Meet the team: Ana Mitchell

We were extremely fortunate that in April, the talented Geelong star Ana Mitchell was making her move to Melbourne – just as we were looking for a new team member! She may have been behind the bar for a few months now, but we thought it the perfect time to get to know Ana a little more!

 

We’re extremely excited to be welcoming you onto the team at Whisky and Alement. For those who don’t know you, how & why did you get into bartending?

Serendipitously, I was feeling directionless and unengaged, working in cafes. My manager at the time knew this and happened to be a regular at The 18th Amendment, she suggested applying just because ‘it suited my personality’. Once I started, I saw how creative the team behind the bar were and realised I wanted to do that too, so I threw myself into cocktail competitions and attended every training I could so I could eventually be a bartender.

You curated the cocktail menu and boilermaker pairings at Geelong’s 18th Amendment, do you have a favourite creation from your time at 18th?

Probably my most recent menu addition, ‘The Cat & The Canary’, I took inspiration from the 1920s film of the same title. It’s a delicate but stiff martini serve, beeswax vodka, lacto-fermented grapefruit, yuzu, chamomile-infused fino sherry and a touch of salty honey. I enjoy creating spirit-driven serves, the flavour profiles practically write themselves.

18th Amendment Owner Gorge is well-known for his positive, supportive and high energy venues, and has presumably helped build your love and understanding of what good hospitality really its right? What will be the most important lesson and takeaway from your time working alongside Gorge?

Gorge has been an incredibly supportive mentor. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from him is to keep things in perspective, at the end of the day, it’s just drinks. If you’re having fun behind the bar, your guests will feel that energy and enjoy themselves even more. It’s about creating a great experience, not just a great cocktail.

So you’re making the move to Melbourne? What triggered the move, and what are you most looking forward to in the big city?

My partner, Pete, and I decided to make the move after I finished my teaching degree— we wanted to open ourselves up to new opportunities and a bit of adventure. Honestly, one of the things I’m most excited about is no longer stressing over catching the last train back to Geelong after a night out…that hour feels like an eternity.

Over the past 5 years, Geelong became one of many destinations for Melburnians looking for a tree change or weekend away. What are your top five insider tips for things to do, see, eat or drink?

Spend a slow afternoon at the botanical gardens—bring a book, a snack, and just watch the day unfold. Head down to Jan Juc for a surf, or just to watch the waves roll in (I’m not great at surfing, but it’s still one of my favourite things to do).Grab a pint of Guinness and a smash burger at OKSmash— it’s the perfect combo. Wander through the Mill Markets and thrift yourself a new outfit or a weird old trinket. (I’ve got a soft spot for ceramic frogs.) And of course, swing by the 18th Amendment for a cocktail—it’s a must.

There’s a lot of banter over the bar at Whisky & Alement, and each W&A team member has their own personal topics of chat be it footy, the latest comedy act, band room update or latest whisky fact. Do you have a soft spot for a particular topic?

I will keep everyone in the venue up to date with RuPaul’s Drag Race, that is the ‘Ana Guarantee’, you’re welcome.

Our last question. Whisky & Alement is primarily a whisky bar, what’s your favourite flavour category?

Depends on what mood I’m in! But I’d often be reaching for a ‘light coastal peat’, or a ‘big vanilla & spicy oak’, I’ve got a particular love for high-rye bourbons—there’s something about that balance of dry spice and creamy sweetness that hits just right, like a Four Roses or High West.

 

You can catch Ana behind the bar every Wednesday and Saturday night!