On Sunday, February 26, hundreds of cocktail lovers and enthusiasts gathered at the DeSoto Central Market to see who would be declared the 2017 Arizona Star Bartender at the Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition. Heat by heat, the bartenders took to the stage to create a custom cocktail using the provided ingredients, all made with locally distilled spirits from Arizona. The winner: 2017 Arizona Star Bartender: Connor Mansager - Welcome Diner. The cocktail that put Connor into the final round was the Ojos Rojos, made with Hamilton’s Whiskey Del Bac, BroVo Amaro #14, Beet Syrup, and Cowboy Bitters. Judges included Brandon Casey, Michelle Jacoby, Christina Barrueta and Robert Porter. Ross Simon emceed and DJ Mr. PHX provided audio. The Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition kicks off the weeklong Devour Culinary Classic, the Valley’s premier culinary event. A Local First AZ event.

Photography by Jenelle Bonifield & Debby Wolvos
http://dw-photography.net http://www.foodandlifestyles.com/
jenellebb@gmail.com