Location
Auckland, New Zealand
School
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Expertise
Wine, spirits, beer, BBQ meats, International cuisine
- Chesney is a qualified expert in wine, spirits, and beer, earning level two of the international standard, WSET, with distinction.
- He has travelled to 36 countries, driven by culinary exploration and the intersection of food and culture.
- Chesney has worked in development, sales, and marketing for multinational breweries, as well as award-winning microbreweries and distilleries.
Experience
Chesney has always been a passionate creator and foodie, making his living as a writer since 2019. In hungry pursuit of the world's best food, his curious taste buds and enthusiasm for travel have led him down smokey alleyways and into Michelin-starred restaurants. Chesney marketed some of New Zealand's top craft beer, cider, and gin brands, working for Heineken NZ, 8 Wired Brewing, and the award-winning Australian gin brand Four Pillars. He's also written about international food as a travel writer for stuff.co.nz. Now, Chesney engages his food and beverage passion and experience as a writer for Static Media.
Education
Chesney holds a bachelor's degree, 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.
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This drink is a novel take on a classic, and it's cemented its own spot on cocktail menus across the country. It balances herbaceous with bittersweet notes.
By Chesney McDonald
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Tired of eating the same, boring bologna sandwiches? Transform the meat entirely with this grilling technique.
By Chesney McDonald
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Cooking Tips
By Chesney McDonald
Think you know the secret to perfect wings? This unexpected cooking fat might surprise you — and bring that Buffalo Wild Wings flavor home.
By Chesney McDonald
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Healthy Eating
By Chesney McDonald
Protein is an important part of our daily diet, but how much protein ought to be in your protein bar to make it effective? Here's what you need to know.
By Chesney McDonald
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Cooking Tips
By Chesney McDonald
Millennials might think they're better at grilling than their parents, but is it true? Find out how grilling differs for the two generations.
By Chesney McDonald
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Beer and Wine
By Chesney McDonald
Contrary to what you may have thought, this popular craft brewery is actually part of the multi-national beer brand, AB InBev.
By Chesney McDonald
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Casual Dining
By Chesney McDonald
To help us identify one of brisket's reddest flags for BBQ restaurants, we've got the exclusive insights of Jim Carroll, of Meat and Greet BBQ Catering LLC.
By Chesney McDonald
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Costco
By Chesney McDonald
It might sound like a fun job to have, but being a Costco sampler involves adhering to some pretty strict rules.
By Chesney McDonald
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Baking Tips
By Chesney McDonald
While making a conventional sourdough starter can be satisfying it can also be frustrating, so why not try this easier method that switches a key ingredient.
By Chesney McDonald
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Casual Dining
By Chesney McDonald
Some restaurants offer very different experiences in person and through delivery. Everyone from customers to delivery drivers has gripes with this chain.
By Chesney McDonald
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Cooking Tips
By Chesney McDonald
There are several good reasons for keeping fat on meat, and your butcher knows all of them. We share those reasons and also what to do if you don't like fat.
By Chesney McDonald
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Beer and Wine
By Chesney McDonald
Jacques Pépin is one of the most prolific celebrity chefs around, but surprisingly, his decision to store beer next to truffles has little to do with cooking.
By Chesney McDonald
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Cooking Tips
By Chesney McDonald
Want to give your ham recipe a major upgrade? Reach for this flavorful spirit to craft a glaze that will blow you away.
By Chesney McDonald
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Food Facts
By Chesney McDonald
With so many claims splattered across bread labels, it can be hard to know what's true and what's just marketing. We have an expert weigh in.
By Chesney McDonald
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Cooking Tips
By Chesney McDonald
We associate slow cooker meals with saucey meals, but there's another way to use this old-school kitchen gadget that will make for gorgeously crisp chicken.
By Chesney McDonald
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Beer and Wine
By Chesney McDonald
This beer is legendary in parts of the Midwest, but despite its storied history spanning over a century, it’s not as easy to find as it once was.
By Chesney McDonald
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Making cocktails can be intimidating, so we checked in with an expert on what exactly shaking, stirring, and muddling are all about when making certain drinks.
By Chesney McDonald
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If you're interested in vintage champagne that even the stars adored, then look into Elizabeth Taylor's go-to brand. It's worth a fortune.
By Chesney McDonald
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Modern mixologists use things one wouldn't expect to find in a cocktail. We spoke with an expert about how to boost flavor with this unexpected item.
By Chesney McDonald
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Non-Alcoholic
By Chesney McDonald
Most major brewers (and many craft ones) offer nonalcoholic beers these days, but almost always in bottles or cans. Here's the science behind that.
By Chesney McDonald
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Craft brewing exploded in popularity over the last couple of decades, which has led to some breweries in unusual spaces worth making a pilgrimage to.
By Chesney McDonald
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Shopping Tips
By Chesney McDonald
Paying close attention to what is going on behind the deli counter can give you some insight into how safely the deli is operating.
By Chesney McDonald
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Healthy Eating
By Chesney McDonald
Most Americans don't get enough fiber in their diet despite eating a great deal of rice and wheat. Here's how and why that fiber is often removed.
By Chesney McDonald
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Beer and Wine
By Chesney McDonald
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.
By Chesney McDonald
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Exclusives
By Chesney McDonald
By Chesney McDonald
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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.
By Chesney McDonald
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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.
By Chesney McDonald
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