November 14 marked the launch of William Ashley’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide with an experiential holiday event, that took place in the heart of Bloor Street. The event, Orrefors Cocktail Competition, brought together eight local bartenders, who were selected through the Bartender Atlas’ submission process. All of them competed for a trip to Sweden – the home of Orrefors glassware, and a $1000 cash prize.
Bartender Atlas and William Ashley partnered to deliver eight randomly selected Orrefors glasses, as well as spirits provided by Bacardi Canada. Competitors were urged to create an original recipe and visual class, that will showcase their given glass as part of the voting process.
During the event, guests were able to try all eight cocktails and interact with the competitors. Before the event, they received a rocks glass and a booklet, with information about each of the competing bartenders, the voting criteria and a voting card. They were then welcome to walk around the room and sample each cocktail, after which they voted for their favorite one.
ADVERTISEMENT |
There was a main bar set up in the room, serving selected classic cocktails and providing educational opportunities from Orrefors Kosta Boda and Bacardi.
The vote closed at 8:30 PM, and Maria Paterakis of a Toi, was named the winner an hour later. The other competitors included Aaron Hatchell of Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, Daniel Castro of Clockwork Champagne & Cocktails, Farzam Fallah of Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto, Lauren Pileggi of Supernova Ballroom, Leah Nicholas of FK, Morgan Beveridge of Belfast Love Public House and Nick Incretolli of Clockwork Champagne & Cocktails.
William Ashley’s new store is an epic journey in Tabletop, Home Décor, and Gourmet Kitchenware excellence. It provides a place for more than 200 prestigious brands. Some of them include Alessi, Baccarat, Beatriz Ball, Bernardaud, Christofle, Costa Nova, Daum, Degrenne, Denby and much more.
William Ashley’s takes great pride in offering exemplary customer service and providing clients with personalized consultations. You can check it out at 131 Bloor Street West and see for yourself!
ADVERTISEMENT |
Check out the photo gallery, courtesy of Becca Gilgan, to see the true masterpieces featured at the Orrefors Cocktail Competition!
