Meet Drinkologistt. A brand built by Stephen Jamunar that simplifies wine, spirits and cocktails to help people learn the depth of the industry of drinking. Stephen also works as a bar consultant to help restaurants and bars elevate their experience.
“My Brand is one of simplicity. In the Drink Industry, especially when it comes to alcohol, superiority is held by an exclusive society. It is the reason that wines and spirits are earmarked by pretentious behavior. I despise this as they have made the industry too complicated for people to easily learn and be able to try better quality drinks. This is why I have created a brand of education through simplicity. I stand by the phrase, “Let’s not complicate this!” to be able to breakdown the confusing jargon and show people that they can learn and figure out what they like to drink.”
When it comes to the name, Stephen chose Drinkologistt because he is a connoisseur of drinks. “Not just wine, or beers but all drinks! My favorite realm of drinks to explore are actually Non – Alcoholic cocktails (Zero Proof) as it is a segment of the market that is overlooked. Therefore, I needed a name to reflect the span of everything drinks. I came up with a great combination of mixing the term drinks and mixologist that is already associated with drinking culture and then to stay True to my roots, I had to add in the extra T, to signify our native Trinidad and Tobago.”
Stephen has always been interested in the drinks industry. “I have been studying the science of drinking since I was sixteen and actually took my passion into my studies, studying the science of drinking and then collaborating with establishments across the US. When I returned to Trinidad, I realized that for as big as a drinking culture as we have here, it is underdeveloped and it starts with people not knowing what’s available to them and establishments not taking advantage of the rich resources Trinidad has to offer. This is where I decided to make a difference and help these places to elevate the drinking culture in Trinidad and Tobago.”
When it comes to milestones, Stephen has many. “I got my Bachelor’s degree in Florida in Chemical Engineering, focusing on Molecular Gastronomy (Food Science related) then I achieved my Master’s degree for Management in Los Angeles (USC). It’s here where I also studied for my advanced degree in Wine and Spirits from the WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) and where I also consulted with bars across the state to form new creations and even form new groups to discuss wine and spirits. On returning to Trinidad, I am currently forming a new organization that will partner with all the brands available in Trinidad to offer simplified approaches to learning about drinks through tastings, seminars and trainings.”
Stephen has also learned many lessons as an entrepreneur so far. “I’ve learned to fail and to enjoy failing. There is no greater lesson to learn once you’ve failed. Learning from where you went wrong, can only better prepare you for what you do in the future. I have been involved in many startups and many concepts that did not go according to plan but it allowed me to grow and to be more prepared for my future endeavours.”
As for any advice for those who may want to begin their journey as an entrepreneur? “Like Nike says, “Just do it”. Don’t wait until you are comfortable, go out and do what you want to do. Make it happen. Do everything in your power to achieve it and don’t let anything hold you back. Then fail, then try again and keep going until you’ve achieved your goal.”
Stephen believes he stands out as a professional in this industry that dabbles in everything. “Many people will choose to specialize in one field, whether it be wine, beer or cocktails but I choose to be a jack of all trades. More importantly, I take my education to an unprecedented level in this industry. I have studied the science behind this art so I can tell you the enthalpy of different forms of ice and the effects of fast aging spirits but remember… We’re not complicating this! My best skill in this trade is to fully understand the concept to then be able to simplify it for everyone to understand.”
