Rum Wonk and Cocktail Wonk

Matt Pietrek is an author, publisher, and educator specializing in rum, tropical cocktails, and spirits-focused publishing. Widely known as “Cocktail Wonk” and “Rum Wonk,” he has built a body of work that bridges deep historical research, technical insight, and practical application for both industry professionals and enthusiasts. His books and websites have established him as a leading voice in modern spirits writing, with a focus on making dense topics approachable.Through his Rum Wonk website, Matt explores all aspects of rum, spanning history, production techniques, regulatory frameworks, and industry analysis. His book Modern Caribbean Rum is the definitive reference on today’s rum. The Rum Never Sets, co-written with Alexandre Gabriel, examines rum’s history through the lens of the British colonial era and its lasting global impact.Cocktail Wonk is his website for tropical drinks and Tiki culture, where he combines recipe development, historical context, and practical guidance for both bartenders and home enthusiasts. His book Minimalist Tiki distills classic and modern tropical cocktails into a streamlined, system-driven framework that emphasizes both accessibility and depth.Matt also co-owns Wonk Press, an independent publishing company dedicated to high-quality books in the spirits and drinks space. Through Wonk Press, he develops and publishes both his own titles and those of other authors, focusing on niche, enthusiast-driven subjects often overlooked by traditional publishers.Across Rum Wonk, Cocktail Wonk, and Wonk Press, his work reflects a consistent aim: helping readers understand spirited topics through rigorous research, clear communication, and excellent presentation.Links·       Rum Wonk: https://www.rumwonk.com/·       Cocktail Wonk: https://cocktailwonk.com/·       Wonk Press: https://www.wonkpress.com/Book Links·       Modern Caribbean Rum: https://www.wonkpress.com/products/modern-caribbean-rum·       Minimalist Tiki: https://www.wonkpress.com/products/minimalist-tiki-softcover·       The Rum Never Sets: https://www.wonkpress.com/products/the-rum-never-sets·        Social Media·       @cocktailwonk: Facebook, Instagram, Threads·       @rumwonk: Facebook, Instagram, Threads·