The Origin Story (Or: How I Accidentally Created a Website)
Look, I didn’t wake up one day and think “I’m going to build a website about drinking and gaming.” This whole thing started because I kept having the same conversation at parties:
Normal Person: “So what do you do for fun?”
Me: “I play video games and drink craft beer.”
Normal Person: “Oh… that’s… nice?”
Me: “No wait, hear me out—”
And then I’d spend 20 minutes explaining why the Barbarian in our campaign should drink bourbon, how IPAs pair with Elden Ring boss fights, and why every gaming night needs a signature cocktail. Most people’s eyes would glaze over. But SOME people would lean in and say “wait, tell me more.”
Those people? You’re reading this right now.
The Drunk Nerd was born from a simple realization: There’s a massive overlap between craft beer enthusiasts and gaming nerds, but nobody was serving that Venn diagram middle. Every gaming site treated alcohol like an afterthought (“Hey gamer, here’s a generic beer brand sponsorship!”). Every craft beer site treated gaming like it didn’t exist.
But WE know the truth. Gaming and drinking aren’t separate hobbies—they’re complementary experiences. The right beer makes a gaming session better. The right cocktail theme elevates your D&D campaign. A good drinking game turns movie night into a LEGENDARY event.
So in late 2007, after one too many whiskeys and one too many “somebody should make a website about this” conversations, I said “screw it” and registered DrunkNerd.com.
This is that website. You’re welcome.
Who The Hell Am I? (Credentials That Matter)
Hi, I’m Rob. I’m your resident Drunk Nerd, and here’s why you should trust me to guide you through the intersection of alcohol and nerd culture:
The Drinking Credentials:
🍺 15+ years of craft beer enthusiasm
I’ve been drinking craft beer since before it was cool (circa 2004, back when IPA stood for “India Pale Ale” not “I’ll Pretend to like Anything”). I’ve toured breweries across the US, attended beer festivals from Portland to Miami, and developed an unhealthy obsession with hop varieties.
🍹 Home bartending since 2015
I own more cocktail books than cooking books (sorry, Chef John). My liquor cabinet is organized by spirit category and I have OPINIONS about vermouth brands. I can make a proper Old Fashioned in my sleep. I’ve invented drinks that have won actual competitions (and many more that have been politely declined by friends).
🥃 Former homebrewer
Brewed my own beer from 2017-2021 until I realized buying beer was easier and my house smelled less like wet grain. But I understand mash temperatures, IBU calculations, and why your Hefeweizen tastes like bananas (it’s the yeast, not a mistake).
The Nerd Credentials:
🎮 30+ years of gaming
Started on Commodore 64 and NES in the early 90s. Owned every major console since. Built my first gaming PC in 2001. My Steam library has 500+ games I’ll never play. I’ve rage-quit more competitive games than I’ve finished single-player RPGs. I’m qualified to talk about gaming not because I’m GOOD at it, but because I’ve LIVED it.
🎲 Dungeons & Dragons player since 2012
I’ve played in campaigns that lasted years. I’ve DM’d campaigns that ended in disaster. I own $400+ worth of dice that I absolutely needed. I can argue about D&D 5e vs. Pathfinder for hours. I have STRONG opinions about Critical Role (mostly positive).
📺 Pop culture obsessive
I’ve watched every Star Wars movie multiple times (yes, even the bad ones). I can quote The Office, Parks and Rec, and It’s Always Sunny from memory. I’ve binged Stranger Things, The Witcher, Arcane, and every other “nerd culture” show that’s come out in the last decade. I know who would win in a fight (it’s always Batman with prep time).
🤓 Tech nerd
I work in tech (software/data). I understand APIs, databases, and why your computer is slow (it’s probably Chrome). I’ve built websites since the early 2000s. I troubleshoot my own tech problems before calling support like a REAL nerd.
Why This Combination Matters:
Most gaming sites are written by people who think “craft beer” means Stella Artois.
Most beer sites are written by people who think “gaming” means Candy Crush.
I’m the rare weirdo who DEEPLY cares about both. I know the difference between a West Coast IPA and a New England IPA. I also know the difference between a Soulslike and a Roguelike. This niche exists because people like us exist… we just needed someone to document it.
What Makes The Drunk Nerd Different? (Our Unfair Advantages)
1. We Actually Test Everything
Every cocktail recipe on this site? I’ve made it. Multiple times. I’ve tweaked the ratios, tested different spirits, and figured out what works.
Every beer recommendation? I’ve drunk it. Some of them many times (for science).
Every gaming night guide? I’ve run it with actual humans in actual social settings.
