Update: 9 Maple entry wins initial bartender competition

Matt Ferguson

UPDATE (2/14/17): Matt Ferguson of the Saratoga Springs tavern 9 Maple won the Saratoga edition of Albany Distilling Company's cocktail competition held at Hamlet & Ghost. Three other regional first-round events still are to be held.

(Originally published 12/10/17)

Bartender competitions of various levels of intensity pop up from time to time in this area, but seldom rise to the level of activities in many similarly-sized communities where you get more participants involved. That is about to change.

The U.S. Bartenders Guild Capital Region chapter has created what it is calling the "Albany Distilling Cocktail Competition," with a chance to win $500 in prizes.

First-round competitions will be held in Saratoga Springs, Albany, Troy, and Schenectady. The winner of each of those prelims will move on to the finals.

Competitors and participating bars will be announced at Albany Distilling, 78 Montgomery Street in Albany (adjacent to the Albany Pump Station) on Monday, January 23. The owners also will be providing an in-depth tour and lesson on craft spirits, and offering free tastings, food and giveaways.

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• Go here to visit the Capital Region Brew Trail
• Go here to visit Dowd's New York Wines Notebook
• Go here to visit Notes On Napkins 

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