

Letters to a Young Bartender w Colin Asare-Appiah | Bartender at Large ep 454
Jul 7, 2025
Colin Asare-Appiah, co-founder of the Ajabu Cocktail and Spirits Festival and a brand advocate for Bacardi USA, shares insights tailored for newcomers in bartending. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the emotional storytelling that unites the industry, especially during trying times. The discussion also dives into the vibrant Pan-African cocktail culture celebrated at the Ajabu Festival and the collaborative spirit driving innovation in South Africa's bartending scene. Plus, the fascinating evolution of cocktails, highlighted by the iconic Pornstar Martini, is explored.
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Letters to a Young Bartender Impact
- "Letters to a Young Bartender" sessions feature diverse industry icons sharing their career hurdles and origin stories.
Create Supportive Mentorship Spaces
- Create safe spaces for bartenders to share stories and learn from mentors' experiences.
Mentorship Comes Full Circle
- Jackson Cannon's letter inspired many; DeNeal felt honored to share a panel with his idol whose letter impacted his career.