SPIRITED INSPIRATION

from PR%F the Magazine October 2022 issue

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Spirited

Inspiration Written and Photos by: Renée Korbel Quinn @SpiritedSFL

Go behind the scenes on a DISTILLER FOR A DAY Mixology Experience

Join Renée for an exclusive behind-thescenes look during her recent Distiller for a Day mixology experience at ChainBridge Distillery.

The experienceis a one-of-a-kind distillery and mixology experience with award-winning distiller Bela Nahori from ChainBridge Distillery and award-winning mixologist Gregory Genias from BootlegGreg Cocktail Co.

This distillery and hands-on mixology class started with a tasting of award-winning vodkas, gin, rum, brandy, and specialty spirits. It then turned into a fun and educational distillery tour where we learned how their spirits are made. Then, we were transported to a hands-on mixology workshop learning how to make three South Florida-focused signature cocktails.

MEET THE PERFECT “PEAR”

Greg and Bela wanted to share their vision and create a unique, fun, and educational experience to teach people about making spirits and cocktail creations using only real ingredients. This is how their distillery and mixology experience was born. “Greg and I met a while back at the distillery, where I learned about his experience and teaching the value of using fresh ingredients in cocktails. We both had the vision of combining our beliefs of the importance of fresh ingredients, and we knew it was the perfect ‘pear,’” explains Bela.

BELA operates a family-owned distillery that produces artisan small-batch spirits handcrafted with produce from local farms—specializing in unique, high-quality brandy, specialty spirits, vodka, gin, and rum. They offer tours, tasting, craft cocktails, and a tasting room. Bela comes from a wine-making family. He grew up in the famous Tokaj Region near Hungary’s northeast border with Slovakia (with the wine) and the Hungarian culture of Palinka, where he learned the process of working with fresh fruits and capturing the flavors and aromatics of these fruits in their spirits.

GREGORY, better known as Bootleg Greg, was born in the hills of Cockpit Country Trelawny, Jamaica. His transformation into Bootleg Greg began at an early age with the help of his father, a self-proclaimed bushman and moonshiner. They exposed a young Gregory to the inner workings of plants and herbs and their benefits to the human body. Today, he is the co-owner of Bootleg Greg Cocktail Company, a concept cocktail, and health-conscious beverage company. He manages and streamlines beverage programs at various restaurants and bars across the country.