Now that the list of Eater Young Guns semi-finalists has been released, it's time to get to know these rising stars. Check this space for regular introductions to each of the 50 semi-finalists and tune in on June 24 to find the list of winners.
Craig Schoettler, 27, has redefined the drinking scene at Aria, the Vegas mega-hotel with 15 bars and lounges under its roof. Four months into his gig as property mixologist, the Young Gun semi-finalist had already started putting his stamp on everything from the sips themselves to the infrastructure of the back bars. He redesigned the spaces to accommodate new types of ice and brought in hundreds of new, artisanal products, providing intense training through tastings and seminars and reconcepting existing outlets.
Now, he seems focused on refinement, importing the technical tools of the trade to Sin City (like this rotovap) and designing a proprietary beer for the sprawling property.
Prior to his cocktail coup in Vegas, Schoettler was based in Chicago, where he was the executive chef at destination drinkery The Aviary and later ran the beverage program at The Drumbar. But there is much, much more to learn about Schoettler. Above, check out 10 such vital facts about this Alinea alum turned beverage trailblazer.
· All Young Guns 2014 Coverage [~E~]
