Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryant Orozco.
Hi Bryant, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I switched majors from biochem to pre-nursing then dropped out of school when I studied yeasts in microbiology. At that point I was already working at a craft beer bar. I decided to use the last of my financial aid to buy brewing equipment to learn how to make beer. And the rest was history. I fell for the bar world. From craft beer I moved into cocktails then spirits then wine. As an aspiring somm, I got fed up with the Eurocentrism of the wine world and after completing my WSET 3, I dropped out (surprise!) and ran away to Mexico for a week. Well the week become several months. And I applied all of my accrued knowledge into learning everything from fermented beverages from Mexico to traditional cantina cocktails and agave spirits In turn, I learned more about myself, my past, and my identity, from the mezcaleros and tequila vendors on my moms side to the curanderos and “indios” from my dad’s side. I didn’t realize this would set the tone for who I would become today. I’ve ran prestigious bars and mezcalerias, judged on mezcal panels in Mexico, published articles on fermented and distilled bevs from Mexico, consulted, mentored, teach, and in the end, continue being that bartender that shines bright in their identity and heritage.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
hah! not at all. I’ve lived out of my car, slept on benches and bus stations in Mexico trying to find my way, have been unemployed for extended periods of time because I held true to my ideals, have had my life threatened during service, etc etc, but everything has become a story and has molded me. I’ve felt lost, pathetic, and felt like I made no difference in the world. But every struggle was just another step towards success. I had a safety net with my family and friends whom I am forever grateful for, even if just given a chance to sleep in a couch or closet. The struggles continue but the experiences lessen the toll.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
First and foremost, I am a bartender at heart. My emphasis is beverages from Mexico, particularly agave spirits and fermented beverages, but I also work with Non-alcoholic spirits with my side project Bar Nuda, where I craft NA cocktails using herbs, flower, and such that I source from Mexico to create functional drinks. I am also the Bar Lead at Entre Nos in Costa Mesa where I am able to bring the feel of Mexican drinking culture to an area that desperately needs it. I also write occasionally and have been published in Liquor.com, Mezcalistas, and LA Taco. I am also working on a documentary to help tell the stories about the fermented beverages of Mexico. And somewhere in between I try to bartend.
one of my proudest accomplishments was getting second place in an international agave spirits blind tasting in CDMX (placing 3rd the year before). Im also super proud of being able to write about Bacanora, the spirit of my Mom’s side of Mexico, on a prestigious booze website, and also proud of the many write ups and accolades I have received for my work in the past couple of years.
what sets me apart from others? I always follow my heart and my intuition takes me to where I need to be. I am unapologetically loud and boisterous and me. I can set the tone to any room or any bar while still maintaining the hospitality and respect to my guests.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
driving hours in my dad’s minivan from long beach to Mexico to visit our family in Sonora and Nayarit. Seeing the landscapes, eating at roadside joints, eating snacks and playing my game gear in the back seat. And being in the ranchos and running through the agaves and sugar cane and corn and shooting shit with my slingshot while hearing stories of my ancestors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/cruisin_for_a_boozin?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrenos.bar/
Image Credits
Matt Egan. Anita Herrera.
