Drink With The Wench Presents

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

Curious what goes on in the minds of your favorite beer bloggers? Well, The Beer Wench is and she has embarked upon a mission to interview as many beer bloggers that she can — from all over the world. Are you a beer blogger? Do you want to share your story? Send me an email!

INTRODUCING: JOHN PALMER

AUTHOR OF: MICHIGAN MICROBREWS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: John Palmer
Twitter handle: @MichiganBrew
Name of blog: Michigan Microbrews
Facebook: Facebook.com/MichiganMicrobrews
Current location: Lansing, MI

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

– Milwaukee, WI

2. What sports if any did you play growing up, through college and beyond?

– Growing up… soccer

3. How old were you when you had your first beer?

– 15

4. If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer? Where did you have it? What style and brand was it?

– Family trip to Germany… getting our fill of beautiful German cuisine and Hofbrauhaus culture. That’s about as much as I can recall… that, and falling asleep during the middle of dinner. Damn good beer.

5. Where, if applicable, did you go to college? What did you study? What additional activities, organizations, sports did you partake in during college?

– I attended Marquette University in Milwaukee. Graduated in Advertising. Dabbled a little in graphic and web design, and played (drums) in bands throughout…

Craft Beer Epiphany

Every craft beer enthusiast has at least one pinnacle craft beer experience that completely changes ones perspective on beer. I refer to this mind-blowing moment as a “craft beer epiphany.”

1. What was your first craft beer epiphany? Recall as many details about it as you can:

– After my fill of Red Dog, Icehouse, High Life, etc… I was introduced to New Glarus Spotted Cow at the (RIP) Pizza Man on the East Side of Milwaukee. It quickly became my favorite brew. I couldn’t consume enough of it; the unique flavors, the color… I soon learned of the other styles New Glarus offered and quickly alienated anything mass produced and consumed myself into large quantities of New Glarus Spotted Cow, Hop Hearty IPA, and Fat Squirrel.

2. Have you have additional craft beer epiphanies since the first? Detail as many of them as you wish:

– After moving to Michigan in 2005 and trying a Bell’s Two-Hearted for the first time, I immediately became manic-obsessive for all things “Michigan beer”

Beer Blog Background

1. How long have you been writing your beer blog?

– About 2 months. Still a newbie, but I’ve got plenty to share

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

– Living in the capital of Michigan, a downtrodden (but fighting) economy, there’s a lot of emphasis on entrepreneurship and “buy Michigan”. I follow the Michigan Brewer’s Guild and the Michigan Beer guide and all the Michigan-based beer bloggers. I wanted to utilize my marketing background to help promote the 6th largest beer producing state in the country. Essentially, I’m utilizing my background to promote my passion/obsession. Bettering the Michigan economy and the Michigan brewing industry… It’s a win/win.

3. Why did you choose the name of your blog?

– A lot of other URLs were taken… it was the shortest, most direct one I could find that made sense.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog? What do you hope to achieve with it?

– I hope to bring as much information about the Michigan brewing industry as I can to those who care to follow. Don’t get me wrong, I love all beer. I just want to help contribute to the rise and success of the state shaped like a mitten. Because it’s where I live now. We’ve got a lot to contribute. It’s just a matter of providing a resource for people to obtain it.

5. What is one of the coolest things that happened to you as a result of being a beer blogger?

– Since I’m still in my infancy, I haven’t had a ton of experiences as a result… that said, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with some amazing personalities and aficionados that provide endless knowledge. It’s just awesome.

6. What are you top 3 favorite beer blogs/beer websites?

– Fermentation Nation

– Kalamabrew

- Drink with the Wench (!!)

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

– IPA, Porter, Russian Imperial Stout (not necessarily in that order)

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Such a tough question, as Michigan has over 80 breweries/brewpubs. But, as of late, I’ve been drinking brews from Jolly Pumpkin, New Holland & Founders

3. If you could work with or for any one brewery, which one would it be and why?

– I’d love to work a brewery, period. I’d love to work for Short’s, New Holland or Dark Horse because they’re not afraid to take chances.

I love breweries that work to perfect the classic styles, but there’s something about ingenuity that catches my attention.

4. Are you a homebrewer? If yes, what is the most unique and interesting beer recipes you’ve brewed as a homebrewer?

– I am a homebrewer. I haven’t brewed anything too outlandish… yet. I’d say my smoked porter was my crowning achievement to date. Still have 1 in my basement… at a year old, hoping it’s aged well. That said, I’m working on an almond porter, pomegranate IPA, and maple syrup brown

5. Do you have any beer certifications (BJCP, Cicerone, Siebel, American Brewers Guild)?? If so, what are they?

– No. I live vicariously at this point.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

– Macadamia Nut-crusted Mahi Mahi & Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza.

It’s the most recent pairing I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy… so, it’s front of mind.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

– Unemployed event marketer turned freelance marketer/writer & stay-at-home dad.

2. If you could change your career at this very moment, without any restrictions on what you could do, what would you want to do and why?

– I wouldn’t change a thing.

3. Are you married? Children?

– Married. 1 little boy (5 months), 2 dogs (crazy SOBs)

4. Outside of beer and writing, what are some of your other hobbies?

– Camping, running, music / drums, taking things apart at my house and unsuccessfully putting them back together.

Off The Beaten Path

1. If you were a style of beer, what style would be an why?

– Double IPA, because I’m deliciously potent and more often unassuming, spontaneous and will sometimes put you to sleep.

2. You were caught smuggling beer illegally, which has now been made punishable by death. Right before you are sent to the executioner, you are offered one last beer. What beer would you chose and why?

– I have 2, based on availability… Founder KBS or Redwood 2005

Barleywine. Because both are damn delicious brews. And why wouldn’t I want to enjoy something that’ll numb the pain and potentially act like a last meal…

3. If I contracted you to brew a beer (or design a beer recipe) called “The Beer Wench” — what style would you chose and what, if any, extra ingredients would you add?

– An English Barleywine. Because it’s refreshingly complex and strong to boot.

4. If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

– It’s probably not a superhero… but I’d want to be a mad scientist. To live everyday in pursuit of the ultimate crazy experiment… and to have wicked hair.

5. What is one of the craziest things you have ever done and lived to tell the story?

– I live with 2 poodles… what does not kill me only makes me stronger…

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

– My wife and I are going to purchase our own pig… so I can put bacon on my biscuits & gravy.

SPECIAL THANKS TO JOHN FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

AND THE REDWINGS SUCK!

CHEERS!