Warren Bobrow, known to many as the Cocktail Whisperer, is a world-renowned master mixologist, chef, and writer, as well as co-founder and CEO of Klaus Apothicaire, a line of ready-to-drink THC-infused cocktails. Bobrow authored the groundbreaking book Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails & Tonics: The Art of Spirited Drinks & Buzz-Worthy Libations in 2016; he has also written five other books on mixology, including Apothecary Cocktails and The Craft Cocktail Compendium.
What Is Klaus Apothicaire? Warren Bobrow's Cannabis-Infused Beverage Brand
Klaus, launched in 2021, has created a sensation with its delicious cannabis-infused beverages. Since its inception, the brand has won multiple accolades, including 3 Clio Awards and an L.A. Spirit Awards Gold Medal. Its beverages are crafted with the best ingredients, such as Picketts™ ginger syrup and the finest fruit extracts from France. The signature Klaus libation is the Mezzrole - ginger, lime, and rice vinegar with a THC infusion. As Bobrow describes, the effects from Klaus can be felt within 5 to 15 minutes of consumption, including an elevated sensation and “a gentle rise in euphoria followed by a subtle smile, candid appreciation and bemusement.”
How Did Warren Bobrow Become The Cocktail Whisperer?
The Cocktail Whisperer’s journey is a fascinating one which can only be told appropriately by the artiste himself. He shares his backstory: “I became a TV Engineer after graduating college in 1985 (my Emerson degree has become a distant memory, no one ever asks me where I went to college...) I worked for a time in the mid-80s in NYC. I worked nights at [TV stations] WNET-13 and WPIX-11, and Danceteria - a famous nightclub. I always wanted to become a chef from being raised to know what good food was and how if you follow food, you follow history - or distillation as I learned in later life after writing whiskey cocktails.”
During hard moments, Bobrow says, “I became [a] pot scrubber due to necessity and succeeded from failure multiple times over the past thirty years or so. I lived in Charleston, SC and co-founded the first manufacturing corporation that made fresh pasta in South Carolina named Olde Charleston Pasta. I was put out of business during Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Debt to my lenders in the fresh pasta biz forced me to get a real job. In a bank. Soul crushing work from teller up to customer service. Then into a series of private banks, not my potential, at all. Was this the same person?”
It would turn out that high creativity was Bobrow’s specialty. After being in banking for 20 years, he reinvented himself to follow his true passions in mixology and plant-based pursuits. He has presented on global forums including being a Berlin Bar Convent Ministry of Rum Judge, teaching a master class on rum at the Moscow Bar Show, being the only American journalist to cover France’s national food festival La Fete de la Gastronomie in 2012), and appearing as the Mercedes-Benz “Mystery Speaker” at SXSW 2018 on cannabis beverages.
“High-end cannabis is my topic when I do write,” Bobrow notes. He is a regular contributor to Forbes with in-depth pieces on the cannabis industry; his work has also been published in numerous outlets from Saveur to Eater to Skunk Magazine, and was named on the “Saveur 100” list of inspiring people. Bobrow was nominated for a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award, and prides himself on his Tales of the Cocktail employees-only tattoo.
Klaus The Gnome
A self-admitted cannabis enthusiast for over 50 years (“Ask me anything!” his bio proclaims), Bobrow mentions that the Klaus brand name comes from Klaus the Gnome, an 1850s drinking gnome statuette that accompanies him on all his travels. Believing in his companion’s powers of magic and luck, Bobrow has achieved many dreams with a unique guardian watching over him. He continues the work of bringing great joy to consumers everywhere. Cheers to that!
Warren Bobrow's "Drink Klaus" Weedsday Playlist
Of course, the Cocktail Whisperer’s Weedsday Playlist is an ode to the uplifting effects of the Klaus beverages and the gourmand’s zest for life. Though as he explains it: “The Drinkklaus.com playlist is inspired by my insatiable search for the authenticity of style.”
Dr. Atmo And DF Tram - "Wish For The Sun"
It’s hard to define what the music style of DF Tram falls into. Please allow me the opportunity to introduce you. When you are assailed by “pop” music in restaurants and in stores, all around really, it’s refreshing for me to know that there are still musicians and composers who are redefining the art of music. His music is more than just a metaphor for shutting out the world. “Wish For The Sun” is that aural wash of musical emotion over me.
Click here to play on Soundcloud!
The Who - "Love Reign O'er Me"
This is the literal definition of my experience of growing up sheltered in the ultra-wealth driven parts of NJ in the 1960s and the 1970s. When I was a boy, I spent much time rebelling from my deeply preppy upbringing and hanging around with the wrong crowd. One of my closest friends killed himself in my first year of college in 1980. I remember the phone call. I didn’t know how to deal with his death at the time, but fifty years later I still know the rage he held within. This song was something we listened to together in the short time that we were friends, and it will always resonate deeply within me. In fact, it brings a tear to my eye.
Click here to play on Spotify and Soundcloud!
Steve Roach - "Towards The Dream"
Another artist/composer who I look to over the years for enlightenment is Steve Roach. A native of the desert Southwest, I was first introduced to his music in the late 1970s. It was very early electronic music and I found it irresistible. The cadence and immense depth of Steve Roach’s music transcends time and enters a very intimate place…The Dreamtime. I’ve slept to his music and find my time in bed more productive and memorable.
Click here to play on Spotify and Soundcloud!
Led Zeppelin - "You Shook Me"
Another deep influence of my current day adventure is the music of Led Zeppelin. I was fortunate growing up, seeing Led Zeppelin in Los Angeles in the 1970s. An experience best described as moving and penetrating. A wall of sound? Yes. But grounded very deeply in the blues. A place where all musicians pay homage at least once in their careers.
Click here to play on Spotify!
*Editor's Note: Did you know? Led Zeppelin's "The Song Remains The Same" is on our list of tracks from Bands You'll Love After Consuming THC. Check it out here.
Louis Armstrong And Earl Hines - "Muggles"
It all goes back to Louis Armstrong. Muggles. Why we are here is because of the Muggles. Cannabis. Louis was a head. Phil Schaap from WKCR in NY told me about Louis Armstrong’s grave on August 4th (Louis’s actual birthday) about ten years ago. Phil was the ultimate Louis Armstrong head and he knew all the secrets of [manager and musician] Mezz Mezzrow and Louis Armstrong. Mezz is who I named my Klaus beverage after. Actually, a Mezzrole is a well rolled cannabis joint. Named for the father of weed dealing in the Jazz Era.... Mezz Mezzrow.
Click here to play on Spotify and via the Internet Archive!
For more about Warren Bobrow and Klaus, visit drinkklaus.com.
What are your favorite Weedsday tracks? Tell us about them - reach out at @honeysucklemagazine on Instagram and @HoneysuckleMag on Twitter!
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Featured image: Warren Bobrow and Klaus The Gnome (C) Klaus
