As a New Yorker who currently lives in Los Angeles and a West Indian steeped in English Breakfast tea, J. Fergus has always had an international mindset rooted in compassion and respect for other cultures.

They currently review bars for Time Out LA and run MxdMedia, a media company focused on educating audiences about mixology, its history, and the art of entertaining.

You might also know them from their previous journalism work at outlets like Foodbeast, Tastemade, Thrillist, Bon Appétit, and Eater. They’ve interviewed food and drink titans like Dave Phinney, Dr. Jessica B. Harris, Stephen Satterfield, Tanya Holland, and Kaitlyn Stewart.

J. loves dive bars as much as a $20 cocktail (that’s actually worth it), rums that surprise them, and unions.

All photos of J. are by Jill Petracek.