Name: Jay Wells
Company: Exotic Booze Club
Job Title: Booze Flight Crew
What's your desert island drink & why?
Rum so I can become a Pirate!
We have many different favourite bars depending on the occasion. What's your favourite for: A. Pornstar Martini & Date Night? B. A Bloody Marry & Brunch? C. Rum Punch & a party?
Oooooo I feel like C, followed by a morning of B! So....
A... would be Albert Schloss.. Great bar, usually some sort of live music!
B. Tough one... Crazy Pedro's for a bloody Maria for sure..
C. The Liars Club can always be counted on for a great bev and some funky beats!
Which drinks industry heros have inspired you & how?
I will have to go with Don The Beachcomber! Just go and try a fog cutter.... You will understand
Do you hace a favourite Cocktail Ingredient and why?
This can vary alot from time to time but at the moment it has to be blackcurrant and liquorice cordial!
If you were a cocktail which would you be and why?
I'm not sure I'm complex enough to be a cocktail... Most probably be a lager or something hahaha!
If you could only drink alcohol which orginated in one country where would you choose & why?
Mexico........ Why... It makes you happy
Which spirit/ingredients has your favourite packaging? How important is this?
At the moment Salford Rum company! The dark spiced rum bottle is beautiful!
Do you have a preferred mixer / soft drink / non-alcoholic option and why?
Most probably ginger beer... Great as a mixer with most things and fantastic by its self.... Especially if its firey enough to make your eyes water.
What's your favourite food to pair with drinks?
Hake and Chorizo... A lovely light Pinot Noir Or maybe a glass of Cremant.
How did you get into the drinks industry?
I've been working in hospitality from the age of 15 working as a kp in my local pub
What do you love most about your job?
Honestly... I love the fact there is always something new to learn or a new technique.... Everyday is a school day!
And the worst bits?
Rude customers!
If you could share a cocktail with anyone who would it be and why?
Right now because of the current situation I would have to choose a fishbowl a big group of friends!
Do you have any recommended reads for booze lovers?
A Short History of Drunkeness by Mark Forsyth.
What are your Exotic Booze goals?
I hope to build a greater knowledge of the amazing products we already have available and learn about all the new and exciting products ready to hit the market!
What advice do you have for aspiring Drinks professionals?
A decent little notebook, use the note book... Its amazing how useful it can be! Take as much advice as you can and don't be shy or scared to try new and innovative things or ways of doing things... You may stumble across something incredible!
What's your pet drinks industry hate?
Awful glassware!
What's going to be the next big drinks trend?
Flavoured alcoholic soda waters!
What have you learnt from lockdown - any positive takeaways?
Make yourself adaptable!
Any other pearls of wisdom or drinks rants?
Aquafaba (chick pea water) makes a great substitute for egg whites in a cocktail esp for any vegans out there!!!
Name: Jay Wells
Company: Exotic Booze Club
Job Title: Booze Flight Crew
What's your desert island drink & why?
Rum so I can become a Pirate!
We have many different favourite bars depending on the occasion. What's your favourite for: A. Pornstar Martini & Date Night? B. A Bloody Marry & Brunch? C. Rum Punch & a party?
Oooooo I feel like C, followed by a morning of B! So....
A... would be Albert Schloss.. Great bar, usually some sort of live music!
B. tough one... Crazy Pedro's for a bloody Maria for sure..
C. The Liars Club can always be counted on for a great bev and some funky beats!
Which drinks industry heros have inspired you & how?
I will have to go with Don The Beachcomber! Just go and try a fog cutter.... You will understand
Do you hace a favourite Cocktail Ingredient and why?
This can vary alot from time to time but at the moment it has to be blackcurrant and liquorice cordial!
If you were a cocktail which would you be and why?
I'm not sure I'm complex enough to be a cocktail... Most probably be a lager or something hahaha!
If you could only drink alcohol which orginated in one country where would you choose & why?
Mexico........ Why... It makes you happy
Which spirit/ingredients has your favourite packaging? How important is this?
At the moment Salford Rum company! The dark spiced rum bottle is beautiful!
Do you have a preferred mixer / soft drink / non-alcoholic option and why?
Most probably ginger beer... Great as a mixer with most things and fantastic by its self.... Especially if its firey enough to make your eyes water.
What's your favourite food to pair with drinks?
Hake and Chorizo... A lovely light Pinot Noir Or maybe a glass of Cremant.
How did you get into the drinks industry?
I've been working in hospitality from the age of 15 working as a kp in my local pub
What do you love most about your job?
Honestly... I love the fact there is always something new to learn or a new technique.... Everyday is a school day!