The Craft of Bartending
By Jackson Hearne
"A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory" - Albert Einstein
Where, exactly, have true bartenders gone? Sure, there is still the typical bartender at restaurants and dive bars downtown for some weekend fun. Many bars across the world are losing the traditional craft and chemistry that goes into creating a beautiful cocktail. The fast-casual restaurant industry is slowly killing classical bars with easy-to-make drinks that can also be made to-go in some States.
Luckily there's a new generation studying the traditions of the craft and up-holding the bartending lifestyle. They’re dedicating their lives to ensure the science and culture behind bars don’t disappear into history. One bartender, in particular, has been spreading awareness through his craft, and that bartender is known as Devin Gundersen.
Snazzy Mr. Gunderson.
Snazzy Mr. Gunderson.
What first began as a hobby, Devin over time started learning the history behind bartending and the skills that it took to become a true bartender. This hobby soon turned into a craft and lifestyle that opened many doors going forward with jobs and friendships. Currently working as a bartender at Torchy’s Tacos in San Marcos, Devin is getting the feel for how some fast-casual restaurants are trying to preserve culture behind their bars. Also in his free time, he likes to bartend for his friends at parties and get-togethers!
When asked what’s his favorite part of bartending was, he said “Making some simple ingredients into a complex drink with chemical reactions isn’t such an easy task, but I must say that the looks on people’s faces are worth it”. He as said “the sounds that come with making drinks can also be quite therapeutic from pouring in the ingredients to the sound of ice being stirred.
Gin Fizz with Luster Dust
Gin Basil Smash
Black Manhattan
Top Shelf Liquor
Whiskey Sour with Bitters
It’s safe to assume that with this new generation of bartenders coming up, the culture of bars around the world should be preserved and the standards will be upheld. People like Devin are important to a culture that people might not think about. If you wanted to see more of Devin and his amazing bartending skills follow him on Instagram: devin_gundersen