That’s A Wrap—Chilled 100 Elevate 2023 WAS Epic!

That’s a wrap!! At the close of Chilled 100 Elevate in Kentucky, we are thrilled to share a recap of the exceptional moments that made this year’s event truly epic.

Photos by Justin Harrison

Chilled 100 Elevate 2023 was a magical experience blending mixology mastery with the rich heritage of the area. Still, at the heart of Elevate lies the incredibly talented bartenders that graced our event. Thank you all for attending.

With over 100 local and national Chilled 100 bartenders joining us in Louisville, our 4-day event brought together industry stars from renowned bartenders like Dale DeGroff, Ted Breaux, and Lynnette Marrero to many of our rising stars, like Coramino Cup winner Chai Lee and newly crowned Lobos 1707 Tequila brand ambassador, Ty Nicole Tucker—the industry talent in attendance this year was unmistakable.

The opening night reception at local bar, Meta, sponsored by The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley, kicked off the festivities followed by the next day’s first full day of seminars and tastings. The seminars and tastings led by today’s industry leaders delved into the latest trends, techniques, and innovations empowering our Chilled 100 attendees with insights to elevate their craft to the next level. The topics showcased at each seminar were nothing short of extraordinary.

Our diverse lineup of spirits and brands added flair to the event. The range of flavors, styles, and stories shared by our sponsors enriched the tasting experiences, allowing attendees to explore the world of spirits like never before.

A group toast from Lynyrd Skynryd and Hell House Whiskey topped out the first day, leading our bartenders out to their elevated dinner experiences hosted by some of the hottest local spots including Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant, sponsored by Traverse City Whiskey, LeMoo, sponsored by Courvoisier, Proof on Main, sponsored by Samson and Surrey, and Dragon King’s Daughter, sponsored by The House of Suntory. The following night our bartenders were hosted by Hell House Whiskey at Liquor Lab, Knauppoge Castle Irish Single Malt at Vincenzo’s, Terlato at Cured, and Amber Beverage Group at La Bodeguita de Mina.

The Chilled 100 Bartenders embarked on a journey through the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon culture with exclusive distillery tours. They were immersed in the rich history, craftsmanship, and flavors of renowned distilleries, including Four Roses, Legent Jim Beam Tour with an exclusive Ice Carving experience led by Hidetsugu Ueno (owner of Bar High Five in Tokyo), and Hirsch Bardstown.

The night ended with our bartenders attending the Lobos 1707 Tequila and Mezcal Best in Class Cocktail Challenge at Nick and Norman’s in Whiskey Row, where they cast their votes for the winning bartender.

From our Masquerade Gala supporting the Helen David Relief Fund to the closing night Roaring 20s party sponsored by Deutsch Family featuring Redemption Rye, we celebrated the ambiance, the energy, and the atmosphere where connections were made, and memories were forged.

We are very grateful to the bartenders, sponsoring brands, and all that helped elevate the entire experience. Our Chilled 100 Bartenders had the privilege to engage with some of the most passionate artisans who poured their expertise into every event. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, partners, attendees, and everyone who contributed to the success of Chilled 100 Elevate 2023. Your support is the driving force behind the continued growth and excellence of our community.

Save the Date

As we bid farewell to this year’s event, mark your calendars for November 2024. We can’t wait to welcome you again for another elevated celebration of mixology and community.

About the Chilled 100

We continue to search from coast to coast for the best bartenders to join our group. Our elite members are passionate and talented individuals who love cocktails just as much as we do! Are you a working bartender interested in learning more? Join now!