Cologne Bonn Region
Lead product research, development and fabrication consultation of ultra-premium historic spirits, liqueurs, vermouth and absinthe for co-founded spirits importation company. Worked directly with distilleries in Switzerland, France, and Italy. Co-founded Tempus Fugit LLC in 2006 reproducing high-end, antique inspired absinthe-drinking paraphernalia (glasses, spoons, posters) which ultimately became Tempus Fugit Spirits in 2007. This self-funded and independent US company was created to import the French-made "Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe," co-developed during 4 years prior in anticipation of the newly re-legalized status of absinthe in US liquor market. Researched and developed recipes for many historic and forgotten liqueurs, some of which were self-distilled and bottled in Northern California. Due to world-wide demand, oversaw the transfer of production of most of these liqueurs to the Oliver Matter Distillery near Berne, Switzerland, where they continue to be produced in to international acclaim. Overseeing additional historic liqueurs which are currently in the R&D and final pre-production phases in France, Italy and Switzerland. Responsible for protocol development of seven historic vermouths under the Alessio brand, owned by Tempus Fugit Spirits, produced in Piemonte, Italy. Researched and co-recreated one of the most popular cocktail bitters of the 20th century, Abbott's Aromatic Bitters, Tempus Fugit Spirits being brand-owner in the USA. Assisting European distribution expansion and further future product development projects in multiple countries.
UK - based spirits importer/distributor and on-line sales, specializing in Absinthe and historic spirits since 2002. Product development and research, distillery liaison/consultant, distiller. From 2002 - 2007, spearheaded research and development of new absinthe formulations at the Emile Pernot Distillery in Pontarlier, France; Paul Devoille Distillery in Fougerolles, France; Oliver Matter Distillery in Kallnach, Switzerland. In 2003, discovered the utility and history of the Combier Distillery in Saumur, France for absinthe production. Placed and assisted T.A. Breaux in the original creation of the Jade Liqueurs absinthe portfolio, acting as distillery liaison, consultant and translator, and additionally assisting in distillations, bottling and labeling, from 2003 - 2007. Appeared in, discussed history with and prepared Anthony Bourdain's first glass of vintage 100-year-old absinthe in the 2005 pilot episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations - "Paris - Why the French Don't Suck." Featured in New Yorker magazine's March 2006 article 'Green Gold' on absinthe's revival.
Diamond selector for Cartier, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Chaumet, Tiffany, Mauboussin... Instrumental in establishing Cartier engraved diamond program in Paris as a principal selector and acted as liaison between English-speaking USA-based Gemological Institute of America Inc.(GIA), and the French-speaking Parisian diamond buying office. Learned all diamond-grading skills during first months of hire, became assistant diamond buyer for the largest diamond wholesaler in France, with no previous diamond grading experience or formal gemological education, possessing only rudimentary French language ability.
Creation and sales of craft jewelry, specializing in Spanish shipwreck treasure and ancient Greek coins. Involved in all aspects of jewelry design, layout and fabrication, spin casting, all final pieces made by hand.