Paystyle will be out for the rest of September. Why, you ask? Here it is, in his own words:

When I passed the California Bar exam, I told myself I’d never take another. Then a few years later I found myself in New York City studying at the library for the NY Bar. When I passed that, I loudly proclaimed, “Never again!”

Well, they say never say never for a reason, and I now find myself on the cusp of my third bar exam, which will take place at the end of September. This exam, however, pertains to a bar of a different type. It’s called the B.A.R. (Beverage Alcohol Resource), and it’s an intensive course and exam in all things spirits and cocktails related, to the point where if I pass I’ll be among a very select group of spirits professionals across the country. This is not a bartending school, but something much more intense, intensive, onerous, and hopefully rewarding in the end.

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Can you believe this guy? Dude’s a certified lawyer in two states and he still can’t get enough! I mean, I never went to grad school to pursue my love for the library sciences, just to avoid taking the GREs. Don’t even get me started on the SATs– let’s just say I barely made it into college!

Which is to say that I am the worst test-taker and I have nothing but love and respect for Paystyle for taking on this gargantuan feat. The test sounds like my worst nightmare– no wonder he’s taking a sabbatical!

Umamimart wishes you the very best, dude! God knows we all drink enough on here for you to easily recognize the difference between a 12 year and 18 year scotch. Armagnac vs. Cognac? Elementary, son.

Kill it.

As for me, I am sorry I’ve been MIA myself. I’m just starting a new bartending job in Oakland, and have been intensely working on the backend of Umamimart. Exciting things are happening at UMHQ, I promise!

In case you’ve missed me, here’s the Ghost of Kayoko above, at The Alley– my favorite bar in Oakland. Come visit me and I’ll take you there. Nothing says autumn like sipping a Manhattan whilst listening to a dude play the piano. Seems like old times.

Photo by my great pal Travis LoDolce.