About Me
It's me! Shane McNamara
I’ve always believed the martini is more than just a cocktail, it’s a canvas of tradition, innovation, and personal expression.
My journey with drinks has taken me around the world from judging competitions in France, Australia, Japan, Korea, South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom, to writing for publications like Brewer & Distiller International, Drinks Business, the BBC, and Forbes.
I hold an MSc in Brewing Science, WSET Level 2 in Spirits, and a Sensory Evaluation qualification from the Institute of Food Science & Technology. As one of only a handful of Master Cicerones globally, I combine technical mastery with sensory expertise across beer and beyond. Together, these experiences shape my perspective on flavor, process, and culture across the drinks world.
For me, the martini is where science meets art. I love exploring how dilution changes texture, glassware alters aroma, or a small tweak in gin or vermouth transforms balance. Yet I also celebrate its magic. How you can order one anywhere and discover a new interpretation, or dictate every detail to make it truly your own.
Through this site, I hope to share not just recipes and techniques, but the stories, science, and sensory experiences that make the martini timeless.
