Bartender at Large

This week we are joined by spirits marketing guru S t e v e n G r a s s e , Founder and CEO of Tamworth Distilling in New Hampshire. Grasse is the creator of some of the biggest brands in the world, such as Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick's Gin. Years later he runs a team of 75 people and still lists iconic brands such as Guinness Beer, E&J Gallo and Miller High Life as clients. In many ways, he cha...

Covering bars and travel for drinks media can be difficult in today's world, but it can still be done. PPE and constant COVID tests can begin to feel arduous at times, so to help us wrap our heads around what it is like to cover global cocktails today, we are joined by Holly Graham, managing editor of Drink Magazine Asia. So tune in to hear her perspective and point of view as to what it is like t...

With many bars gearing up their fall & winter menus, we wanted to make sure that they don't forget about boozy milkshakes and the role they play on cocktail menus around the world. To shed some light on these frosty treats, we are joined by Kim Haasarud (James Beard-honored bartender, author, president of the United States Bartender's Guild,) so listen in as she discusses everything from seasonali...

For this week's episode we dive into the topic of pollinators and the role that they play in the food that we eat and the cocktails we drink. To help illuminate the topic, we are joined by Barr Hill Gin's Master Distiller, Ryan Christiansen, and their Head Bartender & Beverage Director, Sam Nelis. So tune in and learn about Bee's Knees Week, sustainability in distilling and how to create more resp...

Tasting and evaluating spirits can be an intimidating and daunting task. In fact, many bartenders and industry professionals who are well-versed at making cocktails, find themselves at a loss when approaching liquor on its own. To help us better understand and navigate the world of tasting spirits, we are joined by Samara Davis, founder of the Black Bourbon Society and founding director of Diversi...

For this episode of the show, we are joined by Simón Alberti, bartender and entrepreneur. Although he is Venezuelan by birth, he really made his mark in Mexico, first by bartending at the world-famous Licoreria Limantour, and now at La Rustica bars, which are located off of the Pacific coast in an idyllic seaside resort. So tune in as we trace his career and hear his insight. _____________________...

For this week's episode of the show, we are joined by industry veteran, Kelly Merrell,   lead bartender of Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. During the chat we discuss how the bar came together, while also taking a peek behind the curtains of this world famous drinking destination. _______________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick...

This might be one of the realest bonus episodes that I have done yet. We just drop the niceties of society and talk about things that we really needed to get off of our chests. I really hope that you enjoy the way that it came out.   To gain access to weekly bonus episodes head on over to: https://patreon.com/bartenderatlarge

Getting your name out there while representing for your bar can be much more difficult when you aren't in one of the cocktail hubs of the world. But just because your hood isn't well known for drinks doesn't mean that there are not some incredible things going on there. To offer up some advice on how to blow up your city, we are joined by Mary Palac of San Jose. Her resume is as extensive as it is...

This week we are joined by Christina Veira, GM & Managing Partner of Toronto's Bar Mordecai and instructor for WSET, to learn about what it is like to juggle the roles of consultant and bar owner during the pandemic.   _______________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartend...

This week we are joined by Angus Winchester, a long-time industry veteran with over three decades of experience training and educating bartenders and spirits professionals. In the past, he was VP of Education and Training for Barmetrix, as well as the Tales of the Cocktail: Best International Brand Ambassador for 2012. Currently he is the Director of Operations for Jigger & Pony in Singapore and a...

For this week's episode we dive deep into the scientific phenomena surrounding alcohol with Adam Rogers, science writer WIRED and also the author of The New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze . _______________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartender...

Our guest, Travis Tober, this week wears many hats within the industry. From owning & operating 3 bars to consulting for major brands to being the personal cocktail liason to Ryan Reynolds, he has naturally manages to keep very busy. To hear all about how he manages to juggle & prioritize his entrepreneurial endeavors then be sure to tune in.  _______________________________ Join us every Monday a...

For this episode of the show, we are joined by author and writer, Elva Ramirez to discuss her new book, Zero Proof Cocktails. Her book not only features incredible recipes, but also details the history of the non-alcoholic cocktail in America.  Learn more: https://www.elvaramirez.com/zero-proof-book ______________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some o...

This week's episode of the show features Jay Kahn, the co-founder of Coa in Hong Kong — which was recently named Asia's Best Bar for 2021. Coa is a bar where the spirits of Mexico take the spotlight and are showcased for Hong Kong's most discerning cocktail drinkers. But it's not just Tequila and Oaxacan mezcal that are being highlighted, but also more obscure spirits, such as sotol, bacanora and...

For this episode of the show, we are joined by author and the owner of the acclaimed DC cocktail bar, the Columbia Room, Derek Brown. Being that Brown has such a passion for the cerebral aspects of the cocktail, we decided to examine it through the lens of why it is so important from both a cultural and anthropological standpoint.  ______________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender...

For this episode of the show, we decided to explore the ever changing dynamics of management systems. Much of what makes a business successful — and keeps it successful— is being in touch with the numbers, while still keeping in sync with your team. To help us better understand this aspect of the industry, we are joined by Jason Williams, creative director for Proof & Company, and director at Hous...

With the hottest months of the year upon us, we thought what better time is there to get schooled on the fundamentals of boozy slushies. Entering this area of cocktails can stump even the most talented of bartenders, as the skill set that covers making individual cocktails doesn't always translate to drinks coming out of a slushy machine. So to better illuminate the topic, we are joined by Christy...

From looking on social media and the food press it would seem that guests are eager for high-quality ingredients prepared by well paid workers in a healthy work environment, but what does this really? Are people prepared to a bit more for these things? Why do we not mind paying $14 for a cocktail, but balk at a $12 dollar sandwich? And what if cheap food is coming at the expense of the people maki...

For this special episode of the show, we are joined by Lauren Paylor, who is here to tell us why large format serves can be such a boon to bars & restaurants this summer. Everything from pitchers to punch bowls to draft cocktails are a great way to cater to guests deliciously and quickly, so tune in now to hear more. Presented by Diageo Bar Academy https://bit.ly/3cN7lPB

In can often be difficult to stick up for yourself & your coworkers when you find yourself in a toxic and abusive work environment. But what do you do when the abuser is a renowned celebrity chef such as David Chang of Momufuku fame. In situations such as this, it can be extremely difficult, as the power dynamics can be so lopsided, both in power & resources. This is only magnified by things such...

Tiffanie Barriere has made an impact on the cocktail industry that is nearly unmatched in the industry, and much of that is due to her work on the bar program at One Flew South, which is located in the Atlanta Airport. Due to the bar's location in the world's busiest airport, it was serving up craft cocktails to people from all around the world, many of which were having an artisanal cocktail for...

On this week's episode the podcast, we are joined by Australian Bartender Magazine's 2018 Bartender of the Year, Jenna Hemsworth to talk about what is on her mind these days. Those topics range on everything from the bartender's de facto role as gatekeeper on what is "cool" to drink to how the pandemic has affected the Aussie bar scene. In addition, she chats about her job as a consultant and how...

Starting your own mobile craft cocktail service is an idea that has crossed many a bartender's minds --particularly as more and more people wish to incorporate elevated beverage options at their events and parties. But what actually goes into starting such a business? Also, what are some of the key opportunities and pitfalls that come along with it? To help us learn more about the ins and outs of...

For this episode of the show, we are joined by Antonio Rodriguez, the director of production at Patrón Tequila. So tune in as we discuss many of the green initiatives that Patrón has instituted over the years and how they are able to accomplish sustainability at scale. Since there are so many challenges and opportunities that are unique to making tequila, this is definitely not one to be missed.  ...