Shawn Soole (aka The Liquid Revolutionist) is a writer, mixologist and sommelier currently working in Canada. His career includes years of bartending at a variety of establishments in Australia and Canada. Voted one of Australia's best bartenders , Soole has also developed a unique muddler called the Viva! Stick and writes about mixology for various publications, including Chilled Magazine.
An Interview with Shawn Soole:
- How did you begin bartending?
I got into bartending completely by accident. I was a gardener at a hotel when I just turned 17, they needed a hand at a wedding that night so I gave them one. Then the progression into the bar happened after that. It was not as beautiful a thing as I would like to remember though. Big, lanky guys behind the bar knocking stuff over and having no clue what they were doing.
- What qualities do you think a successful bartender should have?
I always say that knowledge is power. One of the best attributes a bartender should have is a passion to learn. That being said, you need the right temperament and personality to be able to convey and educate your clientele on all the wonderful things you know. Always be willing to learn. Regardless of how long you have been doing this gig, there is always someone out there better than you. Other qualities I would say are being able to deal with late nights, early mornings, sore feet and muscles, handling drunks and being able to have fun with yourself, your workmates and your clientele.
- Of the different types of establishments you have worked in (nightclubs, cocktail lounges, pubs, hotels/resorts), which style was your favorite?
Each style of establishment has its pros and cons, I love each one for different reasons. Ideally though I love a nice bar with a great selections of spirits, wine and beer and the clientele looking for that. Looking for an experience, I think regardless where you work if you give a customer an out of this world experience then that is my favorite place.
- What advice would you give to an aspiring bartender?
With this being a classed as a career these days, take it seriously. This is not just a job its a craft, a service and an art form. Learn as much as you can, read, visit breweries, wineries and distilleries. Watch other bartenders that you might aspire to be like one day but always run your own race. Don't try to keep up with everyone else, carve your own path of discovery & trend setting.
- What are judges looking for in a cocktail competition? In a flairtending competition?
When I judge a cocktail competition, I personally look at the usual components of taste, appearance, aroma etc but I also look at the drinks marketability. Anyone can make a cocktail with do-do bird egg whites and a rare Singapore orchid as a garnish but is this viable behind the bar? I think this is where a few cocktail competitions miss the mark, they are putting big bucks up in sponsorship and exposure but if the cocktail never gets made again because it's too complex than the company is just losing out. Marketability is a big thing for me, simple, classy and unique that you can make 1000 of over the wood on a Friday night, that's big marks.
When it comes to flair again I am looking for the usual clean, fluid movements of the routine but after so many this can get redundant. It sounds weird but now whenever I see something that I haven't seen yet then I subconsciously have the hairs on the back of my neck stand up on end. This way I know that the move was special. If a competitor is having fun and being relaxed no matter if its a perfect routine or a utter flop, this industry is fun and people who grab that deserve a big pat on your back.
- What have you learned from competing in cocktail/bartending competitions?
Its hard to put it down to a few points. First have fun, you are competing against maybe 20 other people who are just as stressed and nervous as you are. Follow the 6P's - Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance, take everything with you. All your own tools, supplies, juices and glassware, never expect the sponsors or the organizers to supply anything. Make your cocktail the night before, perfect everything.
Visit Shawn Soole's website for more bartending advice: TheLiquidRevolution.com
