Torres Global Brand Ambassador Cristobal Cofré has been working in the hospitality and spirits industry non-stop since 2008. Throughout his career, he has worked as a bartender, head bartender, and F&B supervisor at 5-star hotels in Chile and in NCL Cruises. He has also done guest shifts in various bars in the U.S. Cofré is also a self-trained cocktail photographer (currently on hiatus because of his professional commitments) and is a judge in the International Spirits Competition, where his knowledge in brandy is relied on for extensive brandy blind tastings.
As the Global Brand Ambassador of Torres Brandy, his responsibility includes taking a lead in brandy and brand education as well as representing the Torres brand across the globe.
About His Interest in Spirits and Bartending
Cofré entered the industry as a way to pay for his university studies. Soon he developed a passion for spirits and he wanted to see more of the world. His interest in cocktail-making came later on, when he realized that he enjoyed the socializing part of bartending, of hearing and telling stories about drinks and recipes with other people.
His signature cocktail style is anchored on “less is more.” He describes his drinks as “people-pleasers” as they are infused in familiar flavors and aromas. He also likes tropical recipes like those in Tiki cocktails.
Cofré’s biggest inspirations when it comes to bartending are many, and they include industry greats such as Gaz Regan, Salvatore “Il Maestro” Calabrese, and Dave Arnold.
On His Passion for Brandy
Cofré’s appreciation for brandy, meanwhile, came from the Chilean grape spirit, Pisco, a local brand. Moving to Barcelona, he got to experience more of his favorite spirits every day. For Cofré, brandy is the best expression of grape as it produces its best aromas and flavors. He believes that you can have it as simple as you want, or as interesting as you make it.
His favorite Torres Brandy product is the Torres 15, an award-winning Spanish brandy aged for 15 years using the traditional solera system. For him, it is interesting to mix and also has a very balanced expression.
Cofré noted Torres has always stayed true to its legacy while pushing forward. “For example, Torres 5 Light gives a fresh expression to the brand. It is lighter in alcohol but not in flavor. It is a product designed for enjoyment all around the day,” he said.
His Thoughts on Asian Spirits and Filipino Bartenders
Cofré shared that Asian spirits and cocktails have been trending for a long time, and that the region is an important showcase on how you can mix tradition with innovation as a discipline.
In his Manila visit, he is looking forward to trying out new flavors and tropical fruits. He is also hoping to experience Manila’s night life to see how cocktails bars are evolving in the country. He is also excited to work with Filipino bartenders. “Some of the best line bartenders and the fastest that I know were Filipino bartenders from the cruises, so I would be glad to know more bartenders and also to visit proper Filipino cocktail bars,” he said.
On Trends Defining the Global Cocktails Industry
Cofré observes that the global cocktail scene is going towards lower alcohol level and simpler or clearer cocktails. “The bartending scene from five years ago is very different from what it is now. Then, we were all trying to make the best old-fashioned cocktails or a riff on a Negroni,” he said.
He emphasized that what is important is that bartenders have a good grasp of classical recipes. He also advised bartenders to never stop being curious. “Read as many cocktail books as you can. Talk with people about spirits, take pride in your job, and serve your drinks with a smile. Also, the sky’s the limit when it comes to bartending. Take on guest shifts and travel the world,” he said.