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: ADRIENNE RINALDI

AUTHOR OF: BEER SNOB CHICK

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Adrienne Rinaldi
Twitter handle: @BeerSnobChick
Facebook: Beer Snob Chick
Name of blog: Beer Snob Chick
Current location: Denver, CO. Mecca of Beer

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I’m a nomad. Well not really. I moved around a lot, Arizona to Southern California to Minnesota to Arizona and now Colorado. Home is where your heart is.

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

Grew up swimming, throughout high school as well. But, shoulder surgeries prevented me from collegiate sports. I currently LOVE rock climbing, hiking, running, snowboarding…anything outdoors really.

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

No idea. I was lucky enough to get little sips from my dads beer, but at the time I thought it was gross.

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

I remember going off to college and my dad telling me beer would be my favorite beverage. I did not believe him at the time. Although, I hate to admit the first beer I actually liked was Amber Bock. This began my taste for darker, malty beers.

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 went to Arizona State University and studied broadcast journalism and political science. I’m hoping to get an MBA in the next couple years with an emphasis in marketing and entrepreneurship.

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:

I cannot recall one moment, but I do remember having my first oatmeal stout, hesitant at first because of the dark color, but then completely appreciating the full flavors of a stout.

Beer Blog Background

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

Just over a year.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

My favorite bar in Tempe, Arizona was/is Four Peaks Brewery. A group of friends go there to have beer after rock climbing. I would then check out different breweries wherever I would go, take photos etc. Someone told me I should start writing about my experiences, from a female perspective, and try to write my love for good craft beer to peak interest in other females.

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

At a bar with a high school friend a couple of years ago, I was bummed that there was not a craft beer selection. My friend said to me, “Why don’t you just get an MGD like everyone else?” I said to him, “I’d rather have a glass of water than drink that stuff!” His response was, “Your such a beer snob.” I then spoke to my dad about the name I had received and he said, “I’m so glad I raised a beer snob chick.” And, thus, it began.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

What do you hope to achieve with it? Eventually, I would like to compile a book geared towards women and how to find the inner beer snob within them, perhaps sell some t-shirts, and have advertising.

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

I have had a few breweries link my blog to their site. Many friends now ask me what breweries to go to and which beers to try. I have been invited to attend the Sisterhood of Suds, go to a beer blogging conference, and hopefully be featured on the Beer Wench site!

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

• beerdrinkersguidetocolorado.com
• thenakedpint.com
• kegworks.com

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, porters and stouts.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Four Peaks in Tempe, Ariz.; Great Divide in Denver, Colo.; and Left Hand in Longmont, Colo.; and have to mention Prescott Brewery in Prescott, Ariz.

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

Great Divide. I love the atmosphere, the beers and the still small feel if a better know craft brewery.

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

I am not, I just enjoy the artistry of others.

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

No.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

The first thing that comes to mind is pizza and beer! But, I love a good stout and with stinky blue cheese or brie.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I own my own marketing/communications company, Vega Communications.

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 would be a professional traveler! I love to travel and been in the outdoors and experience different cultures. I have yet to find something I can make money by doing that.

3. Are you married? Children?

Neither.

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

Hiking, camping, rock climbing, snowboarding, running, Pilates, relaxing with friends and traveling. I love to explore, dream and discover.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I would be chili beer. Who doesn’t enjoy smooth and spicy?

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?

Four Peaks Pumpkin Porter, combined with a splash of their Oatmeal Stout. That would take me right to Heaven.

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?

I adore a good stout, I would add a bit of chocolate and blueberry. Not too much blueberry, just enough so you can smell blueberry and taste chocolate. It would be an amazing combination. I have only had one brewer perfect it.

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

Incredible, and my powers would be anything incredible.

5. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Mmmmmm, BACON!

SPECIAL THANKS TO ADRIENNE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

Right now, Rod Stewart’s voice is echoing in my brain:

“I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger.”

Not gonna lie, the closest I got to drinking craft beer in college was probably Guinness. Okay, that is a lie. My parents always had some sort of craft or imported beer in the house growing up, so I wasn’t completely unexposed. But like most poor college students, I always searched out the cheapest thrill and swill possible. Unfortunately, this usually meant Natty Light and buckets of the big bad corporate beers. Back then, beer was a means to an end. And that end was getting drunk. Yeah, you’ve all been there so don’t look at me like that.

I did not know one single person that homebrewed on campus. Which actually makes sense when you think about the “I want a golden egg and I want it now” instant gratification seeking Millennial Generation. We didn’t have time to wait 6 weeks for the beer to ferment. We wanted to get drunk NOW. My BFF Shana puts it best: “I don’t have all day to start feeling good here.”

Today’s college kids are a bit more savvy, though. Which sparks a little envy deep down inside me. If only I knew that I would eventually throw my two degrees out the door to pursue a career in the craft beer industry. Instead of hosting themed parties with Gatorade jugs filled with deadly (and disgusting) vodka concoctions, I could have hosted kick-ass homebrewing parties. Let’s face it, I would have been the coolest kid in school. Probably wouldn’t have graduated with honors, but it could have saved me 5 years of soul-searching.

