The Spirit of Journey with Ben Yabrow and Dewar’s Whisky

Our content material collection, The Spirit of Journey with Dewar’s Scotch Whisky follows the essence of journey and discovery into the craft of bartending.

Created with the best elements and a wealthy heritage that spans centuries, Dewar’s embodies the spirit of exploration and evokes wanderlust and curiosity. Bartenders are an adventurous bunch, and touring can profoundly affect their cocktails by shaping creativity, approach, and worldview, whereas enriching their craft and private journey.

Tales of the Cocktail-nominated bartender Ben Yabrow is accomplice of Sip & Guzzle—the New York extension of Tokyo-based, World’s 50 Greatest acknowledged The SG Membership. With globally acclaimed bartender Shingo Gokan as his mentor, Ben has had his hand in a number of the most awarded bars in NYC together with experimental cocktail den, Double Hen Please. We ask Ben about his profession behind a number of the world’s hottest bars and the way his travels ignite a ardour for discovery with each sip.

Inform us about your life philosophy or philosophy behind the bar.

Which you can be taught one thing from everybody. I feel loads of occasions, bartenders get aggravated with sure sorts of friends; possibly it’s the drink they ordered, the query they requested, or the bartender is simply having a foul day, however should you go into each interplay trying to be taught one thing in regards to the different individual, it not solely results in higher hospitality, however a greater working expertise for the bartender.

What’s your favourite quote?

“Be curious, not judgmental.” It’s usually credited to Walt Whitman, nevertheless it seems he by no means stated it. Whoever did, I adore it.

What was the final e-book you learn?

“The Inventive Act: A Method of Being” by Rick Rubin

Discuss to us a couple of pivotal or adventurous choice that you just’ve made in your profession.

The craziest factor I’ve most likely ever completed in my profession is agreeing to maneuver to Hawaii to run the beverage program on the 4 Seasons with out having ever been to Hawaii or work in a lodge. FS Maui is the busiest and highest income grossing 4 Seasons on this planet and taking that challenge on at 27 with no expertise was an enormous problem, to not point out a whole rebranding and renovation of their flagship bar.

However I shortly discovered that these areas the place you’re uncomfortable is the place the actual development occurs. I discovered extra about management and enterprise in these two years than wherever else. I encourage everybody to say sure to alternatives that take them to faraway locations, particularly if it scares them. It helps us develop.

How has journey influenced your strategy to bartending, and might you share the way it might need deepened your appreciation for a whisky like Dewar’s 12-12 months-Previous?

I feel travelling supplies probably the most inspiration for creating new cocktails. Studying about new flavors or the way in which these flavors are handled is invaluable behind the bar. Most of my expertise with Japanese delicacies was sushi, however then I moved to Japan and nearly by no means ate it. Studying about all differing types of Japanese delicacies and the way they use elements was actually eye-opening.

Whereas working there, a visitor got here to the bar and ordered a highball. Only a conventional whisky and soda. I reached for a Japanese whisky, and the opposite bartender instructed me to make use of Dewar’s 12 12 months-Previous. I used to be educated below some bartenders who had been in opposition to huge manufacturers, so I wasn’t terribly acquainted with it. I’m not kidding once I say it was the perfect highball I had had. I’ve carried it at each bar I’ve labored at since solely for that motive.

Do any of your travels instantly encourage your creations or cocktails with Dewar’s 12-12 months-Previous?

I wish to work loads with tropical elements. Loads of individuals have this false impression that tropical elements lend themselves to cloyingly candy drinks, however Hawaii taught me they are often extremely complicated and layered. I additionally use loads of Asian elements from my time in Asia. I like to ask bartenders the place to eat once I’m touring. However I ask for the locations they wish to go. It doesn’t even need to be that nation’s delicacies. One of the best Chinese language meals I ever had was in Italy.

In your opinion what makes Dewar’s 12-12 months-Previous stand out on this planet of whiskies?

It has the depth of character of a single malt with the sunshine physique of a mix. Loads of blends get misplaced in cocktails; you understand it’s whisky, nevertheless it could possibly be bourbon or rye. Dewar’s 12-12 months-Previous clearly reads as a scotch whisky, so it’s normally what I attain for when making a scotch cocktail.

Describe your cocktail that you just’ve created utilizing Dewar’s 12-12 months-Previous and the inspiration behind it?

I created my interpretation of a basic Godfather. Somebody had requested for a Japanese twist on a basic whisky drink, and it grew into this. It begins with Dewar’s 12-12 months-Previous that has been infused with this unbelievable Earl Gray Tea from Uncommon Tea Cellars in Chicago. It’s then paired with a peated scotch so as to add a refined smokiness. I reduce on the amaretto as a result of I usually discover Godfathers to be somewhat candy and one-dimensional and crammed in these gaps with kijoshu sake. Lastly, I added in an almond milk punch so as to add further almond taste with out throwing off the stability of the cocktail. What you’re left with is one thing refined and nuanced however nonetheless true to the unique basic.