BM | Der Perfektionist und der schwarze Wodka

He really seems like the perfect bartender: Handsome, urbane, and with an international bartending career to look back on. What else could you ask for? Glenfield Joseph was born in Trinidad, an island probably best known for its “dirty carnival”. It is also one of the oldest, claims Joseph, who came to Germany via Toronto when his father, an architect, accepted a job offer here.

After finishing school in Germany, Joseph, who holds a Canadian passport, dove into the world of upscale drinking culture for one and a half years in Moscow before heading to Hollywood and eventually settling in Berlin, where he trained bartenders at the short-lived Goya club on Nollendorfplatz. “It wasn't our fault that Goya went bankrupt” says Joseph with a grin.

After the Goya closed its doors, Joseph moved on. He now works at BM, the bar section of Berlin Moscow, a restaurant project founded by Hans-Peter Wodarz. The owner, Frank Duhse, was able to lure his premium bartender in with a very special task. There is a bar in New York City that serves black vodka, Joseph was instructed to figure out the recipe. While telling the story, he pulls out a black bottle from the liquor shelf. “No residue, no black teeth, no blue lips” says Joseph. He then mixes a cocktail called Black Pearl.

FYI: amateur bartenders can practice their mixing skills with Joseph on quiet afternoons. Take all the time you need to practice – you will only be charged for perfectly mixed drinks.

(emh)