Kevin Peterson leads an intriguing double life: by day, he is the mastermind behind Sfumato Fragrances, and by night, he transforms his retail store in Detroit into Castalia, a craft cocktail bar where he seamlessly blends the worlds of perfumery and mixology. His journey, which also led to the publication of his book, Cocktail Theory: A Sensory Approach to Transcendent Drinks, stems from a long path of diverse careers, including those as a line cook, auto mechanic, and an engineer with advanced degrees in physics and mechanical engineering.

Peterson’s fascination with the intersection of scent and flavor emerged from his long-standing interest in cooking, eventually evolving into a commitment to perfumery. This path was not merely a career shift but a quest for a creative outlet beyond the analytical realm of engineering. Together with his wife, he built Sfumato and later opened Castalia, where he began to conduct extensive mixology experiments. He meticulously researched combinations of flavors, aromas, and presenting drinks in their ideal forms, all to uncover the "Platonically ideal" cocktail—which seeks the quintessential representation of a drink.

At Castalia, Peterson explores innovative cocktail crafting that emphasizes scientific principles, merging the artistry of mixology with rigorous data collection. His fascination lies in the relationship between scent and taste, propelling him to experiment with flavor profiles and textures. His philosophy incorporates the idea that cocktails should be more than just a combination of ingredients; they should tell a story through their carefully constructed flavors.

Peterson’s insights also include the concept of motifs in cocktail creation. He believes in focusing on specific ingredients to highlight rather than overwhelming the drink with too many competing flavors. His observations have led him to recognize the importance of space and sensation in tasting—how different ingredients interact with various sensory points on the palate and in the aroma.

He adeptly merges the art of perfumery into cocktail crafting, recognizing that aromas have their forms of dynamics—much like top, middle, and base notes in perfume. Peterson discusses how these elements correlate with user experience when sipping a cocktail, creating an evocative journey for the drinker.

Through his bar, Peterson demonstrates that successful flavor combinations can stem from unconventional pairings, such as blueberry and horseradish, challenging the perception of individual ingredients. Part of his expertise involves the careful consideration of presentation, emphasizing the visual aspect of drinks, which engages customers emotionally and sensibly.

As Peterson continues to innovate within this duality of his profession, he aspires to enlighten others about the subtle complexities behind creating a remarkable cocktail experience. His contribution to the beverage world combines empirical research, sensory exploration, and a passion for storytelling—all essential ingredients in crafting memorable drinks. He encourages aspiring mixologists to focus on familiar favorites and gradually expand their horizons, assuring that mastery in cocktail crafting is an accessible adventure.