World Class 2014 Burst 1has kicked off!

Posted on December 10, 2013 by adminmax

World Class 2014 has kicked off and I was heading up the launch in Italy of Burst 1 of World Class Training and outlining below what took place during a couple of great sessions in Rome and Sicily.

So here we are with the exciting new burst 1 of World Class Training, showcasing some amazing content for you to get inspiration from.

We’ve been in the beautiful city of Catania in Sicily followed by Rome ‘the Eternal City’.

After Federico Berlingieri opened the day by explaining terms and conditions – as well as the important deadlines for the competition, our great Franco Gasparri and Fabrizio Fischione started the session with a fantastic journey into our Reserve Portfolio, focusing on Ketel One Vodka, Zacapa and the Johnnie Walker Super Deluxe Range that includes Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Platinum and the prestigious Blue Label.

Then it was time to explain the two exciting Challenges of this first burst:

• Mediterranean Mastery, where Ketel One brings to life the concept of a ritual and Zacapa introduces us to the fantastic world of food pairing, both taking inspiration from the influence of the Mediterranean on the food and drink culture during the 1950s and 60s.

• The Flavour Challenge, which is an intriguing way to incorporate the fantastic world of Johnnie Walker into mixology.

I followed these first two sessions with a demonstration, helping the bartenders to better understand the concepts behind the Challenges.

Then we talked through the importance of a drinking ritual, how to apply it to Bartending and to World Class, followed by a fantastic Ketel One ‘Dali’s Moustache’ Cocktail using the beautiful new ‘Copper Kettles’ to bring some emotions, elements, ingredients and icons that would relate to the Mediterranean Mastery Challenge.

It was then time for The Flavour Challenge with a Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve ‘Sailing to Sicily’ Cocktail. This was to recreate the legendary journey of the Walkers who exported it worldwide, making the captains of ships the true ambassadors of their brand.

This cocktail is simple but intriguing, with the creaminess and honeyed notes of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve fitting harmoniously with Pedro Ximenez sherry, all perfectly balanced by the elegance of pear liqueur to create a refined after-dinner drink with a surprisingly delicate finish. It managed to showcase the real character of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve whisky.

The drink is then served with an old sailing ship and a world map customised with the Johnnie Walker logo and the name of the cocktail in order for guests to experience not only the atmosphere of the journey undertaken from the Walkers, but an amazing journey of discovery of exciting new flavours!

After the Brands and Challenges sessions in Rome, our Southern Italy winner from last year Daniele Gentili talked about his experience at the European Final in Madrid, and took Bartenders through the steps needed to prepare for a competition like World Class. He captivated the audience with his charm and knowledge, giving a tour behind the scenes of the World Class competition.

They were two really exciting sessions and the interest that we generated and the motivation we felt at the end was outstanding in the two different cities.

Stay tuned for the next posts!
Celebrate life every day, everywhere
Max La Rocca
WORLD CLASS AMBASSADOR – WESTERN EUROPE

THE LONG POUR – A Bartender’s Anthology of Hilarious Tales and Dirty Tricks

Posted on September 20, 2013 by adminmax

Good afternoon all,

This book arrived on my desk a few days ago from a great friend and an amazing Bartender Adam MacDonald and after giving it a read I felt I had to share it with the bartending community. If you’ve ever pulled a pint, stirred a drink, tapped a keg, picked mint, flipped a bottle, chilled a glass, shaken a daiquiri, squeezed a lemon, owned a bar or shouted “last call for alcohol”, then this book is about you!

It must be said that this is NOT a cocktail book, and the editor and compiler
(Adam MacDonald) makes no apologizes for this.

“The world of craft cocktails and artisanal products can be a bit too serious at times… these stories just remind us to not take ourselves so seriously. And, they’re a bit naughty, which is always more fun.”

The Aussie bartender, living in Norway, and soon to be moving to London, spent 4 years interviewing bartenders all of the world to get the dirt, the juice and “the stories of fast cash, loose women and all the trouble that comes with ‘em. “

ALEX KRATENA said: “Super funny stories, but should you consider pursuing a career in bartending, then don’t let your mother read this book!”

ALAN KAVANAGH said: “Dripping in sarcasm, smothered with metaphors, and splashed with bone-dry wit, The Long Pour is the one book bartenders actually want to read.”

