About Matt Pietrek aka The Rum Wonk
What began as my casual curiosity about rum cocktails eventually turned into an obsession with all things rum—its history, how it’s made at a deep technical level, and the industry surrounding it. Along the way, I discovered that much of what people think they know about rum is incomplete, misunderstood, or just plain wrong. Untangling the myths and misunderstandings around rum became the mission and changed my career path. In a few short years I went from writing books about Windows systems engineering to becoming an author, historian, consultant, educator, and publisher.
Today, I research and write about rum history, production, and the global rum industry. My work combines archival digging, technical analysis, and time spent inside distilleries with the people who make the spirit. Along the way I started a publishing company to ensure my fanatical attention to detail reached readers exactly the way I intended. Not many traditional publishers would let me do an 850-page, 8-lb. book!
What I Do
Researching rum
This includes historical research, production methods, and the economics and regulations shaping the rum industry today.
Writing books and articles
My books and long-form articles aim to make complex rum topics accessible to bartenders, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
Teaching and speaking
I regularly present seminars and workshops about rum history, production, and tasting.
Books & Publishing
Beyond the Rum Wonk newsletter, I also write books.
My first book, Minimalist Tiki, was a 2020 Spirited Award finalist for Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book.
My second book, Modern Caribbean Rum: A Contemporary Reference to the Region’s Essential Spirit, was the 2023 Spirited Award winner for Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits. It’s an 850-page encyclopedia of rum covering rum making, the rum industry, and features detailed looks at over 75 Caribbean rum producers.
My third book, The Rum Never Sets, co-written with Alexandre Gabriel, is the most comprehensive history of Royal Navy rum and the legendary blends of London Dock ever written. It explodes many myths and reveals stories never told before.
In the midst of all the above, I also contributed entries to the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, edited by David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum.
Consulting
I serve as the community envoy for the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA), a trade group representing more than 30 rum producers across 14 CARICOM countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad. In that role, I work closely with the management and technical teams at member distilleries, helping connect them with rum enthusiasts and shining a brighter light on the diversity and quality of Caribbean rum.
In addition, I work directly with rum producers and brands on consulting, education, and content projects. This ranges from helping explain production techniques and history to creating materials that make rum more understandable—and more appreciated—by bartenders, enthusiasts, and the wider spirits world.
Articles
My Rum Wonk and Cocktail Wonk articles are known for breaking down complex topics into clear narrative explanations.
Rum Wonk highlights advanced, industry-insider perspectives on rum, both past and present, while Cocktail Wonk covers cocktails and other distilled spirits. Before starting Rum Wonk, my rum topic writings appeared on Cocktail Wonk. (Rum Articles on CocktailWonk)
I’ve also written for numerous beverage industry publications including PUNCH, Bevvy, Drinks International, ADI Distiller, Distilled, and Bourbon Plus.
Rum Educator
I regularly present seminars and workshops at industry events and festivals around the world, including:
Paris Rumfest
Miami Rum Congress
The UK Rumfest
I also offer advanced level 1-on-1 rum education sessions for private individuals.
Social Media
Personal Life
In my previous life I was a software architect for several high-profile companies, including Borland International, NuMega and Microsoft. Before my attention turned to rum and cocktails, I wrote three books on Windows systems engineering.
Short Bio (for press use)
Matt Pietrek is an obsessive chronicler of rum and tropical drinks. He blends research, reporting, and practical insight for bartenders and enthusiasts alike. Through his Rum Wonk platform, he explores the history, production, and culture of the world’s most diverse spirit, while Cocktail Wonk highlights the craft of tropical libations—past and present.