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.
BJ Davidson
Where do you work? Gin Palace
How long have you been a barback? For only 3 months.
What is your strategy for tonight? Have fun and be the best of the best.
Did you train for the event? I drank Fernet-Branca while doing push ups, sit ups, when I was off the clock.
How would you describe Fernet-Branca? Either you like it or you don’t.