At Encore's XS nightclub on September 12, 46 mixologists from the U.S. and Canada (each having already won competitions in their hometowns) showcased their talents in Las Vegas, as part of the United States Bartenders' Guild's Bartender Summit, sponsored by Bombay Sapphire and GQ magazine. After two days of cocktail making using Bombay's new Sapphire East product, Denver’s Bryan Dayton was named the guild’s “Most Inspired Bartender.” Chef Tyler Florence, mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, spirits writer Camper English, and corporate director of mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits Francesco Lafranconi hosted the event, which was overseen by vice president and brand managing director Giles Woodyer and produced by Pask Productions. As a further brand tie-in, Ted Baker London styled the winner for inclusion both inside and on a special-edition cover of GQ's December 2011 Man of the Year issue.
