The seven bar teams competing in this year’s annual Bar Fight Club at Tales of The Cocktail have been announced.
The list was released today by 86 Company (“The 86 Co.”) and Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal.
Bar Fight Club pits bar teams in a face-off not only with drink-making but also how they create ambiance, service and style.
Competing Thursday, July 16, at Generations Hall in New Orleans, these bar teams will be coming in from around the country, and, for the first time in Bar Fight Club history, from around the world as well.
The final seven participants were determined from a group of thirty semifinalists. They are:
ABV – San Francisco, CA
The Aviary – Chicago, IL
Black Pearl – Melbourne, Australia
Candelaria – Paris, France
Extra Fancy – Brooklyn, NY
Pastry War – Houston, TX
White Lyan – London, UK
Each participating team will create a pop-up version of their bar at the event and mix up unique and standout cocktails featuring the spirits of The 86 Company’s portfolio – Fords Gin, Caña Brava Rum, Aylesbury Duck Vodka & Tequila Cabeza — as well as those from Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal — VIDA, Chichicapa, Minero, San Luis del Rio, Santo Domingo Albarradas & Crema de Mezcal.
The panel of judges will include The 86 Co. co-founder Simon Ford, Steve Olson, Tony Abou-Ganim, Jackson Cannon, John Gertsen, Jim Meehan, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Eric Alperin, Erik Lorincz, Bridget Albert, Misty Kalkofen, Charles Joly, and Julie Reiner.
The winners will be chosen based on a range of criteria covering cocktail making and presentation, with bonus points awarded to the teams who most energize the crowd. Also up for grabs will be a prize for People’s Choice, chosen by the Bar Fight Club crowd that night.
