Bartender at Large

Have you ever worked a shift behind a bar that seemed like it was designed by someone who has never made a drink in their life? Wells in all the wrong places, no room for a trash can, and a setup that leaves your back aching by last call. This week we are joined by six-time international bartending champion and founder of Studio Bar Magic, Tobin Ellis, who has spent over two decades fighting to fix exactly that. So tune in as we discuss his theory of "zero-step bartending," why the bar is the true engine of any restaurant, and how getting real bartenders involved in the design process can save your body, your guests, and your bottom line. In addition, we chat about his new book, Bar Design Essentials, which offers practical guidance for everyone from barbacks to architects.

Dungeons of Highball: https://moverandshakerco.com/collections/dungeons-of-highball
Get Tobin's Book: https://www.barmagic.com/book
Learn More: barmagic.com

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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
Bartender at Large: https://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 Marko Karakasevich, 13th generation master distiller and owner of Charbay Distillery. Since his parents founded the distillery back in 1983, Charbay has been quietly pushing the boundaries of American spirits, from hop-flavored whiskeys distilled from actual beer, to vodkas infused with fresh-picked fruit, to the highly anticipated gin he plans to launch in 2026. So tune in as Marko walks us through his one-of-a-kind approach to distillation, including his 32-fraction method, why he extracts with both water and alcohol, and the crucial roles that bottle shock and time play in developing flavor. In addition, we discuss the evolution of American whiskey innovation and how Charbay's experimental spirit may have paved the way for some of the bigger distilleries out there today.
Learn More: https://charbay.com
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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
Bartender at Large: https://www.tiktok.com/@bartenderatlarge
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender
Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

For too many bartenders, sake remains one of the most intimidating sections of the back bar, with confusing labels and endless categories making it hard to know where to even begin. Luckily, this week we are joined by Yoko Kumano and Kayoko Akabori, co-founders of the beloved Japanese beverage shop Umami Mart and authors of Everyday Sake: The Go-To Guide for Choosing, Pairing, and Serving. Together they have made it their mission to demystify sake and make it approachable for everyone, from curious first-timers to seasoned industry pros. So tune in as they break down how to navigate the category with confidence, from choosing the right bottle to pairing it with food and serving it in both modern and traditional settings.

Umami Mart: https://umamimart.com/
Get the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/769406/everyday-sake-by-yoko-kumano-and-kayoko-akabori/


____________________________________
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

This week we are joined by acclaimed spirits professional Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, to talk all things Tales going into this year's gathering in New Orleans. With over 400 events packed into six days, Tales of the Cocktail has grown into the premier destination for industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike, and Charlotte gives us an inside look at what to expect. In addition, Charlotte shares her thoughts on mentorship, staying curious throughout your career, and even some practical survival tips for conference week (extra socks and shoes, anyone?). So tune in as we celebrate the event that has spent two decades fostering connection, education, and community within the global bartending world.

Learn more: https://talesofthecocktail.org


____________________________________
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
PARTNERSHIP & BOOKING INQUIRIES: rachel@fordmedialab.com
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

This week we are joined by Academy Award-nominated actor William H. Macy, who many of you know from his iconic roles in Fargo and Shameless, and co-founder of Colorado's own Woody Creek Distillers, along with Denver bartender Sean Kenyon, the man behind the legendary Williams & Graham. While most celebrity spirit brands are little more than a licensing deal, Macy has been hands-on with Woody Creek since the beginning, championing their grain-to-glass approach in the Rocky Mountains. So tune in as one of Hollywood's most beloved character actors proves he is every bit as passionate about what's in the bottle as what's on the screen.
Learn More: https://woodycreekdistillers.com/william-h-macy-reserve/


____________________________________
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