The seminars listed below are first come first serve. To apply for a spot at the Portland Bartending Academy, please sign up on or after Monday, October 15. When the maximum occupancy of each seminar is reached, your name will be added to a waiting list for standing room and remaining available seats.
Monday
Not So Simple: The Art and Science of Making Delicious Cocktail Ingredients
Ever wanted to use science to get the best results for cocktail ingredients? Flavors can be conveyed through suspension, extraction, evaporation and distillation. Find out how and when to use each method. Learn how to interpret old recipes, understand what happens to sugar when you cook it and how fruit cells respond to sugar and alcohol. Maintain consistency in your bar by preserving batches of ingredients with attention to PH values and food safety. Understanding the science behind what we drink ultimately makes for better quality, more consistent and more delicious cocktails.
Presented by Jennifer Colliau
Sponsored by Pernod Ricard
10:30am – 11:30am
11:45am – 12:45pm
11:45am – 12:45pm
Martha Jordan Room
2013 USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo
Join Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Tim Philips, USBG & Diageo World Class U.S. Winner Ricky Gomez, Tanqueray Global Ambassador Angus Winchester and World Class Global Luminary Steve Olson as they unveil the first module of the 2013 program. Enjoy cocktails while learning the ins and outs of competing in the world’s largest cocktail program. Immediately following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a Retro Chic mock challenge.
Presented by Ricky Gomez, Tim Philips, Angus Winchester, Steve Olson
Sponsored by Diageo
10:30am – 12:45pm
1:30pm – 3:45pm
1:30pm – 3:45pm
Movie Theater
Yes You CAN Make a Career Out of This!
International bar consultants, bar owners, brand ambassadors, drink writers and industry event planners will all come together to talk with you about how they’ve managed to carve out a career in the spirits and cocktail industry. If you have an interest in stepping out of the nightly grind of slinging drinks and want to hear first-hand from professionals who have done exactly that, this is the seminar for you.
Presented by Keith Waldbauer, Josh Harris, Daniel Shoemaker, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Corey Bunnewith, David Cid, Jeffrey Morganthaler
Sponsored by Bacardi
10:30am – 11:30am
11:45am – 12:45pm
11:45am – 12:45pm
Mina Parsons Room
The Vibrant Flavor of Los Altos
There are tons of different types of tequila on the market. But there is only one tequila that was created by bartenders for bartenders. Master Distiller Jesus Hernandez and Co-Founder Henry Besant speak about the history and creation that went into creating this amazing tequila. They are very excited to speak to you about different tequila processes and the amazing journey they took to create Altos Tequila. Altos is a vibrant and hand-crafted tequila that has a story meant to be told.
Presented by Master Distiller Jesus Hernandez & Co-Founder Henry Besant
Sponsored by Pernod Ricard USA
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Mina Parsons Room
Shots Heard Round the World
Shots: they are the simplest, oldest and most versatile method of imbibing. We’ll be discussing the many traditions, variations and economics of the shot. From Parisian sewer workers to bachelorette parties to Napoleonic Jello Shots, viva la shot!
Presented by Presented by Charlie Pap and Michael Martensen
Sponsored by House Spirits
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Cypress Bar
Cocktail Bar Business Plans - How to Make Money, Not Just Fancy Cocktails
At the very most, a general manager of a bar or restaurant is exposed to 50% of the total operating costs of bar operation. The rest of a bar’s expenses are typically handled by ownership or are negotiated at the beginning of the bar’s development. While bartenders or managers may have decades of experience negotiating leases, predicting bar margins outside of day-to-day operations, and quantifying all of this in a proposal that successfully secures investment is oftentimes difficult for those who have the potential to open amazing establishments.
This seminar will teach you how to write a business plan – now or in the future. Either way, all bar professionals should understand these issues because it dramatically improves professionalism when there’s a better understanding of how it all mixes together!
Presented by Bobby Heugel
Sponsored by Cognac Ferrand
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Martha Jordan Room
Tuesday
Demystifying Vermouth
Giuseppe Gallo, Neil Kopplin and Junior Ryan will explore the history of vermouth, walk through what grape types are used and why and take a look at new age vermouths. After sampling each vermouth on its own, a few low proof cocktails will be made as we discuss the importance of vermouth cocktails and how to make them appropriately.
