Bartender at Large

This week, we are joined by industry entrepreneur and hospitality guru, Sean Finter, bar coach of Finter Group, and founder of the consulting firm, Barmetrix. During his years as a consultant, he and his team opened 26 offices in 8 countries, but at huge cost to his health and personal life. In many ways, he conquered the bar consultancy world, yet lost a great deal of himself in the process. So tune in as we learn firsthand about the hard lessons learned by such a titan of the industry, and what he can pass along to those coming up in the industry today.  To check out the extra hour long version of this episode be sure to check out the Bartender at Large Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge 59 Franklin: https://59franklin.com Eisenhower Matrix / Four Quadrants: https://youtu.be/tT89OZ7TNwc?si=oIgwGUyQloCo_sJD  ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

We sit down with award-winning bartender Joaquin Simo, Global Brand Ambassador and mixologist for On the Rocks Cocktails, to talk about the details of a great drink. He shares his expert thoughts on the purpose and art of the cocktail garnish. We also learn about his new role and work with On the Rocks Cocktails. Joaquin explains the process behind creating their new line of premium canned cocktails. Learn more: https://www.otrcocktails.com/garnish-guide ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Naren Young, an award-winning bartender and creative director known for his work at Dante and Sweet Liberty, shares his insights on the vibrant Miami nightlife. He delves into the concept behind the new Zebra Club, merging gourmet dining with cocktails. The discussion critiques the industry's obsession with awards over authentic hospitality, advocating for meaningful guest experiences. Naren also draws parallels between sports literature and leadership, emphasizing teamwork and empathetic management as keys to success in bartending.

Jack McGarry, a legendary bartender from The Dead Rabbit, shares insights on the global influence of Irish bar culture. Alice Carroll from Foxes Bow discusses exciting innovations in Irish whiskey, while Kealan Finlay Mulligan dives into the rebellious roots of Poitín. The conversation emphasizes collaboration within the industry, celebrating both traditional and modern Irish spirits. The lively discussion also highlights the communal spirit of Irish pubs, showcasing a vibrant return to social drinking and the evolving landscape of hospitality.

Legendary hip-hop duo Run the Jewels—EL-P and Killer Mike—stop by to spill the tea (and the liquor) on their new line of canned cocktails, Juice Runners. They break down the flavors, the creative process behind the brand, and how it ties into their music and lifestyle. Of course, no RTJ interview is complete without some industry insights, and a few laughs along the way. Plus, they discuss balancing business ventures with their music careers and drop hints about upcoming projects.  Learn more: https://runthejewels.com/pages/drink  ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.bartenderatlarge.com/advertise SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge    

Join us as we sit down with Leo Robitschek, award-winning bartender, consultant, and Partner/VP of Food & Beverage at The Nomad Hotel. Former Managing Partner of Make It Nice—overseeing Eleven Madison Park and the iconic Nomad Bar—Leo shares insights from his storied career, including winning the 2014 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program. He discusses the art of crafting unforgettable cocktail experiences and the inspiration behind his innovative low-alcohol gin, Second Sip. Learn More: https://www.secondsip.com/products/second-sip-low-proof-gin   ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.bartenderatlarge.com/advertise SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Join us for an inspiring chat with Jessamine McLellan, Director of the U.S. Campari Academy & Trade Advocacy, as she shares her journey from bartending to shaping spirits education. With over a decade in the industry, she’s a driving force behind innovative training programs and mentorship that elevate bartenders nationwide. Discover how her expertise in spirits development has influenced groundbreaking products globally.  ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. ADVERTISE WITH US: https://www.bartenderatlarge.com/advertise SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

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.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ryan Maybee—bartender, entrepreneur, and founder of Kansas City’s award-winning J. Rieger & Co. distillery. From crafting world-class spirits to reviving a historic brand, Ryan shares his journey, the challenges of distilling, and his passion for the industry. Discover the stories behind the bottles, the creative process, and how he helped put Kansas City cocktail scene on the map. Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or an aspiring maker, this episode is packed with wisdom, hustle, and a splash of Midwest charm. Watch the Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/JkxshggEugA ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Ever been to a bar with no back bar? We sat down with Kevin Beary (Beverage Director & Partner at 3 Dots & a Dash and Gus’ Sip & Dip) to talk about his no-back-bar cocktail spot, Gus’ Sip & Dip—where the focus is all on classics done right. Find out why less is more, how they’re flipping the script on bar service, and why Kevin thinks simplicity is the secret to great drinks. ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge