When it comes to bar and beverage equipment from Perlick, one of the most satisfying parts of our business is to see how our equipment is used. It's a true honor for us to belly up to the bar, look down behind it, and see that iconic black logo in the top corner of a front-venting refrigerator or Tobin Ellis Signature Cocktail Station.
We also love it when small, independent businesses use our equipment to enhance their efficiency and profitability. Boone & Crockett is a cocktail bar and whiskey lounge located near our headquarters here in Milwaukee, and we recently sat down with general manager, Kat Cary, to ask her about her bar, bar design, bar equipment, and life outside of Boone & Crockett. We thank Kat for being so gracious with her time. Here's what she had to say...
How long you have worked at Boone & Crockett?
6 years.
What is something unique about Boone & Crockett?
We are the one and only! We pride ourselves in kind of doing whatever we want. We have a killer cocktail menu, but we also love to have a good time- always planning the next big thing. It’s rare that we don’t have an event or live music. #partypartybooneboone
What is the most surprising thing about being a bartender that people outside the industry don’t understand?
It looks easier than it is. Boone is a laid-back happy hour lounge by day and extremely high volume cocktail bar by night. On average, our bartenders work 10-12 hour shifts, sometimes with no break. There are hours of prep work before we open, hours of catering to the demands of intoxicated individuals on shift, and then hours of clean up after close. It’s not as glamorous as it may seem.
How important is a bar design for bartenders and barbacks?
Flow is everything, especially during peak hours. If the bar is efficiently organized, it’s almost like a choreographed dance back there, it’s kind of beautiful and fun to watch.
Why is precise refrigeration so important for bartenders?
We use a ton of seasonal ingredients for our cocktails. The amount we go through is a constant guessing game. It’s so important to be able to maximize the lifespan and keep produce, juices, and herbs as fresh as possible.
What is your favorite drink?
TEQUILA! On the rocks with a healthy chunk of lime.
Where do you go out with friends when you aren’t working?
We tend to stick close to home. We are all in the industry and have well-stocked liquor cabinets of our own. It’s nice to get away from the noise and chaos on a day off.
Why have you chosen Perlick products?
They have solid stuff! I can always count on the quality coming from Perlick. There is a lot of thought and precision that goes into whatever they may be working on. They are creative and rely on feedback from real life, and that is so important!
What is Boone & Crockett’s biggest selling drink?
We are famous for our barrel-aged Old Fashioneds! “American born, barrel raised. Inspired by tradition and poured from the sky!” We change these seasonally and age them to perfection. Being in Wisconsin, it just comes naturally I guess!
If you're interested in learning more about the bar and beverage equipment featured in Boone & Crockett and other bars, restaurants and entertainment venues all across America, download the Perlick Bar & Beverage Product Guide.
