Oregon Bounty Challenges Mixologists to Design a Drink and Win a Getaway



    SALEM, Ore., July 24 /EMWNews/ -- 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 and Mt. 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 in Portland. 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.