Sara Wallace, Senior Writer at The Daily Princetonian, recently contacted me regarding my opinions about the recent trends towards homebrewing on campus for an article she released today. Naturally, I was more than happy to weigh-in on the topic.

I think it’s extremely important for young drinkers to develop an appreciation and respect for the art and craft of beer. Craft beer is more than just a mechanism for getting drunk. Sure, alcohol consumption does have a pleasantly euphoric side effect. But getting drunk should never be the primary reason behind drinking beer. Unfortunately, most college kids are mindlessly drinking whatever yellow fizzy beer they can find at the cheapest price instead of putting thought and consideration into where the beer came from, who made it, what ingredients went into it, and whether or not they actually like the stuff.

Beer is both a science and an art, which I think most educated persons can appreciate on some level, whether or not they drink. Brewing beer is like making food — there is a baking (scientific) component to it as well as a cooking (creative) aspect. I find that students get into homebrewing for all sorts of reasons outside of getting drunk. (Engineers like the science aspect, artists like the design component, etc.)

The trend towards homebrewing on campus is really exciting. I know many brewers who started homebrewing during college and then ultimately became professional brewers. Many of my friends that are still in college have started homebrewing on campus and often come to me for advice and inspiration.

There are SEVERAL great resources about homebrewing on the Internet as well as many excellent books. Charlie Papazian’s “The New Complete Joy of Homebrewing” is a must-read book for all homebrewers. For the frugal, used copies of older versions are available and just as helpful. In regards to equipment, Northern Brewer is one of the best resources for supplies and ingredients. By far the best resource online is the American Homebrewers Association website. The AHA also releases a great magazine on news and trends in homebrewing called Zymurgy. And naturally, I always encourage following homebrewing blogs.

In my opinion, young (student) homebrewers will be responsible for shaping the future of the craft beer industry. They will be the driving force behind future innovation, inventing new tools and systems as well as pushing the boundaries of the industry. It is a really exciting time for craft beer!

What do you think?

If you have some sort of connection to the online craft beer community, you are probably aware of the recent legal turmoil facing Cigar City Brewing Company (based in Tampa, FL). If not, well have no fear. That is what I am here for!

For those that don’t remember, Cigar City Brewery faced opposition from neighbors just over two years ago when its owner, Joey Redner, applied for wet-zoning. The council, consisting of 7 members, voted in favor 5-2 of Redner, after he promised to be a “good neighbor.” In order to reach a compromise between both parties, the council granted Cigar City a “trial run” wet-zoning permit for only one year, with limited hours.

Which brings us to today. Last Thursday, Redner applied for a continuance of the wet-zoning permit as well as extended hours of operation. Three members of the Tampa Bay City Council voted against making the wet-zoning approval permanent, and three members voted for it. Which leaves us with one vote missing in action.

If this passes, Cigar City will be forced to close its tasting room — which would also mean an end to events, special releases, on-premise beer sale etc. As an ex-resident of Tampa Bay (yes folks, I get around), a craft beer evangelist, and a hardcore fan of Cigar City Brewing Company, I would like to add my two cents to this argument: I think its bullshit. (Brief apology to those I just offended).

The State of Florida often gets referred to as the “Beer Wasteland” (among other things). And I’m not gonna lie, it was pretty damn hard to be a beer geek in Florida. Decent craft beer bars are very few and very far between. Grocery store craft beer selections are mediocre at best and specialty stores are almost non-existent. My saving grace was Total Wine, which carries one of the most extensive and impressive craft beer selections I have found in retail stores of its size.

In Florida, there are only a handful of craft breweries, and only about two of them have even been able to make a name for themselves. One such brewery is Cigar City Brewing Company. I was lucky enough to be living in Florida when Cigar City started brewing, although not lucky enough to be there when they opened the tasting room doors. Aside from a few craft beer bars and a few wine bars serving decent craft beer, Tampa Bay’s overall craft beer scene was lackluster and almost pathetic — that was until Cigar City came along.

I can say with complete confidence that Cigar City’s tasting room has single-handly amplified Tampa’s craft beer scene, increased tourism (trust me, us beer geeks are flocking to there), and helped boost the local economy by increasing local spending and adding more jobs (the brewery went from 2 employees to 22).

But now the brewery is facing damaging losses. The local economy is facing damaging losses. And why? Because some people still believe in upholding ridiculous Prohibition Era legislation. But the good part is that it is not too late to act.

“Our next trip in front of the Tampa City Council will be December 2nd. My birthday. We need 4 votes at this meeting and a following one or we lose our wet-zoning on the 16th of December. This means no more Tasting Room, no more special events, no more limited release parties, no beer for sell, at all, at the Tasting Room.” — Joey Redner, Cigar City’s blog.

So what can we do to help?

WRITE TO THE TAMPA CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS!