We don’t copy-paste from press releases. We don’t recommend products we haven’t used. We don’t write about drinking games we’ve only read about. If it’s on this site, it’s been TESTED by someone who actually gives a shit.
2. We Combine Communities That Didn’t Know They Needed Each Other
Craft beer nerds and gaming nerds are basically the same people with different hobbies. We’re both:
- Obsessive about our interests
- Happy to spend money on premium experiences
- Excited to learn technical details nobody else cares about
- Always looking for the next new thing to try
- Willing to argue about subjective opinions for HOURS
The Drunk Nerd brings these communities together. You’re not “just” a gamer. You’re not “just” a craft beer enthusiast. You’re BOTH, and that’s beautiful.
3. We Take Drinking Seriously But Not TOO Seriously
Here’s our philosophy: Alcohol can enhance experiences when used responsibly. Good beer makes a gaming session more fun. A themed cocktail makes your D&D campaign more immersive. A drinking game turns a mediocre movie into a memorable night.
But we also know:
- Drinking too much makes you worse at games (and life)
- Hangovers are terrible
- Not everyone drinks alcohol (we love you, NA beverage enthusiasts)
- Drinking and driving is never okay
- Responsible consumption is part of the fun
We’ll give you drinking game rules with built-in hydration breaks. We’ll recommend high-ABV cocktails with “pace yourself” warnings. We’ll include non-alcoholic alternatives. We’re here for a good time AND a long time.
4. We’re Funny But Also Useful
A lot of humor sites are just jokes with no substance. A lot of useful sites are boring as hell.
We split the difference. You’ll laugh while reading our articles. You’ll ALSO walk away with actionable information—actual cocktail recipes, real beer recommendations, tested gaming night formats, honest product reviews.
Entertainment + Education = The Drunk Nerd formula.
What You’ll Find Here (Our Content Pillars)
🍺 Craft Beer Reviews & Education
We review IPAs, stouts, lagers, sours—everything that’s not Bud Light (no shade, it’s just not our focus). We explain beer styles, hop varieties, brewing techniques. We rank the best beers of the year. We pair beers with games, movies, and activities.
What makes our beer content different: We don’t write like pretentious beer snobs. We write like enthusiastic friends recommending beers at a party.
🍹 Cocktail Recipes & Bartending Guides
We create themed cocktails based on video games, movies, TV shows, and nerd culture. We teach bartending basics. We review bar tools and equipment. We share drinking game rules.
What makes our cocktail content different: Every recipe is tested multiple times and includes “Nerd Tips” for optimization. We’re not just copying recipes from other sites… we’re creating original content.
🎮 Gaming Night Guides
We show you how to host the perfect gaming night… what games to play, what drinks to serve, how to structure the evening, what snacks to provide. Board games, video games, D&D campaigns… we cover it all.
What makes our gaming content different: We combine entertainment with practical logistics. You’ll get game recommendations AND drink pairings AND setup tips.
🎬 Movie & TV Drinking Games
We create drinking games for popular movies and shows. Stranger Things. Marvel movies. Fantasy series. Horror films. Each guide includes rules, drink recommendations, and safety guidelines.
What makes our drinking game content different: We balance fun with responsibility. Every guide includes lower ABV alternatives and hydration reminders.
⚙️ Gear & Gadget Reviews
We review gaming equipment, smart home bar tech, streaming gear, cocktail tools… anything at the intersection of technology and leisure. And yes, we test products both sober AND drunk (our Drunk vs Sober review series).
What makes our gear content different: We test products the way you’ll actually use them—not in perfect conditions, but in REAL conditions (including after a few drinks).
Our Mission (Why We Do This)
The Drunk Nerd exists to prove that responsible drinking and nerdy hobbies aren’t just compatible… they’re complementary.
We’re building a community where:
- Nobody judges you for drinking a fruity cocktail while playing Elden Ring
- Craft beer enthusiasm and gaming enthusiasm are equally respected
- Theme nights are encouraged and celebrated
- Responsible consumption is the default, not an afterthought
- Nerdy references are understood and appreciated
- Everyone’s invited to the party
Whether you’re a hardcore gamer who wants to level up your drink game, a craft beer enthusiast looking for entertainment pairings, or someone who just wants to make their social gatherings more fun… you’re in the right place.
The Values That Guide Us
1. Authenticity Over Advertising
We’ll never recommend a product just because a brand paid us. If we review something, it’s because we genuinely think it’s worth your time and money. If a product sucks, we’ll tell you. Our credibility depends on honesty.
(That said, we do use affiliate links to keep the lights on. If you buy something we recommend, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to products we actually believe in.)
