Episode 23: Demystifying Mixology With Louisville’s Liquor Lab

Cocktails With Friends

In this episode of "Cocktails with Friends" host Bob Cutler takes us to Liquor Lab in Louisville, Kentucky. This episode features a conversation with Jeff Helion of Liquor Lab, diving into the world of cocktail classes and how they're making mixology accessible to everyone.

Main Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Liquor Lab's mission and offerings.
• The impact of COVID-19 on Liquor Lab and the innovative responses.
• The ethos behind Liquor Lab: Making craft cocktails accessible and demystifying the mixology process.
• Insights into Liquor Lab's guest demographics and event types.
• The educational approach and content of Liquor Lab's classes.
• Future plans and expansion of Liquor Lab.

Key Insights:

• Liquor Lab's adaptability and success in shifting towards virtual classes during the pandemic.
• The growing interest and knowledge among the public in craft cocktails partly accelerated by COVID-19.
• The importance of making mixology approachable and understandable to both novices and enthusiasts.

Episode Index:

1. [00:00:00] Introduction to the Episode - The host introduces the episode, mentioning a cocktail classroom setup and inviting listeners to join in.

2. [00:00:30] Welcome and Guest Introduction - The host, Bob Cutler, welcomes listeners and introduces his guest, Jeff from Liquor Lab.

3. [00:01:00] Liquor Lab's Origin and Adaptation During COVID - Discussion on how Liquor Lab adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual cocktail classes and shipping cocktail kits.

4. [00:02:00] Expansion and Logistics - Insights into Liquor Lab's expansion, supply chain challenges, and the popularity of craft cocktails at home.

5. [00:03:00] Cocktail Classes and Customer Demographics - Details on the cocktail classes offered, the equipment used, and Liquor Lab's customer demographics.

6. [00:04:00] Cocktail Education and Menu Insights - Discussion on educating customers about cocktails, the history behind them, and making craft cocktails accessible.

7. [00:04:40] Staffing and Operations - Insights into the staffing at Liquor Lab, including instructors and the operational aspects of running classes.

8. [00:05:00] Corporate Events and Customer Experience - Information on the significance of corporate events for Liquor Lab and how they enhance customer experiences.

9. [00:05:30] Cocktail Making Process and Educational Approach - Details on the approach to teaching cocktail making, including hands-on instruction and educational tidbits.

10. [00:06:30] Special Classes and Seasonal Offerings - Discussion on planning for classes, seasonal offerings, and innovative cocktail creations like the Lucky Charms Old Fashioned.

11. [00:11:30] Liquor Lab's Expansion and Licensing - Information on Liquor Lab's expansion plans, including a new location in Texas, and the complexities of navigating liquor laws.

12. [00:12:50] Customer Engagement and Merchandising - Plans for enhancing customer engagement through merchandising and offering branded items.

13. [00:13:30] Class Preview and Cocktail Discussion - Preview of upcoming class cocktails and discussion on cocktail preferences and recommendations.

14. [00:15:10] Closing Remarks and Tease for Next Episode - The host thanks the guest and teases the next episode, featuring a new business announcement with a former colleague.

About The Guest:

Jeff Helion, representing Liquor Lab, brings his expertise and passion for mixology to listeners, sharing the story and vision behind creating a space where everyone can learn the art of cocktail making. Through Liquor Lab, Jeff aims to break down barriers and introduce a wider audience to the joys and intricacies of crafting the perfect drink.

https://liquorlab.com/

https://www.facebook.com/liquorlabnyc/

https://www.instagram.com/liquorlab/