At the intersection of spirits, science, technology, and drinks
Writer | Educator | Consultant | Educator
My spirited journey started around 2007 with a modest home bar that soon grew out of control. A decade later, I left my 30-year career in software engineering to focus full time on my passion for all things spirits and cocktails. Along the way I became an award-winning book author, educator, historian, consultant, and publisher.
In addition to this site (Cocktail Wonk,) I also write about deep rum topics on my Rum Wonk Substack site.
Along with my wife, Carrie Smith, we’ve published four books via our Wonk Press publishing company.
The first of these two books are written by Carrie and me:
- Modern Caribbean Rum: A Contemporary Reference to the Region’s Essential Spirit, winner of the 2023 Spirited Award for Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits.
- Minimalist Tiki: A Cocktail Wonk Look at Classic Libations and the Modern Tiki Vanguard, Top Four Spirited Awards finalist for Best Cocktail Book (2020).
I serve as the Community Envoy for the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producer’s Association (WIRSPA) and advise a number of cane spirits brands.
My passion for sprits history also extends to whiskey, and I was the Vintage column author for Bourbon Plus.
I also do commissioned writing projects that benefit from my subject matter expertise. Feel free to contact me for a quote.
I’m active on social media and have substantial followings on Instagram and Facebook.
Awards & Award Nominations
- 2023: Modern Caribbean Rum book: Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards winner of winner of Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits.
- 2020: Minimalist Tiki book: Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards “Top Ten” for Best Cocktail & Spirits Writer, Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication (Cocktail Wonk), and Best New Cocktail & Bartending Book.
- 2019: Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards “Final Four” for Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication (Cocktail Wonk)
- 2018: Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards “Final Four” for Best Cocktail & Spirits Writer.
- 2017: Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award “Top Ten” for Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication (Cocktail Wonk)
Publication Portfolio
- Bourbon Plus (Vintage Columnist)
- PUNCH
- Bevvy (Ruminations Column)
- Rumporter
- Distilled
- Distiller
- Caviar Affair
Presenter
- Tales of the Cocktail
- Bar Convent Brooklyn
- Bar Convent Berlin
- UK Rumfest
- Black Tot 50th Anniversary 24 Hour Event
- Miami Rum Congress
- California Rumfest
- New York Rumfest
- Tiki Oasis
- The Hukilau
- Tiki by the Sea
- US Bartenders Guild
Other Highlights
- Imbibe Magazine’s Imbibe 75 list of people to watch in 2018.
- International Sugarcane Spirits Awards judge
- Credentialed media at Tales of the Cocktail 2015 – 2020.
- Saveur Magazine 2018 Best Drinks Blog finalist
- American Craft Spirits Association judge, 2017
- Miami Run Renaissance judge, 2016
- Author and Rum Reviewer for at Distiller.
- Featured in Punch’s Home Bartending Goes Hardcore
In a prior life, I authored several books and hundreds of articles on Microsoft Windows, reverse engineering, and software development. At the time, I was internationally recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on the topic.
An integral part of Cocktail Wonk is Mrs. Wonk (aka, Carrie in her civilian life), who provides sage advice, storytelling wisdom, copy-editing and humorous asides.
