Bartender Olympian: Graham Kessel of The Harp / RC's

By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers Published Feb 21, 2012 at 8:07 PM

"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee.com – brought to you by Hornitos, OR-G, Party Armor, Red Stag, Absolut, Fireball and Malibu – is back for another round! The whole month of February, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun articles on bars and clubs – including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!

As OnMilwaukee.com gets ready to host its fourth annual Bartender Olympics, you can prepare to cheer on the competition by familiarizing yourself with future Milwaukee Bar Olympians.

We've been profiling the participating bartenders over the last two weeks in preparation for the big night at Wherehouse on Thursday, March 1.

Cheer on your favorite bartender while they compete in four events, including the Pabst can stack, timed drink order, karaoke and the cocktail contest. Special guests include 102.1's Kramp and Adler.

The event is free and features drink specials like $3 Dr. Fireball and Hornitos cocktails, $4 Absolut, Malibu, OR-G, Jim Beam and Red Stag Cocktails, $2 Pabst Tall Boys and free samples of Party Armor.

Plus, 2Cents and OnMilwaukee.com teamed up create a special Bar Month printed edition, which will be available at the event.

Here's a quick Q & A with bartender Graham Kessel from The Harp / RC's:

OnMilwaukee.com: How long have you been tending bar?

Graham Kessel: Four years.

OMC: What's your favorite Milwaukee bar (other than the one where you work)?

GK: Club Brady.

OMC: What's the most important tool behind the bar?

GK: Hopefully there are no tools behind the bar ... I'd say the bartender.

OMC: What's your favorite brunch spot?

GK: Loaded Slate.

OMC: What's your favorite special or promotion at your bar or a bar you frequent?

GK: $3 beers and $2 bombs at Club Brady from Sunday to Wednesday.