Modern bartending is about so much more than just the drinks.
The service, ambience, and conversation are all essential aspects of the experience that complement what’s in the glass.
We caught up with eight bartenders from young professional hot spots across the country who deliver the entire package and asked them to let us in on their craft. We were especially curious about their thoughts on what makes London, England – home of the beloved Beefeater gin – such a special cocktail city.
We kick off the series with Trevor Kallies of Vancouver’s purveyors of stylish nightlife culture, the Donnelly Group.
Describe your job in under 140 characters. Go.
Bar and Beverage Director for Donnelly Group. I develop and manage cocktail, beer, and wine programs; training & development; operations & culture.
How did you start in this business? What was the inspiration for your career route?
My first position was day bar at a chain while I finished university. From there, I spent the next five years trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I was good at organization and inventory management, and found inspiration in the stories and histories in all the bottles on the back bar. I credit a lot of my growth to some of the early cocktail competitions, going up against the pioneers of the Vancouver cocktail community.
What’s the latest trend you see in bartending? What’s something the newest generation of bartenders is bringing to the job?
Mentorship. You cannot force it – it needs to be sought out and given. Today’s senior bartenders are catching on that you cannot hire employees – you must build a team. The new generation of bartenders is getting stronger, faster. The information is so readily available to them via books and the Internet. They’re pushing everyone to keep developing.
What’s the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? And what’s the most challenging part?
Working and teaching staff is hands down the best part of my job. I hope I never start to take that for granted. Working and training staff might also be the most challenging. A different approach is necessary in order to inspire almost every person that comes into this lifestyle.
Why is London, England such an important player when it comes to the latest and greatest cocktail trends?
London has an amazing cocktail history – some of the best in the world have come out of the city. Their new bars and bartenders are providing exciting programs and techniques that are not only cutting edge, but guest-friendly.
What is it about gin that makes it so unique and versatile?
It is readily mixed into almost every category of cocktail (sour, fizz, martini, highball, tiki). It can be used in sweet or savoury cocktails, or taken as a shot.
What’s your favourite gin cocktail – both to make for someone else and to drink yourself?
I am a sucker for an amazing Gin & Tonic. Don’t even look at a lime wedge for garnish, though. And please, don’t reach for the pop-gun. I always try to choose a garnish and tonic that brings out the best parts of the gin.
If you could have a gin cocktail in any bar in London, England, where would that be and why? And, of course, what would you order?
Duke’s Martini – at Duke’s.
What is it about London that inspired your cocktail?
The diversity of classic vs. new age. Specifically, White Lyan and Duke’s, but you can see it in multiple projects like Berners Tavern and Artesian. There is so much history in the bars of London and so much innovation at the same time. In one night you can have a pint in one of the oldest pubs in the UK, and that same night you can be served a cocktail with a mirror as a garnish.
What does success look like to you?
Success is achievement without ego. There’s such a huge difference between confidence and conceit.
What’s the best (gin) order someone could ever give you?
I have never actually had someone order a Pink Gin from me. I’ve made my fair share, but it’s like my white unicorn cocktail.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve ever had standing behind a bar?
Probably my very first chit that came off the printer. It was a Gin & Tonic and I briefly froze. I don’t think I had ever seen it in writing and the bar I worked at didn’t go over point of sale shorthand during training.
If you could have a gin cocktail with anyone in the world (James Bond doesn’t count), who would it be and why?
Desmond Payne, Beefeater Master Distiller in the Juniper room at the Beefeater Distillery.
And finally, what – to you – is notable?
Distinguishing yourself from those around you while supporting those around you.
Click here for your chance to win a trip for two to London England that includes a VIP tour of the Beefeater distillery.
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