Jotted this down the other day and thought I’d share. I guess it would start with professions/jobs/careers (yes there is a difference) then the subcategory or kingdom would start with the “service industry,” ugh, hate that term. Anyway, the phylums stemming from that would be front of house (F.O.H) and back of house (B.O.H), then we go to the classes. So, bartending, bussing, management, server, etc. From class to order of which there are two. Those who measure and those who free pour. Both work in restaurants but also work in other families which include pubs, clubs, and so on and so forth.

This is about as far as I got, but the next category would be genus, or type of bartender. And I started to think about where I fit into all of that. I’m no hipster, that’s for sure, nor am I some weird cocktail nerd/snob. I don’t really care what you drink as long as you don’t fall all the way to hell and order a vodka Negroni or vodka penicillin. So where does that place your friendly neighborhood Aging Bartender? Well, technically I’m a “bar manager” meaning I order booze, soda, and water as well as keep a watchful eye on spending. I also am involved in the menu and doing the best I can to put a good drink in your glass for as cheap a price as possible while providing you with decent well spirits and some cool seasonal drinks. I guess my genus would be weird old guy dad with a penchant for fermentations and fresh, local fruits and the occasional veggie.

Dropping down one more to the final level of species is a more difficult stretch. Gotta think a little harder about that one. Over 40 dude with massive ADHD who contemplates his existence on a daily basis, loves what he does but sees no end in sight as the weight of old age bears down on his shoulders like the mythological Atlas? Future bar owner or real estate tycoon? Who the hell knows? By the way, a career is something you love so much you do it all the time, it’s part of your life. Other restaurant types, chefs maybe, can say this, but bartenders? Not so sure.