Where are you from?
I am from Halifax
Where do you currently work?
I work at Bar Kismet
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been Bartending for 20 years
If you could work with any other bartender in the world for one night who would it be?
I couldn’t pick just one Bartender over the rest. Bartending is an apprenticeship trade and I learn from Bartenders every day. So I would say you could drop me anywhere in the world and I would find a great bartender to work with and learn from.
If you could visit any restaurant/bar in the world where would it be?
I had always idolized, « Harry’s American Bar » in Paris and I finally got to go! Next on the list is the »American Bar at The Savoy ».
Who is your mentor, if you have one?
Specifically, as a mentor, I generally look to Philip Duff for guidance.
Why do you feel MADE WITH LOVE, as a cocktail competition, is important for the Industry in Halifax?
MWL is important to Halifax because while it is a competition, it truly is a celebration of the craft of Bartending. The cocktail culture in Halifax is still growing and requires these sorts of events to continuously boost enthusiasm.
What is the skill you look for in a competitor when you are judging?
The skill I look for the most in this format is a detailed articulation of the connection between their concept and their cocktail.
What is the most impressive thing you have ever seen a bartender do?
I once witnessed a Bartender present their cocktail in Flemish & English because 2 of the 3 judges were Dutch. Important to note that the Bartender learned Flemish 3 days before the competition.
What’s the most frequent error competitors do in a competition?
The most frequent error I see is Bartenders trying to be someone they’re not. It ends up being disingenuous.
What is the biggest challenge a judge has?
The biggest challenge for a judge is to take each cocktail as a singular item in that moment and to forget any previous cocktails that particular Bartender has presented.
What is the most precious advice you could give to a competitor?
The best advice I’ve ever received and could ever give is, « respect your work and honor your effort; then present your result with pride ».