CLASS MAGAZINE said: “This bartender confessional is definitely entertaining and, perfect for quiet times during service, you can dip in and out of it. “

The book is a micro production, meaning that Adam has only printed 3000 copies. Each one has been individually numbered and signed and once they are finished, that’s it for the Limited Edition. As you can imagine, these are getting snapped up quickly. The book is in full colour, beautifully designed and the cartoons he uses for each story are works of art.

The 40 true stories will remind you of your own forgotten bar stories and will probably have you wanting to be involved in volume 2. When I asked Adam if there were plans for more he said. “let’s get through the Limited Edition print of volume 1 first… but yes Max, to answer your question, with so many awesome stories out there, volume 2 is definitely on my radar.”

There is only one place in the world you can get The Long Pour and that is www.thebartenderbook.com

Happy reading and thanks so much Adam for giving me the opportunity to share it with the Bartender Community!

RESPECT!
Max La Rocca

SUPER-BAR, Milan 30 September/3 October – The first Italian BarShow is coming!!

Posted on September 10, 2013 by adminmax

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOOGLE TRANSLATED VERSION OF THE ARTICLE

Finalmente a Milano si è avverato il grande sogno dei Bartenders Italiani di avere un proprio Barshow dove poter conoscere e condividere nuove tendenze, tecniche, prodotti e attrezzature, nonché avere la possibilità di seguire Seminari di altissimo livello da relatori che sono considerati i Gurus della Mixology come Salvatore Calabrese, Peter Dorelli, Simone Caporale, Hidetsugu Ueno, Beach Bum Berry, Shingo Gokan, Zdenek Kastanek, Naren Young, Nicolas Saint Jean e tanti altri.

Sono veramente onorato di essere stato scelto come Testimonial dell’evento ed essere il “trait d’union” tra il panorama internazionale e la cultura del beverage Italiana che negli ultimi anni ha fatto passi da gigante esplorando nuove tecniche di lavoro, tendenze, prodotti e filosofie inglobandole nell’arte della miscelazione del nostro paese.

Con orgoglio vedo questo evento mettersi sul podio insieme ad altri importanti Barshows come quello di Berlino, Mosca, Parigi, Londra e New Orleans.

E’ un piacere che il mio ritorno in Italia, dopo aver fatto importanti esperienze nei più prestigiosi Bar all’estero e aver creato cocktails in tutto il mondo, sia coinciso con il SUPERBAR, dandomi l’opportunità di mettere a disposizione le mie conoscenze e contribuendo al prestigio di questo importante appuntamento che si rinnoverà ogni anno, attribuendo all’Italia un posto di prim’ordine nel panorama della Mixology Mondiale.

SITO DEL SUPER-BAR

Sotto il video del Press release Day ed alcune foto

Ladies & Gentleman Mr Gianni Merenda, la mente dietro il progetto

Superstudio Più – Via Tortona 27, Milano – 30 settembre – 3 ottobre 2013

– 30 settembre dalle ore 12 alle ore 19 | Trade only

– 1-2-3 Ottobre dalle ore 12 alle ore 19 | Trade only
Dalle ore 19 alle ore 24 | Open door – eventi e dj set

DIMENSIONI SPAZIO > 8.000 MQ.

ORE DI APERTURA > 43 (lunedì – giovedì)

AZIENDE ESPOSITRICI > 40/60

PRODOTTI ESPOSTI > 80/100

SEMINARI (1,5 ore cad) > 16

WORKSHOP (1 ora cad) > 20

ACADEMY (1 ora cad) > 20

MASTER (3 ore cad) > 4

CONTEST > 4

SUPER-BAR è un evento organizzato e prodotto da You Factory, con il supporto commerciale e media di Bargiornale la rivista mensile per i professionisti del mondo del bar, leader del mercato con oltre 110.000 copie diffuse e con il patrocinio di FIPE-Confcommercio ed esplora il mondo di mixologist, professionisti e bartenders grazie a contests, workshops, seminari, degustazioni e parties incredibili.

Un favoloso viaggio nel mondo dei Modern Classic, le tecniche giapponesi, la storia dei cocktail, i liquori messicani Mezcal e Tequila, i Rum, i Tiki cocktail, i trend di New York, la cultura sudamericana del bere, le tendenze in Asia,il Flair e NATURALMENTE l’arte della miscelazione italiana.

