28/10/2016
An introduction to the winner of the Abuelo Run 2016: Debbie Gabriella. Bartender at Gibson Cocktail Bar, Jigger & Pony Group.
Age: 22y
Hometown: Singapore
What did you dream of becoming as a child?
I wanted to be Social Worker or Pilot
How did you become a bartender?
I started working as a floor staff 3 years ago at Jigger & Pony Group and Anti:dote (Fairmont Hotel).
We casually discussed with my Manager Aki Eguchi and he agreed to train me as bartender 2 months ago.
What thoughts did you have during the Abuelo Run?
Not failing Aki. As a very fresh bartender, he still trusted me to join the rest of the team members.
How would you describe the Abuelo Run, the most difficult part and the most rewarding part?
It was amazing & a humbling experience to see people from different bars, with different sets of skills & ideas come together for the love of Abuelo Rum. The most difficult part would be the thought process of putting a cocktail together since I'm still pretty new to it & the most rewarding part was to see everyone coming together especially for the sports event. Not to mention having a great laugh together.
Tell us more about this winning cocktail ?
Back in the day when people threw messages in bottle out at sea, they'd usually receive two times the amount of bottles back. "Buscando" means seeking in Spanish. Hence, not only did I want to create a cocktail that people would want seconds for, could have at any location (be in by the beach or at a cocktail bar) but also convenient for it to be remade wherever Abuelo rum & tea were both available. Different teas give different tastes to the cocktail definitely, so it depends on the bartender really in which direction they want drive this cocktail towards. I'm using a mixture of black & green tea (not only because it's healthy) because this blend has notes of exotic fruits & sunflowers. The Buscando (Seeking) Bottle is my attempt in creating a cocktail with two of my favourite things which are rum & tea. And hoping that you'd eventually turn out liking it as much as I do.
What is your next goal?
Helping make Rum in Panama ;) And focus more on the craft.
Favorite spirit?
Rum
Favorite drink?
I’d say Rum Old Fashionned
Any Role models?
Bannie from Anti :dote and Aki
--------------
A talk with the man who empowered Debbie to win the Abuelo Run, with only 2 months experience behind a bar.
Name: Aki Eguchi. Head of Beverages / Bar Program Director for 5 establishments and 15 bartenders
Age: 35y
Hometown: Yokohama, Japan.
When did you join the trade?
I became a bartender at the age of 20y for Cable Car Japan and eventually came to Singapore 5 years later.
What qualities are you looking for in an individual who becomes a bartender?
Someone detail oriented.
What are the main points you focus on and expect from your team?
- Mixology skills
- Hospitality skills
- Managerial skills
- Team spirit
