Jason Burton: KC tastemaker
Mad scientists have historically received a bad rap, but Jason Burton — one of the most accomplished drink tinkerers in Kansas City — could help change people’s minds when it comes to trying new coffee and cocktail recipes.
Burton is the product designer cum brand manager behind Lab 5702, which provides beverage consultation, package design and flavoring advice for individuals and corporations around the country.
“My house is a lab,” says Burton. “I love that I’m doing something different every day.”
He might spend the morning working on marketing or social media strategies for any of the three beverage companies that keep him on retainer — PT’s Coffee Roasting Co., Two Leaves and a Bud tea company and the Solas Distillery — and the afternoon could find him in the kitchen using his 3-year-old son as a taste tester for new syrup combinations. At night, he’s probably tasting vodka or bourbon as he helps design a specialty cocktail for someone who wants a signature drink for a backyard barbecue.
“It’s like creating a business card for someone. Once I design you the drink, you own it,” Burton says.
