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Who | J McGraw
Where | Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Current Bar | Crosscut Distillery
Past Bar(s) | Spacecraft Brewery, Big Rig Brewery
Favourite Spirit | Barrel Aged Gin
Favourite Juice | Grapefruit
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Tequila Negroni
Favourite Part of the Job | The freedom to explore flavours and pairings that make an impact for the guest experience.
Favourite After Work Drink | Gin-heavy G&T
Favourite at Home Drink | Hibiscus Whisky Sour
Favourite bar in the world | Cocktail Bar (Toronto)
Best known for | I have a lot of botanical knowledge, and I love to talk about (and use) local flavours, which transfers into being able to create a significant flavour profile for all my drinks. Whether that means isolating and emphasizing a flavour, or creating an amalgamation of flavours that blend seamlessly to create a unique cocktail each time.
Favourite “at work” memory | The brewery down the road closed early, and a bunch of beer guys came over for a quick drink before their hockey game started. A lot of them were new to cocktails but they were all so willing to try things. Eventually they all settled on my favourite drink on the menu, and became obsessed with Crosscut. They no longer do pre-drinks at the brewery, but instead have come around to enjoy some cocktails! It’s been fun to spoil them, and they’ve gotten used to me coming around with new experiments to try when they come by!
What do you collect? I am a collector of all things that spark joy for me. I love old glass bottles, written street signs, cool sticks, shells, candles, and of course, glassware!
Favourite thing about your city? Sudbury has been building up the local economy, and the relationships between business make it feel super connected and creates a really sweet community to be a part of. Everyone knows where the coolest spots are and it makes exploring really fun.
What was the last photo that you took? A picture of my newest cocktail hahaha!
Where is one place that you have never been but would like to travel to? I love Asian flavours! I would love to travel to Thailand for the food and the forest.
Any claims to fame? I can really bust a move! I’ll breakdance on the bar if you ask (just don’t tell my boss!)
Prosecco or Cava? Cava!
Angostura or Peychaud’s? Peychaud’s all the way
Singapore or San Francisco? Singapore
Grapefruit or Pineapple? GRAPEFRUIT FOREVER
Are you available for freelance gigs? Any time I’m free!
Find them: Instagram