General Manager and Partner, Erick Castro of Polite Provisions officially launches his new monthly cocktail education series on Monday, April 7. The series, dubbed the Spirit Society, is dedicated to providing a fun, highly educational, hands-on learning experience in the world of cocktails. Rather than attempting to cram a broad spectrum of bartending knowledge into a single class, each two-hour session will hone in on one specific topic or spirit. Classes are open to the public and limited to 12 attendees in order for Erick to give invaluable one-on-one attention. Each imbiber will have his or her own personal workstation complete with all the necessary jiggers, strainers, glasses and ingredients to mix up three distinct cocktails alongside Castro.
Erick Castro initially built his spirits empire at San Francisco's Rickhouse and Bourbon & Branch by searching for obscure recipes, methods and ingredients that originated prior to Prohibition. The bartending behemoth has created unique spirits programs that have earned a place on some of the nation’s most coveted lists, including Esquire's Best Bars in America, Food & Wine’s “World’s Top Bars” and now seven nominations at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans, and was recognized by the StarChefs organization as “Rising Star Mixologist” in 2010.
In 2013, Castro partnered up with Southern California's powerhouse hospitality collective, CH Projects, to launch his newest establishment, Polite Provisions. Having opened doors to tremendous acclaim, Erick's newest concept has been featured as Imbibe Magazine’s “Cocktail Bar of the Year” in the 2014 Imbibe 75, “Best New Bars in the U.S.” by Food & Wine, Details magazine's “Where to Drink in 2013”, Eater National's “40 Most Anticipated Openings of 2013” and “The Bars to Watch in 2013” by The Spirits Business.
Polite Provisions 2014 Spirit Society Series takes place from 6-8pm and the lineup thus far includes the following, with more to be added:
Monday, April 7 – Cocktails 101 with Erick Castro
Monday, May 19 – Cocktails 101 with Erick Castro
Monday, June 9 – Cocktails 101 with Erick Castro
Monday, July 7 – Tiki Cocktails with Erick Castro
Monday, August 11 – Tequila & Mezcal with Ryan Fitzgerald
Utilizing Polite Provisions’ world-class bar setup, 46-custom tap system, house made bitters, tinctures and syrups, this introductory class will focus on three classic cocktails for the home bartender. Erick will cover in detail the necessary tools of the trade – from what must-have items to always keep in stock to fun extras that will take your home bar to whole new level!
The Spirit Series costs $60 per person per class. Seating is limited to 12 attendees per class. For tickets to the April 7 class, please visit PoliteProvisions.com. Early RSVPs are highly suggested, as the classes will sell out quickly. Polite Provisions is located at 4696 30th Street.
