Employee’s Only’s Dev Johnson is a LA native who’s drift away from acting led to a massive dedication to hospitality. As many actor’s find work far and few between, they seek out hospitality jobs to cover their expenses. Sometimes this empowers the career, and sometimes it creates a career change. Dev Johnson found that bartending became the perfect intersection of people skills and learning. Now years later, and one of the longest serving bartenders at Employee’s Only, what does patience, dedication, and humility do for your career? Bonus: we chat Monkey Shoulder with Vance Henderson.
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Ep 247 – Esteban Morales Garibi: A Bridge Between the Past and the Present
Esteban Morales Garibi revitalized craft cocktails, coffee, and culinary innovation in Guadalajara. His commitment to transparency, new projects, and sharing beautiful spirits with the world is a page out of an adventure novel. His introduction of La Venenosa introduced the world to Raicilla, a seemingly lost spirit that highlights the flavors of Jalisco. Likewise, his latest project Mezcales Derrumbes features beautiful mezcal from the states of Oaxaca, Michoacan, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, and Durango. And the projects don’t stop there…. We talk food, Sotol, Mexico, ambition, and more…..
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Ep 246 – Fausto Zapata: The Creation of El Silencio Mezcal
The world of mezcal is growing in a very rapid way. The divide between bottle pricing creates many questions for consumers and bartenders alike. With all the market opportunities, what does a burgeoning brand do to captivate the market and consumers alike. Fausto Zapata, the creator and CEO of El Silencio Mezcal, used his interest in people, real estate, and culture to bring a cost-effective spirit to the market. And now, a few years later, the bottle can be spotted just about anywhere. So where does entrepreneurialism end and passion begin? We chat agave blends, terroir, family, and food.
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Ep 245 – Alvaro Plata: The Spoils of Spain
Sherry is finally returning to favor in cocktails and drinking culture, but some of the details are foggy. The jet setting Alvaro Plata travels the world sharing the beautiful spirits and sherry’s of Gonzalez Byass. The beloved Spanish brandy and sherries are a labor of passion and years of tradition. As many generations of Alvaro’s family have worked with GB in Jerez, he continues the legacy whilst sharing sips around the world. We chat teaching, Nomad whiskey, economics, food, and the best flavor combo with Sherry.
