Cocktail Wars Newport Is Back, Sponsored By Thomas Tew Rum

Newport’s biggest mixology competition is back, sponsored by Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., the maker’s of Thomas Tew Rum.

Cocktail Wars Newport has returned for a three week tournament this March. Last Wednesday, four veteran bartenders faced off against each other, using Newport, RI’s own Thomas Tew Rum as their primary ingredient. The top two for the week proceed to the finals in Week Three, where they’ll face off against the top two bartenders of Week Two.

The Competitors – Week 1

Samantha Anne Donahue – Bouchard’s

Joe Watt – Gas Lamp Grille

Sam Phelps – Stoneacre Brasserie

Vincent X. Gunn – Cocktail Wars Summer Splash Semi-Finalist

The Judges

Ryan O’Sullivan – Thomas Tew Rum Representative

Luke Devine – Newport’s tallest restaurant manager

Peter Mellekas – Newport’s snarkiest photographer

About Thomas Tew Rum

The first rum distilled in Newport, Rhode Island since 1842, Thomas Tew Rum has gained fame ever since its release. When it was featured on Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, it became a permanent part of the rum map. Named after the notorious “Rhode Island Pirate” Thomas Tew, who actually lived in Newport for a time before raiding the Caribbean.

APPEARANCE:
– Dark Amber Rum
NOSE:
– Brown spice with hints of molasses and oak
FLAVOR:
– Sweet caramel and molasses up front followed by vanilla, spice and oak flavors
MOUTHFEEL:
– Full bodied rum that coats the pallet
SERVED:
– Straight or on the rocks, or in cocktails where rum is a signature flavor

Learn more at the Thomas Tew Rum website.

(SPOILERS!!!)

…And the winners for Week 1 are….

Congrats to Week 1 Winner Samantha Donahue of Bouchard’s and Runner Up Sam Phelps of Stoneacre Brasserie!

The second week of Cocktail Wars Newport takes place tonight (3/14/18)! RSVP here.

-Tristan Pinnock, Blast Cocktail Correspondent