Two bartenders from Portland are semifinalists in the Barr Hill Royal Jellies competition: Jack O’Brien the creative director at Blyth & Burrows and Olivia Watts a bartender at Luna.
They’ll be competing this on Sunday with six other bartenders in Montpellier, Vermont. The competition challenges the participants to develop and mix variants of the classic Bees Knees cocktail. Author Robert Simonson, Justin Sajda (aka @ThirstyWhale) and last year’s winner Patty Burns are judging the competition.
Watts’ creation is the Beez Nuts which is made with Barr Hill Gin, Tom Cat Gin, Honey Pistachio Orgeat, Lemon, Dry Curacao. O’Brien’s drink is Everything But The Hive which is made with Barr Hill Gin, Black Garlic Vodka, Toasted Sesame Orgeat, Honey, Lemon.
Tickets for the event are still available.