Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/26650
EDUCATION At the first international BarSmarts Advanced pro- gram, Padruig O’Sullivan, Grainne Murphy and Colm Foley absorb as much of this spirited education as possible. Training the Trendsetters of by Rachel Burkons THE TASTING PANEL recognizes the value BarSmarts offers, but you don’t have to take our word for it! Here are some testimonials from graduates of the BarSmarts Advanced program: “BarSmarts is no doubt the indus- try standard in trade education.” —Gary Regan, Spirits Educator “It’s a once in a lifetime oppor- tunity to learn how to taste from these experts, and I’m soaking in the knowledge as much as I can.” —Jason Griffin, BarSmarts graduate, San Diego “Making drinks for Dale DeGroff is like playing guitar for Jimmy Page.” —Gwyneth Hogarth, BarSmarts graduate, San Francisco For more information on BarSmarts, contact your local Pernod Ricard rep or email info@barsmarts.com. 62 / the tasting panel / march 201 1 Tomorrow B PERNOD RICARD’S BARSMARTS PROGRAM FURTHERS ITS REACH arSmarts, the innovative bartender education/certification program launched by Pernod Ricard in 2008, has already proven to be an invaluable tool for bartenders looking to up their game—and their hire-ability. Having produced 20 advanced classes to date and going global in 2010 with the first inter- national BarSmarts Advanced touching down in Ireland, the program is swiftly becoming a linchpin in the spirits industry, connecting bartenders around the world with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle the future of mixology. BarSmarts Advanced has graduated 1,500 of the best and brightest from its intensive course that culminates with an in-person seminar and challenging exam, but the program has an even broader scope with its Wired series, an online sibling that is equally—if virtually—vigorous. “The content is identical,” explains Pernod Ricard On-Premise Director Suzanne Freedman. “There are cities that we just won’t be able to get to with the Advanced program, but we want to give everyone the opportunity to become educated and certified.” This month, Pernod Ricard will add yet another component to the BarSmarts education arsenal with an initiative called Pioneers in Mixology, a seminar series open to BarSmarts graduates that puts them front and center with some of the most influential names in the cocktail world. “We searched high and low for the people alive on the planet today that are responsible for or credited with pioneer- ing a technique within the world of mixology, and we’ve asked them to join the road show to talk to our students about their craft, and in turn, inspire them and have a hand in shaping the future of the industry,” explains Freedman. Big bartending names Nick Strangeway, Aisha Sharpe, Dushan Zaric and Tony Conigliaro will spearhead this effort with Pernod, and together, influence the next generation of super ‘tenders. “As one of the leading suppliers in the industry, it is our obligation to create the future of the industry, because if Pernod Ricard isn’t investing in our business, who is?” asks Freedman rhetorically. But before you think BarSmarts has courses entitled Jameson 101 or Intro to Absolut, think twice: “This is not a commercial for Pernod Ricard brands,” states Freedman matter-of-factly. “We cover all aspects of the industry, including catego- ries that we’re not that strong in, so this program really is comprehensive.” PHOTO COURTESY OF PERNOD RICARD