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Dram & Draught

Raleigh, NC Whiskey Bar Located in the Heart of Downtown Raleigh

Bartender

Jeff Taylor & “Jack’s Doxy” Head to Atlanta

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Our very own barman Jeff Taylor is headed to The Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic regional competition in Atlanta on Monday, July 22, 2019.

Jeff is Competing in The Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic

Jeff will be going head-to-head against six other bartenders for the chance to represent the Southeast Region at the finals in Tennessee. From there, one winner will be chosen to attend Bar Convent in Berlin with one guest. There are seven regional competitions with seven bartenders competing in each. Help us cheer Jeff on and follow Dram & Draught on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with the latest information on how he is doing in the competition.

The Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic

The Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic is presented by Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack, Liquor.com, and Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. Liqour.com, in conjunction with Tales of the Cocktail, sought out some of the best bartenders from around the world. The bartenders’ have to be passionate about whiskey and what it means to create a truly meaningful cocktail experience. The bartenders were asked to submit their best Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour recipe for a chance to win a trip to Europe for the bar convention in Berlin. The whiskey sour has to showcase the bartender’s skills, highlight the attributes of Gentleman Jack, and be a cocktail that they would proudly serve to guests in their own bar. The cocktail also has to feature Gentleman Jack as the base spirit. The judges then chose seven contestants from each of the seven participating markets based on their recipes to move to the regional competitions. The regional competitions take place from July 8 through August 5, 2019. One winner from each region will then move on to the finals in Tennessee. The finals are scheduled for August 25 through August 29, 2019. The grand prize winner from the finals will receive a trip for two to Berlin to attend Bar Convent.

“Jack’s Doxy”

Jeff is Competing in The Gentleman Jack Whiskey Sour Classic

Jeff will be mixing up his cocktail “Jack’s Doxy” and it may be one of the best whiskey sours we have had the opportunity to try. Jeff is passionate about everything he does but he is especially passionate about cocktails, with the whiskey sour being one of his favorites. We can’t wait for his return so you can try one for yourself.

Where’s the Rest of the Crew?

While Jeff is in Atlanta, Ian and Jake will be in New Orleans with Red Bull for Tales of the Cocktail 2019. Big things are sure to be happening when the guys return!

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Follow Barman Ian at Tales of the Cocktail

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Our very on barman Ian Murray is headed to Tales of the Cocktail 2019 with Red Bull in New Orleans from July 18 through July 21, 2019. We can’t wait to hear all about his trip (and try the new cocktails that result from this experience) when he returns but in the meantime keep up with Ian on Instagram and make sure you are following Dram & Draught on Instagram for even more cocktail fun.

Ian Murray

Ian was selected by Red Bull to attend as one of their guests along with seven other lead barmen and working owners from around the country. While he is there, he will get to attend educational seminars, brand education classes, tastings, cocktail tours, meet and greets with others in the industry, spirited dining and drinking events, and more. We are always looking for ways for our staff to grow their knowledge and we are excited that Ian is having the opportunity to attend for his sixth year.

“I am really looking forward to Tales because it is the first time in a couple of years that it is at a new venue – Royal Sonesta New Orleans – so it will be a completely new experience for me.” – Ian Murray

About Tales of the Cocktail 2019

Tales of the Cocktail

This summer, the worldwide cocktail community will descend on New Orleans once again as Tales of the Cocktail returns for its 17th year. This annual gathering that’s equal parts cocktail conference and family reunion will feature a spirited schedule of brand new seminars, tastings, competitions and networking events representing the latest our industry has to offer. Catch up with old friends, learn some new techniques and further your career at Tales of the Cocktail 2019.

About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization, the global leader in spirits education, and a platform to address issues facing the industry. The mission of the Foundation is to Educate, Advance, and Support the global hospitality community through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the industry and to create lasting impacts in our host communities.

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Sother Teague Book Signing in Raleigh & Greensboro

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We had such a great time at our Jim Meehan book signing that we were eager to host another – and this time we are doing it in Raleigh and Greensboro with Sother Teague!

Sother Teague - I'm Just Here for the DrinksRaleigh

We’ll be opening early at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2019, to host Sother Teague as he visits North Carolina! Purchase your copy of his book, “I’m Just Here for the Drinks” to reserve a signed copy. The last time we hosted an author, books sold out early so don’t miss your chance.

Your $25 ticket includes admission to our meet and greet event with Sother, a signed copy of his book, and light hors d’oeuvres. (Already have your own copy of the book? Purchase admission to this event for just $10 at the door on Monday, June 3.)