Beer blogger Sean Nordquist sums it up best: “Tell the Tampa City Council not to vote for killing jobs. Tell them not to vote for limiting growth. Tell them to reward success and not punish it. Tell them that local businesses are watching. And so are those that might wish to do business in Tampa in the future.” All it takes is five minutes to write a message and blast it out to all of the people below. In fact, copy and paste Sean’s message if you need to. PLEASE, please … take the time to contact these people. (ALSO: Join the Facebook Group: SAVE THE CIGAR CITY TASTING ROOM)

The three members of Council who voted against Cigar City:

• Gwen Miller – http://www.tampagov.net/dept_City_Council/about_us/Gwen_Miller.asp
• Thomas Scott – http://www.tampagov.net/dept_City_Council/about_us/Thomas_Scott.asp
• Curtis Stokes – Curtis.Stokes@tampagov.net

The three members of Council who voted for Cigar City:

• Mary Mulhern – Mary.Mulhern@tampagov.net
• Yvonne Yoli Capin – yvonne.capin@tampagov.net
• Joseph Caetano – Joseph.Caetano@tampagov.net

The Council member who was absent:

• Charlie Miranda – http://www.tampagov.net/dept_City_Council/about_us/Charlie_Miranda.asp

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: RYAN HOPKINS

AUTHOR OF: THOUGHT OF HOPS + CO AUTHOR OF: HEBREW MENS BREWING SOCIETY

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Ryan Hopkins
Twitter Handle: Grandpubah
Name of blog: Thoughts of Hops, Hebrew Mens Brewing Society
Current location: Reno,NV

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Cali Bay Area

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

Amateur table tennis

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

That I can remember; 10, actual first beer contact; 1

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

Post fishing drive home, my dad cracked a Budweiser (yes he was driving, but this takes place in Missouri) and offered me a drink. I accepted the can and pounded it, handing him back an empty can.

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

University of Nevada, this means Reno, the only University of Nevada. The other one id UNLV

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:

I can distinctly remember the aerosol of hops that blasted me in the face as I opened my first Lagunitas IPA. The blast woke from a catatonic slumber induced by mass quantities of Keystone and Natural Light. The beer world changed from here. Malts were more rich, hops were more ass kicking, and I began to see colors that never existed before. This is the point that I realized how amazing and how much of an adventure beer could be.

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

That there can be magic in lighter beers. In the last couple of years I have learned to appreciate the pot of gold like experience of finding a big well crafted pilsner. I had discounted these styles as being bland and uneventful. After beating the crap out of my taste buds for year with big IPA’s, I had a Trummer Pils and the light went on. I realized how great these subtle beers can be and how much of a craft it is to create something so great without having to beat someone over the head with fruit additions, pounds and pounds of hops, or locally roasted espresso.

Beer Blog Background

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

Hebrew Brewing; a couple of years. Thought of Hops; a couple of months

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

A love a beer and wanting to share my feelings on the subject with people who haven’t asked for my opinion.

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

My name is Hopkins and I love hops. I spend large chunks of time thinking about myself and beer. It just made sense.

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

I hope to share my beer world with others and to do it in down to earth douche free way.

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

• Beer Advocate
• The Brewing Network
• drinkcraftbeer

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Sours (all types), IPA’s, and Stouts

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Deschutes, Dogfish Head, Haandbryggeriet

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

Dogfish, because they seem to be so adventurous and willing to explore areas that others don’t travel

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

Novemberfest (Oktoberfest/Porter hybrid)

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

One day

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Marketing Sales

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?

Retire, so I could drink and focus more on beer.

3. Are you married? Children?

Married, one daughter, one en route

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

Bike riding and Lucha Libre

Off The Beaten Path

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

Id be a Sour Ale, because like the beer, I am a little weird, always funky, and really surprising the deeper you dig.

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?

Whatever Brew Dog currently makes that strongest. Anything to help me forget

3. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I love it with eggs, on doughnuts, in beer (one of my dreams), and with more bacon.

SPECIAL THANKS TO RYAN FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

It has been entirely way too long since I’ve posted a recipe that uses beer as an ingredient. Time to change that!

Autumn is the time of year when I prefer eating heartier dishes, soups and stews. Something about the change in the weather makes me crave foods and beers with more substance and a stronger backbone.

Stuffed peppers are awesome for many reasons. They are pretty easy to make, they are great for solo diners and for groups. The combination of ingredients and different variations are endless.

Before we get to the recipe, there are a few things I feel compelled to say. Naturally, some of my ingredients can be swapped out for lower fat or vegetarian versions — but I don’t particularly suggest it. I don’t like beans, but they would probably make a nice addition for those that do like them. Also, I tend to like my food on the spicier side of the spectrum, so beware and spice according to your own palate.

For this recipe, I chose a smoked porter. The smoked and dark malts work really well with the chili pepper and helps to enhance the flavors of the ground meats. The two beers I recommend are Stone Smoked Porter and Alaskan Smoked Porter. If either of those are not available, try substituting with a Raushbier!

