Martini Italian Bistro wins Four Roses ‘Rose Julep’ Contest

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 21, 2014) — Mixologist Jason Stark of Louisville’s Martini Italian Bistro claimed the 2014 Four Roses Bourbon “Rose Julep” title for his “Spiced Julep” recipe.

Stark claimed both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice award during Four Roses’ 11th annual Rose Julep Contest, held at The Ice House on Thursday, February 20. The event was in conjunction with Derby Festival’s “Derby Festival Unveiled” event, and drew nearly 700 people who sampled the competitors’ cocktails and voted for the People’s Choice winner. A panel of beverage industry experts along with Mike Berry, Derby Festival president, comprised the official panel for the Judges’ Award and scored the juleps based on creativity, taste, presentation and originality.

Four Roses held a preliminary blind judging of 30 recipes submitted from area restaurants and bars in hopes of becoming one of the five finalists chosen to compete at the event.

The five finalists who qualified to compete in this year’s competition included Stark, Beth Burrows of Down One Bourbon Bar, Karla Ramsey of Troll Pub, Michael Anderson of Monkey Wrench and Isaac Fox of Volare Italian Ristorante.

For the Judges’ Choice, Volare placed third, Monkey Wrench was second, followed by Martini in first. For the Peoples’ Choice, Volare placed third, Troll Pub was second, followed by Martini in first.

Stark’s winning Rose Julep, “The Spiced Julep,” calls for:

1.5 oz. Four Roses Small Batch
0.5 oz. Cointreau
0.5 oz. Agave Nectar
0.5 oz. Monin Blood Orange
1 oz. Orange Juice
1 squeezed Lime Wedge
8 Large Mint Leaves
Dash of Habanero bitters
Shake and double strain
Garnish with sprig of mint and burnt orange peel

For more information on the Rose Julep Recipe Contest and winning recipes, visit www.fourrosesbourbon.com.

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