Distillery 291 announces it’s annual summer cocktail competition open to contestants 21 years old and up, with two selected winners. Contestants are challenged to create an original recipe which includes either 291 Fresh whiskey or 291 White Dog whiskey as the base spirit.

Each submission receives an assessment in five categories each worth 5 points, with the highest overall scores to receive checks for $200.00. Entries must include supporting details on how to make special ingredients (ex. tinctures and simple syrups) and how to serve (ex. garnishes and glassware).

“291 Fresh and 291 White Dog are our summer whiskeys and I designed them as spirits to replace vodka or tequila in mixed drinks,” says Michael Myers, founder of Distillery 291. “We’ve hosted this competition for three years now, and I am always impressed by the level of creativity and quality of recipes we receive.”

A strong yet balanced competitor in 2017. Photo credit: Distillery 291

All cocktail entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on June 11, 2018, and the winners will be announced through social media on the first day of summer, June 21, 2018.

The cocktails are judged on the following qualities:

  • Overall taste
  • Balance of 291 whiskey in the cocktail
  • Creativity
  • Appearance
  • Fits with the 291 brand

Interested parties can read the full details and enter their recipe here.

“Good Luck!” says Myers. “We are looking forward to seeing what you all come up with.”

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This summer Distillery 291 introduces Juke Joint, every Wednesday night starting on June 6, with Grant Sabin or traveling guest blues musicians, to serenade patrons from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

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On Friday, June 8, 291 partners for the second time with Michael McAlhany, American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional, to present their summer cocktail and cheese pairing from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The menu includes:

  • Burrata with raspberry jalapeno jam paired with a White Dog watermelon punch
  • LaClare Farms chevre with rhubarb jam paired with a rhubarb rye old fashioned
  • Chandoka, a hard cow/goat milk cheese paired with a mango whiskarita

Pre-sale tickets are $25.00, or $30.00 at the door. All cheeses being served are available to purchase at Springside Cheese Shop located in Pueblo, Colorado.

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Sunday, June 17, Distillery 291 honors Father’s Day from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the release of their Colorado rye whiskey from barrel #291 in commemorative bottles. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. with Potato Potato food truck and free tours are available for dads at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

*21 years old and up are permitted in the tasting room/distillery.

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Sunday Funday’s begin on Sunday, July 1, from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with Piglatin Food Truck, White Dog Bloody Mary’s, 291 Fresh mimosas and additional specialty cocktails by guest bartender, Jason Sweeney, from The Principal’s Office.

*Header image courtesy of Distillery 291