SMOKED PORTER STUFFED PEPPERS

Ingredients:

• 4 Large Bell Peppers (for stuffing)
• 1 Large Bell Pepper — diced
• 1 Large Yellow Onion — diced
• 1 Poblano Pepper — diced
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper — minced
• 5 Cloves of Garlic — minced
• 1 Pound Ground Pork Sausage
• 2/3 Cup Basmati Rice
• 1 Bottle Smoked Porter
• 1/8 Cup Chipotle Pepper Puree (can be found in the Hispanic foods section of the grocery store)
• 2 (6oz) Cans Tomato Paste
• Chili Powder
• Salt & Pepper

Instructions:

1. Pour the bottle of Smoked Porter into a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add rice. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook about 20 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. Cut the tops off of the peppers and gut them out (seeds and ribs). Cut the bottom so that the peppers can stand up, but not so much that the stuffing falls through the bottom.
4. In a medium skillet, heat oil and add the garlic and jalapeno. Saute for a minute then add the diced onions and green peppers. Sautee for about 5 minutes then add the ground pork sausage. Brown the meat. Turn off the heat and mix in the tomato paste, chipotle puree, chili powder, salt & pepper and cooked rice.
5. Stuff the peppers with the filling. Stand the peppers up inside an non-greased baking dish. (Wrap the bottom of the peppers in tin foil if they look as it they might leak.) Drizzle a little bit of olive oil on top of the peppers. Bake for about 45 minutes. Option: Top peppers with cheese 10 minutes before removing from oven.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with a smoked porter! Cheers!

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: RENEE M. DELUCA

AUTHOR OF: THE BREWER’S DAUGHTER

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Renée M. DeLuca
Twitter handle: @BrewersDaughter
Name of blog: The Brewer’s Daughter
Current location: Chagrin Falls, Ohio (35 mi southeast of Cleveland)

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Clinton, MD, just outside of Washington, D.C.

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

I was on the tennis team as a backup in high school, but mostly kept score. I was captain of the pom pon squad (kind of a sport), and I can still do my routine to “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” but that requires a certain amount of beer.

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

I remember sipping the foam off the top of beer cans at neighborhood crab feasts as a pretty young kid.

4. If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer?

I drank Michelob Light in high school because that’s what my boyfriend bought. I kept time to Styx songs with my class ring on the side of the bottle in his car when we were out riding around. I wanted to drink Lowenbrau because of that commercial, “Here’s to good friends, tonight is kind of special…” but that was considered expensive.

5. Where, if applicable, did you go to college?

The University of Akron (undergrad) and Miami of Ohio (graduate)

What did you study?

Communications/English/Political Science

What additional activities, organizations, sports did you partake in during college?

I was on the staff of the campus radio and TV stations, the yearbook, and I’m an Alpha Gam (AGD). I had a radio show at the underground radio station and my on-air name was Rae-baby and I played a lot of punk rock. And I did the daily 4:00 news on the FM station.

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:

I started drinking the Great Lakes Brewing Company’s beers in the early 90s. They rolled out in 1988 in Cleveland, and I quickly heard about how awesome their beers were, and gave them a try. Dortmunder, Elliott Ness and of course Christmas Ale changed my beer palate forever.

2. Have you have additional craft beer epiphanies since the first?

When I learned that Jack McAuliffe, founder of the New Albion Brewing Company, was my father, I’d say I had a beer epiphany of sorts. It’s a long story* I’ll get around to sharing on my blog someday, but when I learned he was my birthfather and had started this whole craft beer thing in the U.S., it was a revelation: I knew I had beer in my blood! (*The short story is that I’m a reunited adoptee, and I learned Jack was my birthfather about 10 years ago. We’ve been getting to know each other ever since.)

Beer Blog Background

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

I started it in early September.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I had been playing around with the idea for some time, and the phrase “the brewer’s daughter” was knocking around in my head. On the occasion of Sierra Nevada Brewing releasing Jack & Ken’s Ale a few months ago, I met up with some of the Sierra Nevada reps in my area to tap a keg, and they were interested in my story. And I was really interested their journeys to beer as well. We had so much fun toasting Jack and talking about craft beer, I decided I wanted to continue to meet beer people and write about them and this path I’ve found myself upon.

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

I think it speaks for itself!

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

I don’t want to be another blogger who rates beers with stars—there are plenty of those, and they have their place. I really want to talk about craft beer as an industry and an interest—with special attention to the people in craft brewing. I *love* beer people! I noted in my very first post that I wanted to hear from other craft beer lovers, and to feel like we were sitting on bar stools getting to know each other at the local pub. Sure you’ll find some recipes, a few reviews, and travelogues too. But I think the real meat of my blog is going to be in writing about the people I meet along the way. (When can I interview you, Wenchie? ) Two favorites so far: Mendocino Brewing Company’s head brewer Gary O’Flangan; and brewmaster Andy Tveekrem, who is opening his own venture in Cleveland very soon. He was the head brewer at Dogfish Head for five years.

