Chilled 100 Roundtable Hits the East Coast

The Chilled 100 Roundtable series continues from New York to Miami, introducing some of the most reputable East Coast bartenders to spirited brands from Shaw Ross Importers.

In New York City, the night commenced at hotspot, The Eddy, located in the heart of the East Village. This charming neighborhood restaurant draws its inspiration for its food and drinks menu from around the globe. Chef Brendan McHale expertly paired each course with specialty cocktails featuring Cardenal Mendoza Brandies and Fifty Pounds Gin.

The event kicked off with a tasting by Chilled 100 Member and Shaw Ross ambassador Roberto Rosa. Shaw Ross account manager Michael Ferrone assisted Rosa in introducing the Chilled 100 members to popular Shaw Ross Importers brands including Cardenal Mendoza Clasico, Cardenal Mendoza Carta Real, Cardenal Mendoza Angelus and Fifty Pounds Gin.

There were 18 Chilled 100 bartenders in attendance including a few out-of-towners (who happened to be in New York City to attend the Bar Institute).

“I think the Chilled 100 Roundtable was amazing. It was great seeing people from all over the country get together for a common interest. Being able to share experiences with other colleagues was very interesting. The Cardenal Mendoza Brandy we tasted was phenomenal. I made friends during the roundtable that will last a lifetime. This was truly the highlight of my trip to New York. The food and drinks provided soared above expectations.”
– Marshall Moore, Soul Gastrolounge – Charlotte, NC (Marshall traveled from Charlotte to New York for Bar Institute and joined us at the Roundtable)

The cocktail recipes were perfect pairings for the evening’s dishes including grass-fed strip steak and tile fish.

Japanese Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Cardenal Mendoza Brandy de Jerez
  • 1/2 oz. Orgeat
  • 2 dashes Peychaud
  • 1 dash Angostura

Mescalero

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz. Cardenal Mendoza Angelus (Orange Liqueur)
  • 3/4 oz. Mezcal
  • 3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 oz. Agave
  • 1/4 oz. Ginger Juice

Clover Club

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Fifty Pounds Gin
  • 3/4 oz. Raspberry Syrup
  • 3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
  • Egg White

In Miami, the Chilled 100 team gathered in the very private (almost speakeasy-like) mezzanine of the Bodega Tagueria y Tequila. Over a dozen members attended the event that was run by Julio Cabrera. Cabrera is a world-renowned bartender whose career behind the stick has spanned over 25 years. He is a managing partner at The Regent Cocktail Club in Miami and is committed to teaching his skill to future generations of bartenders.

The crew sampled different varieties of Cardenal Medonza brandies and Fifty Pounds Gin with the Shaw Ross Importers team including Ricky Febres, national portfolio director, Pedro Martinez, spirits manager for Florida, and Tatiana, Shaw Ross marketing manager. Of course, Chilled 100 member and Shaw Ross’ New York brand ambassador Roberto Rosa was on hand to offer some insight into mixing and pairing with the brand.

“This Chilled 100 Roundtable was a great time. I was happy to help put together a successful event at Bodega. The Cardenal Mendoza Brandy we tasted was very exquisite. It had nice sherry finish which made it very enjoyable. It is made very versatile for cocktails. It mixed extremely well in the cocktails we tasted. I was very impressed by Shaw Ross Imports.”
– Josue Gonzalez, Menin Hospitality – Miami, FL