A Bar Above
ActiveOverview
A Bar Above is a bartender-owned company specializing in craft cocktail education and premium barware. Founded by husband-and-wife team Chris and Julia Tunstall, the company operates as both an educational platform and e-commerce business, serving professional bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts. The brand is known for combining high-quality bar tools with comprehensive mixology resources, positioning itself at the intersection of professional-grade equipment and accessible cocktail education.
History
A Bar Above was founded in 2013 by Chris and Julia Tunstall as a blog and educational website for craft cocktail creators, growing from their dining room startup. The company expanded its offerings by launching a podcast in 2014 and developing its own line of premium barware in 2016, which became the cornerstone of revenue growth after selling out on Amazon within 30 days. The brand evolved from focusing primarily on professional bartenders to serving a broader audience interested in craft cocktails, while maintaining its core mission of making cocktail education accessible to everyone.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Barware | Bartender-designed bar tools for professional and home use | $25 - $150 |
| Boston Shakers | Professional-grade mixing vessels | $40 - $120 |
| Mixing Glasses | Hand-blown glass mixing vessels | $30 - $100 |
| Jiggers and Strainers | Precision measuring and straining tools | $15 - $80 |
| Educational Courses | Online mixology instruction and resources | Varies |
Manufacturing
A Bar Above products are manufactured in the United States using premium materials including food-grade stainless steel and hand-blown glass. Each piece is designed with the bartender's routine in mind to ensure dependable performance and durability. The company emphasizes quality construction and elegant design across its product line.
Notable Products
- Boston Shakers - Professional-grade mixing vessels designed for bartender use and durability
- Hand-Blown Mixing Glasses - Premium mixing glasses crafted from hand-blown glass for elegant presentation
- Precision Jiggers - Measuring tools engineered for accurate cocktail proportioning
- Bar Strainers - Durable straining tools designed for consistent cocktail preparation
- Educational Video Content - YouTube-based mixology tutorials and craft cocktail instruction
Reputation
A Bar Above is recognized within the craft cocktail community for combining professional-quality barware with accessible education. The brand is valued by both professional bartenders and enthusiasts for its focus on durable, well-designed tools that address shortcomings in cheaper alternatives. The company's emphasis on bartender-driven design and educational resources has established it as a trusted resource in the mixology space, though it remains a smaller player compared to larger barware manufacturers.
Sources (8)
- https://www.zoominfo.com/c/a-bar-above/371472849
- https://abarabove.com/about/
- https://abarabove.com/meet-the-team/
- https://womenledwednesday.com/business-directory/a-bar-above/
- https://portalwholesale.com/brands/a-bar-above
- https://barrelsahead.com/crafting-cocktails-and-building-brands-mixology-insights-with-chris-tunstall-of-a-bar-above/
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-A-Bar-Above-EI_IE3595749.11,22.htm
- https://muckrack.com/media-outlet/abarabove