Who | Mike McLean
Where | Hamilton, Canada
Current Bar | Bar Sazerac
Past Bar(s) | Too many to list
Favourite Spirit | Genever
Favourite Juice | Grapefruit
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Brown Derby
Favourite Part of the Job | Surprising people with a cocktail that includes ingredients they’ve told me they don’t like.
Favourite After Work Drink | Beer
Favourite at Home Drink | Yes
Favourite bar in the world | Tales and Spirits (Amsterdam)
Best known for | I have multiple roles in the bar community, including my former life as a flair bartender with Flairco, I also work with the Mixxit training program from Beam Suntory, and get to work the odd shift with locally famous bartending icon Nick Incretolli.
Best story from behind the wood | Too many to list, plus not willing to admit to most unless required under oath.
What do you collect? Cool bottles from around the world, glassware, bottle openers, random bar tools, etc.
Favourite thing about your city? The feeling of community with the local bartenders.
What was the last photo that you took? Likely something for my son, maybe a cool hot rod?
Where was your last vacation? A tour around the UK, including Ireland and Scotland.
Any claims to fame? I beat Nick Incretolli in the demonstration speed round at this year’s Hamilton Cocktail Showcase. Wasn’t even close. Lol.
Red or White? Red
Cointreau or Grand Marnier? Cointreau
London or Paris? London
Glass or Tin? Glass
Are you available for freelance gigs? No