Founder Q&A: BG Reynolds
Read about BG Reynolds and their rise to fame for their cocktail syrups, Tiki mugs, and more.
How did your company get started?
BG Reynolds was started back in 2009 after I had the idea to start bottling and selling the same syrups I'd been making and using behind the bar. Back at this time, about the only syrups you could get off the shelf were made for coffee, and those just don't work to make a proper balanced cocktail. So, after a long night behind the bar I was having a conversation with a friend of mine who was talking about how the cocktail magazines gave you all these great drink recipes, but then tell you you'll need to make all your own syrups. Why make a big batch of syrup for a drink you don't even know if you'll like, and are you even making the syrup right? So, the thought came to take my syrup recipe, approach someone who knew a little more about food packaging and distribution, and it's been a wild ride since!
What is your role at your company? What does your day-to-day look like?
I have a lot of my work outsourced to different production and logistics facilities, as well as part-time contractors that help in day-to-day activities. So a lot of what I do comes down to coordination between operations, logistics, marketing efforts, and customer service.
Tell us something that might surprise people about BG Reynolds.
BG Reynolds was once known as Trader Tiki's. Then we got a cease and desist letter from another Trader, and lo and behold a rebranding was born!
What’s your go-to, or current favorite, cocktail recipe at home?
At home, we're just now setting up the basement tiki bar so there's been a lack of complex cocktails lately. However, my wife and I will enjoy a tasty and simple Corn 'n' Oil from time to time.
What’s your favorite cocktail memory?
I've had a few decades of cocktail memories and its hard to pick a favorite. Some of my favorite moments though have been after a long seminar or presentation or contest, sitting with a few friends in the cocktail world and passing around a bottle.
What's the most memorable cocktail you've tried?
In New Orleans, at some year of Tales of the Cocktail the Cocktail Spirits and Online Writers Guild had rented a house and had set up an open bar. After a few bottles of Fernet I decided to make a drink that involved Puckers Blue Island flavor and paté. Good, oh hell no, but definitely memorable.
Share your personal favorite recent ways to use your products?
My kids came up with a unique idea, though I can't remember the specific origin. But I made a Circus Peanut syrup for a time, and at some point one of them mixed it into their milk and thus Circus Milk was introduced to the world. Mixing that Circus Peanut syrup with dairy is an insanely delicious flavor/texture combo. Like liquid banana cream pie. I want one now!
Most memorable cocktail bar - can be anywhere in the world!
Hale Pele of course!
Which recent Crafted Pour recipe sounds most delicious to you right this moment?
Right now, I'm looking at the Hoatzin by Chris Russell and it is looking mighty tasty. So many flavors with banana and strawberry and passion fruit... yeah, maybe this weekend one of those will have to happen.
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