2. Responsibility Over Recklessness
We love drinking. We also love NOT destroying our lives with alcohol. Every drinking game includes safety guidelines. Every high ABV cocktail includes pacing advice. We promote hydration, moderation, and never driving drunk.
Fun doesn’t require getting blackout drunk. In fact, the best nights are the ones you actually remember.
3. Inclusivity Over Gatekeeping
New to craft beer? Welcome! Don’t know the difference between an IPA and a stout? We’ll teach you. Never played D&D? We’ll show you how. Just getting into gaming? We’ve got guides for that.
The nerd community has a gatekeeping problem. The craft beer community has a snobbishness problem. We reject both. Everyone’s welcome here, regardless of experience level.
4. Quality Over Quantity
We’d rather publish one GREAT article per week than seven mediocre ones. Every piece on this site is researched, tested, and crafted with care. We’re not churning out SEO spam… we’re creating content WE would want to read.
What Readers Are Saying (Social Proof)
“I didn’t know I needed a website about drinking and gaming until I found this. Now I can’t imagine my Friday nights without it.” – Mike T.
“The D&D cocktail guide was incredible. My entire party made their character drinks and it was the best session we’ve ever had.” – Sarah K.
“Finally, someone who understands that craft beer and video games go together. This is MY website.” – Jason L.
“The Drunk vs Sober reviews are comedy gold, but they’re also legitimately useful. I bought the headphones based on the review and I love them.” – Amanda R.
Join The Community
The Drunk Nerd isn’t just a website… it’s a community of people who believe life’s better when you combine your hobbies instead of keeping them separate.
📧 Newsletter:
Your message has been sent
📱 Follow Us
- Twitter/X: @thedrunknerd – Hot takes, beer reviews, gaming commentary
- Discord: [Coming Soon] – Community server for gaming nights, beer talk, recipe sharing
✍️ Contribute
Have an idea for a themed cocktail? Ran an epic gaming night? Found an amazing beer?
Contact us: HERE
Pitch guidelines: Be funny, be useful, be authentic
We accept guest posts, reader submissions, and collaboration ideas. If it fits the niche, we want to hear about it.
FAQ (Because You’re Probably Wondering)
Q: Are you encouraging alcoholism?
A: Hell no. We encourage RESPONSIBLE drinking as part of a balanced lifestyle. Moderation, hydration, and never drinking and driving are core values here.
Q: What if I don’t drink alcohol?
A: We love you! Many of our guides include non alcoholic alternatives. The gaming/nerd content is universal. Stick around—there’s plenty for you.
Q: Do you make money from this site?
A: Yes, through affiliate links, ads, and (eventually) digital products. We’re transparent about this. If we recommend something, it’s because we genuinely believe in it—not just because we get a commission.
Q: Can I hire you for my event?
A: Maybe! Contact Us
Q: What’s your favorite beer?
A: Changes constantly, but I’m always down for a good IPA or a barrel aged stout.
Q: What’s your favorite game?
A: Also changes constantly. Current rotation: Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, whatever indie roguelike just came out.
Q: Do you actually test things drunk?
A: Yes, for the Drunk vs Sober review series. Always at home, always safely, always responsibly. It’s stupid but it’s informative.
The Bottom Line
The Drunk Nerd is what happens when someone with too much time, too many hobbies, and a decent whiskey collection decides to document the intersection of gaming and craft beverages.
It’s for people who:
- Think theme nights should be THEMATIC
- Believe good beer makes good games better
- Want their social gatherings to be memorable
- Appreciate both substance and style
- Aren’t afraid to be nerdy AND tipsy
If that sounds like you, welcome home, nerd.
Grab a drink, fire up a game, and let’s make some memories.
Cheers,
Rob
Founder, Head Nerd, Chief Taste Tester
The Drunk Nerd
P.S. – If you’ve read this far, you’re officially part of the community. Drop a comment on any article and say hi. I read every one.
P.P.S. – Seriously, don’t drink and drive. Call an Uber. Crash on a friend’s couch. Walk home. Whatever. Just don’t drive.
P.P.P.S. – If you’re a brand that wants to work with us, contact us. We’re picky, but we’re open to collaborations that fit the vibe.
P.P.P.P.S. – Yes, the site name is intentionally provocative. No, I won’t change it. Yes, my mom thinks it’s dumb. No, I don’t care. This is ART, MOM.
Last Updated: December 2025
Written while drinking: A very nice IPA (Bell’s Two Hearted, if you must know)
Currently playing: Baldur’s Gate 3 (again)
Sobriety Level: Moderate (for now)