BCB State of Mind – Freepour Editor’s Edition

In all industries, trade shows are crucial for growth. In 2007, BCB debuted in Berlin and built a reputation for being one of the biggest for liquor industry luminaries. In 2018, the trade show added Brooklyn (or BK as the locals call it) to the lineup. While New York has always been a trendsetter for bars and restaurants, now there is now even more reason to visit. Over the course of 2 days, brand exhibitors, expert panelists, and thousands of bartenders descend upon Industry City to mix, mingle and learn. And the fun doesn’t stop there, beyond the expo walls are several once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In the city that never sleeps, the team at GREY GOOSE™ vodka took 30 bartenders on the most iconic boat tour around the Hudson River – Le Voyage.  This scenic journey was the perfect setting to enjoy some unique NYC moments while celebrating the bar industry and sipping on the quintessential wheat vodka. Truly, an affair to remember! This excursion was quite different from the other events during BCB and a refreshing way to kick off the conference. The brand collaborated with one of the city’s most renowned bar teams led by Nico de Soto. Together they created 3 original GREY GOOSE spritz cocktails exclusive to this event. The food was provided by Chef Nicole Gajadhar, Executive Chef for the Golden Age Group, serving lobster rolls, caviar and other delicious seafood to match the theme of the day as well as highlight the flavor profile of GREY GOOSE vodka. A lovely day overflowing with joie de vivre!

While the iconic Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan, DC is just a short train ride away and can be considered a twin town. One of our favorite bar-preneurs, Jack McGarry, has set his sights on DC for not one but two of his modern Irish pub concepts. Are you thinking what we’re thinking? Bar collab! The opportune moment to stir things up and do DCB (District of Columbia Bartenders) at BCB! Our bar community loves to mix and mingle, but this may have been a full-blown takeover in a spirited way! Four of Washington DC’s best bars popped up at Jack’s famous Manhattan bar to create an immersive experience where concept and cocktail brought this tale of two cities together. The specialty drinks ranged in offerings from TEELING™ whiskey to PATRÓN™ Tequila. Over 500 people indulged in the revelry and walked away citing it as one of the best experiences at BCB to date.

Along with education and craic, cocktail conferences also provide the perfect backdrop for stars to collide. A-K Hada and familiar Freepour Article contributor, Jim Meehan reunited to come full circle.  Jim first published, The PDT Cocktail Book which highlights many recipes Jim and A-K served up back at the East Village speakeasy we all love to ‘tell’ about. He has gone on to balance writing with the bar and bar with his beautiful family out West in Portland, Oregon. New York is always home and BCB made the perfect stop along his book tour for The Bartender’s Pantry to pay a visit. XoXo, We 💛 NYC