Greensboro

We’ll be opening early at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, to host Sother Teague in Greensboro. As we mentioned before, these books are going to go fast. Get yours early and come talk shop with the man himself!

Your $25 ticket includes admission to our meet and greet event with Sother, a signed copy of his book, and light hors d’oeuvres. (Already have your own copy of the book? Purchase admission to this event for just $10 at the door on Tuesday, June 4.)

Can’t Make it to Raleigh or Greensboro?

Sother Teague will be at one of our favorite Wilmington establishments, manna, on Sunday, June 2, 2019. $15 gets you in the event and $40 includes a signed copy of his book. Liquid refreshments will be provided.

About I’m Just Here for the Drinks: A Guide to Spirits, Drinking and More Than One Hundred Extraordinary Cocktails

Sother Teague, one of New York’s most knowledgeable bartenders and Wine Enthusiast‘s Mixologist of the Year (2017), presents a brief history of both classic and lesser-known spirits with modern-day wit and old-school bar wisdom, accompanied by easy-to-mix drink recipes you’ll soon commit to memory.

Better than bellying up to some of the world’s best bars with a veteran bartender, this series of essays and conversations on all things alcohol aims to reveal how the joy of drinking changed both history and culture, and will likely inspire you to make a little history of your own. After all, no retelling of a great caper or revolutionary event ever started with the phrase, “So a bunch of guys are all eating salad…”

This hardcover collection of timeless tips, insight from industry pros, and 100+ recipes is more than just a cocktail book: it’s a manifesto for living a more spirited life.

We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh or Greensboro on June 3 and June 4, 2019. 

 

 

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Recap + Photos: March Madness Bartender Competition Presented by Dragon’s Milk

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We teamed up with Dragon’s Milk to host our first March Madness Bartender Competition last Sunday (March 31) and it was a blast! 16 awesome, local bartenders went head to head for prizes and of course, bragging rights.

The competition consisted of four single-elimination rounds with the winners taking home prizes like $200 cash, gift cards to Dram & Draught, and great Dragon’s Milk swag.

We also raised money for The V Foundation for Cancer Research and were able to donate $500 to the cause! Thank you, for helping us raise the money.

In addition to incredible bartending talent, we also had a star-studded panel of judges including AC Restaurants’ Ashely Christensen and Copper & King’s Alex Flynn.

A special thank you goes out to Raleigh Barman Ian Murray and Jess Thurston from New Holland Dragon’s Milk for making this event happen.

Check out our photos below taken by the talented Derek VanHorn and keep reading to see who was named number one.

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Congrats, Josh Gagne from Haymaker

Josh from Haymaker was our big winner for the evening and took home lots of prizes. Congratulations, Josh, and thank you to everyone who participated.

How Were They Judged

Our panel of judges were not only going by how good the drink was, but they also were voting based on the balance of the drink, the appearance, and creativity. All of the competitors were tasked with using Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout however they would like, in every drink.

We had an awesome time teaming up with Dragon’s Milk and look forward to hosting more competitions in the future!

About Dragon’s Milk from New Holland Brewing

The legendary beer’s name was born from a story told in medieval times. The knight’s reward for slaying a dragon was the treasured “milk of the dragon.” Today, Dragon’s Milk is an English term used to describe the finest liquid in the house. New Holland Brewing believed the liquid they were crafting would be the best in their house. A true legend, hence the name. Learn more at DragonsMilk.com and stop by Dram & Draught to try some today!

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Vote for Jordan and Lentz in YES! Weekly’s: The Triads Best 2019 Competition

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Voting is open for YES! Weekly’s The Triads Best 2019 competition and two of our very own barkeep extraordinaires, Jordan and Lentz, are in the running for best female and best male bartender.

We are so excited that they were nominated and hope they can bring home the trophy! Keep reading for all the details on how to vote.

The Triad’s Best 2019

Every year, YES! Weekly hosts The Triads Best Competition to highlight the best of the best in the following categories: Entertainment & Nightlife, Goods & Services, Arts & Leisure, Media, Music Scene, Politic & City Life, Education, and Food & Drink. In its 12th year, the competition has become a staple in Greensboro. Voting for this year’s competition runs until midnight on Friday, March 22, 2019. At that point, votes will be tallied to determine the official winners. The winners will be revealed and announced to the public in YES! Weekly’s biggest and best issue of the year that will be published on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

How to Vote

Visit TheTriadsBest.com before Friday, March 22, 2019, at midnight to cast your votes. You can vote one time every hour so feel free to come back and vote as often as you can for Jordan and Lentz! You do not have to vote in every individual category.

