Each year, the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation offers members of its Cocktail Apprentice Program ® (CAP) the opportunity to apply for an exclusive scholarship to participate in the BAR® 5-Day Spirits & Mixology Certification Program.
After a thorough review of applicants by the current CAP White Coats, The Foundation is honored to announce and congratulate the recipients of the 2020 BAR® Scholarships: Alexis Belton, Eric Scott, and Iván Villegas. Each recipient will be awarded a scholarship valued at approximately $4,000 for tuition and travel expenses to attend the 15th BAR®
5-Day Spirits & Mixology Certification Program in New York City in 2020.
“We are immensely grateful for partners like BAR® for their continued support to members of our CAP program and dedication to furthering their education for over a decade,” said Caroline Rosen, President of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.”We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2020 recipients and thank them for their unparalleled commitment our CAP program and advancing the spirits industry.”
In keeping with The Foundation’s tenets to Educate, Advance and Support the spirits community, the Cocktail Apprentice Program® (CAP) was founded in 2008 to give talented bartenders the opportunity to hone their craft alongside industry veterans.
Since starting the scholarship program, 42 former Cocktail Apprentices have participated in BAR® 5-Day Program.
Founded by six of the biggest names in the bartending industry- Dale DeGroff, Doug Frost,
Steve Olson, F. Paul Pacult, Andy Seymour, and David Wondrich, the BAR® 5-Day Program has gained recognition as one of the top bartender training programs in the country.
Alexis Belton, Bar Director, The Aviary, Chicago, IL
2019 Grey Coat
“Being the recipient of this scholarship has left me speechless! I am excited to participate in this program that has shaped the lives and educations of so many before me. Thank you to Tales of the Cocktail Foundation for providing us with this opportunity for continued
growth.”
Eric Scott, Bar Manager/Head Bartender, Thyme Table, Bay Village, OH
2019 Grey Coat
“We truly are currently in the golden age of hospitality and the beverage industry, and Tales of the Cocktail®, along with Barsmarts and the BAR® 5-Day are huge reasons for that. There is a wealth of information that is becoming more available to those who seek it in this industry and the aforementioned have set the standard. It is an absolute honor to be awarded a scholarship to attend the Bar 5-Day. With knowledge comes responsibility, and I am very excited to learn from some of the best professionals in this world, and bring that information back to my peers and community.”
Iván Villegas, Bartender, Davies and Brook at Claridge’s Hotel, London
2014 Red Coat
”Tales of the Cocktail Foundation granting these scholarships is one more facet of their commitment to the education and the bright future of our industry. Being one of this year’s recipients reinforces my commitment and responsibility within the hospitality industry
and will definitely be a big solid step into a future where I’ll be able to share much more both with colleagues and guests to come.”