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

When I started my blog I also started my BrewersDaughter Twitter account. (I had been tweeting for a couple of years under @ReneeDeLuca and I still do.) Tweeting with all the beer folks introduced me to Gary O’Flanagan. When my husband Paul and I were out in Northern California recently, he invited us to the brewery for a tour, and he pulled out some of Jack’s old equipment for us to see. (Jack went to work with Mendocino Brewing after New Albion folded.) That was really cool. Also I participated in my first amateur home brewing judging during Cleveland Beer Week.

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

I’m learning a lot at Craftbeer.com, and the Craft Brewers Association website. And I love the voice of The Beer Wench.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

I love a good Amber Ale, seasonal ales, and barleywines.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Gotta go with Great Lakes, Mendocino, and Sierra Nevada.

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

I would love to work with Mendocino Brewing Company because of their history with Jack.

4. Are you a homebrewer?

Not yet, but Paul and I are going to get started soon.

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

I want to take the BJCP course this year.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I love a good strong beer with a really stinky cheese.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I’m the media relations specialist for Kaiser Permanente Ohio region.

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 would love to be a spokesperson for craft beer—whether that’s a brewery or an association, I’m not sure. But I’ve been in media/marketing for 25+ years, and I’d love to apply that to my passion.

3. Are you married? Children?

My husband Paul and I have two kids–my daughter, Ali, who is 16; and my stepson Matt, who is 13. We’ve been married 8 years and the kids have really been together for as long as they can remember. We have an awesome time together.

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

I love to read, and at one point belonged to two monthly book clubs. I’ve got that down to one these days. I also volunteer for Adoption Network Cleveland—I’m all about advocating for open records for adult adoptees. My husband and I love to go see live music, and fortunately we have a great music scene in Cleveland. Come visit the Rock Hall!

Off The Beaten Path

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

I’d be an amber ale, I’m some shade of red-haired most of the time.

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?

Jack & Ken’s Ale, as a tribute to my father, who brought me to this path in life. And it’s damn tasty.

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?

I’d make you an amber ale too—since you’ve gone red! And I’d add some spice in there, because you definitely have the spice of life down pat!

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

I’d love to be able to cut through red tape and bullshit in a single bound.

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

I rode my bicycle 100+ miles around Lake Tahoe in one day. It was part of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. They don’t call it America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride for nothing, but that was pretty crazy of me. I can’t believe I lived to tell. Those downhills were terrifying!

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

There can never be enough bacon.

SPECIAL THANKS TO RENEE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

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: TOM STREETER

CO-AUTHOR OF: HOPERATIVES

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Tom Streeter
Twitter handle: @tom_streeter
Name of blog: Hoperatives.com
Co-owned with my wife Carla Gesell-Streeter
Current location: Cincinnati metro area

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

We moved to Houston when I was 13 and that’s where I think of as where I grew up.  Before that I lived in Independence, M0 (twice), Midland, MI, Winston-Salem, NC, Asheville, NC (well before the beer boom, I assure you) and Kingsport, TN. I have memories of each of those places. And for the record, I’m not often accused of being grown up.

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

I drank beer. I was very good.

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

I was probably 9 or 10, it would have been around 1972. My dad’s theory was that if there was a six-pack in the fridge and it was well-known that it was OK to have it it would demystify it. Then you wouldn’t be as likely to do stupid things just to sneak a beer.  My mom really didn’t care for beer and my dad had a really bad stomach ulcer and was told not to drink it. The fact that there was beer in the house really was their follow-through on their theory.  It worked.

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

I think if was a Pabst Blue Ribbon. I was the youngest of three and my parents sat us down at the kitchen and explained essentially what I wrote above.  They poured a little bit for each of us. I didn’t care for it. I was probably 11 or 12 before I routinely joined my brothers when we watched a movie on TV (with the requisite popcorn).

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 went to Trinity University  in San Antonio for my freshman year, ran out of money fast and then went Stephen F. Austin State in Nacogdoches, TX for the rest.  I was a Radio-TV major. I stayed in Nacogdoches to get an M.A. in Communication, then went to Athens, GA to start on a Ph.D at the University of Georgia.  Finished the coursework, never wrote the dissertation. I paid for school by working in the dorms as an RA, and I was involved with the Residence Hall Association. That’s significant for my beer story because we would go to conferences all over the country and be introduced to regional beers we couldn’t get back home. And we always took Shiner with us. I think we also took Lone Star with us, but it was the 80′s. I blame “Urban Cowboy.” For so many things…

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:

It would have been at a bar on 6th Street in Austin sometime in the late-80′s. I already knew I liked beer with a bit more flavor (what Shiner now calls their Blonde was pretty much my go-to beer by then). But it was at this bar on 6th Street that I was able to get Pilsner Urquell on draft.  Beer went to a whole new level with me then.  I was mostly drinking imports the years I was in grad school. Jump ahead a few years and I’m back in Asheville, NC teaching at the university just as the beer explosion was starting.  Highlands was brewing in the basement of Barley’s Brewpub and the local grocery store chain starts carrying Pete’s Wicked and Sam Adams. The imports weren’t nearly as interesting anymore.

