Guest blog: TheCocktailGeek.com

Introduction

I find myself explaining how I came to be here writing about cocktails with more than a minor niggle that fate might just have had some part to play. My own rationality has at times been known to border on the pathological so you’ll not usually hear me advocating a fatalistic attitude, and for the rational-minded fate is an uncomfortable concept. The whole “what will be, will be” thing sounds nice enough, but lurking behind its fluffy exterior is the insinuation that you might as well give up trying as it’s going to happen anyway.

There was a time when my experience of cocktails extended no further than your typical student house-party ‘punch’ and a snowball at Christmas.  It all changed however five years ago when a stroll through a small Warwickshire town in search of an off-license led me to happen upon the Kenilworth hotel; or more specifically its fantastic cocktail bar.  I had never visited such a place before and cocktails were not something I had given much consideration to.  Nonetheless I found myself entering, and the result was that this bar can now claim responsibility for inspiring an interest in spirits and cocktails that might now be considered an obsession!  Regrettably the specifics of my imbibing that night is somewhat of a blur, but what I do recall was the captivating way in which our bartender regaled us with heavenly cocktails and enthusiastic, knowledgeable hospitality.

Passion for spirits

Fast forward a few years, and cocktails have become a not insignificant part of my life.  In addition to a home-bar of quite frankly ridiculous proportions, I enjoy sharing my passion for spirits and cocktails through my site thecocktailgeek.com and am extremely proud to call myself a founding member of the London Cocktail Society (along with the lovely ladies behind Ginmonkey and The London Cocktail Guide) .  I am fortunate to live and work in London, and so have some of the worlds most revered cocktail bars right on my doorstep.  I could happily chat cocktails all day and for those of you who tweet, you might like to say hi via @thecocktailgeek.

 

Cocktails for me are more than just a means to become intoxicated.  They are social, fun, educational, inspirational, relaxing, stimulating and a whole bunch more.  There is something a little magical about a well-made cocktail that defies rational explanation, but which can all too easily captivate the unwary.

 

In the coming articles I will seek to share some of my enthusiasm for alcoholic beverages and perhaps offer some of my thoughts on the industry as well.  Approaching as I am from a consumer’s perspective I can’t promise industry expertise, nor can I promise not to be a little opinionated or controversial!  Where my ramblings will head no-one knows, but that’s OK.  After all what will be, will be.

 

The Cocktail Geek