Features
Bar Creator and Hospitality Consultant Wootak Kim on the rise of Asian spirits and beverages
Candid conversation with Wootak Kim busts bartending myths, reveals his favourite tipples and his journey within the industry.
Could you please introduce yourself to the audience?
Hi Audience, I'm Wootak Kim. 27 year old TikTokker (nearly prehistoric on that app) , business owner, and cohost of Under The Influence Show.
What is barchemistry?
BarChemistry is a bartending content channel and brand. We produce unique bar tools and modern, engaging courses that were made by bartenders, for bartenders.
What does a typical day at work look like to you?
Work is always different. I spend usually 1-2 days a week filming all day long. The rest of the week is spent managing the video editing process. fulfilling orders, planning collaborations and working on the operations and marketing of the business.
How do you stay up to date with new launches and cocktail trends?
I find social media to be the best source of trending information. I follow tons of people in the industry, whether they are just actual bartenders or bar related creators like myself. I love actually going to high level cocktail bars and seeing what the best in the game are doing right now, and how it actually tastes and looks in real time.
What are you currently excited about in the industry?
Currently I am excited by the rise of Asian Spirits. Sake, soju, and Japanese whiskey. Etc. globally, these are some of the highest selling products in the alcohol space but it's still fairly foreign in the west. Seems like everything asian is becoming hot nowadays (bout time)
A bartending myth you’d love to bust?
Long Islands do not get you drunker faster and they are not a good drink.
What are you drinking right now?
water, but i am usually sipping on Nectar Hard Seltzer. Really cool Asian flavors, low cal no weird aftertaste.
If you weren’t in your current line of work what would you be doing?
Its very hard to know, I think i would have made content about something, but if that didn't work out i may be a product manager at some large company, working up to leaving to start my own company one day.
Which bottle do you ALWAYS keep at home ?
ALWAYS keep that tequila on me. I stay ready. I also love st. germaine and italicus as liqueurs.
A cocktail that can never go wrong?
An old fashioned always hits.
Interview by Stuti Khetan, Beverage Trade Network
