Meet The HOOD SOMMELIER
Pairing whiskey with foods and even cigars is nothing new, unless you are Jack Beguedou, better known as the Hood Sommelier. This self-described “kid who emigrated from Togo, West Africa to live his dream in America” has found his niche teaching Scotch school and pairing African food with American whiskeys, all in the name of community.
In his early years in the United States, Beguedou would emcee weddings, which he explains required more than just a microphone in African culture. The emcee would be responsible for schedules, photographers, and setting up the bar.
Beguedou’s journey into whiskey appreciation began at the urging of friends and his mentor. In a bid to network more, he tried his hand at golfing, but somehow found whiskey instead.
“I’m an insurance agent, and working with my mentor at that time, and he told me my golf game was horrible,” Beguedou chuckles.
