About Raising Spirits

Incorporated in New York in May 2022, Raising Spirits LLC aims to enhance the rigour and depth of NYC’s spirits knowledge, through the delivery of WSET qualifications, as well as other teaching and training approaches.

As part of this, Raising Spirits seeks to advance representation of under-represented groups, especially PoC, in the spirits and hospitality industries, through improving access to spirits education, employment opportunities with suitable partner organisations who recognise the value of that education, and showcasing of PoC owned and produced spirits throughout our samples.

About Gareth

He was born and raised in London, before relocating to New York in 2022 with his wife, a native of NYC.

After stints in start-ups and management consulting (PwC), Gareth created ‘The Fat Bear’ in 2013, originally starting as a pop-up serving American regional cuisine, ultimately leading to a full-time award-winning restaurant-bar, with one of the finest spirits selections in the City. During that time he vastly expanded his knowledge and appreciation of both wine and spirits, hosting many successful wine dinners and spirits events.

With Covid-19 having led to his decision to close the restaurant, Gareth’s focus shifted to formalizing his understanding of wine and spirits, through the newly devised WSET Level 3 in Spirits, and a Level 4 Wine Diploma.

He was involved in refining and delivering Tesco’s ‘Sommelier Messaging Service’ in 2021, and has provided wine and spirits expertise to various organisations and events in the UK.

Gareth has worked with some of the best-regarded restaurants in the city, including Hawksmoor, and Ilili where he currently oversees the beverage program.

Gareth enjoys cigars, good food, bad puns, silly bowties, Probitas daiquiris, and Oxford commas.