Bar Battle hits Sonoma Nov. 12

Tickets on sale now for local Native Sons and vets org fundraiser|

Bartenders, start your blenders.

The 10th annual Sonoma Bar Battle will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building as local bartenders face off once more for the title of “Sonoma’s Best Bartender.”

The 13 participants will each decorate their booth, create a signature cocktail and appetizers, and vie for the attendees’ votes for “Best Booth” and “Best Fan Cocktail.”

The bartenders will also compete in an Iron Bartender-type challenge, as once on stage each bartender will have 10 minutes to make a cocktail using a secret ingredient that has just been revealed to them. The winner from each heat will move to the final, with the winner given the title of “Sonoma’s Best Bartender.”

For the seventh year, Gloria Ferrer will be hosting its own competition within the Sonoma Bar Battle, as each bartender will be asked to make a cocktail using a Gloria Ferrer sparkling wine.

Participating this year is 2015 defending title holder B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille, as well as Saddles Steakhouse, Mary’s Pizza Shack on the Plaza, Murphy’s Irish Pub, HopMonk Tavern, The Swiss Hotel, Carneros Bistro, Sonoma Grille, Town Square, Aventine, Maya and The Plaza Bistro.

New this year will be several tasting stations throughout the building. Patrons will be able to taste spirits from distilleries such as that are located around the world, while talking to the national brand ambassadors about them.

These include Beam-Suntory as the title spirits sponsor, Charbay Distillery & Winery to provide clear and flavored vodkas and Courvoisier, whose brand ambassador Zahra Bates will be attending to provide an informational session with the competing bartenders.

The event starts at 6 p.m., at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First St. W. Live music will be provided by T-Luke and the Tight Suits.

Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, and are now available at Steiners Tavern, Town Square, Eraldi’s Menswear and Mary’s Pizza Shack on the Plaza, as well as online at alpost489.org.

The event is supported by the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor 111, and American Legion Jack London Post 489, with proceeds from the event split between the Native Sons and local Veterans organizations.

For more information visit sonomabarbattle.com.

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