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: STEPHEN BEAUMONT

AUTHOR OF: BLOGGING AT WORLD OF BEER

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: Before I dive straight into my interview with Stephen, I feel it important to note how important and impacting he has been on my development as a beer writer and beer connoisseur. I had the honor of meeting Stephen while visiting Chicago for the 2008 National Restaurant Association Show. We met through a mutual friend at Goose Island — where Stephen was the first person to introduce me to the “Saison” style of beer.

That night ended up being one of the most memorable, eye-opening and educational experiences in my early beer writing days. It was on that fateful night that I had my biggest “beer epiphany” after tasting my first gueze. I will never forget that night or forget meeting Stephen. Although he did not know it until now, Stephen will always have a special place in my heart.

So without further ado, meet Stephen Beaumont — the exemplary beer writer, inspirational mentor and crazy Scotch-loving (exceptionally good-looking) Canadian.

Beer Blogger Interview

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Stephen L. Beaumont
Name of blog: Blogging at World of Beer (Despite what Jack Curtin might believe, this is a temporary place holder while I pull together a redesign of the World of Beer website.)
Current location: Toronto

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Montreal first, then Oakville (a Toronto suburb) and then Toronto

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

I was a competitive swimmer

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

10 or so, but I had my first watered down wine at the age of 4

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

It was at a restaurant in Maine, of all places. With my family.

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

York University in Ontario, where I graduated with a B.A. (hon.) in Pol Sci. (I tell people that you do three things when studying political science: you write a lot, you talk a lot and you drink a lot. This naturally set me on the road to my present career.)

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:

The beer was Hoegaarden White, brought back for me from the town of Hoegaarden back when Pierre Celis was still brewing it. It changed my perception of beer completely.

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

Every good beer is an epiphany in its own right. I never stop learning or appreciating.

Beer Blog Background

1. How long have you been writing your beer blog– Blogging at The World of Beer?

Blogging for a year or so, but World of Beer itself dates back to, I think, 1996 or 1997.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

See above.

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

The blog name came from the website name, of course, which in turn came from the fact that the few other combinations I had tried were already taken, including my name. Since I travel the world in search of great beer, World of Beer seemed apt.

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

Honestly, I haven’t the foggiest.

5. In addition to your World of Beer website, you have also written for various other sources as well as published a book. Please feel free to detail as many of these as you wish:

I’ve been writing about beer (and spirits and travel) for about 20 years and have written or co-written six books.

My latest is The beerbistro Cookbook, which was inspired by the 6 year old beer cuisine restaurant in which I’m a partner. I have also contributed to several other books, most recently Ben McFarland’s new World’s Best Beers, and contribute regularly to ten magazines and irregularly to several others.

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

Way too numerous to mention, but tasting a Thomas Hardy vertical back in the mid-1990’s and drinking a seven year old bottle of the very first brewing of St. Lamvinus with Jean-Pierre Van Roy at the Cantillon brewery have to rank right up there.

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

I decline to mention, mainly because I enjoy so many.

Beer Talk

This might sound a bit pompous, but I would rather expound upon beer for a bit than answer your listed questions. Because, you see, I can honestly state that I enjoy almost any beer style when it’s done well, from west-coast American hop bombs to the elegant subtlety of a kölsch. Truly, I believe that there is a beer for every occasion, and an occasion for every characterful beer.

What I think a lot of people miss when they are talking about beer style likes and dislikes is that context can affect perception in very real ways, and not liking a specific beer or style in one context should not preclude liking it in another. I have seen people who can’t stand lambics fall in love with the style in Belgium, and people who shun hoppy ales enjoy them with the right food combination.

One of my favourite such stories concerns my beerbistro Cookbook co-author and the executive chef and principle owner of the restaurant, Brian Morin. Way back when I was first introducing Brian to some more esoteric beers, one he simply couldn’t wrap his head around was Rochefort 8, which I regard as one of the world’s finest beers for pairing with chocolate. Didn’t matter to Brian, though. He just couldn’t see the appeal. Then we went to a local Belgian-style café and at the end of the meal I ordered us Rochefort 8s and slices of flourless chocolate cake. He took one bite and a sip and I could see the light bulbs going off. He looked at me, smiled and said, “Okay, I get it!”

