The road to spirits is often an unpredictable one, and as a predilection towards research turned its focus to distilleries, Dr. Nicholas Morgan's relationship with Scotch began. 26 years later, Dr. Nick is now one of the world's esteemed experts of Scotch serving as Diego's Head of Whisky Outreach. From an aspiring guitarist in Oxfordshire to a singular protagonist for Scotch whisky against Bourbon on one fateful night in Austin, TX, life has led to many exciting roads. Dr. Nick continues to be the epitome of class and transparency as he continues to educate the world about Scotch with a guitar strapped to his back. We talk Bowie, Brexit, and trouble similarities between the UK/US.

Cheech Marin is known for his comedy, wit, and unforgettable voice. But most people don't know that his career in the spirits industry has just begun with Trés Papalotes Mezcal. Cheech has clearly been a pioneer in the promulgation of Mexicano art and culture, but the path to Mezcal has been a fateful one. We sip, chat, and crack jokes about a few orange figureheads.

Like many shining personalities in this industry, music is an underlying theme and motivator. For Del Maguey's Evan Meeker, the fiddling road brought him to Mezcal. A creative upbringing in Colorado intersected with multiple hospitality jobs and the spark was then ignited. From behind the bar, to distribution, Evan's career has dipped into many facets of this industry, but has now dived in the culturally rich world of Mezcal. We chat Carnegie Hall, agave, and age.

2 teachers, 2 different paths. Bryan Winslow and Tim Bullock started in completely different areas with completely different interests, but a serendipitous meeting whilst working at Austin Beerworks spawned a beautiful working relationship. With style, nuance, and a wide creative lens, St. Elmo Brewing Company was born. The south Austin destination pairs great beers, ambiance, and delicious food with a bit of Tim/Bryan's down-to-earthness mixed in. We chat Daft Punk, Spain, and feuds.

Sometimes small town living causes a lust for culture that is rarely paralleled. Jeff Young has traveled the world seeking anything and everything in the wake of leaving Alabama. A love of detail and science matched perfectly with an interest in beer. Seeking brewing opportunities and a way to express his counterculture perspective, Jeff entered the brewing incubator Black Star Co-Op and developed a penchant for sour. As the relationships and knowledge accrued, Blue Owl Brewery was born some time thereafter. We chat sour, Scotland, and whiskey. 

With so many great seminars and events happening at this year's San Antonio Cocktail Conference, it can quickly get overwhelming.  In chronological order, here are a few of my favorites. Agave love, Bowie-dedication, and great whiskey talks...

All the details are contained below, don't forget to RSVP (when applicable)!

1.12

Happy Hour

Remembering Bowie- Presented by Pioneer Spirits

312 Pearl Pkwy #2107, San Antonio, TX 78215

5p-8p

Lots of great brands, but how's about try an El Diablo with Wahaka Mezcal?

1.13

Seminar- The 5 W's of Drinking

1- 2:15p

Buy tickets here

Seminar- The Art of Pairing

3 - 4:15

Buy tickets here

Happy Hour

Tequila Treats

Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern

155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

5-7 p

Drink some Fortaleza still strength and talk mustaches with Guillermo Sauza

Evening Mischief

Martine After Dark

The Last Word

229 E Houston St #10, San Antonio, TX 78205

9p-12a

RSVP to sarah@resplendenthospitality.com

Play with the monkey and try any delicious complimentary cocktail with this elegant Honeysuckle liqueur

1.14

Seminar- Tequila: From The Inside Out

1-2:15

Buy tickets here 

Seminar- The Martini and the Discerning Palette

3-4:15

Buy tickets here

Seminar- How NOT to Create Your Next Mezcal Brand

3-4:15

Buy tickets here

Happy Hour

Chairman's Rum Time

Downstairs at the Esquire Tavern

155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

5-6 p

Try this new delicious rum entry in Texas. I'm hearing it's on a whole new level.

Evening Mischief #1

Wu-Tang Over Everythang 

Paramour

102 9th St, San Antonio, TX 78215

10p-2a

Willie G's and Campari spin the vinyl and pour some Glenfiddich cocktails. It'll be off the ______

Evening Mischief #2

Gin & Juice Vol II

The Last Word

229 E Houston St #10, San Antonio, TX 78205

10p-2a

Guest bartenders make things slang. Travis Tober at the helm.

1.15

Closing Breakfast

Barbaro

2720 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212

11a-3p

RSVP to info@barbarosanantonio.com

Coffee, bites, and booze. A delicate way to close an epic week.

Chicago native Eric Rosentreter has imbibed all things whiskey and art. A creative force with mixed media and possessing an exceptionally discerning palette for spirits, Eric has seen all annals of the hospitality industry. But perhaps the most career defining chapter was at Chicago's whiskey haven, Delilah's, where he learned the foundational tricks of the trade. Always deconstructing and shifting in the duality of his creative heart, Eric now enters the next phase of his career with Redemption Whiskey. We chat selling out, Rye, Joe Strummer, and the San Antonio Cocktail Conference.

Check out Eric's seminar

JOIN THE RYE REVIVAL WITH REDEMPTION WHISKEY

The wanderlust hit Geraldine's Lucas Felak at a very young age. Tending bar in Germany in his teens and growing up in rural Pennsylvania, Lucas has the prototypical hospitality DNA. Although, his additional pursuit of academic enlightenment makes him the perfect weapon. As love brought him to Austin, the best chapter yet started to unfold. Lucas has established himself as an expert on whiskey and an emerging mentor to the industry. We chat age, degrees, and dead distilleries. 

Catch Lucas at his San Antonio Cocktail Conference seminar

Cocktail DIY: Mixologist Tips of the Trade

JANUARY 14, 2017 | 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM

Get tickets here

Texan at heart, and Oregonian at mind, Jacob Grier has had an amazing trek leading him to the publishing of his first book "Cocktails on Tap: The Art of Mixing Spirits and Beer". What started as path destined for political lobbying in DC turned askew into the world of coffee. This foundation in flavors and terroir ultimately spawned a deep interest and chronicling of cocktail composition. Many years later, Jacob is an industry expert on cocktails and potentially cigars in the future.. We chat Trump, Aquavit, and Spring, TX.

Catch him at the San Antonio Cocktail Conference 2017 sharing his love of Aquavit.

https://www.sanantoniococktailconference.com/schedule/aquavit-a-global-tour/?cat=

And purchase his new book HERE