Hello
My name is Octavia McAllister. I founded Ascended Spirits after finding myself, as a bar manager at the time, frequently eating incredible food, only to be accompanied by mediocre cocktails. I began taking note of the guests at my own bar, and quickly realized: 90% of them didn't know what they wanted, and the other 10% could be convinced to branch out as well. This lead me down a rabbit-hole of experimenting with cocktails, learning the right questions to ask, and eventually developing 50+ hours worth of staff-education materials to help lead the way.
My Story
When I was 18 years old, I got my first restaurant job. I already felt like I wanted the chance to mix my own concoctions, but, as an 18 year old, I was not allowed to step foot behind the bar. And, quite frankly, the 23 year old bartender at the time was quick to make me feel boneheaded for any knowledge I didn't already possess. I put on my best game face for three years, fabricating answers to people's questions, as to not have to ask, and trying to grasp information as I heard it discussed, playing along until I could get back there myself.
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I worked a few bar jobs along the way, but found myself in the same boat ever time. I would lead with curiosity, and received condescension in return. It happened, until it didn't. I found myself working for a microbrewery which happened to be a Certified Bourbon Establishment as well. I quickly found myself devouring all of the classes they had to offer. Bartending class, cocktail crafting class, tequila class, bourbon class... and then the class that changed everything: Bitters class.
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So unassuming, and yet, I found myself with 4 pages of notes, on bitters, and the history they played in elevating cocktails. I realized in this class that the possibility within cocktail crafting was limitless. I no longer wished to sell (or drink) the same thing over and over.
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It was after working in this position for 5 years that I eventually became a member of management, which would sooner or later lead me to being the one who would ultimately teach these classes. Along the way, I became an Executive Bourbon Steward, and hungry for knowledge, I discovered the Certified Specialist of Spirits curriculum. I quickly found that the ultimate fulfillment came from watching the spark ignite in young servers, or even seasoned bartenders, as new worlds opened up under the umbrella we so vaguely call "spirits".
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It was with this gratification that I moved forward to begin my journey as a Cocktail Consultant and Spirits Educator. Over time, I have developed more than 50 hours worth of classroom materials for front of house employees, and dozens of drink menus specifically aligned to achieve unique goals, all while honoring the spirit, and of course, the experience.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
865-208-5926