Mixologists of the south, this one is for you. A call has been made for bartenders, mixologists, and craft cocktail makers from across the US to compete in the Top of the Rocks Cocktail Competition this May 19th. The competition will be held at Acme Feed & Seed, a food and cocktail restaurant in Nashville.
The cocktail competition is a fixture in Tennessee Whiskey Week, which sees numerous events across the state held in celebration of Tennessee’s whiskey and spirits culture. The annual events are held by the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, bringing together brands and fans in a week of revelry.
Top of The Rocks Cocktail Competition
Entrants to the Top of the Rocks competition will be handed a randomly selected spirit along with other, locally-sourced ingredients, and tasked with developing a creative and delicious cocktail.
A panel of industry experts will judge the cocktails. The winner of Top of the Rocks will receive:
- $500 in cash
- Seasonal menu inclusion at Acme Feed & Seed
- Menu inclusion of the winning spirit’s distillery
- A Gold Essential Cocktail Set from Cocktail Kingdom
- Promotion via Tennessee Whiskey Trail Outlets
There will also be prizes for the Fan Favorite cocktail, and the Most Creative, based on crowd input.
This year, distilleries offering up their spirits for cocktail creativity include (but are not limited to):
- Jack Daniel’s Distillery
- Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery,
- Nearest Green Distillery
- Old Tennessee Distilling Co.,
A full list of participants can be found here.
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So, if you are a mixologist and you fancy your chances, join the Tennessee Whiskey Guild at Acme Feed & Seed on May 19th for your shot at the grand prize. To enter, fill out the form here.
Guests at the competition will enjoy watching the mixologists compete, and witness the artistry of cocktail creation. You can also sample various spirits produced around Tennessee, and cast your vote for your Fan Favorite cocktail.
There will also be light bites from Acme Feed & Seed as well as live music from Timbo & BooRay.
Tickets cost $44 and can be purchased here.
About The Tennesee Whiskey Trail
Officially launched in 2017, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail features over 30 distilleries across the state, offering visitors a glimpse into the art of whiskey production from grain to glass.
Distilleries on the trail range from historic brands like Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg, which was established in 1866, to newer craft distilleries. Each offers unique experiences, showcasing traditional methods alongside innovative techniques.
The trail not only highlights the famous Tennessee whiskey, which must be made in Tennessee and follow specific production criteria, but also embraces the state’s beauty and local traditions.