He grew up in an Indiana town, had a chain-smokin’ mama who always was around. Now he lives in Baltimore, where he helps raise two kids and wrangles two cats, while writing about spirits and cocktails.

He’s been many things over the years: a drinker, teacher, editor, accidental bartender (very very briefly), husband, dad, shoulder to cry on, PTA president, Girl Scout leader, builder of flat-pack furniture, and most often a real pain in the ass.