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Programs slated for Apres Ski Cocktail Classic

Staff report

The third annual Apres Ski Cocktail Classic in Aspen, March 5 to 8, announced its programming slate for this year’s cocktail festival. An ensemble of the nation’s top brand ambassadors and spirit aficionados will be pouring a treasure trove of spirits at the Grand Tasting Village both Friday and Saturday, March 6 to 7. This year, the Tasting Village adds a slate of micro-seminars along with samplings from more than 100 premium spirit partners. “With our headquarters moving to The Little Nell, and a grand tasting village spanning both The Little Nell poolside patio and the Upper Gondola Plaza, we couldn’t imagine a better setting to share this Apres experience,” co-founder Kevin Haasarud said.

The Grand Tasting Village is from 2 to 5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. There also is a Private Reserve Tasting Room (The Gallery at e47, The Little Nell) that runs concurrently with the Grand Tasting Village featuring a three-hour sampling of high marques, an elit by Stolichnaya caviar bar, and its own slate of micro seminars.

A seminar series (accessed by VIP Pass) will rotate between a 1 p.m. slot at Chair 9 at The Little Nell and a 5:30 p.m. slot at Justice Snow’s on Thursday through Saturday. Programming includes:



• Raclette, Cheese Fondue and Champagne Pairings

• Top Colorado Craft Distillers




• How to Put the “Hot” in Your Toddy

• The World of Stranahan’s

• Cocktails at Home

• Making “Scents” of Tequila Aromatics with Don Julio’s Sergio Garcia.

“We truly have something for everyone,” co-founder Laura Albers said. “The response from our sponsors this year has been unrivaled in both their enthusiasm for this event and what Aspen represents to their consumer base. We also have a complimentary fireside chat series at Ullr Nights and The Little Nell, complimentary pop-up bars each day, a ski race this year on Sunday Pub Crawl morning, a special Riedel Spirit Glass Tasting Event, a Dinner Series, a Brunch Series — the list just goes on and on.”

The weekend rounds out with The Great Apres Ski Pub Crawl presented by The Aspen Times (March 8, from 2 to 6 p.m.) featuring 10 brands at 10 of Aspen’s finest establishments all vying for the title of the Best Apres Cocktail. This event also will have its own seminar slate of programs featured at both Justice Snow’s and Chef’s Club all for one ticket price of $40.

For complete schedule and ticket information visit http://www.apresskicc.com.