I've received a few emails regarding the Beverage Alcohol Resource spirits training program from folks interested in getting a better idea of what it involves. In previous posts, I've pointed out how intensive the program in its current configuration is. It follows, then, that this is not a program for newcomers; if you have no knowledge of bartending, spirits, cocktails or the basics of mixology, then you'll find yourself floundering fast. But it's not just for pros; there were a few civilians in my class, and founder Paul Pacult has told me that passionate amateurs have shown a lot of interest in taking part.
Without revealing too much about the final exams, there are four components participants need to pass: one involves cocktail making, another asks students to perform a cocktail menu analysis, the third is a blind tasting quiz and lastly, students confront a 100 question written test that covers the various focuses of the class: spirit and cocktail history, classic cocktails, current mixology trends, history of distillation and its various methods and ingredients, oak and aging, spirits and cocktail service.
Other questions: Will the classes be given outside New York? I'm told the BAR Mobile unit will start touring the country. Various spirits companies might be offering scholarships (the four day intensive I took was priced at $3K), but all this and other info is available through the program's website, so check it out.
One last thing: You'll finish these classes knowing a lot more than you did, but also, no matter how well trained you've been and how well versed you think you are in your particular area of expertise, you'll exit with a lot of work to do to feel like you'd cruise through another test from these Five BARmen .
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