World's 50 Best Bars
Matt Pietrek
- Discipline
- World's 50 Best Bars
Made By record
Awards & recognition
1 total
1 winner
Portrait of Matt Pietrek
i. Biography
The Climb
Rum and cocktail writing is the throughline in Matt Pietrek’s work, with the category narrowed further to the technical and historical life of rum. He has described that pull plainly: “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.”
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Today
Current work for Matt Pietrek sits across writing, consultation, education, and publishing, with rum and cocktails as the core subject matter. His output stays close to the mechanics of the category: what rum is, how it is made, and how it functions in the glass.
Signature
Matt's signature dishes include Modern Caribbean Rum, Minimalist Tiki, The Rum Never Sets, and The Reverend's Tai.
In Their Words “I’m still relatively new to the rum world, but I learn quickly and burrow deep into the how and why.” “I’m particularly proud of my Denizen posts in this regard.”
FAQ
Asked of Matt
What is Matt Pietrek's current role?
As of 2026, Matt Pietrek is Head Wonk of Freelance.
What recognition has Matt Pietrek received?
Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award, Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits (2023).
What is Matt Pietrek known for?
Cocktails.
Explore
The Sunday email
Get new Made By stories every Sunday.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.