In this episode, Damian sits down with legendary bartender, author, and educator Jim Meehan to explore his latest book, The Bartender's Pantry. Known for his groundbreaking work at PDT and for authoring the Meehan's Bartender Manual, Jim returns with a fresh perspective, focusing on the often-overlooked but essential ingredients behind the bar: the non-alcoholic elements.

Episode Highlights:

• Jim's Journey in Bartending: From college bartender to James Beard Award-winning author, Jim shares his journey through the evolving cocktail landscape, from New York City’s iconic PDT to his latest work in Portland, Oregon.
• Behind The Bartender's Pantry: Jim explains his motivation for writing this new book, which focuses on the foundational, non-alcoholic elements of cocktails. Learn why he believes the ingredients behind the bar deserve as much respect as the spirits.
• Ethical Food & Beverage Production: Discover how Jim’s research led him down some fascinating paths, from sustainability to the ethical considerations around ingredients, and why he believes these choices matter for bartenders and consumers alike.
• The "Universal Bar" Concept: Jim dives into his idea of the "universal bar" and what that could mean for the future of cocktail culture. How does thinking globally and ethically impact what goes into our drinks?
• Practical Advice for Bartenders and Enthusiasts: Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned pro, Jim’s advice will resonate. Learn how to use The Bartender's Pantry to elevate your home bartending and expand your cocktail knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

• Invest in Quality Ingredients: Jim emphasizes respecting each ingredient in a drink, from the spirits to the garnishes. It’s all about building an elevated drink experience from the ground up.
• Embrace the Process: Jim advocates for slowing down and truly appreciating the craft of bartending and hospitality. The journey to a great cocktail doesn’t have shortcuts.
• Be a Generalist: Jim suggests that bartenders thrive by being versatile, creative, and knowledgeable across a broad spectrum of skills—from ingredient selection to customer service.

How to Connect with Jim Meehan: Stay connected with Jim on social media or through his website for updates on his work, upcoming projects, and insights from his extensive bartending journey. Find Jim on Instagram or visit his website

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a bar industry pro, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire you and elevate your drink-making game. Dive in and see why The Bartender's Pantry is a must-have in any cocktail library!

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In this episode, Damian sits down with Sean Finter, hospitality industry veteran and founder of Barmetrix, to dive deep into what it takes to create truly exceptional bar and restaurant experiences. Sean shares his journey from washing dishes at a truck stop to running a $32 million hospitality group, all while learning the invaluable lessons that drive his passion for service and hospitality. Tune in as he and Damian discuss topics like the importance of authentic hospitality, the art of engineering cocktail menus, and the keys to running a financially successful and guest-focused bar.

Key Topics:

• Sean’s unconventional start in the industry and his early lessons in hospitality.
• The transformative impact of Barmetrix and how it supports bars and restaurants worldwide.
• Why authentic, guest-centered hospitality is critical to success.
• The three “gears” of a successful bar: guest experience, staff dynamics, and strong leadership.
• How to engineer cocktail menus that resonate with customers and increase sales.
• The value of creating stories around cocktails to elevate the guest experience.
• Practical advice for managing bar pricing, controlling costs, and maintaining efficiency.
• Sean’s insights on mentorship, leadership, and bringing out the best in your team.

Quickfire Highlights:

• Recommended books: The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff and Cocktail Codex by the Death & Co. team.
• The importance of a well-curated cocktail library for bartenders and bar managers.
• Tips on building rapport, selling effectively, and creating memorable experiences.

Connect with Sean:

• Email: sean@fintergroup.com
• Instagram: @fintersean

For anyone in the hospitality industry looking to level up their business or just seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable insights and industry wisdom.

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In this episode Damian sits down with Lucas Assis, a passionate bartender, content creator, and educator known for his advocacy for transparency in agave spirits. Lucas shares his bartending journey, from his start in the industry to his rise as a trusted voice on social media, and his love for tequila and mezcal. This conversation dives deep into the agave industry, debunking myths, discussing the impact of celebrity brands, and emphasizing the cultural significance of agave spirits.

Key Topics Covered:

Lucas’ Path to the Bar World

• Early experiences in hospitality and bartending, from being a restaurant greeter to his first shift behind the bar.
• Working under mentors like Matt Biancanello and transitioning into the world of craft cocktails and agave spirits.

Pandemic Pivots and Social Media Influence

• Lucas’ transition to online content creation, including his successful cocktail-to-go venture and his rise on Instagram and TikTok.
• How creating cocktail content online fueled his mission to educate consumers on agave spirits and the importance of quality ingredients.

The Tequila Boom & Celebrity Brands

• Breaking down the impact of celebrity tequilas and the rise of additive-laden spirits that mislead consumer expectations.
• Lucas sheds light on how the lack of transparency in tequila regulation affects quality and offers guidance on how to spot authentic, additive-free tequila.

Demystifying Agave Spirits

• Key misconceptions about tequila and mezcal, including the true taste profiles, differences between brands, and terroir’s role in the agave world.
• Exploring the four categories of additives allowed in tequila and the need for clearer labeling standards for consumers.

Life Lessons from the Mexican Bartending Scene

• Lucas shares his admiration for the vibrant, unpretentious cocktail culture in Mexico, where creativity thrives despite limited resources.
• Lucas' favorite bar, El Gallo Altanero, and why it captures the heart of Mexican hospitality.

Key Takeaways:

• Transparency Matters: Lucas emphasizes the importance of knowing what’s in your bottle and recognizing the quality that comes from additive-free, traditionally crafted agave spirits.
• Enjoying Spirits Authentically: Why sipping tequila neat or in a well-balanced cocktail allows for a deeper appreciation of its rich complexity and heritage.
• The Power of Social Media: How creators like Lucas are bridging the gap for consumers by making high-quality cocktail knowledge more accessible.

Connect with Lucas Assis:

• Instagram
• TikTok

Thanks for Listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Cocktail Academy on your favorite podcast platform. Keep up with us on social media for more cocktail tips and tricks, and stay tuned for more great episodes!

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