Wonk: A person who likes to think about or study something and spends a great amount of time doing it

Hello! I’m Matt Pietrek. Thanks for your interest in my spirited site! Feel free to contact me at cocktailwonk @ gmail.com.

I’m a spirits and cocktail writer, educator and historian. This site, cocktailwonk.com, is where I share my whatever interests me regarding spirits, cocktails, tiki and tropical libations, bars, and spirited history.

In 2018, I was a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards “Final Four” nominee for Best Spirits Writer.
In 2019, Cocktail Wonk was a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards “Final Four” nominee for Best Publication.

My first two books cover very different aspects of spirits and cocktails:

Minimalist Tiki: A Cocktail Wonk Look at Classic Libations and the Modern Tiki Vanguard
A History of Empire Rum: London Dock and British Navy Rum (Exact title TBD.) A consulting project with Plantation Rum.

I write extensively about cane spirits, and am the Community Envoy for the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA).

I also write for a number of other publications (see below).

I’m also very active on social media, with a large following on Instagram and Facebook.

Publication Portfolio

Bourbon Plus (Vintage Columnist)
PUNCH
Bevvy (Ruminations Column)
Rumporter
Distilled
Distiller
Caviar Affair

Educational Event Speaker

Tales of the Cocktail presenter
Bar Convent Brooklyn and Bar Convent Berlin presenter
UK Rumfest Presenter
California and New York Rumfest presenter
Hukilau presenter
Tiki by the Sea presenter

Other Highlights

Saveur Magazine 2018 Best Drinks Blog finalist (announcement forthcoming!)
Imbibe Magazine’s Imbibe 75 list of people to watch in 2018.
Tales of the Cocktail 2017 Spirited Award “Top Ten” finalist in the Best Cocktail and Spirits Publication category.
Credentialed media at Tales of the Cocktail 2015 – 2019.
Dubbed “America’s foremost rum blogger” by noted author Fred Minnick in his book, Rum Curious
Primary technical reviewer for Fred Minnick’s Rum Curious book.
American Craft Spirits Association judge, 2017
Miami Run Renaissance judge, 2016
Author and Rum Reviewer for the Webby Award winning Distiller as a member of their tasting table
Featured in Punch’s Home Bartending Goes Hardcore
Featured in Chilled’s 7 Instagram Accounts to Make You Thirsty
Toured every major American bourbon distillery in Kentucky
Visited twelve Scotch whisky distilleries in Islay and Speyside
Visited twenty Caribbean rum distilleries

I’ve previously authored a number of books and articles on Microsoft Windows, reverse engineering, and software development, and been recognized internationally as one of the world’s foremost experts on the topic.

I now use my ability to immerse myself in the world of spirits, cocktails, and bars. Much as when I wrote about Windows, I dig deep into a topic, demystify it and then explain it in a straightforward manner.

An integral part of the Cocktail Wonk experience is Mrs. Wonk (aka, Carrie in her civilian life), who provides storytelling wisdom, copy-editing and many humorous asides.