On this week’s episode, we chat with two awesome gentlemen: Sebastien Derbomez, U.S. Monkey Shoulder Ambassador and Sam Ross of the newly opened Diamond Reef in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
It is Bartender Journey Podcast # 205! Listen with the audio player on this page, or subscribe on iTunes, Android or Stitcher Radio.
Sam Ross who was one of original bartenders at Milk and Honey who worked under Sasha Petraske, (Sasha’s name has been coming up so often on the show lately, and as you probably know, he left us way too early, but his inspiration lives on through the industry. )Monkey Shoulder invited us to a press event at Diamond Reef while it was in pre-opening phase. (Official opening: March 1, 2017)  Diamond Reef is a project from the Attaboy team, owners Sam Ross and Michael McIlroy and bartender Dan Greembaum and the first of three new spots scheduled to open this year. If you don’ t know aobut Attaboy..Sasha Petraske opened its predecessor, the original Milk & Honey bar on Eldrich Street in the Lower East side neighborhood of Manhattan on December 31, 1999.  It was an iconic bar, inspiriting an entire industry.
Cocktail of the Week:Monkey Jam Sour2 oz Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whiskey1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juiceo½ oz Simple Syrup2 Bar Spoons JamDash Orange Bitters Shake well with ice.  Double strain into a Collins Glass filled with fresh ice.  Top with a little club soda.  Stir.  Express oils from orange twist into glass.  Add twist to glass.
Book of the Week:This week's book and review comes to us from Hazel Alvarado (who helps me out so much on the show.) Malt Whisky Yearbook 2017: The Facts, the People, the News, the Stories by Ingvar RondeThe Malt Whisky Yearbook is published annually and contains current information on 400+ whisky distilleries around the world, whisky shops, whisky websites and new bottlings. Part reference guide, part Industry commentary, this 12th edition includes chapter such as “Watch Out! The Millenials Are Coming”, “Global Giant – Diageo, the First20 Years” and “Whisky Pricing – the Elephant in the Room”. Its paperback format featuring concise distillery summaries, tasting notes on choice expressions and current industry statistics makes it a  perfect addition to your spirited reading library!
Toast of the Week:May you live all the days of your life. CheersGet Involved!Share a suggested book or Cocktail of the WeekWrite a guest blog post.  It could be about your local cocktail scene, or your bar, or a trip you’ve been on.Reach us on our Contact Us page!Tell a FriendTell a Stranger Leave  us a review on iTunes and give stars!  (5 Stars is the most!)You can leave ratings and reviews right from your iPhone...just go into the podcast app and use the search function on the bottom to find Bartender Journey.  Click on the purple Bartender Journey icon, then/ "Reviews"/ "Write a Review"Shout out:  Thank you Barback Jedi for the 5 star review: "Excellent focus on cocktail and spirit education Hey Brian. Big fan of the show! Loved seeing it evolve over the last couple of years. It was a huge help to me when I got started. Thanks for doing it. "