEEK 5 RECAP, The Pour-Offs CCCL “Outside the Bowl” Puts High Proof Hustlers Back on Top

The Recap

Week 5 of The Pour-Offs CCCL brought the heat to downtown Hartford. Hosted at Pig’s Eye Pub, a true bartenders bar, bartenders from across Connecticut faced off using Condesa Gin and Amaro Montenegro, transforming two spirits into wildly creative, beautifully executed cocktails.

As the final regular season match approaches, every pour matters, and this week, the High Proof Hustlers reminded everyone why they’re top contenders.


High Proof Hustlers Sets Season Record with Dominant 120-Point Performance!

Renee Strother from High Proof Hustlers claims her Second 1st place finish                               Photo by Samantha Dziecol
Renee Strother from High Proof Hustlers claims her Second 1st place finish Photo by Samantha Dziecol

Pho

The penultimate match of Season 1 delivered fireworks as High Proof Hustlers turned trash into pure gold, posting a jaw-dropping 120 points, the highest score of the entire season, to reclaim first place in the standings heading into the championship stretch!


 KEY STORYLINES

Diablos get knocked just one point back, still in striking distance.

The Top 4 playoff teams are forming: Hustlers, Diablos, Taco ’Bout Tipsy, and Aged & Infused.

⚠️ With a Splash needs a massive Week 6 to stay alive.

Augustin from Diablos grabs second place.                      Photo by Samantha Dziecol
Augustin from Diablos grabs second place. Photo by Samantha Dziecol


DIABLOS STAYS HOT

Don't sleep on Diablos! Their "November Rain" cocktail scored an impressive 117 points, keeping them right on High Proof Hustlers' heels. This marks another strong podium finish for a team that's been on fire all season. Down by just one point heading into the finale, Diablos is positioned perfectly to make a championship run. FYI, November Rain, from Guns and Roses, played while he was making his cocktail. Talk about performance art.




AGED AND INFUSED BOUNCES BACK

After slipping in Week 4, Aged and Infused delivered when it mattered most. "Piper's Pick" earned a clean 100 points and a crucial 3rd place finish, solidifying their playoff position. This team knows how to peak at the right time!

Brem, from Aged and Infused pouring a delicious foam                                                                                      Photo by Samantha Dziecol
Brem, from Aged and Infused pouring a delicious foam Photo by Samantha Dziecol




TACO 'BOUT TIPSY STAYS IN THE MIX

TJ Burritos and their squad put together a beautiful "Amalfi Sunset" (93 points) featuring Condesa Gin, Montenegro, prickly pear, blood orange, and rose, a complex, floral spritz that showcased their creativity. While they didn't podium this week, they remain firmly in playoff position. FYI, Mary had just gotten back from there, hence the inspiration.

Amalfi Sunset Cocktail, by Mary from TJ Burritos Photo by Samantha Dziecol
Amalfi Sunset Cocktail, by Mary from TJ Burritos Photo by Samantha Dziecol







WITH A SPLASH FIGHTS ON

With a Splash's "Spiced Pearberry Spritz" (81 points) kept them in the competition, but they'll need a massive performance in Week 6 to climb into the top 4.

Alex, from With a Splash, used all the techniques with this delicious cocktail                                                      Photo by Samantha Dziecol
Alex, from With a Splash, used all the techniques with this delicious cocktail Photo by Samantha Dziecol






🎯 Playoff Picture

LOCKED IN:

  • High Proof Hustlers

  • Diablos Team

🔒 VERY SAFE:

  • Taco 'Bout Tipsy (11 pts)

  • Aged and Infused (9 pts)

⚠️ LONG SHOT:

  • With a Splash (6 pts) – needs a miracle and a huge score in Week 6

ELIMINATED:

  • Nutmeg Knockouts (4 pts)







What's at Stake in Week 6?

With only one regular season match remaining, here's what we're watching:

THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE:

  • Just 1 point separates High Proof Hustlers (17) and Diablos (16)

  • Winner of Week 6 likely claims the #1 seed and momentum heading into playoffs

THE BATTLE FOR 3RD:

  • Taco 'Bout Tipsy (11) holds a 2-point cushion over Aged and Infused (9)

  • Seeding matters – higher seeds get first choice of playoff spirits!
THE FINAL PUSH:
  • With a Splash needs a top finish AND help to sneak into the top 4
  • Every point counts as teams jockey for playoff positioning
UPDATED SEASON STANDINGS (AFTER WEEK 5)
Rank
Team
Total Points
Matches
High Score
Change
🥇
High Proof Hustlers
17
5
120
⬆️ +5 (1st place)
🥈
Diablos Team
16
5
117
⬇️ +3 (2nd place)
🥉
Taco ’Bout Tipsy
11
5
107
+1 (4th place)
4️⃣
Aged & Infused
9
5
100
+2 (3rd place)
5️⃣
With a Splash
6

4

106
+1 (5th place)
6️⃣
Nutmeg Knockouts
4
4
95.5
No match
PourOffs Commissioner, Justin Morales delivering a cocktail to judges.                                                        Photo by Samantha Dziecol
PourOffs Commissioner, Justin Morales delivering a cocktail to judges. Photo by Samantha Dziecol


Follow the action: @pouroffs

The playoffs are almost here. Who's ready? 🔥🏆

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