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

I really have to give a shout out to Barley’s and Highlands in Asheville. That’s where I really started appreciating styles,

Beer Blog Background

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

Our first post dropped Dec. 31, 2007, but that was mostly a test to see that we had WordPress set up right. Our official launch date was the next day.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

We knew some folks who wrote wine and food blogs around town, but no one was doing beer.  The local paper once actually had a beer columnist, but that was lost when the newspaper cut back on its personnel. I’m a history nut and it was obvious that there was a heck of a brewing history here, but no one was doing anything with us. We talked to our friends who were bloggers and they were amazingly encouraging.  We couldn’t have done it without them.

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

Rock Bottom had used the name for a customer loyalty program over and above their mug club.  It had been dead for quite a while when we were looking for a name.  We discovered that they’d given up the domain name, so we registered it (and a couple of backups in case they objected). They never did, and our local Rock Bottom has been incredibly supportive of us.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

I want it to be both a celebration of and a resource for the Cincinnati Beer Culture.  My wife, Carla, does an amazing  job on the resource side of things, keeping up with what’s going on and who’s pouring what.  It’s a lot of work that doesn’t look like it is. Myself and the rest of our contributors (we have two others) really need to pick up the slack on the celebration of the culture part.

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

I’d lived in Cincinnati for 10 years when we started the blog. I know now that I didn’t know a damned thing about this place until we started doing this.  Cincinnati is a great town. It has its issues, but who doesn’t? The people I’ve met and the things we’ve been able to see are just amazing. Meeting and interviewing Jim Koch and Greg Koch on the same weekend was pretty wild.

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

In no order:

• The Potable Curmudgeon
• STL Hops – A St. Louis Beer Blog
• Show-Me Beer

I mourn that Beer Dorks — isn’t publishing more.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, Porter, Rauchbier

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

This is an evil. evil question.  IN NO ORDER: Three Floyds. Troegs. Founders.

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

Tough choice. We have two startups in town (Rivertown and Mount Carmel) and both are awesome undertakings it would be a priviledge to be a part of.  Greg Hardman at Christian Moerlein is trying to do something I don’t think has ever been done – create true craft beer on the foundation of established brands, some of which were defunct. But since this is fantasy anyway, I’d like to bring back a local brewery that just recently went under:  BarrelHouse.  And I’d put it in the old Bavarian Brewery Building in Covington, KY.  I’m only several millions dollars away from this dream…

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

I’ve made a few batches of beer. I’m strictly a beginner. They’ve all been drinkable.  That’s a win in my book.

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

I don’t have one, but we’re going to be starting Cicerone soon.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

A good IPA and barbeque, preferably brisket.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Freelance webcast and digital media producer.

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’m largely doing it now, though if there were really no restrictions, I’d open the brewery I talked about above.  After hiring the best people I could find on the business and brewing sides. After all, it’s not just an adventure, it’s a job.

3. Are you married? Children?

Married, no children.

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

History. Politics. Yelling at the TV while criticizing  people who do things I couldn’t do in a millions years … you know, sports fan.

Off The Beaten Path

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

A dark, roasty Stout. Not for everyone, but comforting to those who like it.

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?

The beer I was smuggling of course. You’ve got to figure the selection would be pretty thin, otherwise.  Isn’t this how they do it in Pennsylvania now?

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?

When one thinks of wenches, one thinks of Merrie Olde England, but I’d think of a winter warmer with lots of spice. And I know you do love your Belgian beer, so maybe a Belgian interpretation of an English Spiced Porter.

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

You know how in comic books how the sound effects show up in special lettering when people do something that makes noise?  I’d like to be able to make that happen in real life. No more “he who smelt it dealt it” and we’d always know exactly what douche canoe didn’t turn off his cellphone in a movie theater.

Call me Onomatopoeia Man!

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

Too many beers. Late at night. An overlook at Niagara Falls.  Not a bathroom (or a cop) in sight. Do the math.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

It’s OK until you can get a good sausage.

SPECIAL THANKS TO TOM FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

For those of you that have been living under a rock this week and missed my writing debut on CraftBeer.Com, SHAME ON YOU!

I was recently offered the opportunity to write a piece for the “Craft Beer Muse” section on CraftBeer.com. For some time now, craft beer has been fighting for a rightful spot on the table. After all, beer pairs just as well, if not better in some circumstances, than wine. But times, they are a changing.

In my article “A Craft Beer Epiphany In Wine Country,” I share my unique story about a food and beverage experience at one of the world’s most prestigious and award-winning restaurants, The French Laundry — which is located right in the heart of Napa Valley wine country.

“For a few decades now, craft beer has played second fiddle to wine.

But not anymore.

