Matt Pietrek

Matt Pietrek is an American spirits and cocktail writer. Previously, he was a computer specialist and author specializing in Microsoft Windows. Pietrek also has a keen interest in cocktails and spirits, and he writes a blog on the subject. Pietrek has written several books on Microsoft Windows and for eight years wrote the column "Under the Hood" in MSJ (and subsequently) MSDN Magazine. As of April 2004 he has been working at Microsoft, initially on Visual Studio. From the Author's Cocktail Wonk site: "... I began my spirited journey in 2007 with a modest home bar that grew out of control. I soon turned to writing, using my acclaimed skills of making complex topics accessible and fun. From distillation to cocktails, and spirit regulations to history, my ethos is going deep. Often this takes me into little known and overlooked topics. Besides my work here, I’ve also written books, commissioned works, and numerous articles for print and online publications. My writing has received Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award nominations in four consecutive years (Best Writer, Best Publication, Best Cocktail Book.) While my portfolio covering many topics, rum is my particular passion. The history of Caribbean rum is a favorite obsession, and I’ve written a commissioned history of London Dock and British Navy rum. I also serve as the Community Envoy for the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producer’s Association (WIRSPA), and advise a number of cane spirits brands. I also serve as the director of Rum Curation and Education for the Museum of Distilled Spirits. With my wife, Carrie [Smith], we wrote and published Minimalist Tiki: A Cocktail Wonk Look at Classic Libations and the Modern Tiki Vanguard, a Top Four Spirited Awards finalist for Best Cocktail Book (2020). My passion for sprits history also extends to whiskey, and I pen the Bourbon Plus magazine Vintage column.."