In an effort to help those impacted by COVID-19, I’m contributing tips to a featured bartender each week for every neat pour or cocktail I post on social media. It’s not an original idea; it’s simply my Turkey spin on it.
This week I’m adopting Patrick Joyce. Patrick grew up in Boston, but spent the last ten years in Knoxville, Tennessee as the bar manager for Sapphire, one of the top cocktail bars of the South. His affinity for cocktails, spirits, and Wild Turkey in particular, started while living in Tennessee. Patrick now calls Atlanta home, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, has yet to find a bar to sling drinks.
Patrick’s first true Kentucky experience took place at 2018’s Behind the Barrel in Lawrenceburg, where Master Distiller Jimmy Russell made a huge impression:
One of my favorite memories was our final dinner. We each received a hand-selected bottle of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye signed by the Russell family. No one wanted to open their bottle, then Jimmy chimed in. He looked at each of us and said that whiskey was meant to be enjoyed. That it was a greater honor to display an empty bottle with his signature, as it meant we appreciated the whiskey itself. At that very moment, corks were popped and bottles passed around for all to share.
Every time Patrick crafts a Black Manhattan with Russell’s Reserve Rye he recalls that experience. Spirits play a huge role in his professional life, but thanks to memorable events like Behind the Barrel and Camp Runamok, none as important a role as Wild Turkey.
I invite you to join me in adopting Patrick this week. All it takes to tip is a simple contribution to the following PayPal Pool (public and anonymous options available):
This pool has ended, but you can still help Patrick out via Venmo: @sapphire_pat
Remember – every penny counts. No amount is too little and will go a long way in helping Patrick in this time of uncertainty. Also, it’s important that I mention that 100% of your donation will be forwarded directly to Patrick at week’s end. No reductions. No gimmicks. You have my promise.
Thanks for your consideration. Together, through compassion and unity, we will overcome these hard times. We’ll prevail as we always do and be all the better for it.
Cheers and thank you all!
David J.
Photos courtesy of Patrick Joyce