Point and Clique

When Premier Innovations Group began importing Clique Vodka and  Don Pantaleon Tequila they needed someone to develop the cocktails that highlight their strengths. Enter Tara Shinn, head Mixologist at Plum, brought in to develop cocktails like the Zen Garden.  Tara is also working to recruit top mixologists from around the country to form the Mixologist's Advisory Board to experiment and develop new creations.

Tale of Two Kettles

Most beer lovers would give their left arm to be Brewmaster at a craft brewery. Nick Rosich gets to do it for two different breweries, Penn Brewery and Rust Belt Brewery. As he says, "It beats working."

When Johnny Comes Marching Home

When Bill Larkin decided to move beyond the daily life of accountancy he didn't go the same route as everyone. Instead of being another local winery or micro-beer brewery he went non-traditional. Instead, Arsenal Cider makes ciders and fruit wines to sell in growlers across the street from the former Allegheny Arsenal.

Workin' on the Chain

 

Mike Mills began his trek into bartending through the world of corporate chain restaurants. After coming to Pittsburgh he left behind the world of making Cosmotequinis, demanding entrance into the craft cocktail scene at Embury. You can find him at Meat and Potatoes downtown on the weekend while he plans with Spencer Warren on a new cocktail haven to open in 2012.

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays to you and yours from DrinksBurgh. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Festivus, or like me, Saturnalia have a good drink on us. Now then I must be off... On Dasher and Dancer, Comet and Cupid, on Boyd and Blair, Arsenal and Wigle!

Make it a Double

Rob Ricci pulls  double duty to make it onto this blog. Not only is he one of the bartenders at Spoon, but he is also assistant distiller at Boyd & Blair Vodka.  Boyd & Blair actually makes their vodka from potatoes to make the best tasting vodka in the world.

Dishing Out the Drinks

While Dish Osteria serves primarily Italian/Mediterranean food, their drink selection runs a little more classic and exotic, including one of the only caipirinhas you will find in Pittsburgh. Mastering and serving up these drinks is Raelynn Harshman.