Introduction to Whisk(e)y

Gabriel Fernando Urrutia enjoys educating bartenders, consumers and cocktail enthusiasts about any wine, spirits, and beer. "My passion in life is the beverage industry," he says. "If I were a cocktail, I would be a daiquiri – bright and fresh, and good for any occasion." Urrutia brings over 17 years of hospitality experience to his role, and considers it a privilege to work with Bacardi USA’s Single Malt brands. In his previous roles, he has conducted more than 150 training sessions for bartenders, while drawing on his creativity and knowledge to develop over 100 fresh and exciting cocktail menus. Gabe was also a finalist for St. Germain’s Can Can competition in 2011 and winner of the National Dekuyper Challenge in 2016. Born in Miami to parents from Cuba and Chile, Gabe embraces his Hispanic roots in everything he does. In 2004, he earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Florida International University, an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Nova Southeastern University in 2014, and also attained the BarSmarts Advanced certification as well as the Certified Spirits Specialist certification from the Society of Wine Educators.  He is also Level 1 from Court of Master Sommeliers and WSET Level 1. Gabe got his start in the spirits industry in South Florida as a Brand Ambassador for Anheuser Busch, focusing on sales and marketing, before broadening his horizons.  At the age 28, he was nominated and shortlisted for "Young Achiever of The Year" at the London International Wine Fair 2009 by The Drinks Business. He was the only nominee from the United States. Fluent in English and Spanish, Urrutia appreciates the finer things in life, including art and music. His hobbies include collecting concert art as well as vintage bar tools. As he says, "I pay close attention to market trends, and draw on those insights as an educator and trainer for our trade."  Gabe previously worked as an Assistant Brand Manager for Grey Goose focusing on On-Premise and Advocacy and Portfolio Manager for Bacardi USA.  His most recent position was a stint in the wine industry as Regional Director for Jordan Vineyard & Winery where he managed 13 states for the brand.  In 2019, he was selected as one of Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 Tastemakers of America and most recently started a podcast, Miami Accent, chatting with anyone and everyone in the beverage world locally. Also in the same year, Gabe wrote Miami’s first cocktail book in history, Miami Cocktails:  An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired by the Magic City.  He is now working on his second book.