I used to write a newspaper column about beer, and taught a beer class for bartenders. I homebrewed for quite some time, but haven't lately. My tastes run toward the hearty ales of the British isles: porters, stouts, Scottish ales, wee heavies.

In the spirit realm, it's single malt Scotch, preferably the smokey malty stuff from Islay, although I do quite enjoy a good reposado or añejo tequila.