The Tribune

Atlantis food and beverage managers have toured the Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company (BBB), a move that will help them promote the beers the resort sells.

“Tours like these are part of an ongoing process for our clients to see, feel and, of course, taste all our products,” said Lynden Johnson, BBB’s marketing and sales manager.

The 13-strong group was led by Hilton Bowleg, senior director of food and beverage at Atlantis.

“It’s great to be brought over to see where Bahamian Brewery brews its products – a lot of people don’t realise they are actually brewed in Grand Bahama,” Mr Bowleg said.

“I am hoping that by showing my staff where and how the local beer we serve is brewed, they will improve their communication with the tourists they interact with daily.”

Atlantis serves the BBB products Virgil’s and Atlantis Ale on tap to guests, and added Bush Crack beer in cans for pool service five months ago.

Mr Bowleg added: “Our guests aren’t used to the stronger alcohol content of our local brews, but once they taste the brews they love them. Now my staff can explain the brewing process much more knowledgably and our guests enjoy having a Bahamian choice of beer.”

Traveling with the food and beverage team were several Atlantis chefs, who have begun to incorporate the local beers into their menus.

“We serve barbeque at Virgil’s,” said Chef Frederic Damers. “I’ve begun adding Strong Back in our grills, and the Sands line is great with the sausages.”

This is only one of many trips Mr Johnson has organised. “We find that many of our vendors appreciate knowing more about the product, our brewing process, and that its brewed in the Bahamas by Bahamians,” he said.

“A few months ago we brought the winners of our ‘Truly Bahamian Sundays’ over from Nassau, along with a few Arawak Cay vendors, too, but you don’t have to be a competition winner to tour the brewery - we have tours here every day.”