Presented by Junior Ryan, Neil Kopplin, Giuseppe Gallo
Sponsored by Imbue
10:30am – 11:30am
11:45am – 12:45pm
11:45am – 12:45pm
Martha Jordan Room
Discovering le Cognac
Come explore the illustrious history and heritage of one of the world’s most respected spirits, Cognac. Taste this noble spirit and experience the differences between the styles and classifications, the magic of oak aging, and explore the geography, regions, soils, and climate. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the most influential, historically important, and delicious Cognac cocktails, as well as modern interpretations that are bringing Cognac back as a go-to ingredient in cocktails today! This seminar is presented by Steve Olson and Andy Seymour of B.A.R, Beverage Alcohol Resource.
Presented by Steve Olson and Andy Seymour
Sponsored by Experience Cognac / BNIC and BAR
10:30am – 12:45pm
Mina Parsons Room
Modernist Techniques for the Cocktail Bar
Pernod Ricard USA sponsors this dynamic demonstration of modern “molecular” techniques with Dave Arnold, Tristan Willey and Don Lee, including carbonation, clarification, centrifuges, iSi rapid infusions, and liquid nitrogen. This seminar will explain why these techniques are useful to creating better ingredients and show you when and how to apply these techniques behind your bar today.
Presented by Dave Arnold, Tristan Willey and Don Lee
Sponsored by ABSOLUT Vodka, Plymouth Gin and Martell, BarSmarts
10:30am – 12:45pm
Movie Theater
Liquor Trends and Viral Marketing
In the past few years, taking shots has moved well past the salt and the lime. Between Bone Luges, Menu Backs and Picklebacks, there are no shortage of ways to ingest our favorite potable, liquor. Do these ‘boozy trends’ have a legitimate place in the cocktail world or are they just for show?
Join Jacob Greir (Bone Luge), Jason Littrell (Pickle Back) and Daniel de Oliviera (Menu Back) for a discussion on where these drinks live in the cocktail world and which is king.
Presented by Jacob Greir, Daniel de Oliviera and Jason Littrell
Sponsored by
10:30am – 11:30am
11:45am – 12:45pm
11:45am – 12:45pm
Honors Bar
Drink.Write - Ask a Master Distiller
Have questions about distillation or Irish whiskey? We’ve got the guy with the answers. Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at Jameson, knows a thing or two about distilling, having grown up in The Distiller’s Cottage at the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork before taking on the role himself. Crockett will explain how Jameson is made, using both pot- and column-distilled spirit before aging, and we’ll open up the floor to questions about the product, Irish whiskey in general, and questions about distillation. Get as nerdy as you want!
Presented by Barry Crockett, Master Distiller of Jameson Irish Whiskey
Sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey
10:30am – 11:30am
The Kennedy School Gymnasium
Blinded By The Dark
Amaro and Kräuterlikör’s. Herbal Liqueurs. Ancient Secret Recipes of mystery going back to the middle ages.
Do you think you know your bitter liqueurs? Have you been “Enlightened” to the history of some of Europe’s finest dark herbal liqueurs?
Come test yourself and go through the sensory analysis which will be led by Tad Carducci and Todd Richman. Join us for a comprehensive blind tasting and test your palette. Highlights include spirits from Domaine Select Classic and Vintage Spirits, Sidney Frank Importing Company and Infinium spirits.
Presented by Todd Richman and Tad Carducci
Sponsored by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Domaine Select Classic and Vintage Spirits and Infinium Spirits
10:30am – 11:30am
11:45am – 12:45pm
11:45am – 12:45pm
Cypress Bar
Speed and Efficiency
Angus Winchester shares the findings from his recent ground breaking Tanqueray Bartender Evaluation Tour of 18 USBG chapters as evidence of the vast differences in speed and efficiency of the Modern Craft Bartender and offers some solutions and encouragements.
Presented by Angus Winchester
Sponsored by Tanqueray
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Cypress Bar
Drink.Write - From Writer to Bartender
Have you ever thought about trying your hand at bartending? This sure-to-be lively panel will be hosted by three bloggers who made the switch either full- or part-time: Blair Reynolds of B.G Reynold’s syrups and the just-opened Hale Pele in Portland; Erik Ellestad of the Savoy Stomp blog and bartender at Heaven’s Dog in San Francisco; and Matt Robold, mild-mannered programmer by day and bartender at 320 Main in Orange County and host of the Rum Society at Cana Rum Bar in Los Angeles at night. We’ll hear stories of their greatest successes and failures and get advice on convincing bar managers to give you a chance on the other side of the bar.
