Bryan Alexander Davis

Bryan Alexander Davis aka B. Alex (born April 13, 1981) is the American born Master Distiller for the Esmeralda Distillery. With the rise of the craft-distillery movement in the late 2000's the company became a significant player launching the celebrated spirit; Obsello Absinthe and later Port of Barcelona Gin. Davis' work is known for its layered, flavors and complexity.
His creations include Obsello Absinthe (2007), Port of Barcelona Gin (2008), Port of Dragons Gin (Spain Only) (2008), and Obsello Distiller's Reserve (2009). His spirits have earned him a gold medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, a silver medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Awards, a coveted mention in the Wine Enthusiast best of 2008 issue, a best-in-class rank for the absinthe in Imbibe Magazine, and 92 points from Anthony Dias Blue.
Davis’ latest project, Obsello Distiller's Reserve is expected to launch in the US in late 2009 and will be the first aged absinthe released in nearly 100 years.
Early LIfe
According to an interview with Tim Morrison,(a.k.a Mr. Martini)Davis began distilling rum in his closet at the age of 16 and by 18 Davis had progressed to the more complicated and then illegal spirit absinthe, as well as gin. He continued distilling as a hobby throughout his education and early professional career.
Art Career
After Davis graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute he persued a short career in fine art, producing large public sculptures for the US Chess Federation, Hotel Triton, and the city of Sonoma among others. His work was featured in trade magazines and university press and made its way into several significant collections and exhibitions. Davis also worked as a visiting art teacher at the Sonoma Community Center in 2006.
Esmeralda Distillery
The concept for the Esmeralda Distillery began in a small corner bar in San Francisco, California. In December 2006, Davis gave his favorite bartenders each a case of absinthe that he had distilled in a secret Sonoma cabin located behind Kenwood Winery. According to Davis, when the bartenders began serving their guests the gift from Davis, the number of clientele increased and many began asking for the drink by name.
Would-be business partner Joanne Haruta, was in one of these such bars when she and Davis would begin hatching a plan to build a European micro-distillery. Within months, the project became a reality. In October 2007 the distillery was incorporated in Spain under the name Esmeralda Liquors S.L. Davis spent the next months wandering the Catalan countryside searching for a city with an impeccable water source and a close proximity to the historical absinthe production center of Tarragona. Eventually, he determined that the city of Lleida, situated near the French border between Barcelona, and Andorra, would mark the spot.
Spirits
Obsello Absinthe
Obsello was the first of Davis’ commercial products to be released. Obsello rapidly garnered a cult following within the absinthe and cocktail communities. In the first months of the product's release, Obsello became a staple in the revolutionary San Francisco and New York cocktail cultures. The brand was first endorsed by Milk & Honey’s Sasha Petraske, and then went on to win several awards in the industry.
In 2008, the brand gained the attention of large distributors who were able to craft a tasting campaign in Las Vegas, Nevada. Today the brand is the retail market leader in Nevada and maintains a significant presence in New Orleans, California, and Georgia. Internationally the brand is also available in Australia, Germany, and Spain.
Port of Barcelona Gin
Davis’ second project, Port of Barcelona Gin, launched in limited release in late 2008 and through wide distribution channels in mid 2009. The gin, designed to be a hybrid of many styles and characteristics, is made from a malted barley base giving it a Dutch Genever style body. It incorporates the use of many botanicals and is noted for the difference taste it presents with each sip. According to Davis, Barcelona was designed to be sipped neat as opposed to mixed.
The gin has not been without controversy. Several classic cocktail bars have refused to serve it, on the grounds that it is too finicky or too radical. Conversely, it has received vocal praise in its first critical reviews. Spirits critic/blogger Sharon Feiereisen specifically refuted the controversy stating "nothing polarizing about it — just exquisite!"
Port of Dragons Gin
Port of Dragons Gin is the Spanish sister to Port of Barcelona. The brand is only marketed in Spain but according to Davis it is exactly the same Gin
Obsello Absinthe Distiller's Reserve
The Obsello Absinthe Distiller's Reserve is the latest creation from Davis. Though few critics have had a chance to sample the product, many have written about it in anticipation. The Reserve is a radical take on absinthe and expected to be as controversial as is Esmeralda's gin. In the Tim Morrison interview, Tim describes the Reserve as a dessert absinthe that incorporates unconventional citric botanicals with dark spices. He does stress that it is still wormwood and anise-based and conforms to a proper definition of distilled absinthe.

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