Portland Cocktail Week 2011 Schedule

Portland has become a mecca for the best in drinks, especially cocktails, so it’s only fitting that the city would have its own celebration to recocgnize that passion and creativity. From October 20-23, Portland will be bustling with all sorts of fun cocktail-centric festivities, from parties to seminars to tastings and competitions, and Imbibe is proud to be a sponsor again of this year’s celebration. Here’s a list of the 2011 lineup, and for more updates and details, head to portlandcocktailweek.com.

THURSDAY, OCT. 20, 2011
Welcome to Portland Cocktail Week with Pernod Ricard

Portland Cocktail Week begins at Wilf’s, one of Portland’s most classic destinations and iconic jazz clubs. To enjoy this party, all you’ll need is your most refined attire—the classic cocktails will be flowing. 8 p.m.-midnight. Tickets $40.

Featured Bartender Todd Richman at Teardrop Lounge
Star mixologist Todd Richman will take over the bar at Teardrop Lounge for an incredible evening of cutting edge cocktails and classics made with Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Barenjager, American Harvest and Jagermeister. 5-10 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 21, 2011
Bartenders’ Run to Kick Cancer’s Ass at Jupiter Hotel
Novo Fogo’s co-founder Emily LaCroix-Axinte is battling breast cancer and winning! Join “Team Emily” on a run/walk of 50 city blocks (4K) through the streets of Portland to help advance cancer research and get in shape. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Pacific Northwest’s world-renowned beacon of the good fight. 10-11 a.m. Participation Fee $25. Novo Fogo will sponsor the $25 fee for any bar guild member.

Pro-Series Seminars at Jupiter Hotel
The best and brightest in the bar industry will gather at the Jupiter Hotel to tackle the biggest issues that face the bar community today. These hour-long seminars will explore a wide range of topics ranging from the physiology of bartending to preparing for BarSmarts. These are not to miss if you love the craft. Noon-6 p.m. Invitation Only.

Maker’s Mark Arcade at Ground Control
What’s more fun than an arcade full of video games and pinball machines? An arcade full of video games, pinball machines and Maker’s Mark cocktails! Don’t miss the most fun happy hour you’ll ever have. 4-7 p.m. Tickets $30.

Featured Bartender Todd Richman at Beaker & Flask
Star mixologist Todd Richman will take over the bar at Beaker & Flask for an incredible evening of new and classic cocktails made with Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Barenjager, American Harvest and Jagermeister. 5-10 p.m.

Yacht Rocking with Don Q Rums at Lola’s Room
You’ve waited long enough, and now the party you’ve been dreaming of is finally here. Don Q Rums will whisk you away to a smoother time when the dulcet tones of Michael McDonald’s voice set the mood, casually encouraging you to slip on your boat shoes and float past all of life’s troubles. With a drink in hand, get ready to sing along to your favorite 80s soft rock with your very own backing band. 8 p.m.-midnight. Tickets $40.

Midnight Toast
Join mixologist Elayne Duke for a vodka toast at midnigh featuring Ketel One vodka and the world’s finest caviars. Wear your fancy duds and get ready for a true Russian experience. midnight-2 a.m. Location TBD.

SATURDAY, OCT 22, 2011
Bartender Challenge with Angus Winchester at Jupiter Hotel
Are you the best bartender you can be? Find out with Angus Winchester as he debuts his Bartenders Challenge at Portland Cocktail Week. noon-8 p.m.

Great American Distillers Festival at Leftbank Annex
This festival is a gathering of small distillers from across the country who come to Oregon to share their products, passion and expertise in handcrafting spirits. There will be tastings, seminars, a cocktail contest and more! noon-8 p.m. Tickets $10 for a 1-day pass (includes 3 taster tickets) or $16 for a 2-day pass.

Portland Cocktail Week Seminars at Leftbank Annex
Each half hour, the Oregon Bartenders Guild and their bartending colleagues from around the globe will offer insightful, instructional and entertaining seminars. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tickets $15 per seminar. Stay tuned for topics and times.

Robots vs. Humans with 42 Below at Jupiter Hotel
Sure, robots can make cocktails, but can they do it better than their human counterparts? The Oregon Bartenders Guild is betting they can’t. And, to prove human dominance, they’ve invited their mechanical rivals to an all out battle on their home turf, the Jupiter Hotel. Cheer on your favorite bartenders (whether they be human or robot) with a cocktail and tasty bites. 8 p.m.-midnight. Tickets $40.

SUNDAY, OCT 23, 2011
Bartender Challenge with Angus Winchester at Jupiter Hotel
Are you the best bartender you can be? Find out with Angus Winchester as he debuts his Bartenders Challenge at Portland Cocktail Week. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Great American Distillers Festival at Leftbank Annex
This festival is a gathering of small distillers from across the country who come to Oregon to share their products, passion and expertise in handcrafting spirits. There will be tastings, seminars, a cocktail contest and more! noon-8 p.m. Tickets $10 for a 1-day pass (includes 3 taster tickets) or $16 for a 2-day pass.

Portland Cocktail Week Seminars at Leftbank Annex

Each half hour, the Oregon Bartenders Guild and their bartending colleagues from around the globe will offer insightful, instructional and entertaining seminars. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tickets $15 per seminar. Stay tuned for topics and times.

Speed Rack at Leftbank Annex
Speed Rack is a competition created for and by female bartenders to promote female bartenders. And, while we’re at it, we’re going to raise some money for breast cancer research. Watch your favorite lady bartenders slug it out to see who’s the fastest in the Pacific Northwest. All proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research. 1-4 p.m. Tickets $40.

Imbibe Magazine’s 5th Anniversary Party
The beverage industry gathers to celebrate the fifth anniversary of our favorite publication. 7-11 p.m. Invitation Only.

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