(Newswire.net – April 1, 2013) Birmingham, AL – A successful meeting of the Birmingham United States Bartenders Guild on March 11 resulted in the organization doubling its membership.
The reason for its success, according to William Batson of the Bar Hops www.thebarhops.com , who is President of the organization, is that it provides an opportunity for Birmingham bar service professionals to network, obtain benefits, and improve their professional knowledge.
This was the 2nd meeting of the USBG. From the results, it seems Birmingham bar service professionals approve.
Three other founders helped recruit new members:
- LeNell Camacho Santa Ana, VP, former owner of LeNells, a highly successful specialty bottle shop in New York and Casa Coctels in Mexico
- Scott Howdeshell, a bartending professional at Iron City, who is acting Director of Operations
- Pat Floyd of Cat Head Vodka , a specialty distiller, and Treasurer of USBG Birmingham Chapter
As Howdeshell put it “I think that what we look forward to in our growth as a chapter is bringing in a diverse group of bar professionals who are looking to learn and grow in their trade as well as attending some educational and exciting events. We’ve had excellent turnout already, and I foresee our chapter continuing to grow, to everyone’s benefit.”
Each of the officers has extensive professional experience and will use that to create interesting, educational programs for the members to further their professional qualifications.
The event started with a welcome cocktail called The Paloma which was provided by Andrew Davis of Bacardi. The drink was crafted and introduced by Scott Howdeshell.
William Batson, owner of Bar Hops, a premier mobile bar and consulting service in Birmingham, then reviewed the purpose of the organization and their plans for the future.
Next came the educational portion of the program which was served up by LeNell Camacho Santa Ana who has extensive background knowledge of specialty liquors and cocktail crafting.
“When my husband and I decided to bring our business concepts to Birmingham, one of the deciding factors was the sense of community we felt with other bartenders in the area. A thriving cocktail, beer and wine scene in Birmingham lead us to believe that the City was primed and ready not only for our on and off-premise business plans but for a chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. My eponymous retail beverage boutique concept that began in New York City sistered with our cafe bar will bring a remarkable experience to Birmingham. Working with the new USBG chapter, we will help gain more national attention for the City and take Birmingham to the next level of hospitality excellence.” Said Mrs. Camacho Santa Ana.
The educational portion included a discussion on Bitters which is added as flavoring for cocktails that makes them especially complex and delicious.
Bitters are made by steeping herbs and spices in a neutral grain alcohol. A bitters recipe can take at least a month to mature. It is added sparingly to improve flavor in a cocktail mix.
Demien Camacho Santa Ana then demonstrated how to use bitters to custom craft a cocktail.
There was a call for nominations of committee chairman to head up four committees including research and development, education, social networking and community outreach.
El Barrio El Barrio, a popular Birmingham restaurant, catered the event.
The objective of the Birmingham Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild is to educate bar service professionals, add credibility and professionalism to the bartending community, distribute information, and provide an avenue for insurance for bar service professionals.
For more information on the United States Bartenders Guide Birmingham Chapter, contact William Batson at The Bar Hops 205-538-2467 .
United States Bartenders Guild Birmingham, AL Chapter
Media Contact: William Batson
Phone: 205-538-2467