Portland Drink Lab Academy

Wonderful experience all the way around. Great teacher who truly wants everyone to succeed. 75% hands on with fun and interesting «lectures». I can’t say enough good things about this place; if you are considering it, Do it!

Portland Drink lab was a fun and enjoyable experience, whether your looking to work as a bartneder or just to learn the proper ways to create drinks. Katherine made the class fun, and she made it clear and easy on correctly making the drinks and also learning the techniques for making drinks fast. Overall It was a fun and memorable experience being a student at Portland Drink lab thanks to Katherine Rhee.

Dear potential bartenders,
I have noticed in the bar tending world, when you tell people you went to school to be a «bartender,» people have the hardest time trying to hide their smirks. And It isn’t hard to imagine why when they have earned their status, via the ‘school of hard knocks.’ I don’t blame em. The majority of people don’t go to bartending school. That’s why I try as hard as I can to keep from revealing it to hard-​working bartenders, that I have. But don’t get me wrong, I’m not in the least bit embarrassed about my reasons for going. In fact, I am quite proud of myself for stepping out of the comfort zone, to attempt a career in something people are always telling me I’d be a natural at. And, now, I would recommend The Portland Drink Lab Academy to anyone wanting to become a bartender.
I had a very fulfilling experience in these classes. It was like real life training, in an actual bar, without any of the pressures that come with a new job. Katherine is truly a class act when it comes to serving people. She has spent years understanding people, as well as human dynamics, in this field, as a bartender herself. And it shows. She has managed to capture the true ethos & genuine atmosphere characteristic of a real bar. In this curriculum we not only learned vast drink recipes, a history of different types of liquors, et al, hospitality and what it takes to be a good bartender, but the camaraderie was rich: we helped one another other practice and learn; we laughed. we shared thoughts or innovative ideas on how we might improve. And Katherine Rhee au fait never ruled out a single applicable bit of input someone might have. That is the joy of bartending: Creation, even evolution. Crafting something that is music to the senses. Serving something pleasing to your customers. Something beneficial. Something new. And that is exactly what Katherine has cooked up in this lab.
I now have a job at the hottest night club in Portland, working with one of the most pronounced performance bartenders in this area. And not just as a co-​worker either. I have gained a valuable friendship with someone who has welcomed me into this field, and helping me develop. This alone is more than I could ask for. Beyond that, I am able to return to the Drink Lab to practice new recipes I learn at my new job; which is an impossible repetition at an actual bar. Practicing making drinks really is an art. Katherine has also extended the courtesy of sending frequent emails about job offers. One of which I will be taking on next week, in fact. What a great opportunity this has turned out to be! I am grateful for all of this. And although I can’t really express or return this gratitude, at least I can try to write an authentic review. In two weeks I have already earned back what it cost to go to school. So, thank you Katherine Rhee. Cheers!
Warmest,
Josh Jordan