By The Tahona Society Editorial Team
Bartender Christine Wiseman – Winner of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender 2023
5 Most Memorable Moments of Tahona Society in 2023 (In Case You Missed Them)
This year was an incredible year for the hospitality industry, and it’s all thanks to our community of bartenders passionate about agave. Initiatives such as the Tahona Society Bartender Competition 2023 and Altos Bartenders’ Bartender, among others, highlighted the incredible work of professional bartenders who impact their communities and the environment positively. We look forward to a wealth of even more opportunities in 2024.
Before reading this article, check out our recap of 2023: [LINK: New Year Tahona-ON]
February
1. Serving Up with Professionalism
We opened the year by inviting Dré Masso, Co-Creator and Global Ambassador of Altos Tequila, to share an awe-inspiring reflection for World Bartender Day. Many years ago, it was normal (and even expected) for bartenders to drink while working at the bar. This custom has become outdated, and now our priority during work is our wellbeing. That doesn’t mean we can’t have a great time. Click here to discover why.
March
2. Women Making a Difference
For International Women’s Day, we asked two phenomenal, passionate, hard-working, knowledgeable, formidable, enterprising, and powerful bartenders (basically, true chingonas) to share their journey in transforming the hospitality industry. Make sure you read this interview with Alexandra Purcaru, Co-Founder and Beverage Director of Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar, and Diana Figueroa, winner of Tahona Society Competition 2021 and Co-Founder of The Real Jibaros.
April
3. Christine Wiseman: Winner of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender 2023
Another outstanding woman leading the charge this year was Christine Wiseman, Bar Lab Hospitality’s Global Beverage Director. She won the most prestigious award in the bar world after being selected during a vote by colleagues and head bartenders from venues in this year’s North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Christine truly pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a great bartender. Click here to discover why and make sure you don’t miss this interview with her.
June
4. Bar Competition 2023: Green Apple Project, Winner of Tahona Society Competition 2023
This project was designed to encourage and increase the accessibility of glass recycling in Cartagena, Colombia. It took the top spot at the 3rd edition of Altos Tequila’s Tahona Society Competition this year. Conceived by Jenny Teasdale and Jeffrey García, this winning project aims to change the perception of glass waste, to create jobs for locals, and to encourage bars to recycle. Click here to learn more about the project and here to learn about its creators.
August
5. A Tribute to the Great Dré Masso: Celebrating 30 Years Behind the Bar
It is not an easy feat to spend three decades working in the bartending industry. For the first time ever, Dré shares some of his favorite memories, from his early days in the restaurant industry in London, his first gigs in renowned cocktail bars, and the exciting times he had meeting famous actors, singers, and sports players at Dick’s Bar. Click here to learn about his journey, plus his first big mistake behind the bar.
