A Cocktail Story: An Journey with Whiskey by Brett Thiessen

by | Dec 18, 2022 | Bartender Highlights, Cocktail Recipes

Explore Brett Thiessen’s experiences with Whiskey and how his experiences in the Food and Beverage World along with outside consulting ended up creating the cocktail, Designer Drugs.

Fifth & Vermouth proudly presents a cocktail story team up with Spirits with Smoke and Brett Thiessen of Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey. Brett Thiessen is an experienced bartender and beverage specialist with a passion for whiskey. Using his experience in positions from bartender to AGM, he has consulted, runs private tasting events, and traveled all over North America, working with locals and learning all he can. From Kentucky to New York, Brett has participated in private barrel selections, cocktail tours, and seminars. Brett then spent a few years working in London, England. While there, he worked in the cocktail scene and as the regional sales manager for Nohrlund, an organic cocktail company in Denmark. Brett loves pushing the envelope and creating cocktails that are an experience for his guests from start to finish. He is committed to using new ways to make each cocktail rewarding and unique. His true passion is for whiskey, and he loves running tastings, bringing his passion and experience to those who want to learn and enjoy each other’s company. He is currently bartending at Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey in Kensington upon his recent return to Calgary. He can’t wait to bring his newly acquired experience to the city where it all started. Here is Brett’s story.

Brett’s Love for Experiences

Hospitality has always had a draw to me. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the world how important it is to create a place to socialize and engage with those we care about. I have dedicated years of my life to creating and nurturing this ideal through beverages. There is something so rewarding about using masterfully crafted spirits and ingredients to create a drink that enhances a guest’s experience.

After working in sales for a beer company, my passion for beverages intensified at ONE18 Empire, an excellent whisk(e)y bar in downtown Calgary. I spent the next few years working for Marriott’s Food and Beverage programs. Here, in a managerial position, I had the opportunity to travel all over North America, touring whisk(e)y distilleries, participating in private barrel selection programs, and facilitating cocktail seminars, competitions, and private whiskey tastings.

I next had the opportunity to travel to the UK and develop my skills even further in many different areas. In London, I helped open The Ivy Asia St. Paul’s location to great success. I also worked for a pre-batched, ready-to-serve organic cocktail company in Denmark called Nohrlund. The experiences and friends I made during this time will stay with me always.

I’ve now returned to Calgary, where I am currently bartending at Hayden Block Smoke and Whiskey in Kensington. I am excited to bring my newly acquired knowledge to an already fantastic staple of the Calgary Food and Beverage Scene. I’ve also recently started consulting with Spirits with Smoke, a local barware company dedicated to the elevation of cocktails at home. With them, you truly never drink ordinary.

The Story of Designer Drugs

A cocktail must draw on the strength of its ingredients. Working with Glenmorangie as an outside bartending consultant, I created a unique cocktail for the launch party of Indochino in Chinook shopping center. I wanted to create something that would appeal to as many types of clientele as possible while also staying true to a Bespoke suit venue. I drew upon the concepts of a Cosmopolitan and the unique flavors that a Penicillin offers and came up with what I now call ‘Designer Drugs.’ Due to the drink’s success, I continued to craft this drink for Glenmorangie at other events, including a fundraiser sponsored by local charities and businesses with around 400 people in attendance. I am proud of this drink because it reflects my experience and appeals to all different palates. ‘Designer Drugs’ reflects what I love about hospitality; bringing diverse people together through beverages.

Designer Drugs by Brett Thiessen

Ingredients:

    • 1 Part Cranberry Juice
    • 1 Part Ginger Syrup
    • 1 Part Lime Juice
    • 1 Part Cointreau
    • 2 Parts Glenmorangie – The Original
    • Cherry or Cognac Cherry Smoke

 

Preparations:

Japanese jigger is the best tool for creating this cocktail for its precise measurements. First, add all ingredients to a Boston shaker. Shake well until the shaker is cold or condensation forms on the outside. Using a St. George strainer, pour over ice in your favorite rocks glass and garnish with a fresh orange peel. Fifth & Vermouth is the place to outfit your home bar or business with quality tools trusted by bartenders.

Now here is where you take the drink to the next level. Smoke is an essential part of this cocktail. Intense aromatics take almost any cocktail to the next level, from ordinary and to extraordinary. Spirits with Smoke Home Smoking Board made adding smoke to this cocktail easy while offering a diverse wood selection. Whether you have a smoking brick, board, or saucer, this drink is not complete without a smoky aroma in each sip.

If you’re interested in learning more about Brett and some of his latest cocktail creations, we encourage you to spend some time enjoying a cocktail at Hayden Block Smoke and Whiskey in Kensington, Calgary. Or you can follow his social media handle @brettthiess. If you are looking for a smoking board like the one we used for this cocktail, check out Spirits with Smoke online.