Bartender at Large

Join us as we pull up a stool with one of hospitality's most decorated figures, Bobby Hiddleston, the award-winning bartender behind the scenes of many of the World's #1 bars. With over two decades of experience shaping the scenes in Edinburgh, New York, and London, Bobby reveals the philosophy he's bringing to his latest and most personal venture: Sally's Cocktail Bar at the Sheraton Stockholm Ho...

Join us for a captivating journey through the fields and distilleries of Mexico with Francisco Terrazas , Executive Director of the Tequila Interchange Project and co-founder of Paranubes Oaxacan Rum. We follow his path from the craft cocktail bars of Tucson, Arizona, to the heart of the agave world as the former General Manager of Houston's renowned mezcalería, The Pastry War. Francisco shares hi...

How does an arcade video game passion project become a national phenomenon? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Paul Kermizian, CEO and co-founder of Barcade, the pioneering company that invented the retro arcade bar concept in 2004. He reveals the accidental success story of a Williamsburg hobby that proved the simple, powerful appeal of pairing classic 80s arcade games with American craft...

Join us for a conversation with Kim Grilc, bartender and co-founder of Kobe Japan's acclaimed tiki bar, The Kazan Room. As a three-time national finalist in prestigious competitions like the Tokyo International Bar Show and Diageo World Class, she is one of the only foreign-born women to compete at this level in Japan. We explore her journey of balancing high-level craft with Tiki's vibrant spirit...

Ever wonder what professional whiskey tasters actually smell? Join us for a fascinating conversation with Edwin Cruz, West Coast American Whiskey Ambassador for the historic Beam Distilling Company, as he guides us through his acclaimed sensory class, Know Your Nose. Edwin pulls back the curtain on the science and art of spirits evaluation, teaching us how to move beyond simple tasting notes to tr...

Join us for a journey to the forefront of modern mixology with Craig Schoettler, the acclaimed Executive Director of Beverage for MGM Resorts International. We trace his remarkable path from pioneering the culinary cocktails at Chicago's famed Alinea and The Aviary to now shaping the global beverage vision for a Las Vegas hospitality empire. Schoettler pulls back the curtain on his most ambitious...

Join us for a deep and surprisingly poignant dive into one of Chicago's most infamous cultural icons with award-winning journalist Josh Noel. As the author of "Malort: The Redemption of a Revered and Reviled Spirit," Noel unravels the complex history of the intensely bitter spirit that is both a local rite of passage and a national curiosity. He brings his signature depth as a longtime Chicago Tri...

Grab a seat and a cheap drink as we pull up a stool with San Francisco staple, Broke-Ass Stuart (aka Stuart Schuffman), to discuss his new book, The Worst of Broke-Ass Stuart: 20 Years of Love, Death, & Dive Bars. For two decades, his writing has captured the city's soul—from protest marches and political campaigns to bleary-eyed mornings and heartbroken nights—with the wit and grit of a true work...

Pull up a chair for a spirited lesson in modern history with Dr. Steven Parissien, historian and Oxford fellow, as he discusses his captivating new book, *Another Round: A Post-War History of Britain in Twelve Strong Drinks. He makes the point that the nation's social and cultural shifts, from postwar austerity to postmodern plurality, can be traced through the rise and fall of its iconic cocktail...

Step behind the bar with bartender powerhouse, Karla Flores-Mercado, an award-winning bartender, consultant, and Beverage Director for Park Hospitality. As the co-owner of LA's beloved Bar Flores, she delves into creating its vibrant, community-focused atmosphere and celebrated craft cocktails. Karla shares her journey through the industry and the philosophy behind her innovative beverage programs...

Join us for a masterclass in cocktails as we sit down with the award-winning duo behind Philadelphia's Almanac bar, Danny Childs, the James Beard Award-winning author and ethnobotanist, and Rob Scott, head bartender. Danny shares the story of founding the "Slow Drinks" movement, a field-to-glass philosophy that uses hyper-seasonal, foraged, and preserved ingredients to create a truly local express...

Today we are joined by Tim McKirdy, former Managing Editor of VinePair and host of Cocktail College. He discusses his new venture as co-founder of the independent podcast network, The Coaster. Tim shares the vision behind this new project and its first show, "Sauced." This weekly podcast, created with Sother Teague, explores the world of cooking with booze and drinking with food. Listen to learn a...

