Below Brian Weber, Hazel Alvarado and Lincoln Chinnery enjoy cigars at the Filibuster Distillery event at Club Macanudo.

​This week on the Bartender Journey Podcast we talk with Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett at the San Antonio Cocktail Conference. ​​It's the Bartender Journey Podcast #204!  Listen with the audio player on this page, or subscribe on iTunes, Android or Stitcher Radio..

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey follows all the requirements of Bourbon, with the addition of a charcoal filtering process.​.  Legally called the "Lincoln County Process,” by the state of Tennessee. also known as “charcoal mellowing" or locally "the extra blessing" , it occurs before Barrelling. And just to be sure, Jeff informed us that they have the official letter from 1941 from the Alcohol Bureau.

Quick Facts about Jack Daniel's ​

• Mashbill: 80% corn​
• JD makes their own barrels!

​
*Myers Lemon Oleo Sacrum Syrup

• Peel 2 lemons before juicing them:  Use a Y-peeler and try to get only the yellow zest – as little of the white pith as possible. 
• Put them in a sealable container, or better yet use a if you have a vacuum sealer, place in a vacuum sealer bag.  Cover with ½ cup sugar.  If using the vacuum sealer…seal it.  Otherwise cover tightly.
• Let sit for at least 4 hours at room temperature, or overnight.
• Add ½ cup warm water  and stir to dissolve.
• Use a fine strainer and discard all the solids.

​As you may know Sasha left this world way too early in August 2015.  But Sasha inspired a generation of Bartenders, not only those who were trained by him, but many, like myself that never had the opportunity to work with him.  This Book, A Spot at the Bar is another wonderful offshoot of Sasha’s Legacy.

There are many great recipes and photos in here, but a lot of other useful stuff as well.  There is an entire section on Bartender’s Choice.  This can be challenging for a Bartender.  In the book Michael talks about how to do it best.  There is a series of questions to ask - in a certain sequence - to figure out what this guest would enjoy.
 
Michael said in the book that Sasha taught his students that “working hard behind the scenes allows you to look effortless in front of your guests”.  Wise words from a wise man.        

Cocktails in the Country is a great experience, which I was honored to attend in the Summer of 2016.  It is run by the man I call the Yoda of Bartending Gary (gaz) Regan.
It normally costs $250, but we have a discount code so that you can study with gaz for only $100!

Cocktails in the Country (CITC) is 2 days of education, learning the gaz approach to “Mindful Bartending”.   Plus, practical skills making original cocktails behind the bar. It takes place in the Hudson Valley, just over an hour north of Manhattan. 
 
Included in the cost is transportation from Manhattan, lodging for the evening, most meals, classes with gaz and cocktail making with your 9 new best friends.

Here’s how to get your discount:

• Email gaz at [email protected]
• Put the code BUY-BACK in the subject box.
• Please mention to gaz you heard about it from me, Brian Weber of the Bartender Journey Podcast!
• Please cc: me on the email so I know you are going!  My email is [email protected]

 
To participate in CITC you have to be a working Bartender and have worked in the Hospitality Industry for at least 3 years.

Bar Institute Econo

• Bar Institute is hitting the road for a six week tour stopping in 25 cities in the US and Canada this Spring. In each city, they will be hosting a one day Bar Institute session featuring 3-5 classes and a popup event, which will incorporate the information from the classes into service each night. They’ll be asking for only a $5 donation for admission to the classes and the drinks in the evening. All proceeds will benefit charity. 
• Along the way, they've identified social justice issues that will serve as the centerpiece of the weekly focus for each region. This is so awesome!  They will be in a bunch of mid size cities – many of which (I’m guessing) don’t have cocktail conferences very often.
• CONTEST!  Win some swag:
  Go to bartenderjourney.net/bi for details on the swag give away.

Toast of the Week:
  In Beer there is strength
  In Wine there is wisdom
  In Water there is bacteria 

On this week's Bartender Journey Podcast we talk with Kurt Maitland of the Manhattan Whiskey Club - a Members only community that gathers monthly for private tastings.  He is an editor and regular contributor to the Whiskey Reviewer and to The New Single Malt Whiskey Book.

• Tickets are still available forBar Institute NYC.
• If you will be attending, please let us know!
• Join us for a pregame Bar Institute Industry Party event in Hoboken with Bartender Journey listener and professional bartender, Craig Schiedlo on Sunday, November 6th 2016, at The Shepherd & The Knucklehead. Mix, mingle and share knowledge in a casual setting over complimentary punches and spirits. Featured spirits include Michters Bourbon, Remy Martin, Jameson Cask, Brockman's Gin, NY Distilling products and more! Calling all bartenders, servers, bar managers and liquor reps! For more information on participating as a brand email, [email protected]. To RSVP to attend, click here!
• We'll be "going live" on Facebook during Bar Institute, so please Like the Bartender Journey Facebook page for live updates from the event in NYC!

• Cocktail of the Week:
  Old Pal
  Since we are talking whiskey this week, we should do a whiskey cocktail.  If you listen to this show regularly you know that I love a Negroni and I love a well made Boulevardier.  Here’s another variation.  Its similar to a Boulevardier, but calls for Dry Vermouth rather that Sweet Vermouth.  Its also heavy on the whiskey, so 2 parts Rye Whiskey, (I used a very nice Rye from Maine called Gunpowder Rye), 1 part Campari and 1 part dry vermouth.  Stir it with ice and strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.  Its usually served up, unlike the Negroni which is generally served over ice, unless otherwise specified.
  

