We teamed up with Dragon’s Milk to host our first March Madness Bartender Competition last Sunday (March 31) and it was a blast! 16 awesome, local bartenders went head to head for prizes and of course, bragging rights.
The competition consisted of four single-elimination rounds with the winners taking home prizes like $200 cash, gift cards to Dram & Draught, and great Dragon’s Milk swag.
We also raised money for The V Foundation for Cancer Research and were able to donate $500 to the cause! Thank you, for helping us raise the money.
In addition to incredible bartending talent, we also had a star-studded panel of judges including AC Restaurants’ Ashely Christensen and Copper & King’s Alex Flynn.
A special thank you goes out to Raleigh Barman Ian Murray and Jess Thurston from New Holland Dragon’s Milk for making this event happen.
Check out our photos below taken by the talented Derek VanHorn and keep reading to see who was named number one.
Congrats, Josh Gagne from Haymaker
Josh from Haymaker was our big winner for the evening and took home lots of prizes. Congratulations, Josh, and thank you to everyone who participated.
How Were They Judged
Our panel of judges were not only going by how good the drink was, but they also were voting based on the balance of the drink, the appearance, and creativity. All of the competitors were tasked with using Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout however they would like, in every drink.
We had an awesome time teaming up with Dragon’s Milk and look forward to hosting more competitions in the future!
About Dragon’s Milk from New Holland Brewing
The legendary beer’s name was born from a story told in medieval times. The knight’s reward for slaying a dragon was the treasured “milk of the dragon.” Today, Dragon’s Milk is an English term used to describe the finest liquid in the house. New Holland Brewing believed the liquid they were crafting would be the best in their house. A true legend, hence the name. Learn more at DragonsMilk.com and stop by Dram & Draught to try some today!
Wayne says
April 10, 2019 at 8:19 pmWho were the other contestants? What were the drinks?
Cameron Robbins Taylor says
April 16, 2019 at 4:10 pmThanks for the great question Wayne. We don’t have a list of their cocktails but here are the contestants:
Kyle Ford
Greg Ewan
Jeff Stender – Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar
Stew Elleson – The Cardinal
Josh Gagne – The Haymaker
Jacq Thomas – Parliament & Coglins
Jake Davis – Dram & Draught
Richie Cook – Gallo Pelón
Britt Clark
Sean Otwell
Wild Card Tony – Outer Banks Distilling
Ryan Hill – Dram & Draught Greensboro
Kellie Corcoran
Duke Campbell – Bittersweet
Dug Wheeler – Atlantic Lounge