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We have finally reached the last episode of Season 1 of the Bottoms Up Podcast, and we're closing out our inaugural season with a bang!  Fitting that we are posting this episode on Juneteenth! Live from New York for BCB, Bacardi hosted the Cigar Social at Aura Cocina in Brooklyn, featuring Josh Davis, Josh White, and Cale Brown mixing up cocktails.

Before the event started, Josh had the opportunity to sit down with the Portfolio Papi himself, Taurell Bush. They discussed the challenges of being Black men in the industry, humble beginnings, Black fatherhood, and, of course, with two guys from the Midwest present, the topic of who the G.O.A.T. is came up.

Taurell Bush is the Regional Portfolio Ambassador for Bacardi’s Multicultural Team and a board member of Hospitality Included. He is a Detroit native whose journey in the hospitality sector began behind the bar in Cleveland, Ohio. With national bartending experience, Taurell has developed a deep appreciation for the art of mixology and its power to connect people. 

In addition to his role at Bacardi, Taurell serves as one of three board members of Hospitality Included, an organization committed to community engagement and equity. This group focuses on creating inclusive spaces that uplift underrepresented voices within the hospitality industry.

As a proud father to Mac, a 17-year-old scholar, and a dedicated dog and plant dad, Taurell values family and loyalty. He believes in the transformative power of hospitality and is committed to fostering environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

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Tassia is a nationally recognized mixologist, cocktail consultant, and cast member on Bar Rescue, known for elevating bar programs with creativity and profitability in mind. She is the founder of a successful mobile bartending company based in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, with over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Tassia is currently developing a membership-based cocktail club concept in Baltimore’ featuring an exclusive guest experience and a professional cocktail lab. Her mission is rooted in innovation, inclusion, and the pursuit of peace, love, and a good cocktail.

In this episode of the Bottoms Up Podcast, @mrmixologist engages in a dynamic conversation with @peaceloveandcocktails They discuss her journey from California to the DMV area, highlighting her experiences in the hospitality industry and her efforts to uplift Black and brown communities within it. She shares her passion for creating a supportive network through the Forbidden Cocktail Club, aiming to provide resources and education for financial stability and career growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by minority bartenders, the importance of representation, and her role on the TV show Bar Rescue. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration over competition and the necessity of creating opportunities for underrepresented groups within the industry.

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New Dawn Distilling( @NewDawnDistilling)  was founded by bourbon lover Dr. Dawn O’Neal, who is also passionate about saving the planet. She saw a chance to combine her passions using entrepreneurship as a force for good, and New Dawn Distilling was born in 2023. In this episode of the Bottoms Up podcast, host @MrMixologist  interviews Dr. Dawn O'Neal, THE owner of New Dawn Distilling, about her journey from a career in conservation and ecology to founding a bourbon brand. They explore the challenges and opportunities of being a Black woman in the predominantly white and male spirits industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community support. Dr. O'Neal shares insights into her distilling process, including her collaboration with Alton Distillery and the unique characteristics of her six-year and ten-year bourbon expressions. The conversation highlights the significance of legacy, with Dr. O'Neal expressing her desire to empower future generations through entrepreneurship. The episode concludes with a tasting session of New Dawn's bourbons, where Davis praises the quality and potential of the spirits.

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In this episode of the "Bottoms Up" podcast, Joshua Davis interviews Aaron Sparks, focusing on Aaron's journey from the music industry to becoming a prominent figure in the bartending world. They discuss the importance of black creatives telling their stories and Aaron's challenges in transitioning from a traditional job to bartending, emphasizing the significance of education and branding in establishing a successful mobile bartending service. Aaron shares his experiences with business planning, the impact of his unique marketing strategy involving his hairstyle, and the role of industry events like Camp Runamok and Portland Cocktail Week in his professional growth. The conversation also touches on the importance of collaboration over competition among black men in the industry and the need for accountability and mental health awareness. The episode concludes with light-hearted discussions on cultural topics and Aaron's upcoming retirement from the bartending scene.

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 J’Nai Angelle, is a bartender and cocktail & spirits educator who is recognized as "NOLA’s favorite virtual bartender" by Where Y’at NOLA Magazine and “NOLA’s Finest Bartender by Essence magazine. A proud native of New Orleans, Louisiana, she holds a degree from LSU and brings over a decade of bartending expertise to the table. Her journey spans various bar settings, from college and dive bars to fine dining establishments and dessert bars. Along the way, she's competed in prestigious bartending events such as the NOLA Bourbon Fest Bourbon Brawl, Espolon Cocktail Fights, and Speed Rack. Most recently, my cocktail “Seafood on a Saturday” was featured in Essence magazine and the cocktail book “A Quick Drink.”

She and Josh sat down to talk about all this and more! Like, subscribe and download on all streaming platforms

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Turning Tables is a nonprofit organization based in New Orleans. It is dedicated to transforming the hospitality industry by providing mentorship, cultivating leadership, and creating career pathways while advocating for equity. Their vision is to establish a hospitality sector in New Orleans and beyond that is a model of inclusivity, diversity, and equity.

Two-thirds of the leadership team at Turning Tables, Toure (@alovesupreme) and Ariel (@leiraknowscocktails), sat down with Josh for a lively conversation filled with laughter, valuable advice, and essential information about New Orleans!

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Keyatta Mincey Parker is a prominent figure in the spirits and cocktails industry, serving as the Chief Curating Officer at Pictures and Cocktails LLC. With over two decades of experience in hospitality, which includes hotels, fine dining, and clubs, she made a successful transition from modeling to mixology. Her creativity and ability to engage with guests have truly set her apart in the field. Keyatta has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Bartenders in the South by Thrillist and Tastemakers, and her expertise has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes, Food & Wine, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Recently, she sat down for a candid conversation with Josh @MrMixologist. They discussed her experiences growing up in Liberia, the challenges of being a young parent in the hospitality industry, personal growth, friendships, and even debated New Edition versus Boyz II Men, among other topics!

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Lavell (@thebartwinders) and Mr. Mixologist had a great conversation about building oneself up in the industry, Black fathers, Lavell's rap career, and even got a taste of African Agave . Tune in and enjoy this candid discussion.

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Mark Coulter is a Chicago-based industry professional and bartender who has worked in several award-winning bars. He is WSET Level 2 certified and has served as a Red Coat in the CAPS program for Tales of the Cocktail. Mark has generously offered his time for many years in leadership roles at Camp Runamok and currently serves on the board for the Chicago chapter of the USBG. Through his contributions and participation in competitions, Mark has had the opportunity to travel abroad to enhance his knowledge. He is passionate about sharing this knowledge and resources with his community.

Join Mark and Mr. Mixologist as they take a trip down memory lane—from Camp Runamok to the golden era of Chicago, to their shared love for sneakers, Cognac, and more!

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We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with one of the most engaging figures in and out of the beverage industry, Jackie Summers. He is a James Beard Finalist, a seasoned public speaker, and a serial entrepreneur. Summers is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc. and the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur. In this episode, we're going to "church," as Jack shares valuable insights on a range of topics! From Black men's health to entrepreneurship, hip hop, and basketball, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

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