opinionated alchemist

Well - we all know that Jeffrey Morgenthaler has at times some controversial ideas. Yet he gets the major support by most bartenders - I am not sure if it is his popularity, his “connection to zeitgeist” or a combination of the two. It is funny to read his ranting about spirit fetishists (just follow the link after  you have read my piece)... and it is quite humorous. Even though I am opinionated, my position is by far not as extreme. Maybe one reason is, that I don’t live in the US, which has probably the most trend-following crowd. But I think a far more important point is, that he really missed an opportunity to showcase some real issues (except of his feelings...). About 15 years ago, I built the then quite impressive liquor selection of the Schaelsick - the hotel bar at the Hyatt Regency Cologne. A couple of moons later, we were quite proud, on the selection... we had tequilas, rums, vodka (by then there was no “issue” with vodka) and especially whiskies, which were rath...

I do bartending already quite long. Give or take 18 years. And in this time I learned some products to be better than other. I can even remember, that I was dispelled from one competition... I rated the quality of an ingredient higher than the risk of being eliminating. And I tried always to highlight great products and avoid bad products. Off course in competition it is sometimes hard, to avoid products, which are from the sponsoring brand - but on work as a beverage manager it can be even harder. Brands are trying to invade bars - with all strengths and tricks. I have to say, that it is often not very smart, because it just doesn't change my perception - I find the brands even more "unlikeable". What I don't understand is, if bartenders are presenting proud the inferior product - without being forced to. I am not a hater for sure. I think for example that Bacardi 8 años (even though as the full name with the "Gran Reserva" is a bit thick) is a b...