The Bartenders' Association Showcases Its Talents in Brooklyn

Every year, a major spirits brand convention is held in Brooklyn, New York. The event brings together nearly all the big names in the industry. In addition, bars from around the world travel there to represent their brands. Last June, the Saint-Barthélemy Bartenders’ Association was able to participate in the event through a bourbon brand (Michter’s).
The association was represented by Maxime Brajou from Café, Johan Grillitsch from Shaken, Edy Masta from Barry, and Yohan Mirmont, a wine merchant and spirits manager at Cave du Port Franc. But another guest helped put the island in the spotlight. Her name is Nanou Barthélemy, who was then a bartender at the Rémy Bar and Club at Eden Rock. She showcased her talents alongside three other professionals from Grand Cayman (Daawud Zepherin of the Library by the Sea), San Juan (Edwin Borrero of 173 Grados), and Mexico (Salvador Guzman of the Zapote Bar). “They’re all among the fifty best bars in North America,” explains Johan Mirmont. “The organizers wanted well-known bars, so we chose the one at Eden Rock with Nanou Barthélemy.”

“Showcasing What We Do”
The concept behind the event is simple. During the day, there’s a spirits fair, and come evening, in a New York bar reserved for the occasion, the four bartenders (and one bartender, in this case) step behind the bar and present a bourbon-based cocktail. “But with a Caribbean flair,” insists Johan Mirmont. In fact, the name of the evening leaves little room for doubt: “Tropical Dreams, Brooklyn Scene.” A tasting follows, needless to say, in the presence of numerous handpicked guests. “But it wasn’t a competition,” the wine merchant clarifies. “People ordered at the bar, savored their drinks, and chatted.”
For the Saint-Barth Bartenders’ Association, the goal was obviously to raise their profile and showcase Saint-Barth in a positive light off the island. “To show what we do and in what spirit,” emphasizes Yohan Mirmont.
The small delegation then headed to Louisville, Kentucky, where the Michter’s brand was waiting for them. “It was very professional there,” says the wine merchant. “There was an exhibition, tastings, and two hours of masterclasses and discussions with the bartenders.”
This was a way for the bartenders’ association and La Cave du Port Franc to further solidify Saint-Barthélemy’s reputation and expertise.