Carl Busch's Diaries
Carl shares his insights on cocktails, bartending, and the bar industry — recorded one episode at a time.
Season I.
3 Months In: Am I Crushing It or Failing? My Wine Shop Journey
Carl shares the roller-coaster journey of running a wine shop, three months in. He discusses initial goals, unexpected challenges like low shop awareness and slow foot traffic, and the surprises of wine versus cocktail sales. Discover his strategic changes, from increasing social media engagement to launching specials and promoting loyalty programs. Explore how Carl aims for steady growth and raising wine education as the holiday season approaches. Reflecting on successes and lessons learned, Carl remains optimistic about overcoming hurdles and reaching his ultimate goal of $30,000 monthly revenue.
7 Things I Have Learned in 3 Months of Owning a Wine Shop
Embark on my personal journey as a wine shop owner, where I've learned seven crucial lessons in just three months. I'll share my experiences with time management, the power of saying no, the value of embracing mistakes, and the joy of fully immersing myself in the business. I also underscore the profound significance of listening to feedback, which is instrumental in shaping the direction of my business. I share how I care for my mental and physical health and cherish the fulfillment of pursuing my dream. With candid reflections and valuable insights, I provide a raw and honest look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. As I share my journey with you, you will discover the unique challenges and triumphs of owning a wine shop in the heart of Dubuque, Iowa.
I Bought a Wine Shop
Carl reveals his latest venture into owning a wine shop, EJ's Wine Shop in Dubuque. He discusses the unexpected journey from cocktail enthusiast to wine shop owner, detailing the shop's unique offerings, including organic and imported wines, and the recent addition of a full liquor license. Carl shares his excitement about the new business, the extended opening hours, and his learning experiences. He also hints at future plans for the YouTube channel, featuring business insights and cocktail creations. Join Carl on his new entrepreneurial journey, blending wine, cocktails, and retail success.
Bartending Hacks: How to Prevent Body Wear and Tear
Carl discusses the importance of keeping your body healthy as a bartender. He shares advice from fellow bartender Eric Castro about using both hands to prevent strain and improve technique. Carl emphasizes the need for bartenders to prioritize their physical well-being to have a long and successful career. By practicing using both hands, bartenders can also increase their speed and efficiency. Tune in to learn valuable tips for maintaining your body in the demanding field of bartending.
Creating Cocktails for a Fundraiser Competition
Join Carl as he prepares for the Martini Shakeoff, a fundraising event in Dubuque, Iowa. He shares his creative process for crafting four unique cocktails based on the Kentucky Derby theme. Carl incorporates innovative techniques and flavors to impress the judges, from deconstructed espresso martinis to elevated mint juleps. Discover how he weaves the theme throughout each drink, creating a cohesive and winning competition entry. Get inspired by Carl's approach to mixology and learn how to create standout cocktails for any occasion.
The Milk Washing Cocktail Dilemma: How to Save Time and Money
Carl discusses the time-consuming process of milk-washing cocktails on a large scale and seeks a more efficient method. After receiving suggestions from viewers, he plans to try using a brew bag and nut milk bag to streamline the process. In the following video, he will demonstrate the new method with a one-gallon cocktail. Carl aims to optimize processes for future bartenders and continue creating videos for his audience.
I am Changing Our Brand
In this episode, Carl announces a shift in his channel's focus to theory-based cocktail content and the science of mixology, along with a rebranding to "Carl Busch." He addresses his wife Riley's reduced appearance due to scheduling, assures the strength of their marriage, and invites feedback on these changes, teasing an upcoming video about double shaking.
Mixology Experiments: Challenging the Dry Shake
In this episode of Alchemix Bar Diaries, Carl discusses his thoughts on cocktail-making techniques and the use of egg whites in cocktails. He questions the traditional method of double shaking and explores his own approach of shaking with ice for 20 seconds. Carl believes that the ice can help emulsify the egg white and create a velvety mouthfeel in the cocktail. He plans to continue experimenting with this technique and compares the results with a traditional dry shake in a future video.