EPISODE · May 28, 2025 · 34 MIN
What It Really Takes to Win World Class: Keegan McGregor Breaks It Down
from The Cocktail Academy
In this episode, Damian sits down with Keegan McGregor, 2024 World Class Global Bartender of the Year. Based in Halifax, Keegan shares the journey from touring musician to top-tier cocktail craftsman. They dive deep into how travel fuels his creativity, why he believes bartending is an expressive art form, and the surprising ingredients he's using to push Canadian cocktail culture forward. Expect sharp insights on competition prep, community, and why authenticity is the ultimate edge.📌 Topics CoveredFrom death metal gigs to global cocktail stagesWinning World Class: what changed the third timeWhy flavor is the ultimate creative starting pointHow Halifax and Newfoundland shaped his style“Taste the brand, not just the category” – advice for competitionsEmbracing mushrooms, seaweed, birch sap, and pawpawCancelling straws (for real)Why new bartenders need to collaborate, not competeThe most underrated ingredient behind the barBuilding better menus, training better staff💬 Standout Quotes“You don’t have to win World Class to grow—you just have to show up and be yourself.”“Taste the brand, not just the category. That’s how you win brand-led competitions.”“Straws are out. Let your nose do the work.”📚 Resources & MentionsBooks:Roundbuilding by Kevin ArmstrongDeath & Co (first edition)Meehan’s Bartender ManualThe Flavor MatrixThe Vegetarian Flavor BibleTechniques & Tools:Superjuice, yogurt clarification, mushroom infusionsTanqueray 10, Don Julio 1942, Johnny Walker BlueBars & Projects:Highwayman (Halifax)Three Sheets (London pop-up)Montreal Cocktail FestivalThe infamous “Screech-In” tradition explained👥 Connect with Keegan📸 Instagram: @keeganmakescocktails👋 Connect with The Cocktail Academy🌍 Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com 📸 Instagram: @welovecocktails 📧 Email: [email protected] 🎧 Support us on Patreon for bonus content & The Lock-In📣 Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, or leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more bartenders and cocktail lovers discover the show and grow with the community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Damian sits down with Keegan McGregor, 2024 World Class Global Bartender of the Year. Based in Halifax, Keegan shares the journey from touring musician to top-tier cocktail craftsman. They dive deep into how travel fuels his creativity, why he believes bartending is an expressive art form, and the surprising ingredients he's using to push Canadian cocktail culture forward. Expect sharp insights on competition prep, community, and why authenticity is the ultimate edge.📌 Topics CoveredFrom death metal gigs to global cocktail stagesWinning World Class: what changed the third timeWhy flavor is the ultimate creative starting pointHow Halifax and Newfoundland shaped his style“Taste the brand, not just the category” – advice for competitionsEmbracing mushrooms, seaweed, birch sap, and pawpawCancelling straws (for real)Why new bartenders need to collaborate, not competeThe most underrated ingredient behind the barBuilding better menus, training better staff💬 Standout Quotes“You don’t have to win World Class to grow—you just have to show up and be yourself.”“Taste the brand, not just the category. That’s how you win brand-led competitions.”“Straws are out. Let your nose do the work.”📚 Resources & MentionsBooks:Roundbuilding by Kevin ArmstrongDeath & Co (first edition)Meehan’s Bartender ManualThe Flavor MatrixThe Vegetarian Flavor BibleTechniques & Tools:Superjuice, yogurt clarification, mushroom infusionsTanqueray 10, Don Julio 1942, Johnny Walker BlueBars & Projects:Highwayman (Halifax)Three Sheets (London pop-up)Montreal Cocktail FestivalThe infamous “Screech-In” tradition explained👥 Connect with Keegan📸 Instagram: @keeganmakescocktails👋 Connect with The Cocktail Academy🌍 Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com 📸 Instagram: @welovecocktails 📧 Email: [email protected] 🎧 Support us on Patreon for bonus content & The Lock-In📣 Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, or leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more bartenders and cocktail lovers discover the show and grow with the community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What It Really Takes to Win World Class: Keegan McGregor Breaks It Down
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