Dopo analoghi eventi a Berlino, Mosca, Parigi e New Orleans, SUPER-BAR è l’appuntamento internazionale più atteso in Italia dal mondo bartender e dalle aziende beverage, ma è anche ai non addetti ai lavori.

Prevediamo un’affluenza di circa 3.000/4.000 persone al giorno per un totale di 12.000/16.000 visitatori per tutta la durata dell’evento

– Da non perdere i 4 master organizzati da Planet One, azienda leader per la formazione e consulenze

1) “I bar dalla parte delle donne”, dedicato esclusivamente alle donne;
2) “Amici al bar”, per i giovani imprenditori;
3)“Cambiare per crescere”, dedicato a chi vuole riconvertire un locale già esistente; 4)“Quattro Stagioni”, per chi gestisce attività stagionali.

LE AREE TEMATICHE DI SUPER-BAR

SUPER-BAR è suddiviso in macro aree tematiche.

– Il Central Point è il cuore pulsante di SUPER-BAR, di giorno contenitore di contest dedicati ai professionisti del settore; di sera, a partire dalle ore 19, location per gli eventi aperti al grande pubblico.

– L’Excelsior Area è dedicata a vodka e prodotti premium.

– La Food & Service Area celebra i riti “all’italiana” più amati, colazione e aperitivo.

– Outdoor nell’Art Garden di Superstudio invece Street food, con 6 Apecar rivisitate nel design che propongono specialità regionali italiane selezionate, ma anche sushi e gelati artigianali.

– Ci sarà una zona dal mood tropicale dedicata al distillato “beach” per eccellenza, il Rum, e a tutti i prodotti che richiamano il fascino delle spiagge, del Tiki e di Exotic Cocktails.

– E ancora un’area dedicata al mondo del gin e a tutti i distillati di erbe e spezie.

– Supershop dove comprare accessori specializzati e kit per il perfetto bartender.

ATTIVITA’ DI SUPPORTO

Dalle 19.00 Super-Bar aprirà le porte al pubblico della Milano da bere. Grazie alle attività di comunicazione a supporto della manifestazione (piano media, ufficio stampa, pr, digitale, ecc.) e al cast artistico di dj internazionali di altissimo livello.

Ben 8000 metri quadri, si trasformano in una vera e propria cittadella della “cultura del buon bere” con corsi, degustazioni, party, dj set, concerti, eventi pensati ed organizzati per tutti i cocktail lovers, ma anche per gli amanti del buon cibo e della buona musica.

SUPERBAR UNA BRAND EXPERIENCE DI 12 MESI

Super-bar non é soltanto un Barshow ma diventerà una piattaforma verticale per tutti i cocktail lovers dove Web, mobile e social media saranno gli strumenti per costruire una brand experience personalizzata per sponsors e partners con contenuti ed eventi sul territorio per un’esperienza unica di 12 mesi.

WORKSHOP: THE ART OF THE START
“Come diventare tra i 50 migliori Bar al mondo in 365 giorni”
Giovedì 3 Ottobre – 18.30/19.30

Anche se il titolo può sembrare provocatorio o un qualcosa di irraggiungibile, il mio Workshop vuole proprio dimostrare che attraverso la professionalità, la costanza e l’attenzione al mercato, il viaggio verso questo traguardo può essere intrapreso da tutti, seguendo il proprio istinto, mantenendo i propri valori e passioni e senza aver bisogno di lampadari di cristallo, poltrone lussuose o un arredamento Super-Chic!

Un viaggio attraversando le varie fasi della progettazione, posizionamento del bancone, scelta delle attrezzature, bicchieri, strumenti di lavoro, musica e atmosfera, tipologia di clientela che si desidera attirare e l’uso dei social media per aumentare la visibilità del nostro Bar; ci saranno poi importanti “Tips & Tricks” e dietro le quinte…

Vi aspetto!

“Always stir..with a dash of love”
Max La Rocca

Craft Cocktails at Home: Offbeat Techniques, Contemporary Crowd-Pleasers, and Classics Hacked with Science

Posted on September 2, 2013 by adminmax

Think of It as Your PhD in Drinking.

In Craft Cocktails at Home, you’ll embark upon a one-of-a-kind journey as you learn how to make some of the world’s most innovative, unique, and delicious cocktails.

Taste scientists, engineers, and talented bartenders with decades of experience all contributed their expertise to create this must-have guide for novices and professionals alike.

