Best In Glass: Creativity, Connection And Cocktails
Toronto witnesses its most electrifying cocktail showdown yet in this monthly bar battle series: Library Bar vs. Bar XXX!
Valley of Mother of God Gin, Perrier and Cocktail Emporium partner to elevate Toronto’s cocktail celebration.
Joe Dorio | Photo Courtesy Of Fairmont Royal York
JOE DORIO (LIBRARY BAR)
Joe Dorio comes from a long line of bartenders — he’s the third generation to carry on the craft. With more than two decades behind the bar, he’s built a reputation for balancing old-school polish with bold, creative ideas. Since joining Library Bar in 2021, Joe has been one of the driving forces behind its cocktail identity. He’s known for drawing inspiration from art, literature and storytelling, making each drink layered with meaning as well as flavour. Whether it’s a twist on a classic or something avant-garde, Joe’s drinks always bring heritage, personality and a touch of surprise.
ST-GERMAIN ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR
First distilled in 2007, this French elderflower liqueur offers fresh floral aromas and a palate of pear, citrus and honeysuckle.
www.stgermainliqueur.com
MAILROOM PREMIUM VODKA
Distilled over 100 times in a handcrafted copper still, this vodka uses Canadian Soft Red Winter wheat for exceptional flavour.
mailroomvodka.com
Sips, surprises and stories behind every drink.
James Grant | Photo Courtesy Of Fairmont Royal York
JAMES GRANT (LIBRARY BAR)
Meet the guy setting the tone at Library Bar, where he leads as director of beverage at the Fairmont Royal York. He’s got some serious credibility behind the stick, holding the title of 2021 World Class Global Bartender of the Year, plus Best Bartender 2022 from Canada’s 100 Best. James is more than just a bartender — he’s a builder of culture and experiences, shaping the vision and standard of what Library Bar is today. With his mix of creativity, technical skill and big-picture thinking, he continues to push Toronto’s cocktail scene to new heights.
CAMPARI MILANO BITTER
Campari Milano Bitter, born in Milan, is a vibrant red Italian aperitif with a bold bittersweet flavour from secret botanicals.
www.campari.com
WOODFORD RESERVE STRAIGHT BOURBON
Woodford Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey offers a perfect balance, with over 200 flavour notes ranging from bold grain and wood to spice, fruit and floral notes.
www.woodfordreserve.com
Joe Tavlin | Photo By Rick O’Brien
JOE TEVLIN (BAR XXX)
Born and raised in Toronto, Joe Tevlin found his way into bartending after stepping away from a baseball career. He started out humbly in 2021 as a barback at Little Sister, learning the ropes from the ground up. From there, he earned spots at some of Toronto’s most respected cocktail institutions, including Project Gigglewater and Cocktail Bar. Those experiences gave him the chops to return and take on leadership roles at Little Sister as well as Bar XXX. Joe brings an energetic, approachable style behind the bar, combining his love of hospitality with a dedication to mastering the craft.
More than competition, it’s community and creativity
REN VODKA
REN vodka embodies timeless recipes, the finest ingredients, and pure passion — crafted to represent everything a truly exceptional vodka should be.
renvodka.com
Robin Wynne | Photo By Rick O’Brien
ROBIN WYNNE (BAR XXX)
The man who has just about done it all in the hospitality world started as a high school dishwasher, worked his way through the ranks. Robin is now general manager and beverage director at Little Sister Indonesian Food Bar, as well as a leading force at Bar XXX. Known as Canada’s foremost rum expert, he is a mixologist, consultant, and even a DJ, blending creativity with an unstoppable drive for the industry. His career spans everything from running multi-unit restaurant operations to curating bar programs that push boundaries. Robin’s energy and deep expertise keep him at the top of the game.
