Marriott Hotels Stirs Up Bourbon Battles In Celebration Of The Art Of The Cocktail

BETHESDA, Md., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International, kicked off its premier Bourbon Battles competition yesterday – a five-city tour with a mission to crown the ultimate bourbon cocktail craftsman. Hosted by leading spirit expert and author Heather Greene, the event series will debut in Lexington, KY followed by stops in Portland, Calgary and Boston, culminating in New York City on National Bourbon Day, June 14. The new Bourbon Battles competition series is being launched as part of the broader Marriott Hotels Bourbon Program, an innovative on-property experience for guests and visitors.

"Bourbon has all the essential elements to create an engaging bar experience for our guests. It has a rich history and compelling stories driven by unique brands. It offers options for everyone's taste, from creative cocktails to exclusive pours," said Matthew Carroll, vice president Brand Management, Marriott Hotels. "Our new Bourbon Battles competition is a fun, innovative way to showcase the evolution of the Bourbon world and helps bring even more creativity and unexpected tastes to our guests."

Marriott Hotels' Bourbon Battle features four contestants per event. Winners from the first four events will win a chance to compete in the final round in New York City.  It's a great way for Marriott Hotels to showcase some of the best bartenders in the industry. At each Battle, the Marriott bartenders will go up against local mixologists to prove their bourbon mixology skills.

In the past decade, there has been nearly a 40 percent growth in sales of bourbon and Tennessee whiskey in the United States, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.  Tapping into this trend, Marriott Hotels' Bourbon Program features world-renowned spirits brands, such as Maker's Mark and Knob Creek, signature cocktails and locally curated flights at Marriott Greatroom lobby bars in over 250 properties.

"I'm thrilled to partner with Marriott Hotels as they make America's greatest spirit more accessible to all who want to celebrate it," said Heather Greene, world-leading spirit expert. "It's so nice for both bourbon loyalists and new curious connoisseurs to find themselves at home with this program that offers well-made cocktails and excellent service."

To see the action in real time, follow #BourbonBattles and Marriott Hotels on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

For more information about the Greatroom experience, bourbon offerings and the other newest innovations from Marriott Hotels, visit TravelBrilliantly.com.

About Marriott Hotels
With more than 500 hotels and resorts in over 50 countries around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest's stay, enabling the next generation to Travel Brilliantly. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that elevates style & design and technology. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.

About Marriott International:
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,400 properties in 87 countries and territories.  Marriott International reported revenues of more than $14 billion in fiscal year 2015. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, Bulgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and Moxy Hotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together comprise nearly 55 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com.

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SOURCE Marriott Hotels