Carol Deptolla

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

How to talk about beer, wine and spirits? Over a drink, of course.

The Milwaukee chapter of the United States Bartenders' Guild is inviting the public — professionals and enthusiasts alike — to a gathering Jan. 8 at Hotel Madrid in Walker's Point, and the first drink is on the guild.

It's a membership drive for the USBG's local chapter, said newly elected chapter President Tripper Duval, and the January gathering will give people a chance to see what the guild's about.

It's a network that can help professionals and enthusiasts navigate the ever-changing world of beer, wine and spirits, Duval said — stay on top of trends, hone their technique, pick up recipes.

For professionals who might have stumbled into bartending as a career and unexpectedly find themselves in management roles, the guild can be a resource on matters like taking inventory and finding and retaining good staff members, Duval said. It's also a network for bar owners and managers who need bartenders to fill in temporarily when there's a vacancy.

He said the chapter is sometimes thought of as having a craft cocktail focus, but it's currently collaborating with Milwaukee Brewing Co. on a beer, and it will be addressing wine more in the future.

"We have a very diverse community of people who just enjoy a good drink," Duval said.

The guild chapter first will hold a meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 8 at Hawthorne Coffee Roasters' cafe, 4177 S. Howell Ave., and then move to Hotel Madrid, 600 S. 6th St., for the event at 7 p.m. Iron Grate BBQ Co. will supply the food, and the guild will offer a free drink made with pisco for attendees.

Dues for those who decide to join the guild chapter are $125 a year for professional bartenders, $150 for enthusiasts and others, such as brand ambassadors. The group meets monthly for educational and social gatherings.

The Milwaukee chapter of the guild is on Facebook, where any updates about the Jan. 8 event will be posted.