Join us for Episode 13 of Pouring Stories as Christopher “Tater” Gutierrez, Partner & Operator of Stray Pirate in Las Vegas’ vibrant Arts District, takes us on a nostalgic journey! From the golden era of flair bartending to the 2000s cocktail renaissance, Tater shares stories of opening a dog-themed pirate bar, crafting unique cocktails like the Zombie, and embracing life’s lessons behind the bar. This lighthearted yet thought-provoking episode dives into bar culture, industry insights, and the art of mixology. 00:00 - Intro & Sneak Peek
00:25 - How does one become a “Tater”?
01:47 - Las Vegas Arts District vs. Downtown
02:50 - Tater’s Passion for Bartending Begins
04:38 - Crafting the Zombie at Stray Pirate
06:20 - Jägermeister Love
07:20 - Zellerfeld Mini-Meister Story
09:10 - Stray Pirate’s Underwater World Vibe
11:00 - “we’ll Handle the Heavy Lifting”
12:16 - The Rum Blend at Stray
12:43 - Drinking with Intention
13:45 - Gwen Rosewater’s Black Velvet Paintings
15:35 - Life Lessons learned through doing
15:56 - Flair Bartending & Tater’s Fitzgerald Days
18:50 - Machines vs. Job Security
20:34 - Energy Levels & Perfect Serve Timing
21:05 - Bars with Food vs. Without
22:50 - Spoiled Bartenders: “I’ve Juiced Enough!”
24:00 - Pay Your Dues: Learning from Experience
26:20 - Avoiding Industry Burnout
28:51 - American-Made Mugs at Stray Pirate
30:55 - The Corduroy Era
32:53 - Competition Drives Excellence
35:40 - Comfort in Uncomfortable Situations
36:54 - Caipirinha & Neglected Cachaça/Rum
38:45 - Jägermeister as a Cocktail Modifier
39:45 - Your Bottles Are Deteriorating!
41:46 - Uncle Stuart: The Renaissance Man
45:05 - “What’s Your Excuse?”
45:55 - Interview Fails & Bar Team Chemistry
49:50 - Soul vs. “Yip!”-ioca Cachaça
51:00 - Kyler’s “Suck It, Soul” Moment 😂
52:00 - Avuá Cachaça Spotlight
52:50 - Deciding on Concepts
53:44 - Understanding Your Bar’s Offerings
55:30 - Arts District Gems: Vesta Coffee56:30 - Silver Stamp: World-Class Beer Bar
57:15 - Haze-Bros?
59:31 - “I Am Where I Work”: Evolving Palates
1:00:27 - Same Drink for 30 Years?
1:02:18 - Stray Pirate’s House-Made Ginger Beer
1:03:06 - Tangible Guest Experiences
1:04:12 - Cachaça & The Caipirinha
1:05:15 - Old Fashioned vs. Wisconsin Style
1:06:00 - “I’m Never Making This at Home!”
1:08:20 - In the Weeds at Family Gatherings
1:08:50 - Party Prep: Freezer Martini
1:09:25 - The Future of Pouring Stories
1:09:40 - Family Feedback Can Be Harsh
1:10:45 - Briney Daiquiri & Superfrico Daq-Off
1:12:11 - Losing to Jen
1:13:39 - When in Doubt, Collins It Out (2:1:1)
1:14:00 - How Tater Builds Sours
1:15:14 - “The Spirit’s the Picture, the Cocktail’s the Frame”
1:15:34 - Regal Shake? What’s That?
1:17:38 - Perfecting the Shake
1:18:10 - Martini musing
1:21:05 - True Aperitivo Vibes
1:24:39 - Making Judgments Behind the Bar
1:25:25 - Interpreting Guest Needs
1:27:00 - Avoiding Bartender Missteps
1:40:20 - Always Working on the Next Thing
1:42:35 - Best Tiki Bars & Mai Tais in Vegas
1:44:05 - Writing Creative Menus
1:46:30 - “Bring the Funk, Make It Weird”
1:47:00 - Embracing Bitter Flavors
1:50:15 - Toast to Uncle Stu
1:52:00 - Shoutout to Andrew Tran
1:52:28 - Rum love
1:52:48 - Brettanomyces isn’t an Encyclopedia!Hosted & Produced by Michael Giambrone & Kyler Fleming
Special thank you to Christopher Gutierrez for being a pillar to the Las Vegas craft bartending industry and teaching us all so much! Congratulations on Jive Turkey & the brand new Prowl!
