Chesney McDonald
Location
Cape Town, South Africa
School
University Of Auckland, New Zealand
Expertise
Wine, Gin, Craft Beer, And Coffee, BBQ Meats, International Food
- Chesney is a qualified expert in wine, spirits, and beer, earning level two of the international standard, WSET, with distinction.
- He's passionate about culinary exploration and the intersection of food and culture.
- Born in South Africa, Chesney is pathologically obsessed with flame-grilled meats.
Experience
Chesney has always been a passionate writer and foodie, making his living as a writer since 2019. In hungry pursuit of the world's best street food, his curious tastebuds and enthusiasm for travel have led him to 35 countries. Chesney marketed some of New Zealand's top craft beer, cider, and gin brands, working for Heineken NZ and the award-winning Australian gin brand Four Pillars. He's been published in beer magazine The Pursuit of Hoppiness and written about international food as a travel writer for Stuff.co.nz. Over the last two and a half years, Chesney worked as a senior writer for the Canadian market of Indeed.com's international campaign. Now, Chesney engages his passion for food and language as a writer for Tasting Table.
Education
Chesney holds a Bachelor of the Arts, with a double major in English and film, television, and media studies from the University of Auckland.
Tasting Table’s editorial coverage hails from a veteran group of writers and editors with expertise in their respective fields in the food and drink, hospitality, and agriculture industries. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information and original recipes.
We strive to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day; cooking tips, tricks, and trends; or reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Chesney McDonald
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Canada boasts over 1,300 breweries, so it was hard to find and rank our favorite breweries and beers. These are the most popular Canadian beer brands, ranked.
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Many distilleries have taken steps to reduce the negative environmental impact of alcohol production. Here's how distilleries are becoming more sustainable.
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Bourbon tastings are even more fun when you know what they're like. Here are the experts-suggested etiquette tips to follow on a distillery tour.
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Not sure what to do with that bottle of salted caramel whiskey? Put it to use in some of these creative cocktail twists we've come up with for you.
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The gin and tonic might be tried and true, but with a few creative garnishes, you can bring some excitement back to this cocktail. Here's what you should use.
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Bourbon is one of those amazing spirits you can enjoy straight-up and as a mixed drink. We spoke with experts to learn what mixers work best with bourbon.
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Rum-based cocktails are delicious, but not all types of rum deliver the complexity or quality that can transform a familiar drink into a masterful mixture.
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With elements dating back to a tipple enjoyed by Ireland's ancient chieftains, Irish Mist Honey Liqueur is steeped in history, as our bottle guide explains.
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Many would say bourbon and chocolate are made for each other. But with so many brands, knowing which pairs work can be difficult. Thankfully, we did the work.
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The popularity of Indian whisky is on the rise. Aficionados across the world are turning to these brands in order to get a taste of the country's spirit.
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Looking to make some green beer for St. Patrick's Day? We interviewed two beer experts for their advice on the best kinds of beer to dye green.
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If you're a fan of bourbon whiskey and wondering which brands to use when making a Manhattan, here are the best bourbons for the classic cocktail.
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You don't have to stick with egg whites to give your cocktail that luxurious foamy crown ─ here are some great alternatives, from aquafaba to fresh fruit pulp.
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Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon bottles are unique, and there's a lot you may not know about why they're shaped that way and why it matters.
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If you didn't know whiskey is clear before it ages in a barrel, you may not know much about white whiskey. Here's 11 drinks to mix with the unaged whiskey.
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You don't need to spend top dollar to enjoy top-shelf spirits. This guide provides tips for which liquor brands offer the best quality for the lowest prices.
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A wide range of cherry-flavored whiskey awaits you, whether you use it as a creative cocktail addition or sip it straight to satisfy a sweet tooth.
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Whipped coffees may be showing up on social media, but there's more than one type of this beverage, and some that should absolutely be more widely known.
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Ever wonder what the difference is between sirloin and tri-tip steak? Read on as we break down these steaks, from tenderness to cooking methods.
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It takes more than knowing how to swirl cognac in a snifter to become a bona fide brandy aficionado. We present the basics to truly enjoy eau de vie.
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Coffee shops are one of the most common things to find across the world, but these special and unique cafes do a great job of standing out among the crowd.
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Irish beer doesn't often get a ton of recognition, but it should, and these popular brands are the reason why, from the most familiar stouts to rare ales.