We sat down with Justin Ayotte, beverage director of Jackson Ward’s Saison and its little sister, Saison Market. A well-executed drink program coupled with an easygoing environment has made these two favorites among industry folk and civilians alike.
014 Justin Ayotte
We sat down with Justin Ayotte, beverage director of Jackson Ward’s Saison restaurant and next-door neighbor Saison Market. These two are regulars on lists of the best bars in Richmond, thanks to a well-executed drink program coupled with an easygoing environment.
Born in Virginia Beach and raised in Chesterfield, Justin entered the Richmond drink scene via Capital Ale House, where he met Saison owner Jay Bayer and fell in love with beer, cocktails, and bartending. He chatted with us about how he got into the industry; how those epic drink menus come together; and what he’s drinking after work these days.
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