When they say “Agave,” you say “Spiked!”
“Agave!”
“Spiked!”
If you purchased VIP tickets for Spiked: A Celebration of Agave this weekend, you heard (and participated in) this cheer a number of times during the Sip, Sip, Hooray Agave and Chocolate Tasting. And if you’re coming this weekend, be prepared to cheer. The two taste masters leading these cheers are Brad Benfield and Aris Merlos. They helped make the entire experience feel as VIP as possible, so we thought we’d give them some VIP treatment as well. Take some time to get to know both men a little bit below. Then make sure to get your VIP tickets for this weekend’s Spiked and spend some time with them!
A: Aris
Q: How long have you worked at the Garden?
A: A year this upcoming June.
Q: Which do you prefer – tequila or mezcal?
A: I enjoy tequila on the rocks, but mezcal for my cocktails, so I prefer both spirits!
Q: What is your favorite pairing on the tasting sheet?
A: I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the pairing of mezcal with white chocolate.
Q: What is the key to a good tasting?
A: Having fun with great company and having a knowledgeable instructor always makes for a good tasting.
Q: What is your favorite thing about bartending?
A: Meeting people from all walks of life, and sharing stories and experiences.
Q: When I say ‘agave,’ you say?
A: SPIKED!
Q: What is your full name?
A: Brad
Q: How long have you worked at the Garden?
A: One year this May.
Q: Which do you prefer – tequila or mezcal?
A: I prefer tequila, by way of a Cadillac Margarita!
Q: What is your favorite pairing on the tasting sheet?
A: My favorite pairing is the Casa Del Sol Tequila Reposado with Milk Chocolate.
Q: What is the key to a good tasting?
A: The key to a good tasting is the choice of spirits, in which I definitely approved of what we chose for our Spiked event. Also, the presentation of products with good research to give our guests great information to hopefully inform them of anything they may not have known of the products presented. And, of course, a great presenter to keep them comfortable while having fun at the same time.
Q: What is your favorite thing about bartending?
A: It’s always great vibes, and I love to continue the great times they are currently having by creating great interactions and to keep them conversing on a positive level to make them have a memorable experience, no matter what type of event. Bartending is an art, new drinks are always appearing, or some current ones can evolve into something different for me and my patrons to try. On the other hand, some drinks and spirits can stay classy and will never change, but will never get old.
Q: When I say ‘agave,’ you say?
A: SPIKED!
