Jason Cott
Jason Cott, 51, graduated from Emory University with a degree in comparative literature. While moonlighting as a bartender during his years in the publishing world, his hobby became a passion and, drawn to management, began growing the success of some of the finest restaurants and nightclubs in the city. He has spearheaded Alchemy Consulting from a company manifested solely on business cards and handshakes to an established firm sought after by large corporations and successful forward-thinking owners. Jason bridges the gap between creativity and fiscal responsibility. He understands that while service industry programs are kick-started by a labor of love, they survive as a business and must operate as such to ensure the longevity of a project.
Joaquín Simó
Joaquín Simó, 44, has traveled a long way from his native Ecuador. While earning a dual degree in English and religion at Boston University, JoaquÃn tended bar in crowded college dives, raucous rock 'n' roll bars and neighborhood restaurants all the while furthering his education on food, spirits, and flavor combinations. As an opening staff member at New York's acclaimed cocktail bar Death & Company, JoaquÃn regales customers with colorful stories and hallowed history of classic spirits and cocktails, easily transitioning from describing particular Tequila regions to the history and production of Scotch. With achievements such as recipe editor for the Food & Wine 2009 Cocktail Guide, his amiable sense of energy and excitement along with his encyclopedic knowledge is indispensable in the training and furthering development of a staff. At Tales of the Cocktail, Joaquín was awarded American Bartender of the Year for 2012.