Join AJ at:

Absolut & Finest Call's Spirited Dinner

FBA's How to Judge Flair like a Pro Seminar

Summer Flair 5 Flair Trick Contest

Summer Flair 5 Finals

AJ Gruening

As always I am thrilled once again to be judging Summer Flair. It is always a fun experience to see all the competitors, both old and new.

I have been a Bartender going on 26 years. I have been involved with Flair either as a competitor, or a judge for approx. 11 years now. I was first introduced to Flair when I was a bartender at TGIFridays, and sad to admit, but also thru that Tom Cruise movie, and I'm sure you all know which one I'm talking about. I really got the Flair "bug" while in Islamorada, at Bartenders Bash. I watched Rob "Tin Man " Ford practicing on stage, and thought how cool that was. I promised myself that I would learn to to that. I ordered tapes from the internet, Thank you Scott Young, taped up a couple bottles and learned everything I could. My first Competition was Quest for the Best Bartender about 2 months later.

At Quest I met some amazing bartenders such as Bill Long, Alan Mays, Ken Hall, Luis "Iceman" Herrera, Dean Serneels and the rest of Team Canada, and Christian Delpech, just to name a few. They all befriended me, and were willing to give me pointers to improve. I also met "The Voice" of Flair JD Spradlin, who gave me much needed encouragement to continue on. From that experience I learned that the Flair community is more of a family than anything else. Yes, we are competitive, but we are always there for each other.

I have to admit, one of my favorite bartenders to visit would be Rob Husted, he has a passion that is truly refreshing to see behind the bar.

I am currently bartending at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood Florida. I have been there going on 7 years now. I have been judging Flair competitions for about 7 years as well. I have also written articles for Flairbar.com, as well as trained bartenders in the art of Flair.