Presented by Blair Reynolds, Erik Ellestad, Matt Robold
Sponsored by Four Roses Bourbon
1:30pm – 2:30pm
The Kennedy School Gymnasium
Yacht Rock (And How to Make Them While Traveling at 30 Knots)
This will be a hands-on seminar, where students will try their hand at making cocktails while moving at a hefty clip and listening to the smooth sounds of McDonald, Loggins, Steely Dan, Hall and Oates, The Doobies and more. We will attempt to make both simple and complicated cocktails while engaged in an activity which will simulate a moving boat. If the yacht’s a-rockin’, you can’t do no dockin’. Awards will be given for 1.) most complicated (but still TASTY) Yacht Rock cocktail, 2.) least amount of spillage, 3.) best flair and 4.) best song choice.
Presented by Danny Ronen
Sponsored by William Grant & Sons
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Boiler Room
Meet Barry Crockett, Master Distiller, Jameson Irish Whiskey
Pernod Ricard USA sponsors this seminar which brings Master Distiller, Barry Crockett, to Portland Cocktail week. Barry was born in the Distiller’s cottage that sits on the ground of the Midleton Distillery and has been immersed in the art of whiskey distilling for almost 50 years, becoming Master Distiller in 1981. Today, Barry overseas the distilling operation at Midleton, which gives rise to some of the most remarkable whiskey distillates in the world. Don’t miss your opportunity to join us for an amazing tasting that will include the newest single pot whiskey – Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.
Presented by Barry Crockett
Sponsored by Jameson
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Mina Parsons Room
Sweet Tap Dancing Christ! There’s More??!!
Join a few seasoned cocktail week veterans as they disscuss how to survive (and possibly even thrive) during a cocktail conference. We will discuss drinking and tasting strategies and the importance of taking care of yourself while having fun. Remember – nothing good happens after 4am!
Presented by Rocky Yeh, Todd Richman, Treavor Easter, Jim Romdall
Sponsored by Martin Miller
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
The Library
It's Not The Size Of Your Barrels, It's How You Use Them
Why such a big deal about small barrels? Is bigger better? Isn’t better subjective? Spend some time with Tuthilltown’s former Head Distiller and current Hudson Whiskey Ambassador Gable Erenzo to explore the benefits and pitfalls, the dos and don’ts of small barrel maturation. scientific findings will be presented, and free flow conversation welcomed.
Presented by Gable Erenzo
Sponsored by Hudson Whiskey and William Grant & Sons
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Martha Jordan Room
Trade Talks Presented by ABSOLUT Vodka
Trade Talks, sponsored by Pernod Ricard USA, is a collection of short two to three minute videos that capture well-known bartenders and industry professionals speaking candidly about topics that they are most passionate about. This presentation, led by Chris Patino, Pernod Ricard USA, will include a series of brief video segments, followed by discussions and Q&A sessions with each of the video’s participants. The participants and topics for PDXCW include Don Lee/Infusions, Erick Castro/Speed and Efficiency in Bartending, Steve Schneider/Working as a Team, Lynnette Marrero/Women Behind the Bar and Jeffrey Morgenthaler/Barrel Aging Everything.
Presented by Chris Patino
Sponsored by Pernod Ricard
1:30pm – 3:45pm
Movie Theater
Setting The Tone: How Music Affects Your Bar
Tons of money, time and thought go into the decor, tables, glassware, lighting of any bar you see; yet, the music played in most of these establishments is left to a computer programed service or whims of whatever the bartender feels like putting on. In most cases, no thought is given to how the music being played effects the guests’ experience. Join us for an auditory journey to explore how music effects the environment of a bar and the mood of it’s guests. We will discuss different avenues of achieving the perfect playlist for our guests and explore the various settings that can be achieved with music. Students will be encouraged to discuss some of their favorite bar experiences and reflect on how music played a part in it. Learn a few simple ways to manage the soundtracks, so you can have quick, accessible options for different scenarios in your bar to keep the energy where we want it at all times.
