Kevin's drink was a favorite with the judges including Marcia Gagliardi, editor of Tabletopper.com who had this to say about it in her popular food and drink blog:

 

Last week I swung by a private event where local bartenders were competing with their recipes for a featured drink, the ~CONSERVATINI~, for the upcoming Conservatory of Flowers' gala, The Golden Gate Express. Since they were down a judge, I ended up becoming an impromptu judge alongside Leslie Sbrocco of KQED's Check, Please, and Tiffany Martini, the Examiner's Meet Your Mixologist columnist. Hey, as a former girl scout, I help when I can! The winner was Kevin Diedrich (of Clock Bar, Bourbon & Branch, and the upcoming Cask store) with his killer drink, made with Hangar One Mandarin Blossom, fresh lime juice, Velvet Falernum, homemade orgeat, Whiskey Age Barrel Bitters, chipotle tincture, and an orange twist. In case you're interested, the gala event on November 19th will feature the winning cocktail (you gotta try it!), plus wines, and bites, a new garden railway exhibition, and the chance to experience the Conservatory at night. All proceeds benefit the Conservatory of Flowers' youth environmental education programs. $200 ($125 for those 35 and younger). 6:30pm. Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, 415-831-2090.