The Cocktail Academy

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Sean Muldoon, a renowned figure in the cocktail industry. Starting as a humble bartender in Belfast, Sean's story is one of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. He discusses his early days amidst the Troubles, his love for music, and his determination to become the best. Sean's path led him to London, New York and everywhere in between, he even started his own training company, and garnered multiple awards for his cocktail creations.

Sean provides an inside look at the creation and success of the Merchant Hotel's award-winning cocktail bar in Belfast and the pivotal transition to The Dead Rabbit in New York. The conversation also touches on the opening of Hazel & Apple in Charleston, South Carolina, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Sean shares his future plans, including a return to Ireland and his admiration for the bar Boadas in Barcelona.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Beginnings: Sean Muldoon began his cocktail journey in Belfast, driven by a passion to escape the Troubles and excel in bartending.
• Influences and Learning: Inspired by figures like Morgan Watson, Sean traveled to London to hone his craft, eventually starting his own training company and winning multiple awards.
• Merchant Hotel: Building the award-winning Merchant Hotel cocktail bar in Belfast was a significant milestone, earning international recognition.
• The Dead Rabbit: The transition to The Dead Rabbit marked a new chapter, with the bar achieving fame for its unique concept and talented team, including key partner Jack McGarry.
• Hazel & Apple: Opening Hazel & Apple in Charleston faced challenges, including scaling down the original concept and handling landlord issues, but remained a community-focused endeavor.
• Resilience and Future Plans: Sean's experiences have instilled resilience and determination, with future plans to return to Ireland and open a pub, and a strong admiration for Boadas in Barcelona.

About the Host:

Damian Cole is a hospitality industry veteran and the founder of The Cocktail Academy. Damian specializes in developing innovative drinks programs, providing top-notch training, and delivering captivating public speaking engagements. Known for his cocktail and spirit masterclasses, Damian shares his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm with audiences, making him a distinguished figure in the world of mixology.

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