Presented by Dylan Regan
Sponsored by William Grant & Sons
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Boiler Room
Drink.Write - Make Money Blogging
This seminar will focus on the many ways to earn money by blogging and using a blog as a business hub, including advertising, affiliate links, live-tweeting, running contests, self-publishing, recipe development, sending out email newsletters, teaching classes, judging contests, sponsored coverage, and much, much more! Our speaker is Camper English of Alcademics.com, who has managed to wrangle over ten thousand bucks out of his blog this year.
Presented by Camper English
Sponsored by Perrier
2:45pm – 3:45pm
The Kennedy School Gymnasium
Drink.Write - Tequila Intensive
You know the difference between mixto and 100% agave tequila, and between blanco, reposado, and anejo. In this seminar, Jesus Hernandez, Master Distiller for Olmeca Altos Tequila, will provide deeper information on tequila production: How does the tahona affect the flavor of the spirit and how can you know in a blind tasting? What is the difference in flavor between Highland and Lowland tequilas? How does a professional taste? We’ll start there and learn as much as we can in this action-packed seminar.
Presented by Jesus Hernandez, Master Distiller of Olmeca Altos Tequila
Sponsored by Olmeca Altos Tequila
11:45pm – 12:45pm
The Kennedy School Gymnasium
Wednesday
Tequila Industry Discussion With The CNIT and TIP
Join the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT) and the Tequila Interchange Project for an in-depth look at issues related to NOM 186, appellation of origin, biodiversity, agave prices, and other nuances that affect the agave products in your bars.
The format will be a brief introduction of each organization, which invites questions throughout the seminar. This will be followed by a discussion of issues facing the tequila industry today. Speakers to include Bobby Heugel of TIP, Lic. Eduardo Orendain Giovannini, President CNIT and Representative of Tequila Arette de Jalisco, S.A. de C.V. and Lic. Francisco J. Soltero Jiménez, Director General CNIT.
Presented by Bobby Heugel David Suro, Ryan Fitzgerald, Eduardo Orendain Giovannini, Francisco J. Soltero Jiménez
Sponsored by CNIT and TIP
10:30am – 12:45pm
1:30 – 3:45pm
1:30 – 3:45pm
Movie Theater
Deconstructing Fruit
Join Freddy Diaz for a culinary bar chef experience using Les Vergers Boiron Fruit Purées. Learn the science of making pearls, spherifications, emulsifications, and more, while also testing the equipment and gadgets that put these cocktails together.
Presented by Freddy Diaz
Sponsored by Les Vergers Boiron Fruit Purées
10:30am – 11:30am
11:45am – 12:45pm
11:45am – 12:45pm
Martha Jordan Room
The Nose Knows: The Art of Smelling and Tasting Spirits
Join St. George distiller Dave Smith and his lovely sidekick Andie Ferman as they test your spirits tasting prowess and talk about the science of smell. There are many techniques for tasting different types of alcohol, and we will discuss swirling and whirling, where it works and where it is not as effective. Does glassware really affect the way you smell and which spirits use which glass? Join St. George Spirits and smell the roses!
Presented by Andie Ferman and Dave Smith
Sponsored by St George Spirits
10:30am – 11:30am
11:45am – 12:45pm
11:45am – 12:45pm
Boiler Room
A Cordial Discussion of History
Explore the historic and literal roots of the spices and botanicals of the liqueurs that we all love today. Using the classic spirits – Benedictine, Chartreuse, Cherry Heering & Drambuie – see how liqueurs have gone from the drink of kings to the bartender’s best friend.
Presented by Michelle Chernoff, Anthony Caporale, Tim Master and Martin Duffy
Sponsored by Drambuie, Chartreuse, Benedictine and Cherry Heering
10:30am – 11:30am
11:45am – 12:45pm
11:45am – 12:45pm
Cypress Bar
Drink.Write - Drink Porn 101: Know Your ISO from Your Aperture
Create beverage photography that sings, “Drink Me.” Learn how to boost your basic photo skills so your photos grab people, build buzz and drive traffic. We’ll cover photo basics & terminology, learn to build a light box in a studio setting and take pictures in low-light locations (like a dark bar). We’ll discuss a few tricks for creating engaging cocktail photos such as working your environment and capturing fast-moving bartenders. We’ll talk about post-production shortcuts and solutions as well as some quick guidelines on uploading and resizing imagery. The seminar, lead by professional drink photographer Jenn Farrington (Gourmet, GQ, San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today, Wine & Spirits) is catered toward people who want introductory photo tips to quickly advance the quality of imagery they’re using to represent themselves, their brands, their bars, etc. The seminar will be lead with bloggers, bartenders & brand ambassadors in mind, however it will interest all types of photo hobbyists.
