FROM BAGDAD TO BOCHUM

Top Barkeeper Serkar Barzani For Goldberg

The German “Bermuda Dreieck”, is a neighbourhood in Bochum, right in the middle of Germany. It is located in the city centre and is well-known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. The Bermuda Dreieck is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants lining the streets. It is particularly busy on weekends and during major events such as festivals.

Right in the heart of this bustling and vibrant part of Bochum you can find a special place for good drinks made with love and passion: Pearlz by Barzani. Born in Bagdad and at home in Bochum Serkar Barzani realised his dream of opening his own mixology bar.

Why did you open “Pearlz by Barzani” a mixology bar right in the center of Bochum?

“I always loved working in the on-trade and when I had my own espresso bar in 2014 I realised that this will be the beginning of my journey for the next years. At that time Berlin was my most favourite city where I discovered a real mixology bar for the first time. Immediately I knew, that is something I need to establish in my hometown Bochum. So, that’s how the idea of opening “Pearlz” came about.”

What is your most favourite drink?

“Oh Wow, that is not an easy question. It depends on what kind of season we have, in summertime I like more light spirits and floral drinks but in the winter season I prefer dark spirits and more spiced drinks, for example a twist on an old fashioned “Sazerac”. But most likely I prefer a good Gin & Tonic at anytime in the year. My recommendation: my own Gin 12 notes with GOLDBERG Tonic Water!”

Why did you call your Gin “12 notes”?

“12 notes means 12 tone music or twelve tone technique. This is a type of technique developed by Arnold Schoenberg in 1920 that made Western music became mathematical. The technique says you can't repeat an octave until all 12 have been played. In my Gin 12 notes certain botanicals were used, including bergamot from Calabria, Amalfi lemon, sage from Tuscany, as well as coriander, yellow gentian, and shiso cress - I chose all of these botanicals carefully by myself. The special thing is that I didn't make the gin according to a fragrance pyramid as usually done in the classic production. Here you usually take juniper as a base note and then build the other aromas around it. That was not what I had in mind and based on the "twelve-tone technique" I put the botanicals together mathematically and can thus use all my 12 favorite botanicals, which otherwise actually do not match.”

F.R.N.D.S. DUBAI

With a strong portfolio GOLDBERG has already established itself in countless top outlets all over the world. Internationally well-known bartenders rely on the outstanding quality of the high quality bitter lemonades of the German premium brand.

Hard Rock Caf Yerevan

FRNDS Grand Cafe is a modern inspiration from the rich Artdeco period embodied in design and style reflecting our current world. As part of its fine dining service standards, FRNDS Grand Cafe offers top-notch Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine along with the best shisha service in the world in a relaxed yet elegant environment. FRNDS Grand Cafe has a warm, inviting atmosphere thanks to its magnificent architecture and natural components. All this creates a welcoming ambiance for customers seeking some relaxing time in a highend setting. It’s the ideal spot to invite friends to a new and modern dining experience. In this gorgeous atmosphere it is mandatory to enjoy a good Gin & Tonic with GOLDBERG.

Hard Rock Cafe Yerevan is located directly in the historic city center, in a historically significant building. Designed by the famous Armenian architect Ruben Badalyan, the 16-ribbed dome atop the building draws inspiration from the 10th century Haghpat Monastery belltower in the forest-capped hills of the Armenian Lori Region. Soak in some culture while sipping on a local craft beer or a perfect Gin & Tonic with GOLDBERG chowing down on their Legendary® Burger. You’ll discover an excellent mix of new flavours with classic favourites at Hard Rock Cafe Yerevan, and obviously you’ll love every single bite or sip!

DRINKS

CUBA LIBRE

THE GOLDBERG TIMES ISSUE 02 / JULY 23

PINK FLAMINGO

APEROL PALOMA

WILD BERRY MOJITO TWIST