Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/53193
ON-PREMISE PATTER History in the I Shaking COCKTAILS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT SAN DIEGO'S VENERABLE US GRANT HOTEL n 2008, San Diego's US Grant Hotel, a historic century-old property, made some significant changes to its hospitality program when Tom Scaramellino and Certified Sommelier Jeff Josenhans were brought in as Director of Operations and Director of Outlets, respectively. "Jeff's incredible knowledge of mixology enhanced our bar program," comments Scaramellino. "It has made a tremendous impact on our bottom line." The US Grant Hotel's Jeff Josenhans shows the tray service for presenting the 100-day barrel-aged Manhattan. Part of the Starwood Luxury Collection, The US Grant is the first hotel in the nation, according to Scaramellino, to barrel-age its cocktails. The 100-day barrel-aged Manhattan celebrated the property's 100th anniversary in 2010. "We're now on our third barrel," says Josenhans, who uses Utah's High West Whiskey for the program. 'We've sold 3,300 Manhattans this past year." With no labor involved other than pouring the aged cocktail from a barrel (into antique glassware and garnished with a Maraschino cherry), that's good business. The US Grant Hotel. A Friend to the Bartender's Guild A fundraiser for the San Diego Chapter of the United States Bartender's Guild (USBG) was held at The US Grant Hotel in late November. The event featured nine local mixolo- gist celebrities who volunteered their time and each worked for an hour at three separate stations, each show- casing their own style. The hotel is quite involved in the local mixology scene, thanks to Certified Sommelier Jeff Josenhans, Director of Outlets, who also hosted our Love Potions Speed Tasting (see page 107). Over $4,000 in funds was raised for the local chapter. Tim Stevens is President of USBG San Diego Chapter, also manages Prohibition, a speakeasy-style bar in San Diego. Jeff Josenhans, Treasurer of USBG San Diego Chapter and representing the US Grant Hotel, smokes his Hennessy Black cocktail prior to mixing for on looking guests. Scott Shumate of the Sheraton San Diego mixing his Ardbeg-based cocktail. 32 / the tasting panel / january/february 2012