Meet the Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers Class of 2024: Memphis 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 Memphis. 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.
THE CULTURE SHAKER MEMPHIS CLASS OF 2024
Abraham Tre Washington
What makes the City you live and work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?
One of the first things I noticed about the service industry in Memphis was the sense and love of family we all share. I think that's something of cultural significance in this city. There is something to be said about what southern hospitality means to us. What Family means to us. Are you a local? Are you from out of town? Are you from out of the country? No matter the case there's a oneness here. Our world is so big and still so small that it doesn't matter where you've come from or where you're going. If you're visiting a decades old place or one of the many new hot spots downtown, you'll find a welcoming face and a friend to help get you through your day. Maybe along with a few recommendations to keep the party going.
How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?
I am a very direct person and I've grown to understand that-as a bartender- we can be the voice of multiple generations. I'm a friend for the "blue to white collar" professionals. I'm the big brother that gives you grief and tells you to stop and breath when things get tough. I'm the dad that wants to see you succeed and get ahead. The friend that offers honest advice and a judgement free space to be yourself. the therapist that tells you to take time for yourself. Or maybe just the son or grandson that wants to hear your stories of success with a perfect old fashion and words of wisdom to carry forward. I believe family is far more than DNA and walking into any local bar/restaurant you should be presented with an opportunity to become a part of our ever-growing world. There's love poured into every craft cocktail, and each one created is only as special as the smile that welcomes you.
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 for me is about my upbringing and love for family. a way of thinning the line between so many people, cultures, and beliefs. There will never be any other place in the world where you can see people in their truest form, guards down and totally accepting of the world and people around them. For me it was even more impactful to be a black man in this industry; in this community and to be able to find family in a world that's truly for everybody.
Abraham Washington's Cocktail
What is your Gentleman Jack recipe?
The Family Man
- 1.25 oz Gentlemen Jack
- .75 oz Apricot Liqueur
- .25 Creme De Violette
- .75 oz Apple and Thyme syrup
- .25 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
Pour ingredients into mixing glass stir until married. Pour into double rocks glass over 1 large ice cube. Garnish with lemon twist or thyme sprig.
Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail - why was Gentleman Jack the ideal base spirit and how does it shine with the other ingredients?
Gentlemen Jack's mellowing process gives us a smooth and well blended whiskey that allows perfect execution in countless cocktails. Its vanilla, caramel, and earthy notes blend well with my fruity but floral approach to this cocktail. I absolutely love a good whiskey and I believe it should be enjoyed by man and woman alike. What I've attempted to do is here is create a cocktail that pleases all the senses. A drink for any occasion.
Ashston R Smith
What makes the City you live and work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?
The soul of Memphis is deep-rooted in music and food, and the service industry has embodied Memphis' cultural diversity. I love the fact that Memphis has become a city that appreciates creative cocktails. “Bartender Collabs” brings together Memphis bartenders from around the city in a pop-up style bar experience that showcases talented mixologists. Local bars, are also a staple in the Memphis scene, each with its own nod to what makes Memphis unique, but all providing an ambiance that welcomes everyone.
How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?
I am a very approachable person, especially behind the bar. My bartending approach is very personal, I know I'm potentially talking with someone on what they consider their best day or their worst day. Sitting at my bar, patrons experience a feeling of peace and relaxation, hopefully leading to a better day. My style of bartending encourages people to relax and take a load off while enjoying a cocktail and listening to music, watch a sporting event, a movie, or just talk and laugh with each other.
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 allows me and bartenders like me to impact our communities with positivity and good vibes. Our positive influence is endless as everyone who sits at one of our bars are affected by our personalities and often our guidance with situations that patrons may be going through and being heard by someone of their own culture and not being judged by the outside world.
Ashston R Smith Cocktail
What is your Gentleman Jack recipe?
- 1 Oz Gentlemen Jack
- 1 Oz Pineapple Rum
- 3/4 Oz Artichoke Liqueur
Stir all ingredients on ice until chilled, strain/pour over big ice cube in rocks glass, and spritz top with mezcal. Garnish with skewered Maraschino Cherry.
Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail - why was Gentleman Jack the ideal base spirit and how does it shine with the other ingredients?
Gentleman Jack personifies my cocktail by hitting those notes of oak, toasted spice on the pallet; complemented by the sweet pineapple rum in the middle of the pallet, followed by the herbaceous finish of the artichoke liqueur, all tied in with the hint of smokey mezcal finish accompanied by the Gentleman Jack's citrus undertones on the back end of the cocktail.
