Bartender at Large

This week on the show, we are joined by legendary spirits writer, F. Paul Pacult, to discuss the two books that he just put out, "The New Kindred Spirits: Over 2,000 All-New Reviews of Whiskeys, Brandies, Liqueurs, Gins, Vodkas, Tequilas, Mezcal & Rums," and "Buffalo, Barrels, & Bourbon: The Story of How Buffalo Trace Distillery Became The World's Most Awarded Distillery." Pacult has been a spirit...

Here to discuss the beauty and nuance of Japanese cocktails is Julia Momosé, bartender and co-author of the recently released, The Way of the Cocktail: Japanese Traditions, Techniques and Recipes. As a native of Japan, her upbringing within the country and culture informed her perspective and approach to beverage and hospitality at her Chicago bar, Kumiko. So tune and listen as she shares her expe...

After working nightclubs as a DJ for 11 years and as a bartender before that, this week's guest decided to change gears and help industry folks find some more balance in their lives. As a veteran in the business, Amanda Malcom-Brown, has unique insight that has given her the ability to better understand the unique challenges that face those who are immersed in the nightlife scene. So tune in and p...

Have you ever wanted to formulate your own vermouth? What would you do if someone paid you to do just that? Where would you even start? Tune in to this week's episode to hear the story of what spirits experts, Stacey Swenson and Chris Patino, did when they were presented with the opportunity to create a new line of vermouth. Learn more about Diageo Bar Academy: https://bit.ly/319a5AA _____________...

This week we are joined by, David Wondrich & Noah Rothbaum, the authors of the The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, which is released this week on November 4th. The book is important as it is the first major reference work to cover spirits and cocktails from a global perspective, and provides an authoritative overview that spans nearly 900 pages. Be sure to turn in and hear how about how...

Technology can often help us provide a better experience for both our staff and our guests, but at what point does it detract from the overall experience? To argue the case for keeping things old-school, we are joined by Jill Cockson —entrepreneur & owner of Drastic Measures, Swordfish Toms, and Chartreuse Saloon. Cockson believes that bar owners should more often rely on the tried and true method...

For this episode, we decided to open up about what is going on with what Amelia and I have been going through in regards to our marriage and her battle with addiction. On a lighter note, we also talk about getting hired at one of the industry's top bars. Thank you so much for taking the time to allow us to get personal & we hope our experience can help someone there that might need to hear what we...

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...