GKCBC 2009: Introducing the Judges (part 2 of 2) and EmCee!

So here we are… Only a few months after the 2009 Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition… Oh wait… this is what’s called dropping the ball. This post has been sitting in draft status, partially completed, since before the competition. I thought it was high-time I finished it and sent it out into the world.

We’ve all met the finalists (http://www.gkcbc.com/finalists), and the first round of judges (GKCBC 2009: Introducing the Judges (part1 of 2))… But what about the rest of the group?

It’s my pleasure to introduce two very distinguished palates, with enough history to write at least a book or two (seriously… check out their books. they’re really good). as well as a man with one heckuva voice and personality…

Introducing… the remaining judges… Guest Judge, Mr. David Wondrich; Head Judge, Mr. Doug Frost, and our illustrious Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Paul Craig!

In reverse order:

Paul Craig is a seasoned EmCee, currently working with Theatre Tech Productions, but having experience as on-air talent for multiple radio stations, as well as announcing local fights. He describes himself as, “Professional Entertainer- Actor, Ring Announcer, Stiltwalker, Fireeater, Voice-Over Artist, Stunt Go-Kart Driver, BOOKING AGENT”. I’m personally most intrigued by the Fireeating side of things… but probably not something you’ll be seeing at this competition. With a voice that can fill most any room (even without a microphone) and an extremely professional attitude, we’re very thrilled to see Paul on board for this year’s competition.

Doug Frost… Doug Frost… gosh.. what can I say nice about Doug? Almost everything. Doug is a punk-rocker at heart, with an insatiable palette and a ton of accreditations. He is one of only three people in the world to be both a Master Sommelier and Master of Wine. I’ve heard his daily tasting regimen is just as intense as his awards. Seriously… we are talking about one of the most impeccable palettes in the world… AND… he’s one of the coolest guys you’ll ever meet (assuming you love geeking out over drink culture). Doug has been the head judge of the competition, and one of the co-founders since its inception. But this isn’t his first foray into beverage competition / education… from his bio, “As a founding partner of a new spirits and cocktail educational organization, BAR(Beverage Alcohol Resource), Frost has created a fantastic resource with his partners: Dale DeGroff, Steve Olson, Paul Pacult and David Wondrich. BAR opened for business in June 2006; Cheers Magazine selected BAR and its founders as Innovators of the Year for 2007. Frost was awarded Beverage Innovator of the Year 2009 by Cheers Magazine. He consults with many retailers, restaurateurs, wineries and distillers in the realms of marketing, merchandising, sales, education and sensory perception. Mr. Frost lives with his wife and two children in Kansas City, where he spends his spare time listening to his massive punk rock, vintage jazz and weird music collection.” We’re more than thrilled Doug’s on board, and can’t begin to say how priceless he is to the competition.

Dave Wondrich. Man, mystery, walking encyclopedia, celebrity. This guy’s got it all. As Esquire Magazine’s resident Cocktail historian, author of multiple books including the indispensible “Imbibe!”, and being one of the biggest cocktail geeks I’ve met, Dave’s involvement in this year’s competition is unreal. As a founding partner of BAR (with Doug Frost), and cocktail historian, Dave is constantly out there aiming to move cocktail culture forward while providing insight and wisdom from its history. Oh… and he’s appeared on the Colbert Report:

Dave’s participation in this competition is amazing. He is a heavy-hitter with history backing him up, and has definitely made the rounds regarding cocktail culture.

— POST COMPETITION WRAP-UP —
We’re more than thrilled to have been a part of the 2009 GKCBC… and there are some AMAZING things in store for 2010’s competition. Congratulations to the winners, and all the finalists who participated. It was a pleasure getting to meet & visit with each of you, and look forward to what’s to come in 2010!