The introduction and popularity of the gastropub concept has revolutionized the way people experience and perceive craft beer and food. Wine is no longer the only fine beverage that has found its rightful place at the dinner table.”

Make sure to check out the entire article on the CraftBeer.com website!

Cheers!

The other day I received an email from a great wine blogger friend of mine, Thea Dwelle of Luscious Lushes, regarding a new craft beer book that just hit the market. She passed my information on to the publisher, who provided me with an exciting press release and a free online version of the book to review. Unfortunately, I have not yet read the book… BUT, I do feel the need to pass her press release along to my community to craft beer enthusiasts. The publisher has offered to send out the first chapter of the book for any or all of my readers to sample. If you are interested, please leave a comment or send me an email! CHEERS!

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Beer is Proof God Loves Us: Uncovering the Craft and Culture of the Brewing Industry

New York, NY—Today, beer is more than just a beverage. It has become a contest.  Drinking games, annual festivals, and an increasingly competitive brewing market has made the drink the target of anti-alcohol lobbyists and social stigmas.  The addition of caffeine and fruit flavors to beer has resulted in criticism towards the industry for seeking younger consumers.  Beer, however, has one of the most moderate alcohol contents of all alcoholic drinks, and more than that it has been a societal tradition across the ages.

For centuries, beer has been a cultural constant—an extraordinary and static beverage all over the world. The world of beer is rich in social history and its enthusiasts never cease to strive for mastery of quality beer.  And for many, beer is as much a drink as it is a science and spiritual subject.

One such man is Charles Bamforth, whose love of beer landed him with one of the most unique careers ever.  After 32 years in the brewing industry—which includes research, academia, and brewery experience—he was selected as UC Davis’ first Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor in Malting and Brewing Science.  In his new book, Beer is Proof God Loves Us: Reaching for the Soul of Beer and Brewing (FT Press Science, ISBN-13: 9780137065073, $25.99, hardcover, 304 pages, November 2010), Bamforth draws on his diverse knowledge and enlightens readers on the fascinating world of beer.

“The world of beer is hugely different from when I was a too young drinker in my native Northern England. The beers that folks enjoy today—and the latter day “near beer” which is the mal-ternative (think Smirnoff Ice)—speak to a new age of Kindle, Facebook, and fast food,” writes Bamforth. “But fortunately, there is a growing global realization that beer, rather than wine, is the ideal accompaniment to foods of all types and is actually good for you, in moderation.”

In his examination of beer and the brewing industry, Bamforth discusses a wide array of brewing topics.  With an understanding of nearly every aspect of beer, he reveals the cultural values of good beer, the radical changes in brewing companies and how they will affect beer drinkers, the latest global trends in beer consumption, the industry’s many adversaries, the raw materials and brewing process, and why in moderation beer can provide health benefits.

In Beer is Proof God Loves Us, readers will discover:

• Global Concerns: Why the consolidation of major brewing companies might mean restricted consumer choice
• What is Quality?: Attitudes towards what is good beer and how the container, foam, clarity, color, and flavor contribute to quality
• Anti-Alcohol Forces: The religious fervor targeting alcohol, the history of prohibition, and the public perceptions of the drink
• Health Benefits of Moderate Consumption: Why drinking beer may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis, and the chance of ulcers
• The Future of Brewing: How environmental issues will change the industry and new approaches to brewing like Happoshu and malternatives
• God in a Glass: Bamforth’s take on why a higher power is linked to fermentation

Guided by an international expert, Beer is Proof God Loves Us allows us to understand and appreciate the beverage and its history, while clearing up widely-held misconceptions. Charles Bamforth takes readers on a journey through the past, present, and future of the brewing industry from a humorous and highly researched perspective.

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About the Author
Charles W. Bamforth (UC-Davis) has been in the brewing industry for 32 years, including thirteen years in research, eleven in academia, and eight at a brewing company. After an international search, he was selected as UC Davis’ first Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor in Malting and Brewing Science. Throughout his diverse career, he has embraced every dimension of beer, from raw materials and processing, through quality, to beer’s impact on the body. This makes him unique amongst “beer people” worldwide. His books include Beer: Tap into the Art and Science of Brewing and Grape versus Grain.

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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: JASON THALMAN

AUTHOR OF: THE GREATEST BEER OF ALL TIME

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Jason Thalman
Twitter handle: @TGBOAT
Name of blog: The Greatest Beer Of All Time
Current location: Oswego, IL

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Westmont, IL

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

Soccer, Football, Wrestling, Cycling and Track

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

I Plead The 5th…probably 1 ½ – 2, I was notorious for swiping beers of end tables.

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

I believe it was in H.S. and it was a Killian’s Irish Red. Nothing too exciting, friends parents out of town and it was what I could sneak out of the fridge without my father noticing.

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

Out of High School I attempted to attend a local Community College and hoped to become a professional photographer and due to the brain cell killing qualities of Macro Brews I didn’t attend much and decided to get my ass straightened out by enlisting in the Marines. About two years after getting home from the Marines, I went to College Of DuPage and earned an Associates in Marketing and one in Management.

