#pdxcw2015

Feast For A King brought me to a new part of Portland that I've never explored before. That's one of the things I love most about Portland Cocktail Week as it really gets you to every corner of the city, as the city's flavor is a main ingredient in the conference cocktail. It was truly a feast for a king, featuring bites from Carlo Lamagna (Clyde Common), Clare Gordon (General Porpoise), Peter Cho & Johnnie Leach (Stray Dogs) and Victor Deras (Olympia Provisions) and Crown Royal cocktails from Chad Arnholt, Jim Meehan, Ryan Maybee and Tyson Buhler. I was impressed, and absolutely stuffed when I departed later that evening. After sitting on the Crown Royal throne, I made it a point to shake one of my hero's hand, Jim Meehan. Only at a conference like this is it completely normal to interact with the likes of world famous cocktail artists. I also love how dedicated the students are to learn at this conference, as well as to fully partake in every opportunity to celebrate at the parties. They are always fully engaged while taking in every experience Portland Cocktail Week has to offer. I try to mimic their enthusiasm and hunger to learn even beyond the conference. 

One of the most unique experiences of Portland Cocktail Week are its Bar Mashups. Usually set to a theme, they'll pair up bar programs from other cities with bars in Portland, creating a whole new environment that you'd never get to witness otherwise. They take place all around the city at different venues, usually concurrently, but lasting long enough to make it to a couple each night. They shuttle everyone between them, in a giant loop, which is convenient, but also a vibe in itself. Bartenders always have so much fun, don't they? 

I was lucky enough to make it out to a few mashups over the two nights they were offered. The first was with Vox Table (Austin) and Shift Drinks (Portland), sponsored by Olmeca Altos, which offered up a lively theme with great drinks (and branded ice cubes). Next up was the Rye & Multnomah Whiskey Library mashup, featuring juleps, horse betting and grilled cheese! Sponsored by Woodford Reserve. 

For Tiki drinks, it only made sense to visit La Factoria & Expatriate's mashup. They created a great atmosphere, combining music from the dj with excellent drinks. Sponored by Don Q Rums. 

Lastly, I couldn't possibly miss the Bordel & Kit Kat Club mashup. Music, Burlesque Dancers, Cocktails, Roses, and an incredible energy. Sponsored by Grand Marnier & Proximo Spirits.

As I entered my second year attending and covering Portland Cocktail Week, I was really excited. There was a sense of comfort in knowing a few folks from the previous year as well as optimism at the week's schedule full of classes, workshops, events, mashups, and after school activities. For those that don't know, Portland Cocktail Week is a week long immersive study for bartenders from around the world. They come in as students, learning from industry experts and peers with the aim to take the knowledge gained back to their home bars and restaurants. It takes real commitment to be a part of something as intense as Portland Cocktail Week. Yet, even with 17 hour days, the students remain positive and attentive. 

There's an intimacy of getting together with like-minded folks in order to strengthen your profession. Lush Life Productions, the company behind the cocktail week takes the concept of a convention or conference and completely upends it in their approach and delivery. Everything is branded around students, meaning you can't miss your classes, you have to attend field trips and satellite events, all while checking in. You've got RA's and 'upperclassmen' keeping you in line, while still protecting and educating you along the way. Everyone knows each other and are all focused on the goal of soaking up as much as they can. It's unlike anything else you could experience as well because everyone is so dang hospitable and nice.