Eighteen talented bartenders and mixologists from Grand Rapids best restaurants will compete in the finals of the Grand Cocktail Competition this Wednesday, August 5th from 5 - 7:30 pm at Gravity Taphouse Grille located at 3210 Deposit Drive next to Northpointe Bank at the East Beltline and I-196 interchange.

The competition will decide who wins the Grand Prize award in two categories, “Most Creative Herradura Summer Cocktail” and “Most Creative Woodford Reserve Julep”. The finalists in the event were selected from a blind vote cast by 10 judges who represent the spirits and media community in Greater Grand Rapids and Michigan. During the competition, 10 judges will watch the finalists in action and will vote on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Finalists will be judged on cocktail appearance, aroma, taste, creativity, use of product, and overall presentation.

Who are the judges, you ask? I actually don't know, except for myself. Yep, I will be one of the judges for the cocktail competition. Tough job, I know, but someone has to do it, so, why not me.

We will present the awards immediately following the competition from 8 – 8:30 pm (approximate).

The Grand Cocktail Competition is created as part of Restaurant Week Grand Rapids 2015. The Grand Cocktail Competition is one week prior to Restaurant Week Grand Rapids, the popular food event that will run for 12 days from August 12 – 23, 2015.

The Judged Finals for the Grand Cocktail Competition is an invitation-only event. The public can visit Gravity Taphouse Grille on August 5th to give their support to the competitors. The presentation room where the finals will take place is limited to judges, competitors and their guests. A patio connected to the presentation room may be open for viewers, but there is limited capacity seating. The public can discuss the judged competition on Facebook and Twitter by using the hashtag #RWGR.

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