THE LOCALS
BRAND OWNER PROFILE
Smoke Show MIDDLETON MIXOLOGY FANS THE FLAMES OF INNOVATION WITH ITS COOL INVENTION Back in 2005, James Middleton, founder of Middleton Mixology, set out on a journey through the spirits industry. While working his way from the bottom up, he took a brief break to work as a firefighter before eventually returning to work at his first bartending gig. Immediately he became hooked on all the aspects tending bar had to offer. James learned very quickly that hospitality and speaking confidently with his guests were key components to the bartending business. He credits his time working behind the bar with breaking him
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CHILLED MAGAZINE
By Joseph Luparello
out of his shell. In fact, according to James, it was the ideal environment to naturally better himself. Not to mention he also had a fun, creative outlet at his disposal. So, he never looked back. With the goal of soaking up all the knowledge he could, he spent the next several years of his life traveling to new cities, states, and countries. Seeking out unique concepts to sharpen his craft, he worked in 17 different establishments, nationally from Oregon, Washington, Florida, to internationally in Australia, over a two-decades long span.
