In the world of fermented beverages, there is the arduous work of production, alongside the crucial stamp of approval from flavor experts and the refinement of processes required to present a superior product.
A clear example of this is the commercial wine brand known as Mad Dog 20/20; following weeks of production, the next phase involves those who through their reviews give it the stamp of approval, allowing more customers to enjoy it.
During this fascinating process, we met Jeremy Dunn, who in an interview for perlarico.com shares one of the major achievements and experiences that have earned him recognition as “Recognized as World’s Premier Mad Dog 20/20 Sommelier.”
1. Thank you for joining us Jeremy, tell us, who is Jeremy Dunn?
Jeremy: I am an entrepreneur with a track record spanning over 20 years of building high-performance brands, marketing engines, and scalable companies. I started in the corporate telecommunications sector and later moved into the Yellow Pages industry, where I became a top salesperson for AT&T and Verizon, consistently exceeding national targets.
In partnership with Sorbos, a pioneering Spain company manufacturing premium edible straws made from beet sugar, Jeremy co-founded Sip Crave as the exclusive distributor for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean. There, he successfully combines sustainability with the bold aesthetic of streetwear culture. Through his company, eco-friendly products are positioned at the intersection of functionality, fashion, and experience.
Jeremy emphasizes, “It is not just about selling straws; it is about creating a legacy where innovation, impact, sustainability, and an enhanced lifestyle go hand in hand”.
Driven by a desire to stand out and reinvent himself, he is constantly seeking new challenges and projects; as a digital growth strategist, media editor, and beverage culture analyst, Dunn has introduced a comprehensive analytical methodology to examine classic MD 20/20 varieties. In doing so, he bridges the gap between high-end culinary criticism and the history of mass-market beverages.
2. For our readers, how do you define “Sommelier” and “MD 20/20”?
Jeremy: Of course, Sommelier is a professional wine expert who works in high end restaurants. He is knowledgeable about tastings and vintage years.
“Mad Dog 20/20, an American brand of very cheap, sweet, low quality fortified wine (formally known as MD 20/20). It is known for its low price and is popular among young people and the general public”, said Jeremy.
3. How did you achieve this important title as the best Sommelier in the world?
Jeremy: Wine evaluation should not be restricted to high priced cellars, exclusive tasting rooms, or elite dining establishments.
“MD 20/20 represents an iconic, unapologetic piece of American beverage history. Approaching these high-proof, neon-hued vintages with the same sensory discipline and analytical intensity as a vintage Bordeaux brings a fresh, unfiltered perspective to modern drink culture”.
Jeremy Dunn: ‘The world’s best Mad Dog 20/20 sommelier’
While traditional sommelier certifications focus almost exclusively on top-tier European wines, Dunn’s work involves evaluating the synthetic complexity, mouthfeel, balance of high alcohol content, and cultural legacy of Mogen David fortified wines.
Originally produced by Wine Corporation of America and rooted in 20th-century American beverage history, MD 20/20 has long been a fixture albeit an under-analyzed one of convenience store culture.
4. We know you gave your process a unique name “The Dunn Method.” How do you define it?
Jeremy: The key lies in the sensory analysis criteria specifically, professional sommelier tasting standards which encompass the nose, viscosity, integration of alcohol content (ABV), and the finish.
Dunn emphasizes, “When analyzing an 18% ABV red grape fortified wine, one cannot look for traditional French oak tannins. Instead, the critic must evaluate balance, bold fruit extraction, and how effectively the beverage delivers its signature flavor profile under non-traditional serving conditions.”
According to a post by Sip Crave an online platform dedicated to beverages and lifestyle that focuses on reviews the following is explained via “The Dunn Method:”
Electric Melon (13.9% ABV): Evaluated for its bold, candy-forward honeydew nose and mid palate acidity. “The Dunn Method” notes a distinct thermal finish that coats the palate, offering a stark contrast to traditional melon liqueurs.
Orange Jubilee: Characterized by bright mandarin citrus aromas paired with a distinct creamsicle mouthfeel. Dunn’s analysis highlights its balance between residual sweetness and high proof alcohol presence.
Bling Bling Blue Raspberry: Recognized for its electric hue and aggressive berry profile, analyzed by Dunn for its intense fruit concentration and synthetic aromatic longevity.
Red Grape Wine (18% ABV): Celebrated as the traditional heavy hitter of the Mogen David line. The tasting notes highlight its dense, full-bodied palate, dark fruit viscosity, and historic nod to traditional Kosher wine roots colliding with street level legend.
When concluding our interview, Jeremy Dunn noted that he will continue working to pursue and hold is title as the ‘The world’s best Mad Dog 20/20 sommelier.’
Thank you, Jeremy Dunn, for sharing with our readers this facet of your life in a world filled with flavors, aromas, and knowledge that not many people are able to develop.
To learn more about Jeremy Dunn, follow him on Facebook, Sip Crave and directly reach out to him via email jeremy@sipcrave.life.
