In this episode, Damian sits down with Keegan McGregor, 2024 World Class Global Bartender of the Year. Based in Halifax, Keegan shares the journey from touring musician to top-tier cocktail craftsman. They dive deep into how travel fuels his creativity, why he believes bartending is an expressive art form, and the surprising ingredients he's using to push Canadian cocktail culture forward. Expect sharp insights on competition prep, community, and why authenticity is the ultimate edge.
đź“Ś Topics Covered
- From death metal gigs to global cocktail stages
- Winning World Class: what changed the third time
- Why flavor is the ultimate creative starting point
- How Halifax and Newfoundland shaped his style
- “Taste the brand, not just the category” – advice for competitions
- Embracing mushrooms, seaweed, birch sap, and pawpaw
- Cancelling straws (for real)
- Why new bartenders need to collaborate, not compete
- The most underrated ingredient behind the bar
- Building better menus, training better staff
đź’¬ Standout Quotes
“You don’t have to win World Class to grow—you just have to show up and be yourself.”
“Taste the brand, not just the category. That’s how you win brand-led competitions.”
“Straws are out. Let your nose do the work.”
đź“š Resources & Mentions
- Books:
- Roundbuilding by Kevin Armstrong
- Death & Co (first edition)
- Meehan’s Bartender Manual
- The Flavor Matrix
- The Vegetarian Flavor Bible
- Techniques & Tools:
- Superjuice, yogurt clarification, mushroom infusions
- Tanqueray 10, Don Julio 1942, Johnny Walker Blue
- Bars & Projects:
- Highwayman (Halifax)
- Three Sheets (London pop-up)
- Montreal Cocktail Festival
- The infamous “Screech-In” tradition explained
đź‘Ą Connect with Keegan
📸 Instagram: @keeganmakescocktails
đź‘‹ Connect with The Cocktail Academy
🌍 Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com
📸 Instagram: @welovecocktails
📧 Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com
🎧 Support us on Patreon for bonus content & The Lock-In
đź“Ł Call to Action
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, or leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more bartenders and cocktail lovers discover the show and grow with the community.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!