Tobin Ellis and the Lost Art of Technical Free Pouring

Renowned bar industry veteran Tobin Ellis challenged the hearts, minds (and shoulders) of members of a nearly packed house of Austin’s bar community on Monday night with an incredibly engaging seminar on the Lost Art of Technical Free Pouring. The nearly 3 hour presentation sponsored by DiSaronno and Tia Maria was designed to illustrate how, with adequate practice and a zen-ish state of mind, free pouring can result in accuracy within 1/8 of an ounce – about the same as jigger pours. Can we say MIND=BLOWN?!

Employing the kinds of methods that dancers and other athletes often rely on (for after all, bartending is a sport too!), attendees got some hands-on practice  with various “cutting” techniques, follow through with the bottle, pour counts and proper body posturing.  More than a few of us – including Austin’s most veteran bartenders – were impressed with how impactful these kind of pour mechanics can be on efficiency, profitability and the overall service and showmanship that customers enjoy.

- Courtesy of Jessica Sanders of Drink.Well American Pub.

- Special thanks to the evening’s sponsors as well, DiSaronno and Tia Maria.

Advertisement