Thank You

We would like to thank everyone who nominated us to be considered for best female and best male bartender in the Triad. We love having Jordan and Lentz on our team and we are happy to hear that you love them too!

Come See Jordan and Lentz

Haven’t had a chance to meet them yet? You can catch Jordan and Lentz slinging cocktails most nights at Dram & Draught in Greensboro (300 West Gate City Blvd.). Please note that we are a private club for members and their guests 21+ only. You can sign up for membership for free on our website. Memberships are effective immediately.

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Thanks, Jim Meehan

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We had an awesome time hosting Jim Meehan on Friday, January 25, 2019, as part of his North Carolina Book Tour for Meehan’s Bartender Manual.

Jim spoke to the crowd of cocktail enthusiasts about his bartending background, favorite cocktails, and more. He also gave advice to up and coming bartenders about how to keep doing what they love. He sold out of all the books he brought with him and autographed each one. At the end of the event, he took questions from the crowd.

“It was awesome hearing a bartender success story,” Dram & Draught Barman Ian Murray said, “it’s great to see one of us who has made this dream a reality.”

Thank you again, for coming out Jim! We hope to see you in North Carolina again soon.

Check Out Our Photos from the Event

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Meehan’s Bartender Manual

In 2017, Ten Speed released Meehan’s Bartender’s Manual, which surveys cocktail history, mixing technique, venue design, bar operations, recipe development, service standards and more. Full-color cocktail photos and fine art black and white portraits by Doron Gild compliment Gianmarco Magnani’s peerless technical illustrations. Purchase a copy of your own for $34.99.

About Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan, bartender, journalist, and author of The PDT Cocktail Book and Meehan’s Bartender Manual, has worked in nearly every capacity of the hospitality business for the latter half his of his 40 years on the planet.

A Chicago area native schooled in Wisconsin, who achieved acclaim for his work behind bars in New York City; he now spends almost as much time on the road at trade shows and trainings as at home in Portland, Oregon.

Jim’s passion for service, quest for further knowledge, belief in the transformative power of hospitality, and commitment to mentor the industries next generation is only divided by his duties as a proud father and devoted husband.

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Greensboro Repeal Day Celebration

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Entertainment
Bartender Competition featuring Bulleit Bourbon & Botanist Gin – 8 p.m.
Stick around for a midnight toast and picture to commemorate our celebration! – 12 a.m.

Drinks
Whiskey Flight — Blade & Bow, IW Harper, Bulleit Bourbon – $18
“Remember the Maine” Featured Bulleit Cocktail — Bulleit Rye Carpana, Cherry Heering, Absinthe – $12
“French 75” Featured Botanist Cocktail — Gin, Lemon, Sugar, Sparkling Wine – $9

Please note that Dram & Draught is a private club for members and their guests, 21+ only. We appreciate in advance your adherence to this policy.

Become a member instantly online at https://www.dramanddraught.com/greensboro.

RSVP & Share This Event

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Lentz Ison is YES! Weekly’s Bartender of the Week

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Greensboro friends, have you seen the November 21st issue of YES! Weekly? Our own barman, Lentz Ison, was named their Bartender of the Week! Check out a few key points from the issue below and make sure you pick up a copy of your own today.

A Few Facts from the Feature

The Hot Pour Bartender of the Week article was written by Natalie Garcia and is done Q&A style. Here are a few of our favorite parts of the Q&A.

Lentz Ison is the Bar Manager for Dram & Draught Greensboro. Lentz is 33 years old and is from Las Vegas, NV. He started bartending when he was 21 because the place where he was working was short staffed.

Lentz’s favorite drink to make is an Old Fashioned. “No thrills, you don’t need an elaborate plan to make a good Old Fashioned. Just whiskey, sugar, bitters, and orange zest. Perfect.”

Lentz’s favorite drink to drink is a Negroni. His birthday falls during Negroni Week every year at the beginning of June and he loves being able to support a good cause.

Our favorite answer Lentz gave was for the question “What do you enjoy about bartending?” Lentz said, “The people I meet and making sure those people have a great time. Also, I have a great team that I work with at Dram & Draught. A good team makes all the difference in the world.”

Come see Lentz at Dram & Draught in Greensboro – 300 West Gate City Blvd.

About YES! Weekly

YES! Weekly is the largest circulated and best read weekly newspaper in the market and has been recognized with more state, regional and national press awards for design and editorial than all the other weekly papers in the market combined. They provide news and politics, arts and entertainment, reviews, and much more. YES! Weekly started in December 2004 with the mission to bring hard and fair news, insightful commentary, and comprehensive cultural writing to Greensboro. Learn more at YesWeekly.com.

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