Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas, announced today its plans to celebrate Texas Independence Day in three big ways: The Bourbon Takeover of Texas – a two-week mixology event leading up to March 2 (Texas Independence Day); The Garrison Brothers Bourbon Brawl – a statewide bartender contest; and a 2020 vintage release of Small Batch Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The Bourbon Takeover of Texas, now in its third year, quickly became an annual tradition for the Garrison Brothers team. A treat for whiskey lovers, the event consists of two weeks of 75+ distinguished bars and restaurants across the state featuring cocktail specials that include Garrison Brothers’ Small Batch Bourbon. These limited-time offerings will be available at select establishments in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio from Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 28.
Better Half – Jason Endress
Cannon & Belle at Hilton Austin – Joshua Stock
The Cavalier – Kevin Rhodes
Chez Zee American Bistro – Diego Valenzuela
Fixe Southern House – Liam Connors
Goldie’s Sunken Bar at Austin Proper Hotel – Sarah Rahl
Here Nor There – Nikolas Zoylinos
La Condesa – Priscilla Aragon
Marker 10 Spirits and Cuisine at Hyatt Regency Austin – Lisa Ciesla
Marker 10 Spirits and Cuisine at Hyatt Regency Austin – Keeley McGlathery
Marker 10 Spirits and Cuisine at Hyatt Regency Austin – Nikolas Zoylinos
Olamaie – Sophia Massie
OTOKO + Watertrade – Ricky Cobia
The Pershing – Alex Walter
Prohibition Creamery – Francisco Sosa
Punch Bowl Social – Makenzie McClure
Sway | Rock Rose – Caitlin Hood
Sway | West Lake Hills – Bryan Reynolds
Vince Young Steakhouse – Kari Dybvig
The Garrison Brothers team will visit every participating location to taste, critique, examine, and enjoy each cocktail, considering its potential for advancement to the first round of The 2020 Bourbon Brawl presented by Garrison Brothers and Texas Monthly, a statewide, high-stakes bartender competition with a $10,000 prize.
“Our original intention was to cap participating locations at 75 but the interest from bartenders across the state was so overwhelming, we decided to open it up to a few more select individuals,” said Rob Cordes, director of marketing for Garrison Brothers Distillery.
From the 75+ locations participating in The Bourbon Takeover of Texas, 25 bartenders will be chosen to compete in the semi-final round of the bartender competition. However, their cocktails are not necessarily the key criteria for advancement; the bartender’s attitude, charm, camaraderie with customers, and concern for the well-being of their community and constituents are also factors under consideration.
The semi-final round will take place in five cities across Texas: Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. A first place winner will be chosen at each semi-final, will advance to the finals, and the winner will take home $500. The final competition will be held in Austin on May 7th. Five bartenders will go head to head for the chance to be crowned the Bourbon Brawl 2020 Bartender of the Year and take home $10,000, their very own Single Barrel (for personal consumption only), and a complete Texas Luxury experience (details to be announced at a later date).
Thursday, March 26 | Time: 6:30 – 10 pm
The Houston Event Venue | 3118 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Thursday, April 2 | Time: 6:30 – 10 pm
The Arcadian at Sunset Station | 1174 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Thursday, April 9 | Time: 6:30 – 10 pm
The Empire Room | 1225 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Thursday, April 16 | Time: 6:30 – 10 pm
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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