Jerry Thomas Project: "Fifty shades of..."
Adam Elmegirab (of bitters fame) asked fifty figures from the world of bartending and cocktails to suggest the one book they'd recommend to a bartender regardless of that person's skillset. It's a worthy exercise (full disclosure: I was asked for my choice) - maybe even enough to excuse an E.L. James joke in the title of the post - but there are a couple of things that stand out for me.One - the list makes for a good example of a Long Tail; the top five most recommended books account for 19 of the 50 votes, but there are a total of 33 titles suggested. Two - if you're recommending a book to a potential bartender, how about just recommending reading? Start with those 33 titles and then keep going, and not just on books about booze. Read fiction, non-fiction, short stories, magazines, just READ. You'll end up a better person, and probably a better bartender.
Diageo - Diageo Reserve announces World Class Bartender of the Year 2012
It's that time of year again, as the bartending world is - somehow - once more surprised by the depth of Diageo's hospitality budget. Leaving aside any bitterness at not being flown to Rio on an expense account, massive congratulations are due to TimPhilips (above) and also to the UK's representative, Andy Mil from LCC.