Talking about BarSmarts with the Legendary “King Cocktail” Dale DeGroff & Pernod Ricard’s Suzanne Freedman – Thursday, August 19, 2010

[gallery]“BarSmarts” is the most innovative and direct-to-the-bartender spirits, mixology and service training certification program available. Designed exclusively for Pernod Ricard USA and instructed by the celebrated partners of Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR) – Dale DeGroff, Doug Frost, Steve Olson, F. Paul Pacult, Andy Seymour & David Wondrich – BarSmarts is the only program of its caliber to provide a comprehensive mixology education. There are 2 levels of BarSmarts Education – BarSmarts Advanced is offered by invitation only in a few select cities each year; BarSmarts Wired is an online certification program open to bartenders twice a year. We will talk to Dale and Suzanne about the “BarSmarts” program in detail, including the differences between the courses, how it started and how to get onboard. We will also talk to Dale about his legendary career, his best-selling books, The Museum of the American Cocktail, Tales of the Cocktail and much more…cheers!

Guest Bios:

Dale DeGroff, aka King Cocktail, is a master mixologist who developed his techniques tending bar at many establishments, most notably New York’s Rainbow Room where he pioneered a gourmet approach to recreating the great classic cocktails. He is the founder & president of The Museum of the American Cocktail, the first museum in the world dedicated to education in mixology and preserving the rich history of the American cocktail. Dale is the author of “The Craft of The Cocktail”, winner of the IACP Julia Child Award, and “The Essential Cocktail”, winner of the 2009 Tales of the Cocktail “Best New Cocktail Book”. Also the winner of the 2009 James Beard Wine & Spirits Professional Award, Dale appears regularly in the press and media, writes a monthly column for Beverage Media, and blogs for several websites. Recent industry awards include the Mentor Award at Tales of the Cocktail & 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from Nightclub & Bar Magazine.

Suzanne Freedman started her career in spirits marketing in 1993 at William Grant & Sons, Ltd., as Marketing Manager, spearheading the advertising and public relations efforts for their brands, including Glenfiddich, Frangelico and Dry Sack Sherry. She was instrumental in the formulation, packaging and launch of The Balvenie in the USA. She then joined the marketing division of Southern Wines Spirits of America, managing all aspects of marketing for the company’s import brands, and in 2001, moved back to New York to become a Brand Manager at Pernod Ricard USA in White Plains, New York. At Pernod Ricard, Suzanne managed the Jameson and Bushmills Irish Whiskey brands, and then was promoted to Brand Director on Beefeater London Gin. Suzanne was selected to be Director, On Premise, where she has developed many new strategic programs for the company. One of her major contributions is the development of the BarSmarts program, which has been called the “industry standard” in bartender education.