Evgeniy was born in Moscow and studied IT at university. After graduating and then working in IT at a tax office, he realised that he didn't really like his job. A friend of his worked in the kitchen of the Hard Rock Café and Evgeniy started working there as a host. This was his first foray into the hospitality industry.
On his 18th birthday, he bought some alcohol and organised his first cocktail party with his friend. Although they mixed drinks with disgusting and horrible things like Malibu, it was great fun. It was then that Evgeniy realised that he really liked mixing drinks.
This went so far that he decided to take a 3-week course at the Russian Bartenders Association. After that, he started working in a bar to use his skills.
A year later and still enthusiastic, he decided to become the best Barkeeper in the world. From then on, Evgeniy took part in many Barkeeper competitions. In his free time, he was busy with classics.
His next stop was Dream Bar, a very busy place with over 300 cocktails on the menu. He improved his speed mixing skills and stayed at Dream for 6 months.
A friend of Evgeniy's asked him to come to the Mendeleev Bar. It was a very talented team and the bar was internationally known, so he made many international friends who came as guestBarkeeper . All in all, he stayed for 3 years.
"You almost have to go away to open your eyes to things at home."
Evgeniy Shashin
Meanwhile, he continued to compete at Barkeeper and eventually won the World Class for Russia in 2015. In 2016, he moved to Baku for a year to work as a consultant for Buddha Bar, as he needed a break from working behind the bar.
While he was there, he was approached by the guys from the White Rabbit Family. They offered him the opportunity to run a small bar under the newly opened technical centre. It was a great opportunity and he found his energy again.
At Korobok, Evgeniy can develop what he loves. It's like a laboratory, from infusions to rotovap and re-distillation, he can experiment to his heart's content.
Korobok
Korobok is a small cellar bar. The word Korobok means matchbox. Each match is a life and you can decide whether to keep it or burn it.
For Russians, there is a lot of philosophy in that. Children keep many precious things in small places like a matchbox, and that's what Korobok Bar stands for: small but full of surprises.
The drinks are very Russian-focused and there are only 7 on the menu. The drinks are very experimental and the focus is on local ingredients. Korobok represents a new level in Russian bar culture.
It's a new experience and guests are educated by trying new things like a deconstructed Manhattan. The team consists of only 3 people and every 3 months the cocktail menu changes.
Inspiration
Evgeniy is inspired by what is happening around him. Aromas in the woods, the wind, the weather and from his travels.
He is always on the lookout for other experiences and cultures and tries to realise them in his drinks, while still keeping an eye on Russia. "You almost have to leave to open your eyes to things back home," Evgeniy explains.
Favourite bar
Chainaya Tea & Cocktails in Moscow; and I can easily see why. He is a big fan of the cocktails and tea on offer.
He enjoys the opportunity not only to drink cocktails, but also to enjoy tea in different ways. The great atmosphere at Chainaya rounds off a great experience.
This article appeared in
Issue 3-2021
BAR NEWS magazine as single issue
