What makes a mixologist great ? Impressive cocktail - lay down abilities ? An extraordinary patience when listening to your whiney breakup stories ? Infinite knowledge of what makes salutary ice and the power to tell you about it ? Phoenix mixologist Keifer Gilbert hits all these note and more , making him a changemaker in Arizona ’s cocktail civilization .
You ’ve likely spotted Keifer behind the bar at some of your favorite Phoenix area hangouts –Under Tow , Okra , Kaz Bar , and Scottsdale ’s late - night drinkery , Counter Intuitive . This bike junkie and lover of agave spirits is essentially a rockstar in the Phoenix cocktailing world , even though he ’s comparatively new to the scene . doubtless , he ’s made a big impression throughout this year .
But it has n’t always been fancy ice and cocktail garnishes for this guy cable . Keifer get his start in the diligence work the door at a college barroom up in Flagstaff – with a backcloth in hand-to-hand struggle and jiu - jitsu we would n’t mess up with him . Eventually he pop out barbacking ( a jolly sweet-scented gig for someone who ’s only 19 year erstwhile ) at that measure , then move to Phoenix , and the repose is account .
Counter Intuitive
Community camaraderie/always innovating
While the hours may be long ( Keifer works four to five Nox a hebdomad ) , the barkeeper praised the comradery within the Valley ’s cocktail community .
“ We all have the same commission of making this city a great crapulence city and the grouping in spades all comes out to support each other anytime that the opportunity comes up , ” he said , even when they go head - to - head at effect likeBar Brawl(which Keifer won ) .
In addition to take away home a profits at this year ’s Bar Brawl at Sanctuary ’s Jade Bar , he ’s win the title of respect of Best Bartender for theNew Times’yearly Best of Phoenix issue for his dedication to the hustle , and power to spark the party behind the bar . As head barman at Counter Intuitive , Keifer takes smashing pride in the fact that CI also took home the proverbial gold in the “ Best New School Cocktails ” in the same best - of issue . Counter Intuitive also received theArizona Restaurant Association ’s 2016 Foodist awardfor Premiere Cocktail Program , which gives cite to an outstanding restaurant , ( or in this case cocktail taproom ) that march excellence and innovation .
Christopher Galli
Keifer ’s name , and the measure he ’s worked at , have also made a handful of appearances in other local and national “ proficient of ” lists . We ’ll likely see a lot more of these awards and credit in the future .
Always improving cocktail culture
Keifer is set apart from your average mixologist ( or mediocre mortal with endowment ) by his humbleness ; his skill and ability have n’t go to go to his head .
“ I always find like there is something I can be better upon or studying or learning about that I have n’t quite receive to yet . ” Keifer said . “ I just do n’t ever want to finger like I ’m get complacent ; I want to constantly be pushing the gasbag and move forward . ”
The Valley’scocktail culturehas issue forth a tenacious way , and Keifer expects that more cocktail - centric bars will open in Phoenix .
Counter Intuitive
“ I find like at the rootage of all of this all of the bar that were doing enceinte cocktails were always sequester to a restaurant , ” he said , adding that a eating place changes the drinking experience . “Places like Counter Intuitive have somewhat pave the way of life for what I think is going to be the next wave of bar opening in Phoenix – small , intimate Browning automatic rifle concentrating on doing awesome stuff . ”
More cocktail - centric bars in Phoenix ? We sure hope so ! If we ’re prosperous , Phoenix might be graced with more top - gift who , like our Bartender of the Year , are stirring thing up ( or shaking things up ? ) in the mixology / bartending conniption . Cross your finger’s breadth folks .
Christopher Galli
