Industry Interviews by Bar None Drinks

Sara had a chance to catch up with Charlie Whitfield, The Macallan Brand Ambassador for North East America, over a drink at Lantern’s Keep at The Iroquois Hotel in New York City. Over a delicious cocktail by Theo Lieberman, the two shared a laugh while Charlie regaled Sara with stories of his lifetime with the renowned Scotch Whisky.

Todd Richman's reputation certainly precedes him. He joined Sidney Frank Importing Co. Inc., as their Corporate Mixologist in February, representing their cornucopia of brands.  He develops cocktail recipes, trains, educates staff, trade and consumers and serves as an Ambassador for the brands.

Sara chatted with Stephen Myers, the aptly-titled 'Fixer' over at Ilegal Mezcal. With a bright personality, warm smile and colorful history, Steve's story is one to be savored, just like his Mezcal.

Hands down, one of the nicest of the guys in the industry is Todd Appel out of Chicago. And one with a colorful history to boot.   With a B.A. in European Diplomatic History from the University of Minnesota, an M.B.A. in International Business from the University of South Carolina and a language concentration in Portuguese, behind the bar might be the last place his classmates would expect to find him.

Sara Gorelick had the chance to catch up with Tom Nichol at the Tanqueray Lounge at the Andaz Hotel in New York during the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Tom, who is the Master Distiller of Tanqueray Gin, has been in the important role since April 2006.

In New York, the month of May is synonymous with change of weather, blooming flowers, fresh Spring ingredients on menus and for those in the cocktail industry - the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Sara had a chance to ask Lesley Townsend a few questions about her experience as Founder & Director of one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. Check out what this whirlwind had to say about the MCC, her back story and what she likes to drink on her downtime.

Heidi Merino, a member of the Liquid Chef team and wife of master mixologist Junior Merino, takes her place not behind but right next to her husband, and often steals the show with her warm personality. With a colorful background starting in Hawaii, Heidi has traveled the world studying culture, art, theater, food and drink.

The spirits industry is full of fun and interesting people, and Tomas Delos Reyes is no exception. A self-proclaimed Scorpio, Tomas describes his age as old enough to drink, too young to die.

Sara caught up with Francesco Lafranconi, Director of Mixology & Spirits Education for Southern Wine and Spirits, when he was in New York for the Spirit of Italy. The Spirit of Italy was held at the end of January and focused on promoting select spirits from Italy.

Raphael Reyes lives his life by one saying: Find a job you love and you will never have to work again. A bartender for 7 years, he has held every position in the hospitality business from fine dining to lounges, clubs, sommelier, teaching, managing and is currently in his favorite niche: creating cocktails at 1534 in New York City.

Fabulous people are teaching us everyday that you don't necessarily have to be a bartender to find a place at the bar. Selena Ricks, aka The Dizzy Fizz, is making a real name for herself with all the innovative ideas she has for today's ever-changing cocktail culture.

Does it seem like whisky is everywhere these days? Maybe it has something to do with Dan Tullio, the Director of Canadian Club.  Dan started with Canadian Club family brands almost 30 years ago and currently represents them as the key point of contact in markets across the US, Canada and the Far East.

Scott Goldman wasn't always into spirits. In fact, before he stumbled along Combier, Scott was a kid with a dream of playing ice hockey.  The rich history of Combier made it extremely attractive to Scott and has become his favorite part of working with the brand.

When most people think of Long Island, high real estate, proximity to New York, money and beaches come to mind. But when it comes to restaurants on Long Island the Mill Pond House in Centerport is full of accolades.  The Mill Pond also boasts one of the best sommeliers around, Mr. Sean Gantner.

Kelley Slagle, the mixologist at Terroir, creates her cocktails with wine and beer only, a far cry from your everyday bartender.  She looks perfectly at home at Tribeca Terroir in Manhattan, and even as the Tuesday night after work crowd rolls in around her, she is dreaming up new and defying cocktails.

When you have a cocktail named after you, you know that you've made an impact on the scene. And when you have multiple cocktails with your name at some of the world's top bars by some of the world's top bartenders? Then you'd be Angus Winchester.

In this day and age, many people are thinking more eco-friendly and looking towards ways to preserve the planet. This goes for those behind the bar as well! Lauren Mote, GM and mixologist at the Refinery in Vancouver, is making sure to keep green at her establishment.

New York City is home to some of the country's most amazing bartenders. You can spot them in establishments from the depths of Brooklyn to Long Island City to Harlem, just waiting to create a fabulous drink for you. One of those amazing bartenders you must visit is Brent Lamberti, who wears many hats in the New York area.

Victoria, BC is located on Vancouver Island and is not know to be a hot spot for great bartenders.  Sara brings us up to date on Shawn Soole, an Australian trying to change that image in the province's capital.  Straight from Clive's in the Chateau Victoria comes a bar that is changing the game in the city.

Sara catches up with Daniel de Oliveira, a bartender from Chicago who works at Mercadito, Crimson Lounge and his own consulting company, High Proof Chicago.

Sara explores Portland and discovers Lance Mayhew, a bartender at some of the hottest stops in town.  How do you find yourself out of the kitchen and behind the bar anyway?

Sara Gorelick continues her journey out West with Ryan Scott, a Chef who appreciates the use of alcohol in cooking.  There are more uses for alcohol than just drinking you know...

Sara Gorelick heads out West for her latest interview with Bartender Neyah White.  Hailed as one of the best restaurants in San Fransisco, Nopa is blessed with having one of the best bartenders in California.

Sara Gorelick gets closer to Hendrick's Gin Brand Champion - Charlotte Voisey.  Charlotte is an incredible ambassador for Hendrick's and the cocktail culture in general.

Sara Gorelick gets closer to Beam's Master Mixologist, Bobby Gleason.  Bobby G takes us on a ride from his past to what he is passionate about today.

Sara Gorelick heads out on the town and visits with Chantal Tseng for a one on one interview about Chantal, the Tabard Inn and a little history.