Cocktails & Consulting
Cocktail Director
Laowai (Canada’s Best New Bar in 2022 and 10th Best Bar in 2023)
Bagheera (Canada’s Best New Bar Honouree in 2023)
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits & WSET Certified Spirits Educator
Vancouver’s Best Bar Personality - 2018
International Winner Altos Tequila Tahona Society Collective Spirit - 2018
Elevate your next virtual or in-person event with a one-of-a-kind cocktail class or spirit-tasting experience led by an internationally award-winning bartender and certified educator. Whether it's a corporate team-building event or a private celebration with friends, I offer custom programming designed to take your event to the next level. With options for both digital and safe-and-secure in-person settings, I'll work alongside you to create a unique experience tailored to your group's preferences. Let's work together to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
“There are few professions whose primary objective is to advance the cause of humanity rather than simply to make money or accrue power. Among this limited group of humanitarians I would number teachers, nurses, bookstore owners, and bartenders.”
I'm excited to announce my contribution to Janet Gyenes' latest book, a captivating exploration of Vancouver, Canada's diverse cocktail scene.
To be acknowledged by Canada's esteemed publication, Canada's 100 Best, is a true testament to the passion, creativity, and commitment we pour into every aspect of our bar. This accolade recognizes the distinctive atmosphere, exceptional service, and outstanding beverage offerings that have become synonymous with Laowai. We are proud to stand alongside the other deserving establishments that have been celebrated for their contributions to Canada's bar scene.
The Spirited Awards are the most prestigious awards in the spirits industry, and being named a regional honouree is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Laowai and Bagheera have both been recognised for our commitment to quality, creativity, and exceptional service.
I've spent over 20 years working behind and managing bars, honing my craft and passion for hospitality. Originally from Winnipeg, MB, Canada, I've worked in all sorts of establishments across the country and have now been based in Vancouver, BC since 2011. Throughout my time on the west coast, I've had the pleasure of working in many of Vancouver's top-tier restaurants and bars.
Over the years, I've collected a number of certifications and credentials, and many consider me to be one of Canada's most certified and educated bartenders. These include the Level 3 Diploma in Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), as well as certifications from the International Sommelier Guild, Beverage Alcohol Resource Group, West Indies Rum and Spirit Producers Association, Consejo Regulador del Tequila, Society of Wine Educators, and Pernod Ricard & École Hôtelière de Lausanne. I'm also a certified educator for the entire spirits curriculum from WSET. I suppose all these pieces of paper somewhat validate my overflowing collection of cocktail, bartending, and spirit books.
In 2018, I was named Vancouver's Best Bar Personality and won the prestigious Tahona Society bartending competition. I'm also the managing partner and cocktail director for both Laowai and Bagheera in Vancouver. Since opening, both establishments have garnered numerous accolades, including being named Canada's Best New Bar by Canada's 100 Best and being listed as Canadian regional honourees for World's Best New Cocktail Bar by Tales of the Cocktail.
When I'm not behind the bar or managing my establishments, I love to travel and immerse myself in different food and drink cultures. I've also conducted seminars for hospitality and bartending professionals all over the globe. Another passion of mine is my involvement in the Mind the Bar mental health initiative, a topic I've become very passionate about in recent times.
At the end of the day, I'm just a bartender who loves what he does and strives to continue learning and growing in the industry.