As a customer told me, this cocktail manifests the "Memphis Mentality" of "Don't Take my Kindness for Weakness" as this cocktail is smooth, but potent.
Christopher Covington
What makes the City you live and work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?
Anyone who knows BBQ knows that Memphis is known for its slow-smoked pork. If you’re looking for all the Memphis BBQ restaurants that should be on your radar, we’ve even put together the Memphis BBQ trail for you!
…But Memphis is a serious wing city, too. Buffalo may have invented the chicken wing, but Memphis perfected it. We’re home to hundreds of amazing wing establishments and even host the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival.
When it comes to wings, no other southern city compares. Check out our signature flavor, honey gold, at iconic local spots like Crumpy’s, Wing Guru, All-Star Hot Wings, and so many more.
We have all type of amazing individuals and talented people in Memphis that’ll make you just fall in love with the city plus they have me as well the best mixologist anyone every laid eyes on. I take great passion in my craft and make sure I give people the best experience of their life when they come to receive hospitality service from me. Don’t forget our grit and grind grizzlies that we all love that brings millions on people to Memphis to see gone out grab food have a drink and watch Ja morant tear up the scoreboard with this electrify play style and love for Memphis I wouldn’t give up what I do for nothing in the world got to love Memphis.
How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?
I feel like I connect more with flashy skills and creative when it comes to a cocktail or flipping the bottle to pour shots for large parties. Also I read my customers mind when they are indecisive of what cocktail catches their eyes I create ideas off body language and the vision of their cocktail to taste like.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you & how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
It means the world to be apart of Culture Shaker it’s and amazing way to show many upcoming bartenders what their personality, skills, and technique can take them so far meet amazing people plus influence so many people around them who looks up to them. So thank you Culture Shaker for making me a positive influence to people all over the world to be great grow love what you do and always go above the stars for your dreams.
Christopher Covington Cocktail
What is your Gentleman Jack recipe?
- Gentleman Jack 2oz
- Peach schnapps 1/2oz
- White peach 1/2oz
- Fresh sour 1/2oz
Soak the Dry orange in liquor place it on top of your ice cubes in a rocks glass to light the dry orange on fire to ignite the peach and orange flavor as you take your first sip.
Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail - why was Gentleman Jack the ideal base spirit and how does it shine with the other ingredients?
Gentleman jack is a perfect smooth taste of whiskey that will always blend good with peach flavor cocktails because of the texture and separation it creates in your mouth as you take every sip. It’s nothing like having a nice cool peach breeze flavor with gentleman jack whiskey to set the mood right for a great evening.
Joseph Beasley
What makes the City you live and work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?
Memphis is very different from a lot of cities when it comes to a plethora of things. Our people are unique and the literal definition of genuine, good or bad. Introducing something new to the community takes a lot of courage, and the craft cocktail scene is completely new.
Missouri is known as the “Show-me” state, but Memphis is the show-me city. There’s nothing you can do here without having the court of public opinion on your side.
I’ve worked in the industry in Memphis since 2016. And one thing holds true, if the product is what the people want, there are unlimited opportunities for you to fine tune, and introduce nuances in ways that are palatable to Memphians.
Having experience in both “business” as we know it, the numbers, the analytics, the marketing, I’ve realized that Memphis is the perfect place for someone in the industry, whose passionate about what they do to succeed.
How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?
My knowledge of cocktails comes from working behind what I consider “old-school” bartenders. The ones who make the best margaritas with ingredients that would be considered low quality in the craft world. They had the cheapest triple sec, and the worst tequila on the market, but you’d enjoy drinking the cocktail. Straight-forward, no frills.
That style of bartending is what I clung to starting out, and I believe it still shines through with cocktails I create today. True to heart, balanced and exactly what my guest needs in the moment.
Bartenders are said to be therapists on the side, and people know when they sit at my bar, I’m going to give it to you straight. I’m nosey. I hear everything being said at my bar and I think that’s why I’ve been able to be successful in this industry. I pay attention to details that only a guest would think they’re privy to.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you & how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
Being a black male in the industry comes with complications. But in the craft cocktail scene, there are very few of us. Our perspective on the culture deserves to be heard and recognized.
Being a culture shaker provides the means to do that. It helps the industry at large realize that we do have the talent to be in spaces that weren’t necessarily created for us.
Joseph Beasley Cocktail
Please Drink Responsibly.
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