“The more I travelled and met great people through the
Competition—first held in May, 2015—pits three incredibly
United States Bartenders Guild, the more I recognized how
talented spirits professionals against each other in a mixological
little foundation the cocktail scene in Grand Rapids had,” says
battle-royale, with twists, turns, local ingredients and audience
Torrence O’Haire, USBG member, founder of the Grand Rapids
interaction. Upcoming competitions are scheduled for September
Cocktail Guild and Private Events & Culinary Coordinator for the 16, October 14 and culminating November 18 with the Ultimate Downtown Market Grand Rapids (downtownmarketgr.com).
Iron Bartender Championship Finals.
“We definitely have some great talent, but without support,
Spectators can learn how these cocktail-professionals devise
recognition, resources and opportunities for growth, the talented
new drinks utilizing culinary conceptualization in a great new
West Michiganders puttered around in the background behind
way, and watch the creative process in action, as each competitor
the fanfare for ‘Beer City USA,’” says O’Haire. “When I tested the
has only 15 minutes to prepare two flawless libations to be held
idea of the Grand Rapids Cocktail Guild, so many people said ‘Yes! at the mercy of the panel of judges (including fellow cocktail Please do that!’ and ‘How can I join?’ The professionals and pre- professionals, local celebrities, and media). professionals in this area were so excited to validate and develop
“I regularly meet talented bartenders who are ready to showcase
our skills that it was surprisingly easy to get the ball rolling.” their cocktails to the Grand Rapids consumer,” Dickerson says. Led by a group of spirits professionals and cocktail experts “It is only a matter of time before craft cocktails are going to be from every side of the industry—from restauranteurs and
seen at the top of all the drink menus across town. The Michigan
bartenders, to distillers and distributors—the GR Cocktail Guild
distilling scene is also booming, which is going to inevitably
is focused on education and community engagement around the
increase demand for craft spirits.”
art and practice of a well-made cocktail. It is also an official
From “Beer City” to “Foodie Town” to “Cocktail City,” Grand
chapter of the United States Bartending Guild (usbg.org)—a
Rapids is serving up a well-rounded epicurean way of life that
local collegiate of experienced professionals working to develop, appeases both novice and expert palates alike. enrich and share the history, art, culture and enjoyment of the distilled spirit.
“The craft cocktail culture here has been emerging from the underground in the last few years,” Boyd says. “There are now
“I am finding Grand Rapids is poised to be the next Midwestern
several well-established craft cocktail bars in the city being
cocktail destination,” says Adam Dickerson, Midwest Spirits
supported by a Michigan craft distilling culture that has been
Ambassador for New Holland Brewing Company & Artisan Spirits, developing alongside of it, as well. There are a ton of talented and board member for the Grand Rapids Cocktail Guild. “It is
people making fantastic cocktails in Grand Rapids, being
really exciting for me to be able to look down the road a few years
supported by a bunch of people making world-class spirits all
and anticipate how the cocktail scene here will develop.”
over Michigan. You don’t have to travel to Chicago or Detroit to
The GR Cocktail Guild holds events, hosts classes, supports
explore this world anymore!”
local bars and restaurants, creates recipes, shares advice and works at a grassroots level to get people excited about galvanizing Dianna Stampfler is president of Promote Michigan and executive and expanding a legitimate cocktail scene in Grand Rapids. director of the newly formed Michigan Craft Distillers Association. One of the group’s signature events, The Iron Bartender Visit www.MiCraftSpirits.org for more information.
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