John wayne inspired duke kentucky straight bourbon launches “dining with the duke” ch

Mixologists, Chefs And John Wayne Fans Invited To Submit Pairings To Be Featured In Tasting Panel Magazine; Winners To Be Flown To Las Vegas For Final Showdown And Compete For Magazine Cover

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (August 19, 2015) – DUKE Kentucky Straight Bourbon, crafted by Monument Valley Distillers after John Wayne’s own Bourbon collection and tasting notes dating back to 1960, along with Tasting Panel magazine, are proud to announce the launch of “Dining with the Duke,” a challenge after the legendary actor’s love of food and drink. The nationwide challenge gives mixologists, foodies and fans alike a chance to showcase their own best John Wayne inspired DUKE Kentucky Straight Bourbon cocktail/recipe pairing in an upcoming Tasting Panel issue, the most widely circulated trade publication in the beverage industry.

“We are calling on anyone with a serious passion about cocktails, food or John Wayne to send in their favorite pairings,” says Chris Radomski, Founder of DUKE Spirits. “What we will be looking for above all else will be that the pairing reflect The Duke’s own passion for Bourbon and for life. We hope to stimulate the craft of pairing bourbons with food and raise the bar of creativity. Bourbon, like a fine wine, lends itself to this. ”

The challenge, which was born out of a team of experts creating a “Dining with the Duke” recipe booklet containing a series of recipes using DUKE Kentucky Straight Bourbon, is open for entry today and closes December 1. Entries can be submitted through email at [email protected].

Starting with the September issue of Tasting Panel, two submissions will be featured each month through December. The top six submissions will be sent to Las Vegas for a final showdown hosted by internationally renowned and celebrated mixologist Francesco Lafranconi at Southern Wine & Spirits mixology lab. During the final round, contestants will participate in a series of events including a mixology and pairing challenge as well as an outdoor challenge befitting the Duke, with the son of John Wayne, Ethan Wayne. The winner will be featured in a cover story for Tasting Panel’s April 2016 issue documenting their cocktail creations and experience.

About Monument Valley Distillers
Monument Valley Distillers is an artisan distiller crafting small batches of superior bourbon, whiskey and brandy. Monument Valley was born in Calistoga, California, many years ago, over an epic dinner featuring wine, shared memories and laughter between founders Ethan Wayne, son of John Wayne, renowned vintners of Hundred Acre Wines, Jayson Woodbridge and Chris Radomski, and great friend Richard Howell. Creator of DUKE Spirits, Monument Valley Distillers is committed to preserving the legacy of John Wayne by creating authentic products bearing his name. For more information visit http://www.dukespirits.com. Please enjoy all Monument Valley Distillers products responsibly.
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