Meet Some of the Contestants

By Chilled Magazine

Sarah Morrissey

Where do you work? Beagle, East Village

How long have you been a barback? About a year now.

Do you have a strategy for competing in the games? I going to be fast. I’m little, 5’2 so I’m thinking they are going to think I suck. So I’m going for the surprise factor.

How did you prepare for the games? I did everything at work as quickly as I could. I had people time me and tried to see how fast I could get everything done. I have been working at my bar as a barback the longest, but I am the youngest out of the three other barback boys. I am most worried about the keg carrying part of the competition (for obvious reasons!! This girl is tiny!)

What do you enjoy most about being a barback? I love making things with my hands. I feel a sense of control as a barback, I can control the entire bar, make sure everything is in order, everything is filled, make drinks, talk with people, have the run.

What do you like least? I hate having crappy hands all of the time. There’s no manicure to help me.

How would you describe Fernet-Branca? I have always loved it- I would say it’s like a punch in the face while hanging out in the refreshing breeze of an ice storm.

Aidan Lyon

How long have you been a barback? 4 years.

Where do you work? Rucola and Hotel Delmano

Any strategy for tonight? Work hard, keep organized, do a good job and enjoy myself.

How did you train? Working at the bar on crazy nights. Finding yourself in the weeds and working your way out of them.

Describe Fernet-Branca: Its the only thing I pour. Its the only thing I drink. I love it.

What do you like most about being a barback? The ladies.

The least? The ladies.

Nelson Rijo

Where do you work? MiLady’s

How long have you been a barback? Since I was 13 years old. Worked in local neighborhood bars. Its hereditary- My whole family is in the industry. Have worked every where from dive bars to fancy bullshit places.

Do you aspire to be a bartender? No! Want to stay a barback- it’s a lot less grueling….

Have you ever competed in an event like this? No, saw it and jumped at the chance plus my fellow bartenders said I must come and do it. They will be here tonight.

How did you get your start? I started in a bar helping out a friend of mine and then realized this was a position I could work at. I didn’t realize it was a real position.

Sam Gardner

How long have you been a barback? 7 years.

How did you train for the barback games? Found some tires.

What do you like most about being a barback? The late hours and the interesting people.

What is your favorite cocktail? Fernet-Branca, neat.

In a word, how would you describe Fernet-Branca? Herbal.

Scott James

Where do you work? Mother’s Ruin

How long have you been a barback? For about a year now. I work with Giuseppe Gonzalez- he will be here to support me tonight.

Do you have a strategy for tonight? To just have fun. I was an athlete in school- I used to play lacrosse so…

What do you like most about being a barback? I like being able to concoct interesting and satisfying drinks. I like to surprise people. We are an industry spot… lots of people order Fernet-Branca.

In a word, how would you describe Fernet-Branca? Different.