At the tail end of 2019, Wyoming Whiskey hosted their 6th annual Ski-Town Showdown competition. Starting with three regional competitions in Aspen, Jackson and Boise, four finalists from each region went head to head in the finals, at the Pink Garter Theater. Only one winner could be crowned the best in the west.
Bartenders were charged with highlighting Wyoming Whiskey’s small batch bourbon or Outryder as the main ingredient in their craft cocktails. Each had five minutes to create five cocktails with up to six ingredients (water, ice and garnishes did not count as ingredients). Infusions were allowed to be made ahead of competition time, and only counted as one ingredient.
The winner of the finals received: $2,500 in cash, a custom championship belt buckle, a pair of Blizzard Skis, a place on next year’s judging panel and bragging rights. Second place received $300 and a pair of Tecnica ski boots, with another $200 going to the third place finalist. The final three, and their winning cocktail recipes, are as follows:
First Place: Rodrigo Perez
Perez was a finalist from the Boise competition. He represents the Owyhee Tavern. Fun fact: “I became interested in bartending after learning about prohibition in my college history class.”
Second Place: Peter Lovera
Lovera represents The Royal Cocktail Co., and he was the winner of the Boise regional competition. He learned to bartend on the island of Maui.
Third Place: Ryley Dizzino
Dizzino was the winner of the Jackson regional competition, and represents The Rose. Fun fact: “I believe in magic.”
Cocktails were judged on taste, appearance and creativity. Deductions were given for sloppiness, spillage and going over the allotted time. This year’s judges included: Jacob Johnson–the 2017 Ski-Town Showdown champion, professional snowboarder Mark Carter, and Tyson Buhler, of Death & Co.
Event sponsors: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Blizzard Skis, Tecnica Ski Boots, Whiskey Leatherworks, Fine Dining Restaurant Group, The Wort Hotel, Hoff’s Bikesmith, Water Bear Bar in Boise, Bad Harriet in Aspen, Local in Jackson, The Rose in Jackson and, of course, Wyoming Whiskey.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Wyoming Whiskey small batch bourbon
- 3/4 ounces Laird’s Applejack brandy
- 3/4 ounces pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce tamarind
- Chili syrup