Meet the Gentleman Jack “Culture Shakers” Class of 2024: Jackson edition! The Culture Shakers initiative stands as a beacon of recognition and support for Multicultural bartenders ascending in the realm of mixology, revolutionizing cocktail culture in their respective cities while imprinting their unique legacies upon the bar scene. In 2024, the program maintains its commitment to spotlighting a fresh wave of talent, with a dynamic cohort from Jackson. These trailblazers, armed with creativity and innovation, challenge conventions and redefine the boundaries of bar culture.

Embodying the essence of Gentleman Jack, a Tennessee whiskey distinguished by its smoothness and approachability, the Culture Shakers epitomize the spirit of craftsmanship and dedication. Like the whiskey’s meticulous process, these bartenders exemplify a commitment to authenticity and excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Through their passion and determination, they embody the ethos of Gentleman Jack, embracing the role of creators who strive to craft what’s genuine and aspire to leave a lasting legacy.

Jackson Culture Shakers Class of 2024

Elaena Hutcherson

What makes the City you live and work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?

The hospitality industry in Jackson is growing quickly and we are constantly being introduced to more diverse concepts and cuisine. This makes Jackson an exciting place to work in the hospitality industry because, unlike other big cities, we are not yet exposed to a wide variety of cultural flavors. Jackson does have its own culture and the influence of this culture can be seen in my drink recipes.

How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?

I love getting to know new people and this influences my bartending style a lot. I love making bespoke cocktails and creating recipes that fit peoples’ personalities and their unique tastes.

What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you & how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?

Being a Culture Shaker is a huge accomplishment for me. I have been bartending in Jackson since I turned 21 and have grown a lot in my craft over the past five years. Growing up in the DC area taught me the importance of diversity and being a Mexican American in Mississippi has opened my eyes to many things that I wasn’t aware of in the DC area. Being in the hospitality industry has allowed me to make many friends with people of different cultures; working in the hospitality industry has exposed me to all kinds of people and allows me to learn from these connections.Those who work in the hospitality industry should view this as an opportunity to meet new people and learn about cultures outside of their own.

Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.

Gentleman Jack fits this cocktail perfectly because it pairs well with fresh fruit. It is a very smooth spirit and I believe that by pairing it with fresh fruit, anyone could enjoy this cocktail.

The Black Jack

• 1.5 oz Gentleman Jack
• .5 oz limoncello
• 1.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 2 muddled blackberries
• 1 muddled strawberry

Garnished with a blackberry with a mint sprig throughout the middle, strained and served over ice in a rocks glass

Ryan LaShay

What makes the City you live and work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?

Jackson, Mississippi: what a place to call home! Mississippi is known as the Hospitality State and Jackson is a great place for hospitality. It’s a melting pot of people from around the world – we always welcome new friends!

How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?

I am a very likable person and I’ve always been known as “the nice bartender.” My approach is to give the people the experience I look for while dining. I love a great ambiance, so that’s what I aim to provide all my guests.

What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you & how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?

Being a Culture Shaker is super special to me. It shows that I am crafting my own special style and technique within the hospitality industry that’s awarding me the opportunity to be recognized for my hard work, skills and expertise. Bartenders can use their influence by providing customer service basics to patrons. If more bartenders provide the service they would expect while dining, I think it could really set a trend.

Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.

Gentleman Jack is the ideal base spirit because of its palate profile. It gives a taste of oak with a small pinch of cinnamon toast. My goal with crafting this cocktail was to build off that taste and compliment Mississippi with a hint of Southern tradition.

Southern Sidecar

• 2 oz Gentleman Jack
• .75 oz orange liqueur
• .75 oz sweet tea

In a glass filled with ice pour all ingredients and stir. After stirring place one charred sweet orange wheel in a coupe and strain ingredients off ice into a coupe glass.

Sherika Jones

What makes the City you live and work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?

Jackson is filled with vibrant people and entrepreneurs between the ages of 25-45 working to change the dynamics of the city. We celebrate each other, encourage the youth, work and play together. Plus, we have the best HBCU in the land right here in the heart of the city, Jackson State University, my alma mater!

Most people who come from out of town love our nightlife! The rich history of Jackson lives on, from Capitol Street returning to a two-way street to the revitalization of the King Edward Hotel and the rebuilding of Farish Street. It’s all about having a good time and being able to celebrate each other while we are here together and that’s what I love the most about the city: the people and our culture. Black Excellence is definitely found here in the heart of the city. We are the city with soul!

How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?

I love a good celebration. To see people having the time of their lives and being able to  serve them is remarkable. Being friendly and nonjudgmental is essential, plus knowing quite a few people makes it easier to be able to bartend. The people make this job fun and exhilarating. People want to enjoy the ambience and company of their loved ones while listening to great music and having their favorite drinks. I really enjoy assisting the guests with creating the best experience possible.

What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you & how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?

Being a Culture Shaker is exceptional and I’m glad to be a part of this experience. It allows me to be able to display my talents for the world to see a country girl from the Mississippi Delta show that we can do it all. We are a very talented and educated people who literally can make something out of nothing, and that’s a skill most people don’t possess. Honestly, I never thought I would be here. This is a humbling experience that has exceeded my expectations. Bartending has opened so many doors and allowed me to have my own mobile bartending business. I am also working on my own nonprofit organization which will advocate against discrimination, abuse, and alcoholism.

Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.

Gentleman Jack has been many families favorite whiskey for generations. Rich and smooth in its taste, it is pleasurable to enjoy simply over ice or in a mixed cocktail. It works well with other flavors and can also stand out and alone. There aren’t many whiskeys that can compare; it has been truly a gentleman from the start.

Southern Spiked Sweet Tea

• 2 oz Gentleman Jack
• .5 oz peach schnapps
• 2-3 dashes simple syrup
• 3-4 fresh mint leaves
• 3-4 oz sweet tea
• Half lemon wedge
• Splash of lemon-lime soda

Rinse fresh mint leaves. Slap then put 2-3 fresh mint leaves in a shaker along with 2-3 dashes of simple syrup. Muddle. Then add Gentleman Jack, peach schnapps, and sweet tea. Squeeze lemon wedge in shaker over ice. Shake then strain in a Collins Glass filled with ice. Top off with Splash of lemon-lime soda. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon, and serve.

Jamaan Hunter

What makes the City you live and work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?

Jackson is the capital of the hospitality state of Mississippi, the City with Soul. With an emerging entertainment district not only in Downtown Jackson, but in other areas as well, gives cause for a very exciting time to be this city and industry.

How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?

I consider myself your typical neighborhood bartender. A seat at my bar  comes standard with laughter, trivia and an overall good time. I think my fun, charismatic yet straightforward approach plays into that.

What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you & how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?

I’m honored to be a part of such an amazing program like Culture Shakers. As bartenders, we must continue to cultivate our craft and relationships across the industry in order to keep the progress moving forward in a positive manner.

Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.

Gentlemen Jack’s mellow taste is perfectly complemented and blends extremely well with fresh squeezed fruit, making it the perfect base for not only my Distinguished Gentlemen drink but a host of other cocktails.

Distinguished Gentleman

•  2 oz Gentleman Jack
• .5 oz fresh squeezed lemon
• .5 oz  fresh squeezed lime
• .5 oz bar syrup
• Splash Cola Soda

Pour ingredients in shaker over ice. Shake. Place a sweet sundried orange in the bottom of a rocks glass. Place whiskey cube in rocks glass. Pour ingredients in glass. Splash with cola.

Please Drink Responsibly.
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