San Diego, CA - February 7, 2011 In its pivotal 3rd year, the San Diego Spirits Festival (June 25th and 26th) has evolved. With a fresh look, a slew of innovative ideas, a new location and more industry support than ever, it is quickly becoming the preeminent spirits event on the west coast.  This year, the festival has relocated to a stunning venue situated Bayside at The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier – a state of the art building along the city’s spectacular waterfront.  Much like its west coast predecessors - San Francisco and Los Angeles - San Diego is currently experiencing an exciting cocktail revolution.  The San Diego Spirits Festival is committed to building the mixology community locally and to garnering national exposure for the brands and bartenders that participate.  This year, the San Diego Spirits Festival is proud to unveil a re-vamped new look and an increased level of local community involvement. Established by founder, Liz Edwards in 2009, The San Diego Spirits Festival attracts high-profile members of the spirits and culinary trade, enthusiastic consumers, local bartenders and restaurateurs who are passionate about San Diego and the west coast’s burgeoning cocktail scene. The San Diego Spirits Festival is ready to be in the spotlight - San Diego’s time has come!

The 2-day June event will focus on competitions, tastings, seminars and parties sponsored by a growing lineup of national spirit brands and local restaurants who astutely support San Diego’s up-and-coming cocktail community.  A full schedule of events will lead up to the festival including the first ever San Diego Cocktail Week (June 20-24) – which will highlight sponsoring brands in craft cocktails at San Diego’s best bars – a way to truly to showcase the talented bartenders who are shaking up this new and vibrant cocktail scene.  Each month, the city will be the host to neighborhood Bartender Battles and bi-monthly Chef/Bartender Shakedowns in search of the brightest bar and culinary talent the city has to offer.  The winners will compete in June at the ultimate battle and shakedown at the Festival.

In proud support of the newly formed San Diego chapter of the United States Bartender Guild (USBG), the San Diego Spirits Festival will donate proceeds from all Bartender Battles and 100% of all industry ticket sales to the San Diego chapter to build the local cocktail community.   A portion of the proceeds from San Diego Spirits Festival will benefit another local charity - San Diego Chefs de Cuisine Association, Inc. - a member of the American Culinary Federation.

About the New Venue – The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier
Located on the Bay, this 52,000-square foot structure is the Port of San Diego's first "green" building and was designed and constructed with (LEED) certification. The modern glass structure offers commanding views of San Diego’s breathtaking waterfront and is the ideal new setting for the 2011 San Diego Spirits Festival.  The large space offers multiple levels and endless opportunities for brands to be featured. 

About the United States Bartender Guild (USBG)
With over 60 years of presence in the United States and International coverage in affiliation with the International Bartender's Association (IBA) in over 50 countries, the United States Bartenders' Guild is the largest network of professional bartenders and is setting the standard for the profession throughout the country. The USBG is a non-profit organization founded in 1948 and registered a non-profit organization in 1967 in Southern California. Over the years the guild has expanded nationally and is now in the following cities; Austin, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Denver, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, St. Louis, San Diego and continues to grow.

With the resurgence and ever increasing popularity of the cocktail, there is a high demand for creative and professional bartenders. Bars are using higher quality spirits and mixers as well as fresh fruits and juices and hiring knowledgeable and imaginative bartenders to create and serve them. As an industry leader the USBG is responsible for raising the bar and creating new trends to keep our competitive edge.
The USBG is a national network of bartenders who come together to share their common interest: the craft of mixology.

About the Chefs de Cuisine Association
The principal aims and objectives of the Association are:

• To promote, strengthen and develop the bonds of friendship that should exist among members of the profession.
• To study, discuss and protect its moral and legal interests, whenever it may be necessary.
• To foster educational programs, with lectures and demonstrations by culinarians and catering experts, thus keeping abreast of any new developments in food and service.

With the sponsorship deck now out to attract potential participants, sponsors from around the country are currently planning their parties, seminars and tastings for the festival! Visit www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com to find out more information and new developments.

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