Ever wondered what makes water taste good? Curious about what really happens during the barrel-aging process? Interested in which “molecular” ingredients have the best texture?

These questions and more, answered inside.

With 250 pages and 65 recipes

Enjoy it!!

Max

Diageo World Class Global Final 2013 – Azamara Cruise – David Rios (Spain) Winner!!

Posted on July 16, 2013 by adminmax

Aboard the boutique Azamara Club Cruise’s ship, Azamara Journey, contestants from 44 countries participated with finalists to showcase their creations in front of some of the most revered names in the industry – Salvatore Calabrese, Peter Dorelli, Dale DeGroff, Gary Regan, Julie Reiner, Hidetsugu Ueno, Arturo Savage, Steve Olson and Aristotelis Papadopoulos.

COCKTAIL KING OF THE WORLD!

Congratulations to Mr David Rios from Jigger Cocktail & Disco Bar in Spain that has claimed the prestigious title of Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year 2013!!!!

After a 12-month search for a star, the victory was announced at a glittering ceremony in Barcelona’s iconic bullring. It marked the end of a landmark week, with intense competition, spectacular events amidst the gathering of the industry’s elite, along with international celebrities and global figures in the world of bartending.

Diageo Reserve World Class Global Ambassador Spike Marchant commented: “David Rios stood above the rest of the 43 finalists. His cocktails and appreciation of flavour were consistently outstanding, his technical precision was jaw dropping, and he maintained his composure under extreme pressure.”

Winning the title of Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year will set David on a life-changing journey, championing the art and craft of the bartender.”

( Edited from the source: TheReserveClub)

CHALLENGE WINNERS
Red Carpet – Gareth Evans, Great Britain
Mediterranean Mastery – Zachary de Git, Singapore
Time to Play – Kirill Runkov, Russia
St Tropez Market Challenge – Laura Schacht, Switzerland
Kings of Flavour – Tsuyoshi Miyazaki, Japan
Punch & Glass – David Rios, Spain
Tapas Table – Jason Clark, New Zealand and Luke Ashton, Australia
Cocktails Against the Clock – Jeff Bell, USA

REGIONAL WINNERS
Europe – David Rios (Spain)
Asia Pacific – Tsuyoshi Miyazaki (Japan)
Latin America & the Caribbean – Mario Seijo (Puerto Rico)
Northern America & Rest of the World – Jeff Bell (USA)

A personal wish for a great professional and a sincere and humble person:

“May your new journey be full of passion, love, excitement, personal growth and motivation while maintaining your roots, your principles and remaining authentic and unique, that’s to say, the David we all know…here and now”

This is a great beginning, NOT a destination..
From a Bartender to a (great) Bartender
Max La Rocca

ENHORABUENA DAVID!

50.000 visits on ListentotheIce.com – The Art of Perseverance!

Posted on June 28, 2013 by adminmax

Thank you so much to all the Subscribers and Readers for taking the time to follow this wonderful journey into Mixology with me for all those years…hoping that you enjoyed the contents of my blog.

This Blog started only one year after I started Bartending and I immediately felt the need to share with what is known today as a…Bartending Community; a need that, after 6 years, is still motivating and inspiring Bartenders from all over the world, so SHARING WITH YOU is main reason behind ListentotheIce’s big success!!

THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY!!

What would you like to see shared on the Blog that isn’t there right now?

Always stirred…with a dash of love.

Max La Rocca

The Power of Bartender Community united for a GREAT CAUSE!

Posted on June 20, 2013 by adminmax

In Sao Paulo Brazil my great friend and amazing Bartender Márcio Silva and his friends did an event for a friend bartender who suffered a car accident and lost his right arm.

All beverage sales of this event was donated to this friend of theirs to help him get an arm prosthesis (he’s on the video at mins 2.50)

Xoquinho was hit by a car on the evening of April 10th of this year as he crossed an avenue and there was no relief. After a few hours he was found unconscious and taken to the hospital.

He had a head injury and lost his right arm and since then he is in treatment.

I know the video is in BR-Portuguese and they are working to put a caption in English and Spanish, and you also know how much I care and work for the bartender world community.

So now I ask you all your help to disseminate this video to reach a large number of access on YouTube.

If they get a large number of visits they can get more money for the cause!

Please click here to watch the video, it’s important!