Meet the Staff: Richard

Richard, the newest tour guide at Happy Raptor, is a self-described booze nerd and a native New Orleanian. Filled with facts not only about 504Rum but the history of Rum itself, Richard’s tours provide a historical overview of rum’s creation peppered with jokes and nerdy references. Keep reading for an overview of some of Richard's favorites!

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What is your favorite cocktail currently on the menu?

• The Ol' Ron Collins

What's your favorite way to enjoy 504Rum at home?

• Drinking it straight while editing [videos].

Favorite thing to show people on a tour?

• Definitely the fermentation. The little enzymes doing their work, the Yeastie Boys fighting for our right to rum.

What flavor do you most want to make as the next 504Rum?

• Something with orange and vanilla, like an orange creamsicle.

Favorite restaurant to recommend to guests?

• I really enjoy GW Fins - their scallops are pretty amazing.

Hometown:

• I've been in New Orleans for 29 years - born & raised.

Top three hobbies?

• Playing Magic the Gathering, making YouTube Videos, and playing RPGs (Role Playing Games).

Did you have a quarantine project?

• I started Gnome's Tavern, my YouTube & Twitch channel where I make and review drinks and cocktails. [​Editor's note: Richard was a tasting room regular before joining the team at Happy Raptor, and we were obsessed with his reviews of 504Rum drinks long before hiring him!]

What's on your tasting room playlist?

• Lake Street Dive, Broken Bells, and definitely Call me Alice starts the day off.

Currently Binge-watching:

• Star Wars Bad Batch.

What he's drinking when he's not drinking 504Rum:

• "Gin. I mean water. Nothing. I don't drink anything other than 504Rum." [Editor's note: We all love 504Rum, but do acknowledge that it's not the only good alcoholic beverage... We pressured Richard with this question on his second week working.]

Favorite Holiday:

• Thanksgiving, because I like free food that'll last through the weekend.

Anything else you want the followers to know?

• I am a booze-nerd, and if they come by they will hear not only how to make rum but an entire history of Rum itself. I believe in drinking smarter so tomorrow's not harder.