We catch up with the head bartender of New York’s famed “secret” bar PDT, who was in town to guest judge the Diageo Reserve World Class Southeast Asia Finals on May 15-16.

Your job is pretty glamorous. Is there a not-so-pretty side to it?

Bartending was my calling and I’m fortunate to be able to do something I love. If I really had to pick something, I would say the long hours take a toll. The job can be very physically demanding and late nights can be challenging.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

When I was a kid I wanted to be a professional basketball player.

Why do you think the alcohol industry is so male-dominated?

I think a lot of trades are male dominant, not just bartending. That being said, there has been a rise in female bartending talent and influential names in the industry, like Singapore’s Aubrey Sim and Julie Reiner from the US.

Words of advice for someone who’s interested in pursuing a career like yours?

Understand that this job has some amazing perks, but do not forget how much work is required on a daily basis to be a good employee, co-worker, bartender and then competitor.

The number one unspoken rule among bartenders is…

I can’t tell you, only bartenders know.

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