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!