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Follow Ryan and J. Rieger & Co.

The first place Ryan mentions working is Pierpont's. This is where he had both a terrible and life-changing Sazerac. He mentions ingredients like Peychaud's, Old Overholt, and Grand Absenté.

He mentions Mr. Boston cocktail books as well as Dale Degroff's The Craft of the Cocktail.

Ryan talks about visiting bars like Milk & Honey (New York) and Chicago establishments The Violet Hour and Drawing Room.

He mentions bartenders Sasha Petraske and Charles Joly. People mentioned involved in launching J. Rieger & Co include Andy Rieger, Steve Olson, and Dave Pickerell.

Places Ryan has opened include Manifesto and The Rieger (both are now closed) as well as The Hey! Hey! Club and his newer sprawling J. Rieger & Co distillery, bar, and more.

Rieger's Kansas City Whiskey is made unique by having a small percentage of oloroso sherry make up the total. He also mentioned their Caffé Amaro.

When I asked him about menus he loved he mentioned The Violet Hour, Pouring Ribbons (now closed), and The Aviary.



Special thanks to Chris Bay for production and editing support.