Operator Profile: Owen Westman & Paul Fitzsimmons

They came. They leased. And they’re in the process of conquering the Melbourne scene. Owen and Paul from the Collection Bar are also doing more that just serving up drinks, with their recently released range of bartender syrups set to hit bars soon.

Drinks With: Sean Muldoon

Working his way from Northern Ireland’s mean streets to operate one of the most awarded Hotels doing the rounds, Sean Muldoon has never shied away from adversity. After years of working for the ‘man’ Sean is set to launch The Dead Rabbit Community Tavern in New York City - the final realisation of his dream to own and operate his own venue. Head to 4bars.com.au to read the full, unedited interview and check out his new venue at thedeadrabbittavern.com

Introducing - Fraser Campbell

Fraser Campbell can be found tending bar at the Fitzroy hanut, The Alchemist. If he’s not there he might be refining his bottle opening technique, watching The Lost Boys or reading tips for the modern man in Man Up: Skills for the Modern Guy. If you catch him on his break, he’ll appreciate a pint of Negroni. If you get the chance too, then check out The Alchemist’s sweet website, it’s certainly worth a look.

Natasha Conte - One of the industry’s leading ladies

Natasha Conte has been the face and driving force behind Black Pearl for over a decade. In that time her Melbourne institution has picked up numerous accolades, including most recently the Australian Bar Awards’ Bar Team of the Year in 2011

The Maestro Recreates History

Salvatore ‘The Maestro’ Calabrese recently hosted an exclusive night at the Playboy Club (London) using vintage and rare spirits to recreate classic cocktails while reading recipes from a first edition copy of Jerry Thomas’ 1862 cocktail book The Bartender’s Guide: How to mix Drinks or The Bon Vivant’s Companion.

“I have always been fascinated with history and began collecting vintage spirits many years ago,” Calabrese told Bartender, “and came up with the idea to create a Unique Vintage Cocktail list that would offer the lucky few an opportunity to actually taste a little bit of cocktail history.”

Drinks With: Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller

Jeff Arnett is the latest in an esteemed line-up of whiskey men to hold the position of master distiller at the iconic Jack Daniel’s distillery. While he spends most of his time in Lynchburg, USA looking after the world famous Tennessee whiskey, Australian Bartender magazine was fortunate enough to grab the exclusive interview with him in preparation for his first trip to Australia.