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:

It was October of 2002 and my sister was attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins. My folks decided to take my kids and have my wife and I go see my sister for family week. We made the 17 hour drive and pulled into Fort Collins around 8:00ish and asked the lady at the front desk of the hotel and she told us about a little Mexican place around the corner. We got there and were seated quickly and were brought menus.

There were a bunch of beers listed on the menu of which I was familiar with except one. Fat Tire from New Belgium Brewing Company. I proceeded to ask the waitress “what the hell is Fat Tire?” She looked at me as if I had 10 heads and replied, “you’ve never heard of Fat Tire?” I responded, “No.” She then stated, “well, have you heard of Coors?” I figured WTH and ordered a Fat Tire. I was blown away and amazed and asked her where the heck was New Belgium located and she told me about 4 blocks up the road and that we should take a tour while we were in town.

The next day the wife and I proceeded to head over to New Belgium, we took a quick self walking tour of the brewery (of which I had no clue what the hell I was looking at) and then sat at the counter and were kindly greeted by one of the craft beer baronesses. She placed a tray in front of me and my wife and started bringing glasses. It was one amazing brew after another and my life has been changed since. My favorite at the time was their 1554 Brussels Style Black Ale which is now known as 1554 Enlightened Black Ale. We purchased 2 Cases of beer, 2 Shirts, 2 glasses, stickers, a visor and walked out $255 lighter. That day changed my life. I refer to this moment as getting my Craft Beer cherry popped!!

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

The second was when I had my first Hopslam from Bells, at that point I had never tasted anything so amazing in my life. There are only two other craft brews that have had the same euphoric effect, Dogfish Heads Squall IPA and Oskar Blues Columbian Supreme.

Beer Blog Background

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

Since December of 2009

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Tired of the standard CSI treatment of Craft Beer. I believe that it turns off the average beer drinker and has the potential to turn of people that would be willing to explore Craft Beer. There is too much snobbery from some of the websites I’ve visited and I wanted to create a fun alternative.

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

I am a person of extremes, The Greatest Beer Of All Time just seemed right.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

What do you hope to achieve with it? My only goal is to spread the gospel of Craft Beer and hopefully generate some ad revenue someday so that I can at least break even. This is one expensive hobby!! I also hope to create some interactive options on the site as soon as I can put some scratch together to get some web development done.

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

Being sent beer to review, unsolicited and getting to tour Mother Earth Brewing Company in Kinston, NC and meet Josh Brewer. They have a great thing going on over there!! Meeting and getting to speak with Greg Koch from Stone Brewing and he asked to use a phrase I came up with for Saison Du Buff. I also enjoy corresponding with different representatives from breweries across the country.

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

I really dig

• The Beer Sessions
• Craft Cans
• Brewery Fans

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

This is really tough to answer…IPAs, Pale Ales and Porters

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Founders, Breckenridge and Two Brothers Brewing Co. They consistently produce my favorite brews to consume on a regular basis.

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

Oskar Blues, I took a tour while being in Denver for GABF and fell in love with the place! Plus I dig the whole Can Revolution!!

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

Yes, I love home brewing and it has helped me understand beer on a much more technical basis. I developed a recipe for a dry hopped Irish Red that is to die for, amazing!!

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

Nope, as it was once said, “There is no such thing as a beer expert, only beer drinkers with opinions.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

This may sound strange but Cracked Black Pepper Triscuits and New Belgium Brewing Co’s Ranger IPA.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Marketing/Advertising Consultant

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’d start a brewery in a heartbeat!

3. Are you married? Children?

Married to a very loving & understanding woman for over 14 years and have three daughters, Lauren (13) and twins Isabelle and Elise (10).

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

Yoga, Running, Photography, Playing Guitar and Theater.

Off The Beaten Path

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

Another tough one, I’d have to say Porter. Cheesy Answer…because I’m sweet, have a ton of character, easy to get along with and not too in your face.

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?

It’s a toss-up between Dogfish Head’s Squall IPA and Oskar Blues Columbian Supreme. It would depend on how I felt at that moment but it would be one or the other. Maybe if it’s Spring or Summer the Squall IPA and Fall or Winter the Columbian Supreme. Two of the greatest beers ever brewed!

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?

Imperial IPA, I’d go 100 IBUs +, Dry Hop the hell out of it, Oak Age it and brew it with fresh Grapefruits. I love em’ bitter!!

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

The ability to read minds. I’d love to truly know what people’s deepest and darkest thoughts are because I’m twisted like that.

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

I trained for and completed the Chicago Marathon, it was one of my greatest personal achievements. Rewarded myself with a tattoo of the shoe print (life size) on my side with 26.2 (miles) my bib number and my time.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Bad bacon sucks, gourmet fresh bacon is second to none. Reams Meat Market in Elburn, IL has the best bacon ever!

SPECIAL THANKS TO JASON FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!