Louisville’s Ideal Bartender

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 26, 2017) - - - Louisville-based Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. joins the rest of the U.S.A. in celebrating the achievements of African-Americans through American history by illuminating the legacy of African-American, Louisville native and esteemed bartender Tom Bullock.

The heritage of Tom Bullock is best represented through the 100th anniversary of the publication of his seminal book of original cocktail recipes, “The Ideal Bartender,” first published in 1917.

The distillery will weave Mr. Bullock's legacy throughout its activities during February and beyond.

The signature event of the month-long celebration will be hosted at Copper & Kings on the evening of Feb. 22 where historian Michael Jones will present a historical paper describing the life and legacy of Bullock. The seminar, which is free to the public, will be accompanied by classic Tom Bullock libations and delicious food prepared by local chef Lawrence Weeks.

The culmination of the evening will be the launch of The Ideal Bartender School. The initiative, developed and curated by Copper & Kings, aims to provide a highly-credentialed bartender qualification for individuals with disadvantaged economic means.

“Tom Bullock illustrates the advantages and economic mobility that the craft of bartending brings to society,” said educator and course director Jennifer Desjardins. “The course is rigorous. The class size will be limited to a maximum of 20 people, and the selection process will be uncompromising. We are looking for people who have great ambition, a very high work ethic and understand the discipline and personal qualities required to be successful in a demanding profession.”

The 14-week course will be offered free of charge to those selected. The curriculum will encompass hands-on practical skills development, theoretical instruction and required homework and teamwork.

It is also important to note that this is a broad-based Louisville hospitality community initiative. In addition to Copper & Kings resources, many members of Louisville's hospitality industry, including the famed spirits companies and craft brewers, will provide specific instruction relevant to their expertise.

“Louisville sits at the cusp of greatness, a city of great charm and personality. We have an opportunity to bring more people along for the ride,” said Copper & Kings President and CEO Joe Heron. “We can provide and create deeper, more diverse opportunity. Our mutual success will be built on the pillars of creativity, competency and community. We are proud to be doing something, if perhaps small. If everyone just does a little something the snowball effect to leadership could be enormous. What an adventure.”