The Metro Detroit cocktail scene is alive and kicking with so many unique bartenders and bars that are springing up to serve new, classic and unique libations.

Travis Fourmont is a bartender at Michael Symon’s Roast in downtown Detroit. He entered a contest by Woodford Reserve called the Manhattan Experience with his take on a Manhattan. The contest ends TODAY and he is close but not winning. VOTE HERE. I’m asking everyone show their Michigan pride and give this guy a vote. I had a brief interview with him and look forward to sampling his work in the near future.

Nick Drinks: How long have you been Bartending?

Travis Fourmont: I’ve been bartending for about 8 years.

ND: Where did you get your start?

TF: I got my start at Red Star in Portland.

ND: What is the Manhattan Experience?

TF: The Manhattan Experience is a cocktail competition put on by Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Esquire Magazine. First they had a regional contest in 19 markets across the US and now the public votes on the top 5 cocktails that will then battle it out in Manhattan to determine the Masters of Manhattan. Now, after winning the local competition, I’ve been campaigning to compete in New York.

ND: What is the most bizarre drink request you have ever had while bartending?

TF: Believe it or not the most bizarre drink request had to do with just plain old water… This guest at Roast, about a year ago, left the bar for a moment to use the bathroom and when he got back he demanded new water. It wasn’t that he simply wanted fresh water it’s that he looked at me as if I was an idiot. Apparently, this guy was under the impression that it was customary to replace someone water if they left the table. I looked right at him and said “that’s the craziest thing I’ve ever hear”. If that was the case we would have to hire several more bussers and they would be waterboys.

NB: What bottle should no home be without?

TF: For the sake of the contest I should say Woodford Reserve but I am never without Bulleit Rye. Maybe it has to do with the lower price point but I love that stuff!

Thanks Travis! Hopefully we can give him a bit of a boost to win the contest.

Budmo!