Varanese took the prize for the 3rd year in a row, props to them. Thier offering, to me, played to the sour aspect of the drink. a black cherry/tamarind soda affair. Crisp, clean and very food-friendly. Good work. Rory is beginning to make this habit...
I wish I could have written about Maker's, at second, but somehow they got lost in my (I know everyone here!!!) shuffle. I heard it was the funk.
Proof, at third, I did taste- Jenny Pittman played with the herbal aspects of the drink- working with eucalyptus in addition to the mint. Very nice conceptually. If you're reading this, sister, I'm stealing that- hope you don't mind.
Special props to Volare,for the candy-blown rose of Chef Josh's. Kerry used it to create a progressive drink that changed in color and sweetness as it went. Awesome creativity.
Didn't get to taste the offering from JRube's and my personal darkhorse pick, Martini's, but I am sure they were fab. The top 3 were decided by just one point!. Even Chef Dean remarked to me about the level of caliber has changed this year (before he was lambasted by some adoring fans)
Nonetheless a 'beast' of a year- can't wait for the next!