This week we sit down with Ryan Ota, the Director of Beverage Operations for MO-hospitality, known for bars like Paper Plane, Still OG / Alter Ego, and Mini Boss. He shares his experience running acclaimed craft cocktail programs in overlooked markets. Ryan discusses the unique advantages and challenges of building a bar scene outside of major hubs. He offers valuable insights into creating commun...

This week, we are joined by acclaimed writer and cocktail historian David Wondrich, to discuss his newest book, the illustrated "The Comic Book History of the Cocktail." David shares why he chose this unique format to tell the story of drinks. As a James Beard Award-winner and editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, he brings deep expertise to the topic. Listen in for a fascinatin...

Today we sit down with two leaders in agave spirits education, David Alan, Director of Advocacy for the Agave Spirits Portfolio at Bacardi USA, and Rob McCaughey, Global Head of Business Development at WSET. David shares how his program was built to support bartenders and grow the entire agave category, while Rob explains the unique structure of the Agave Masters program and what makes it a stando...

This week we are joined by Kaitlyn Stewart, the 2017 World Class Bartender of the Year, also know as the social media phenomenon @LikableCocktails. She discusses her new book, "Three Cheers: Cocktails Three Ways." Kaitlyn explains the unique format, which presents recipes as classics, creative riffs, and zero-proof sips. She shares why this inclusive approach is the future of modern drink-making....

This week we sit down with acclaimed bartender and partner Maxwell Reis to discuss his innovative work in Los Angeles. He shares his deep commitment to sustainability and his use of natural ingredients in cocktails. Maxwell talks about his creative process and how he balances modern ideas with classic traditions in bars that do serious volume. He also gives us a look into running the bar programs...

This week, we are joined by Fabiola Santiago to discuss her important work with the non-profit organization, Mi Oaxaca. She explains their mission to preserve the Indigenous food and beverage cultures of Oaxaca. Fabiola shares how their new non-profit status will help expand their efforts. This work includes creating educational opportunities and building cross-border collaborations. Listen to lea...

  This week we are joined by acclaimed cocktail writer Noah Rothbaum to discuss his new book, "The Whiskey Bible." This comprehensive guide is the result of his 25 years of researching and tasting whiskies from around the world. Noah takes us on a journey to solve whiskey mysteries, settle debates, and bust common myths. The book features in-depth regional analysis, practical facts, and cocktail r...

We sit down with Maroš Dzurus, the bar manager of Oslo's world-renowned Himkok Bar and Distillerie. As the bar celebrates its 10th anniversary, we discuss how it stays at the forefront of the cocktail world. Maroš shares the philosophy behind their constant innovation and creative process. He explains how they keep their drinks and experience fresh for guests year after year. Listen to learn the s...

We are joined by renowned cocktail writer Robert Simonson to discuss the first-ever Martini Expo in New York City. He tells us about this unique convention dedicated entirely to the history and culture of the Martini. The event will feature seminars, tastings, guest bartenders, and a special Martini dinner. Robert explains his inspiration for creating this celebration of the world's most famous co...

Join us for a fascinating talk with Ben Jones from Rhum Clément. He delves into the unique history and production of Rhum Agricole. Jones, U.S. Managing Director of  SPIRIBAM , explains what makes this style of rum so distinct from all others. He also shares the rich heritage behind the Clément brand. Listen now to discover the story of this exceptional spirit.  ___________________________________...

This week, we are joined by industry entrepreneur and hospitality guru, Sean Finter, bar coach of Finter Group, and founder of the consulting firm, Barmetrix. During his years as a consultant, he and his team opened 26 offices in 8 countries, but at huge cost to his health and personal life. In many ways, he conquered the bar consultancy world, yet lost a great deal of himself in the process. So t...

We sit down with award-winning bartender Joaquin Simo, Global Brand Ambassador and mixologist for On the Rocks Cocktails, to talk about the details of a great drink. He shares his expert thoughts on the purpose and art of the cocktail garnish. We also learn about his new role and work with On the Rocks Cocktails. Joaquin explains the process behind creating their new line of premium canned cocktai...

Join us for a conversation with award-winning bartender Naren Young, creative director of Sweet Liberty, Medium Cool and Zebra Club in Miami. In the show, we discuss the world of cocktail awards and the pros & cons of what they mean for the industry. Naren shares his unique perspective from both judging and winning these awards, as well as all the drama & controversies that can come with it.  ____...