Presented by Jennifer Farrington, Photographer at Straub Collaborative
Sponsored by Montelobos Mezcal
10:30am – 11:30am
The Kennedy School Gymnasium
Drink.Write - Blogger to Writer: Making a Career Out of It
The luxury of blogging is that you can write what you want when you want. The advantage of getting paid for writing is, well, money. Our panelists will spill their tips and tricks on how to approach editors, what type of stories sell best, and how to use your blog to get paid gigs. Speakers are Greg Harned, who writes for Serious Eats and The Hooch Life; Lou Bustamonte, writer for Wine & Spirits, Tasting Table, and the SF Weekly; and Paul Clarke, a contributing editor to Imbibe magazine and writer for the San Francisco Chronicle and many other publications.
Presented by Paul Clarke; Lou Bustamonte, Greg Harned
Sponsored by Sake One
1:30pm – 2:30pm
The Kennedy School Gymnasium
Us Having You Serve Them
The truest sentiment of service will be thoroughly examined with respect to historical, cultural and regional examples. This discussion will lead us to the ultimate expression of hospitality: humility. It’s part discussion, part service reality show.
Presented by Reza Esmaili
Sponsored by
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Boiler Room
Sipping Stereotypes - Women and Whisk(e)y
Over the past decade, there has been a growing awareness and concern about the relationship between women and whiskey. And lets get down to it; in the general market, whiskey is predominantly associated as a male gendered spirit. But the questions remains as to how this stereotype came into existence and why it continues to persist. In this seminar, we will tackle the issue of women and whiskey from a new academic, bartender and consumer standpoint, and then open the floor to discuss how we as bartenders can try to resolve this issue of over 250 years. And we will do so with some delicious whiskey cocktails and scotch in hand. Whiskey, women and the Wiz? You won’t want to miss this session.
Presented by Pamela Wiznitzer
Sponsored by Diageo Single Malts
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Martha Jordan Room
The National USBG: Building a Bigger Boat
This seminar is intended for USBG Representatives and Board Members.
Join Dean Hurst for a USBG Community Building workshop. He will be discussing the role of distributor and supplier involvement for your monthly meetings, events and competitions. The seminar will explore community outreach, keeping your chapter motivated and generally engaging your market.
If you are looking to grow your USBG chapter, this seminar is a must attend.
Presented by Dean Hurst
Sponsored by William Grant & Sons
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
The Library
From Grass To Bottle
A discussion of the various paths taken after the harvesting of Sugarcane leading to the various styles of Cane Spirits, why some brands chose a given path vs another. Of course, it never hurts to also demystify some of the industry’s marketing eroded messaging with fact and science, while enjoying a few simple cocktails that will bring the theoretical discussion to life.
Presented by David Cid and Scott Mayer
Sponsored by Bacardi
1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
2:45pm – 3:45pm
Cypress Bar
Drink.Write - Writers and PR: Can’t We All Just Get Along?
This seminar will be a conversation between writers/bloggers and public relations professionals, with an emphasis on how we can improve our relationships and get the most out of each other. We’ll address pet peeves and what we’re doing wrong (in each others’ opinions), find out what we most want from each other, and brainstorm ways to achieve those goals. This one is gonna be goooood. Panelists are Laura Baddish of The Baddish Group, Camper English of Alcademics, Daniel Djang of ThirstyInLA.com.
Presented by Laura Baddish, Camper English, Daniel Djang
Sponsored by Four Roses Bourbon
2:45pm – 3:45pm
The Kennedy School Gymnasium
Drink.Write - Publishing Your Book
This seminar will give you the information needed to get your book idea into print, in one of three ways. Our speakers are Dave Stolte, author of the Kickstarter-funded Home Bar Basics; Frederic Yarm, author of the self-published Drink & Tell: A Boston Cocktail Book; and Natalie Bovis, who scored a two-book deal with a traditional publisher and since published a third. We’ll hear and how and why they published the way they did and open the floor to questions.
Presented by Dave Stolte, Frederic Yarm, Natalie Bovis
Sponsored by Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky
11:45pm – 12:45pm
The Kennedy School Gymnasium
