In
my considered opinion, Gary Regan is the exact center of the spirits universe,
the fulcrum upon which civilization balances. It's not that he's especially
urbane, tall or imposing, and it's more than his wit and mesmerizing visage. He
deserves this mantle because of one incomparable claim, namely that no one on
the planet knows more about all things mixology than Gary Regan. Furthermore, I
seriously doubt that there exists a rhythmically breathing person who is more
of an authority and ardent advocate for the art and trade of bartending.
For
those of us in the food and beverage industry, Regan is an icon and widely
recognized commodity. He's authored a number of seminal works, the latest of
which is The Joy of Mixology
(Potter/2003). The Book of Bourbon
(Chapters, 1995), which he coauthored with his wife Mardee, remains the
definitive work on the subject. He is a regular contributor to leading trade
publications and his column in the San Francisco Chronicle is must reading.
Regan
has also elevated mixology through his weekend immersion course called
"Cocktails in the Country." He presents a thorough education on the making of
classic drinks. Conducted ten times a year in upper New York, the program has
attracted attendees from every level of the industry and degree of experience.
Not surprisingly the reviews are unanimous. There is no better opportunity for
learning the craft than Regan's hands-on course.
The
great ones rarely leave the status quo intact. Now Regan has gone and created
an Internet marvel called the Ardent Spirits Worldwide Bartender Database (www.ardentspirits.com). He says it's a
simple concept. For months he has been collecting in a database the names and
contact information of about 1,000 top-class bartenders worldwide. He keeps in
touch with this talented host via the Worldwide Bartender Bulletin. The idea is
to provide those in the liquor business a means to contact his members about
possible jobs, cocktail competitions, bartender/cocktail events, or to create
new drinks for them.
Says
Regan, "Bartenders are, or should be, the most important people on earth to
liquor companies. The Bulletin provides a means for the liquor suppliers and
distributors to effectively communicate directly to their true brand
ambassadors--the men and women behind the stick."
Clearly,
if you're a mixologist with aspirations, or a liquor supplier needing to reach
the world's finest bartenders, the man to contact is Gary Regan. Say, did I
mention that he's also created the consummate orange bitters? He has and oddly
enough it's called Regan's Orange Bitters.
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