Nate Shuman tapped as beverage director at forthcoming Scout in Decatur/Oakhurst

Shuman, who's bar chops include now shuttered 4th & Swift and Top Flr, and who perfected P&P's barrel and glass-aged cocktail programs, brings his extensive whiskey knowledge and love of smoking brandy-soaked cherries under glass to Scout where he will serve as the restaurant's beverage director. But don't expect the cocktail program to be highfalutin with an uber hipster vibe as that is neither Shuman's nor owners Chris Martha and chef Michael Semancik's style,

“Even though we will take a ‘craft’ approach and create many of our drink ingredients in-house like housemade syrups and sodas, we’re avoiding the attitude that sometimes accompanies that philosophy,” says Shuman. “Our goal is to make Scout the place that serves a great version of your favorite drink--whether it’s a cocktail original to our restaurant or a classic that anyone could make at home. We want our guests to smile, relax and enjoy their experience.”

Shuman says he will be pulling together a rotating selection of Southern craft beers as well as regularly updating his cocktail lists which will focus on fresh, housemade ingredients to complement chef Semancik’s regionally-sourced, “simple yet sophisticated” cuisine.

Scout, 321 West Hill St., Decatur. scoutoakhurst.com.

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