Behind The Stick Interviews with the Movers and Shakers Of Mixology Hosted by Blair Frodelius of Good Spirits News |
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Reganomics
A Conversation with Gary Regan Gary "Gaz" Regan is the madman of mixology. A Brit living in upstate New York for the last few decades, Gary has made it his life's mission to educate and encourage bartenders around the world to excel. He publishes the e-letters "Ardent Spirits" and "Worldwide Bartender Bulletin" as well as maintaining Ardentspirits.com. This fall he published his first book on a subject dear to his heart. I asked Gary about "The Bartender's Gin Compendium", what his last request cocktails would be, and what figures from history he'd invite to bartend for an evening. Curious? Read on... GSN: Why a book about gin?
Adapted from a recipe by Gary Regan, Ardent Spirits, New York. 90 ml (3 oz) dry gin 30 ml (1 oz) sweet vermouth 5 dashes Angostura bitters 1 flamed (optional) orange twist, as garnish Build in an ice-filled old-fashioned glass, stir briefly, and add the garnish. GSN: What is the most surprising thing you discovered while researching The Bartender's Gin Compendium? GR: That I could steal information from Dave Wondrich and, providing I gave him credit, he didn’t mind. It was almost as though he’d bought me a drink.
GSN: What is your most treasured cocktail related possession? GR: An antique barspoon that Wondrich gave me when he wasn’t thinking straight. GSN: You grew up in the U.K. and now live in
Upstate New York. How would you
compare the two cultures in terms of mixology? I lived in the city till ’95, and now I live upstate. GSN: Where do you see cocktails headed in, let's say, ten years?GSN: Who are some of your favorite bartenders and where do they work?
Nick Irvin, Bay Horse, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, England. Dave Ridings, That great
stretch of mahogany in the sky.
GR: A Manhattan made by Norman Bukofzer, Ritz Carlton, Central Park South, NYC. Norman is an intuitive bartender. No matter which whiskey you choose he’ll put the drink together perfectly every time, and he doesn’t even appear to think about it.
GSN: That sounds truly horrific. What is the most amusing cocktail story you can tell us? GR: A woman says to the bartender, “I’d like a Double Entendre.” So he gave her one. (I know that’s not the kind of story you wanted, but I’m saving those for an upcoming book.)
GSN: If you were to travel back in time and host a cocktail party with guest bartenders, who would you invite to be behind the stick? GR: Whatever
got them
laid most.
GR: My
spiritual awakening. You'll have to read my next book to find out
more. GSN: What cocktail would you request for your last meal? Or better yet, which three? I know I'd have more than one before I go.
GR: Not
taking myself too
seriously.
Gary Regan is a regular contributor to The San Francisco Chronicle. Some of his books are "The Joy of Mixology", "The Book of Bourbon and other Fine American Whiskies" and "New Classic Cocktails". His latest project "The Bartenders Gin Compendium" was published on August 24, 2009. He can be reached at http://www.ardentspirits.com/
Blair Frodelius lives in
upstate New York and is the
editor of Good Spirits News. Good Spirits News |
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