Toast of the Week:
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
a full moon on a dark night,
and a smooth road all the way to your door.

When you think of Single Malt Whiskey, you probably think Scotch.  Some great Single Malts are popping up throughout the U.S. including Westland made in the city of Seattle, Washington.  We talk with Master Distiller Matt Hoffman.

Matt Hofmann is co-founder and master distiller at Seattle’s Westland Distillery. Westland has become America’s leading single malt distiller, which won the title “2015 Craft Whiskey of the Year” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named the “2015 Whiskey of the Year” by the American Distilling Institute.

Foot Problems for Bartenders and others who stand at work.
Spending long periods of time on your feet can cause discomfort or worse!
Find quality work shoes at Shoes For Crews and get $10 off your first order by using this link.
Other helpful ideas:

• Make sure you have rubber mats on the floor behind the bar.
• Change your socks, and maybe your shoes halfway through your shift.
• Alternating shoes one day to the next may help.  Shoes take up to 48 hours to dry out completely.
• Compression socks
• Remember, shoes don’t last forever.  It might be time to buy new ones!
• Stretch and exercise - especially core muscles.
• Raise up one leg when possible.  The reason for the rail that runs along the front of the bar is to make it more comfortable to stand for long periods of time so that patrons will stay longer.  The same concept may be useful behind the bar.
• Losing weight can help.
• OSHA Document: Stay Safe in the Restaurant
  

Toast of the Week:
May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends.

Usquaebach is a Blended Scotch Whisky.  We talk with U.S. Brand Ambassador Ryan Judson.

The definition of a Single Malt Scotch is a whisky made from Malted Barley at a single distillery.
A Blended Scotch whisky is made from Malted Barley, blended with wheat or corn whisky.  A Blended whisky is made from a blend of whiskies from several different distilleries.
This does not make one better than the other, though many people have a misinformed preconception that Single Malts are superior.  Education & tasting is the key to overcoming these assumptions.

Whisky Live NYC is Feburary 24, 2016.  Use the discount code WLNY16 for 10% off.

Our sponsor is BevSpot, who can help you with inventory, ordering, pars, forecasting and more.  Schedule a free online demo today!

A well made Manhattan is one of the most satisfying, delicious and classy cocktails you can drink.  Tony Abou-Ganim said its like "Frank Sinatra in a glass...holding one in your hand gives you an instant status of high class, sophistication and quality".

On Bartender Journey Podcast #146 we talk about this iconic Cocktail and a competition revolving around it.

Woodford Reserve and Liquor.com teamed up for the Manhattan Experience Cocktail Competition.

• To enter the contest, you must:
  • “Provide your 'ideal' recipe for the classic Manhattan Cocktail using Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon, including the way you would serve it to guests”.
  • Provide a second cocktail: “An original Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Cocktail that showcases the flavor profile of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and that you would proudly serve to guests in your own bar”
• Among the judging criteria for the Manhattan segment of the contest are:
  • Optional Written Question
  • Insights and opinions as to what makes the Manhattan interesting and important
  • Comprehensive understanding of the Manhattan Cocktail
    

This week on Bartender Journey podcast # 145, its all about Bartending Events & Competitions!
Julia from the Mixology talk Podcast and Bar Above Blog is our guest.  She announces the online event - The Craft Bartender Summit!  This educational event will be held on April 17, 2016 and its FREE!  You can reserve your spot here.

Upcoming Bartender Events & Competitions:

• East Ville des Folies - 40,000 Square Feet of Beers & Whiskeys to sample, plus Aerialist, Flappers and Burlesque performances!  At Webster Hall NYC on January 16, 2016!
  
• Diageo World Class Lab
• Diageo World Class Cocktail Competiton

To enter the Competition, you must attend at least one Lab, AND be a member of the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG).  Click for a free 60 day trial membership to the USBG.
 
Cocktail of the Week, courtesy of A Bar Above:
Favorite Things

• 1 ½ oz Light Rum
•  ½ oz Nocino          
• 3 Dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 Brandied Cherries

 Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients except cherries in a mixing glass and stir.
• Strain into an Old Fashioned glass with one large ice cube
• Garnish with two cherries on a cocktail pick

This week on the Bartender Journey podcast -- Its a great interview with Chris from the Mixology Talk Podcast.

Chris is a Bartender, Bar Manager and also Bartender Mentor.  Take a listen to this great interview!

Chris offers an awesome online bartending/mixology course.  Check it out here!

On the Bartender Journey Podcast this week:  5 great resources for Bartenders.
ABL:  Always Be Learning!  You'll never know everything, but you can try!
Listen to the show with the player below, or subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

This week on the Bartender Journey Podcast, it's an interview with Alison Mouratis from FEW Spirits.
FEW Spirits produces craft Gin, Rye and Bourbon near Chicago.
We talk about cocktails, Tales of the Cocktail, and the distilling process. 
Also, making your own Orange Liqueur!  'Grow your own' Liqueurs for a superior and possibly less expensive product!

Listen to the show with the player below, subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio.