Beach Flair Session

Had a good flair session at the beach this morning! Flair exams are on Monday. I'm also going for the World Flair Association exam, so that I can become a certified flair bartender. Hardcore practice this weekend for sure!

Came across this little piece of heaven outside a mall! Maybe bikepacking will be my next adventure?

11AM Spirits Tasting; Liqueurs & Beer

*from yesterday*

Late Night Studying & Spirits Fun Facts

Tomorrow we have whisky and brandy/cognac exams, we will probably be studying all night long. A break is very much needed right now, and I will spend it sharing some spirits fun facts with y'all!

- The words "vodka", "whiskey" and "brandy" all originates from different expressions meaning "water of life".- When maturing rum, a small amount of the spirits disappear over the years; this is called the "Angel's Share".- Brandy/cognac is basically wine before the maturation process.- In the same way, whisky is beer before the maturation process!- When produced in the Cognac region in France, brandy is called cognac. If produced outside of this area, it is just brandy.- When produced from blue agave in some specific areas in Mexico, tequila can rightfully be called tequila. If it is made from any other agave plant or produced anywhere else, it is called mescal, which means "agave heart".

Enough fun for tonight, I better get started on the heavy stuff.

Whisky in the making

Just a little tired

Flaming Shots & Sweet Mojitos

Snapshots from last weekends bar round. First three pics are from Ocana at La Placa Reial, a cosy cocktail bar with a touch of the Middle East. My favorite so far! The bartenders were very artistic in the way they mixed the drinks, and you can watch them make ingredients such as syrups from the very ground. Highly recommended place! We got the flaming sambuca shots at one the many shots bars we went to.

11AM Spirits Tasting; Rum & Tequila

In today's theory class at EBS we learnt the history behind rum and tequila, and like yesterday, we got to taste the different types. My favorite rum was undoubtedly Bacardi Oakheart, followed by Sailor Jerry. I like 'em spiced up! Not sure which tequila I prefer yet. Threw in some beach flair pictures from yesterday, perfect spot to drop those bottles!

 

11AM Spirits Tasting; Vodka & Gin

Today's morning class was about fermenting, distillation and the history of vodka and gin. That also includes smelling and tasting the different types, before the extra thirsty students got the rest of the shots if they answered the spirits-related questions right. The rest of the day we practiced flair, free pour and drink mixing. Now it's dinner, bottle tape-down and off to the beach to do some more flairing!

Sagrada Familia & Bartender School Introduction

Sunday; City Sightseeing by bus, stopped by the beautiful Sagrada Familia to take a closer look.

Monday; First day of European Bartender School (EBS). Talked about the role of the bartender. Got introduced to all the necessary bar equipment and different types of glasses. Practiced free pouring and learnt five drink recipes. After school we went to Ciutadella Park, and then to the beach in Vila Olympic. Finally some time to tan!

Tuesday; Second day of EBS. Got into groups and called ours "The Ones That Stabbed Mary". Took a group pic where I had to be Mary, and got "stabbed" (and soaked in ketchup blood) in order to make the Bloody Mary drink. Practiced mixing the drinks we learnt yesterday, free pouring and got introduced to flairing. It's so much fun, but very intense. Now it's chill time before studying tomorrow's drinks.

Sagrada Familia

 

Cuitadella Park

Vila Olympic