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New Contest Shakes Up Oregon Craft Spirits

SALEM, Ore., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel Oregon is calling all adult beverage aficionados to create Oregon Bounty spirits concoctions during the "Create the Oregon Bounty Cocktail" contest. The contest officially begins today, Thursday, July 24, as part of the annual statewide promotion Oregon Bounty that celebrates the state's artisan producers.

Contest entries need to represent one of the state's distinct regions: Eastern Oregon,Southern Oregon, the Oregon Coast,Central Oregon, the Willamette Valley,Portland Metro andMt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge. Contestants are encouraged to visit TravelOregon.com/Bounty to learn more about the region each drink will personify and to see a complete list of Oregon distilled spirits.

"Living in a state that's home to 20 distilleries, we are constantly inventing and continuously moving into uncharted craft spirit territory. With the addition of the Oregon Distillers Guild to the Oregon Bounty celebration this year, the possibilities are infinite," said Holly Macfee, director of brand strategy for Travel Oregon. "By using spirits infused with local ingredients like berries, saffron and fresh tarragon in addition to the newly released absinthe -- one of only a few produced here in the U.S. -- people will be able to get daring with their cocktails and incorporate some uniquely Oregon ingredients not found in a typical bar."

Entries must be submitted between July 24 and Aug. 22. Seven contest finalists, one for each region of the state, will be announced on Sept. 10. The grand prize winner will be chosen at the Oregon Bounty Happy Hour kick-off event on Sept. 18 inPortland. The seven finalists will receive weekend getaways around the state. The grand prize winner, creator of the "unofficial official Oregon Bounty cocktail," will receive Nambe barware from Macy's, and a two-night getaway to meet and taste with Oregon's artisan distillers at the Oregon Distillers Guild Spirits Tasting, Oct. 11, at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale.

Anyone at least 21 years of age or older may enter any one or all seven of the regional categories at TravelOregon.com/Bounty. All recipes must use Oregon's artisan distilled spirits and local ingredients wherever possible. While spirits not made in Oregon may be used as a secondary ingredient, the primary alcohol ingredient used must be from Oregon.

Each entrant must specify which of Oregon's seven regions his or her cocktail represents. Multiple entries must be submitted individually and there is no limit to the number of total submittals. Recipes must include a list of ingredients, written directions and recommended glassware. Unique cocktail names are encouraged.

For a complete list of contest rules and to enter the contest, visit TravelOregon.com/Bounty.

About Oregon Bounty and Travel Oregon

The annual statewide Oregon Bounty promotion celebrates the state's culinary abundance during two months of unique travel experiences, fall harvest events and special overnight packages at historic inns and hotels -- all designed to highlight Oregon's diverse and plentiful culinary landscape. Oregon Bounty is produced by the Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon-with support from the Oregon Wine Board, Oregon Brewers Guild, Oregon Distillers Guild, Oregon's regional destination marketing organizations, Oregon Lodging Association, Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, and Brand Oregon, among others-with the goal of encouraging economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Oregon through a strengthened economic impact of tourism statewide. Travel Oregon collaborates extensively with local communities, industry associations, government agencies and private businesses, and is proud to grow the Oregon Bounty promotion as a key campaign in the state's growing $8.3 billion tourism industry, helping Oregon to be recognized as a not-to-be-missed culinary travel destination. Visit http://www.TravelOregon.com for more information.

SOURCE Travel Oregon

Tags: ,FOD,ALC,TRA,LEI,OR-TravelOregon-Drink

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