Elevate your bartending skills with the Barillio Bar Tool Set Pro Edition from Shake, Sip, Serve! Perfect for every home bartender.
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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Let’s cut to the chase: the world of home bartending is awash with kits promising the moon, often delivering little more than a rusty teaspoon and a leaky shaker. The Barillio Bar Set Pro Edition, however, arrives with a certain swagger, a 32-piece promise of cocktail mastery. But does it live up to the hype? After a thorough, hands-on examination, let’s dive into an honest review of this comprehensive bartending ensemble.
First Impressions: A Visual Feast and a Promise of Order
Unboxing the Barillio set, you’re immediately struck by the sheer volume of tools and the elegance of the bamboo stand. It’s not just a collection of implements; it’s a curated display, a statement piece for your home bar. The bamboo stand, while undeniably attractive, also serves a crucial organizational function. Each tool has its designated slot, preventing clutter and ensuring everything is within easy reach. This initial impression is strong, hinting at a product that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality.
The Arsenal: A Breakdown of the 32 Pieces
Let’s dissect the contents of this formidable kit, examining each tool’s quality, functionality, and potential pitfalls.
- Boston Shaker (18oz & 28oz): This is the heart of any serious bartending kit. Barillio opted for a two-piece Boston shaker, favored by professionals for its superior seal and larger capacity. The stainless steel construction feels robust, and the larger 28oz tin provides ample room for multiple cocktails. However, mastering the Boston shaker requires practice. Beginners might initially struggle with creating a proper seal and separating the tins after shaking. It’s a tool that rewards persistence, but be prepared for some initial spills and frustration.
- Mixing Spoon (Spiral Handled): A classic spiral-handled mixing spoon is essential for stirred cocktails. The Barillio spoon is adequately long and sturdy, facilitating smooth stirring. The spiral design helps with grip and adds a touch of professional flair. No major complaints here; it performs its function reliably.
- Jigger (1oz/2oz): Precision is paramount in mixology, and a good jigger is indispensable. The Barillio jigger offers standard 1oz and 2oz measurements, essential for consistent drink quality. The stainless steel construction is durable, and the markings are clear and easy to read. While functional, it’s a fairly standard jigger; don’t expect any groundbreaking innovation here.
- Hawthorne Strainer: This strainer is designed for shaken cocktails, filtering out ice and pulp. The spring coil is adequately firm, effectively catching larger particles. However, finer particles might still slip through. It’s a decent strainer, but those seeking absolute clarity might consider investing in a dedicated fine-mesh strainer (which, thankfully, is included).
- Fine Mesh Strainer: A must-have for achieving a smooth, pulp-free cocktail. The Barillio fine-mesh strainer is effective in removing small particles, enhancing the texture and presentation of your drinks. It’s a valuable addition to the kit, especially for those who enjoy crafting cocktails with fresh ingredients.
- Julep Strainer: Primarily used for stirred cocktails, the Julep strainer is a classic tool for serving drinks over ice. The Barillio strainer fits comfortably in most mixing glasses and performs its function adequately. It’s a solid, if unremarkable, piece.
- Muddler: Muddling is crucial for releasing the flavors of herbs, fruits, and sugar. The Barillio muddler is made from stainless steel and features a flat head. It’s functional, but the absence of a textured or ridged head might limit its effectiveness with tougher ingredients. It gets the job done, but it’s not the most efficient muddler I’ve encountered.
- Citrus Juicer: Freshly squeezed citrus juice is a cornerstone of many cocktails. The Barillio citrus juicer is a simple, lever-style juicer that effectively extracts juice from lemons, limes, and small oranges. It’s easy to use and clean, but it’s not designed for larger citrus fruits.
- Liquor Pourers (6 Pieces): These pourers help control pouring speed and prevent spills. The Barillio pourers are made from stainless steel and feature a rubber stopper for a secure fit. They function as intended, but they’re relatively basic. If you’re looking for pourers with advanced features like automatic shut-off, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
- Wine Opener & Foil Cutter: A convenient tool for opening wine bottles. The Barillio wine opener is a waiter’s corkscrew design, including a foil cutter. it’s a decent multi-tool, but if you are a wine enthusiast, you may prefer a higher end stand alone wine opener. This is a very basic model.
- Bottle Opener: A standard bottle opener, reliably opening bottled beverages. No surprises here.
- Ice Tongs: Hygienic handling of ice is essential. The Barillio ice tongs are functional and easy to use.
- Peeler: Ideal for creating citrus twists and garnishes. The peeler is sharp and effective, but it’s a fairly basic design.
- Knife: A small, sharp knife for slicing fruit and other ingredients. It is a small knife, and if you plan on doing a large amount of fruit preparation, you may want to have a full sized knife set available.
- Bamboo Stand: The centerpiece of the set, providing organized storage and a stylish display. The bamboo stand is well-constructed and visually appealing. It keeps the tools neatly organized and adds a touch of elegance to your home bar. The stand is well made, and holds all tools in a professional manner.
- Velvet Storage Bag: For transporting your tools. The bag is a nice addition, but it’s not particularly robust. It’s suitable for occasional transport, but it might not withstand heavy use.
- Recipe Booklet: A beginner-friendly guide with classic and creative cocktail recipes. The recipe booklet is a helpful resource for beginners, providing clear instructions and a variety of cocktail recipes. However, seasoned mixologists might find it lacking in depth and innovation.
- Cleaning Brush: This small brush is helpful for cleaning the inside of the strainers and pourers. It’s a useful addition, but you’ll likely need additional cleaning tools for a thorough cleaning.
The Steel: Quality and Durability
Barillio emphasizes the use of 304 stainless steel, and for the most part, this claim holds up. The tools feel solid and durable, with a polished finish that resists rust and corrosion. However, the quality can vary slightly across different pieces. Some tools, like the Boston shaker and jigger, feel exceptionally robust, while others, like the muddler and peeler, feel slightly less substantial. Overall, the quality is commendable, but it’s not uniformly excellent.
The User Experience: Functionality and Ease of Use
The Barillio set is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The tools are generally ergonomic and easy to handle, even for beginners. The recipe booklet provides clear instructions, making it easy to get started. However, as mentioned earlier, mastering the Boston shaker requires practice. The learning curve can be steep for those unfamiliar with this type of shaker.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Pros:
- Comprehensive 32-piece set: Covers all essential bartending tools.
- Durable 304 stainless steel construction.
- Elegant and functional bamboo stand.
- Beginner-friendly design and recipe booklet.
- Good value for the price.
- Provides a professional appearance to your home bar.
Cons:
- Boston shaker requires practice to master.
- Cleaning multiple small parts can be time-consuming.
- Some tools are more basic than others.
- No mixing glass is included.
- The muddler could be improved.
Who Is This Set For?
The Barillio Bar Set Pro Edition is ideal for:
- Home bartenders who want a comprehensive and stylish set of tools.
- Beginners who are eager to learn the art of mixology.
- Gift buyers looking for a thoughtful and practical present for cocktail enthusiasts.
- Individuals wanting to improve the look of their home bar.
Final Verdict: A Solid Investment for Aspiring Mixologists
The Barillio Bar Set Pro Edition is a solid investment for anyone looking to elevate their home bartending game. While it’s not without its minor flaws, it offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality tools, a stylish bamboo stand, and a user-friendly design. It’s a great starting point for beginners and a reliable set for experienced home bartenders.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
It’s a very good set. It is not perfect, but it is well worth the money. If you are looking for a complete set, you will not be disappointed.
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The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
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