Bartender at Large

Join us for a journey to the forefront of modern mixology with Craig Schoettler, the acclaimed Executive Director of Beverage for MGM Resorts International. We trace his remarkable path from pioneering the culinary cocktails at Chicago's famed Alinea and The Aviary to now shaping the global beverage vision for a Las Vegas hospitality empire. Schoettler pulls back the curtain on his most ambitious project yet: The Vault, a hidden bar inside Bellagio Las Vegas where guests can "drink history" from a menu of rare vintage spirits and historically reimagined cocktails. He reveals how his unique background allows him to merge precise culinary technique with deep spirits knowledge, creating a luxury experience that is as intellectually engaging as it is delicious. This conversation explores the evolution of cocktail culture and how pushing creative boundaries can redefine an entire industry's standards. ____________________________________ 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

Join us for a deep and surprisingly poignant dive into one of Chicago's most infamous cultural icons with award-winning journalist Josh Noel. As the author of "Malort: The Redemption of a Revered and Reviled Spirit," Noel unravels the complex history of the intensely bitter spirit that is both a local rite of passage and a national curiosity. He brings his signature depth as a longtime Chicago Tribune reporter to explore how a drink known for its challenging taste forged an unbreakable bond with a city's identity. This conversation goes beyond the memes and dare shots to examine Malort's Swedish roots, its tumultuous American journey, and its unlikely modern resurgence as a symbol of pride. Noel argues that this spirit's story is a profound reflection on taste, tradition, and what it means to belong. Listen in for a fascinating case study on how the most reviled drink in the bar became so deeply revered. Buy the book here: https://www.joshnoel.net/malort-book ____________________________________ 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

Grab a seat and a cheap drink as we pull up a stool with San Francisco staple, Broke-Ass Stuart (aka Stuart Schuffman), to discuss his new book, The Worst of Broke-Ass Stuart: 20 Years of Love, Death, & Dive Bars. For two decades, his writing has captured the city's soul—from protest marches and political campaigns to bleary-eyed mornings and heartbroken nights—with the wit and grit of a true working-class champion. This collection gathers his most iconic, infamous, and occasionally ill-advised stories, forming a raw and rowdy memoir of what it means to scrape by, speak up, and fall in and out of love with a place that doesn't always love you back. Stuart takes us behind the scenes of his wildest escapades—from running for mayor and hosting an IFC show to chronicling dive bars and drifting through the world—all told with the unflinching honesty that made his San Francisco Examiner column a cult classic. Perfect Puree Samples for Free: https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling202 Buy Stuart's book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-worst-of-broke-ass-stuart-20-years-of-love-death-dive-bars-stuart-schuffman/88e4d7fbb98b9d0c?ean=9780999010853&next=t&next=t\ ____________________________________ 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

Pull up a chair for a spirited lesson in modern history with Dr. Steven Parissien, historian and Oxford fellow, as he discusses his captivating new book, *Another Round: A Post-War History of Britain in Twelve Strong Drinks. He makes the point that the nation's social and cultural shifts, from postwar austerity to postmodern plurality, can be traced through the rise and fall of its iconic cocktails. From the gin and tonic's imperial echoes to the cosmopolitan's signal of a new, global Britain, Steven reveals how each drink is a potent symbol of its era. He brings his unique dual perspective as a respected academic and a former beverage advertising executive to decode the hidden narratives in our glassware. Link to book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/821846/another-round-by-steven-parissien/ Substack: https://stevenparissien.substack.com ____________________________________ 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

Step behind the bar with bartender powerhouse, Karla Flores-Mercado, an award-winning bartender, consultant, and Beverage Director for Park Hospitality. As the co-owner of LA's beloved Bar Flores, she delves into creating its vibrant, community-focused atmosphere and celebrated craft cocktails. Karla shares her journey through the industry and the philosophy behind her innovative beverage programs that have captured national attention. She offers invaluable insights on building a standout bar concept and the future of cocktail culture. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with passion, expertise, and a true taste of hospitality. ____________________________________ 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

Join us for a masterclass in cocktails as we sit down with the award-winning duo behind Philadelphia's Almanac bar, Danny Childs, the James Beard Award-winning author and ethnobotanist, and Rob Scott, head bartender. Danny shares the story of founding the "Slow Drinks" movement, a field-to-glass philosophy that uses hyper-seasonal, foraged, and preserved ingredients to create a truly local expression. Rob discusses how he masterfully translates this vision into reality, blending these Mid-Atlantic flavors with the precision and profound hospitality. Together, they reveal the magic of their partnership, detailing how a shared history and a trip to Japan shaped Almanac's exquisite cocktail program. This conversation is a deep dive into how limits breed creativity, why the best ingredients are found in your own backyard, and what it means to build a bar program that is both environmentally conscious and exceptionally delicious. Buy the book: https://booklarder.com/products/slow-drinks-a-field-guide-to-foraging-and-fermenting-seasonal-sodas-botanical-cocktails-homemade-wines-and-more ____________________________________ 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

Today we are joined by Tim McKirdy, former Managing Editor of VinePair and host of Cocktail College. He discusses his new venture as co-founder of the independent podcast network, The Coaster. Tim shares the vision behind this new project and its first show, "Sauced." This weekly podcast, created with Sother Teague, explores the world of cooking with booze and drinking with food. Listen to learn about building an independent media company in the drinks world矜 Perfect Puree: https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling202 Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/timmckirdy/sauced-the-podcast Sauced Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sauced.pod/ My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy/ ____________________________________ 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

This week we sit down with Ryan Ota, the Director of Beverage Operations for MO-hospitality, known for bars like Paper Plane, Still OG / Alter Ego, and Mini Boss. He shares his experience running acclaimed craft cocktail programs in overlooked markets. Ryan discusses the unique advantages and challenges of building a bar scene outside of major hubs. He offers valuable insights into creating community and finding success in these innovative and vibrant markets. ____________________________________ 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

This week, we are joined by acclaimed writer and cocktail historian David Wondrich, to discuss his newest book, the illustrated "The Comic Book History of the Cocktail." David shares why he chose this unique format to tell the story of drinks. As a James Beard Award-winner and editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, he brings deep expertise to the topic. Listen in for a fascinating look at cocktail history from a true authority on classic cocktails. Get the book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/675535/the-comic-book-history-of-the-cocktail-by-david-wondrich-illustrated-by-dean-kotz/ ____________________________________ 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

Today we sit down with two leaders in agave spirits education, David Alan, Director of Advocacy for the Agave Spirits Portfolio at Bacardi USA, and Rob McCaughey, Global Head of Business Development at WSET. David shares how his program was built to support bartenders and grow the entire agave category, while Rob explains the unique structure of the Agave Masters program and what makes it a standout educational experience. Together, they offer a comprehensive look at the mission of top-tier agave education. Learn More: https://www.academiapatron.com/certifications This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Academia Patrón & WSET. ____________________________________ 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