2018 Festival Happenings

Meet Your Maker Series

17 Hands Restaurant Bar, 1:00PM – 5:00PM
Distilled: Educational Series
1:00PM at 17 Hands Restaurant and Bar Truffles, Tequila & A Splash of Fruit
Presented by Amin Torfi from Azuñia Tequila

Join Azuñia Tequila who has partnered with San Diego’s only Andrea’s Truffles to create a special chocolate blend using Azuñia’s expressions. While you indulge some amazing delights, they’ll discuss the Agave spirit and why they are one of the last true Estate Brands in Tequila Making.
2:00PM at 17 Hands Restaurant and Bar Girl Scout Cookies & Award Winning Spirits
Presented by Alley 6 Co-founder & Head Distiller, Jason Jorgensen

Alley 6 is truly a small batch craft distillery delivering premium spirits using traditional distilling techniques at their distillery in Healdsburg, California. Come Meet the Maker, Jason Jorgensen and experience this fun Girl Scout Cookie and spirits pairing as you learn their method to their madness.

3:00PM at 17 Hands Restaurant and Bar Saving the World is Worth a Shot
Presented by Sam Chereskin of Misadventure & Co.

Misadventure & Co. is the first distillery in the world to turn excess baked goods from food banks into award winning spirits. Learn how sustainability tastes great as you sip on vodka cocktails made from baguettes, bagels, donuts, pies, and sheet cakes with Domaine-Sante wine grape nectars. Hors d’oeuvres to be provided by Kitchens for Good.
4:00PM at 17 Hands Restaurant and Bar Venus + Tonic Flight
Presented by Sean Venus, Venus Spirits Founder & Distiller

Enjoy three versions of the classic Gin & Tonic made with gold medal spirits from this Santa Cruz, CA Distillery. Founder and distiller Sean Venus will share a closer look at the process behind Gin Blend No. 01, Gin Blend No. 02 and Aquavit while you sip along in this fun and educational presentation.

 

Distilled: Cocktail Competition

Paddock Stage, 1:00PM – 4:30PM
The Distilled Cocktail Competition is put on in collaboration by the San Diego United States Bartenders Guild. Cocktails will be judged according to USBG rules and regulations. This competition is designed to celebrate San Diego’s distinguished craft cocktail culture and recognize some San Diego’s best cocktail bars. The Competition Award Ceremony takes place on the Paddock Stage at 4:45PM.
Meet the Cocktail Competition Bartenders

  • Evgeny Anisimov
    Park Lounge @ Park Hyatt Aviara

  • Jade Boyd
    Kettner Exchange

  • Andrew Cordero
    Noble Experiment

  • Carlo MJ Devoti
    George’s at the Cove

  • Zana Geddes
    Born and Raised

  • Josue Gonzalez
    Sycamore Den

  • Owen Ingalls
    Kettner Exchange

  • Viengsavanh Kittikoune
    Cutwater Spirits

  • Seth Marquez
    Campfire

  • Ivan Moreno
    The Lion’s Share

  • DJ Mull
    Coin-Op Gaslamp

  • Sam Peters
    George’s Level2

  • Laura Price
    Cutwater Spirits

  • Cole Shepherd
    George’s Level2

  • Nick Sinutko
    Iris Food and Spirits

  • Jessica Stewart
    URBN North Park

  • David Tye
    Crab Hut

  • Fernando Villalobos
    Oryx Capital/Nortico Speakeasy

  • Jennifer Welch
    Born and Raised

  • Joree Wetherly
    Bivuaoc Cidery

Meet Our Cocktail Competition Judges

  • Candice Woo
    Founding Editor, Eater San Diego

  • Blair Marano
    SD Bartenders Guild Member

  • Reza Esmaili
    Western Regional USBG President

  • Jake Inez
    2017 Distilled Cocktail Competition Champion

  • Stephen Kurpinsky
    Distilled Cocktail Competition Host
    SD Bartenders Guild President