I have never wanted to work in a brewery because I see how hard brewers work, often for too-low pay and a general lack of appreciation. I’m happy with my pen and notebook, thanks.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Beer writing.

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 honestly wouldn’t change. I love my job.

3. Are you married? Children?

Married for a year-and-a-half, no kids.

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

Travel and eating and drinking figure high in my list of pursuits. (See why I love my job?) I love watching a good football, sorry, soccer game, live or on the tube, and enjoy reading. I also exercise rather reluctantly, running mostly, to keep off the weight.

Off The Beaten Path

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

You’re kidding, right?

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?

Distilled beer, aka single malt. Probably a Bowmore for sentimental reasons.

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?

You’re kidding, right?

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

Flying would be cool.

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

Becoming a full-time freelance beer writer.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Warm and fuzzy. (My thoughts, not the bacon!)

SPECIAL THANKS TO STEPHEN BEAUMONT FOR BEING AN INSPIRATION TO MYSELF AND OTHER BEER WRITERS!

CHEERS!

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Tweeter Interview Series

Beer bloggers are not the only people using social media to share their passion for and knowledge of craft beer. Twitter is one of the most important tools in today’s craft beer industry. Beer tweeters all over the world are influencing and impacting the way people interact with and experience craft beer. The Beer Wench has embarked upon a mission to interview as many beer tweeters that she can — from all over the world.

Are you a beer tweeter? Do you want to share your story? Send me an email!

INTRODUCING BEER TWEETER: Sarah Kristine (Bradner) Huska

Twitter handle: @sarahhuska

Current location: St. Charles, IL (Chicago suburb)

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Fostoria, OH

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

I played volleyball in junior high but once I got into high school I ditched it. Going to a private school makes certain things rather click-ish, sports being one of them….since I didn’t have the right name I didn’t get to play. So, I chose to participate in the flag corps in marching band. I LOVED IT. A couple of my friends and I joined and it actually became one of the “cool” activities at my high school.

Our football team was so awful that people stopped coming to games, but the year we started in flag corps the band and the corps were outstanding. People would come out to the football games, act interested in the first half, watch the band at halftime (cheer wildly) and then clear out when we were done. Bittersweet I suppose. I also coached flag corps for 3 years after I graduated. Almost every school in our league gave us props on being the best marching band and flag corps. Kinda neat-o.

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

18

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

Bud Light out of a warm keg at a graduation party. There is a reason you have keggerators people….

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

Well, I’ve been to several…I’m what you call a professional student. When I was in high school I took college classes at the University of Findlay in Ohio (Calculus, Psychology, Sociology)….smart kid stuff, you know. Then I attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio as a Nursing student, decided I hated the people I would have to work with for the rest of my life and changed my major to business and transfered to Owens Community College in Ohio (better known as Slowens).

My husband and I then moved to Chicago and I said to myself “screw nursing, or business or whatever else my family wants me to do; I’m going to do what I want to do!” So now I am attending Elgin Community College’s Culinary Arts Institute for my Associates in the Culinary Arts. I am blessed to have found my calling. I’ll be taking some Entrepreneurship classes as well so I can write a better business plan for the beer bar and/or brew pub I will open.

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 had been experimenting with beer here and there for a while, drinking things like Leinenkugel’s Honeyweiss or Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown; but, the day I had my first real American craft beer is something I am pretty sure I will never forget. I was sitting on the step outside my garage door at my house in Bowling Green, OH watching my husband homebrew, he was drinking a Brooklyn Brown Ale and told me I should try it.

So, I did…. I honestly don’t have words to describe what happened at that moment, I suppose all I can say is that was the day I realized what beer can be and what it shouldn’t be. To this day, Brooklyn Brown remains my favorite brown ale. Ever. Mostly because it’s delicious but also the nostalgic quality is unbeatable.

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

I suppose I have, I feel like I have one every time I try something that is unexpected. For instance, I had a Reaper Ale Mortality Stout a couple weeks ago. Wow. I almost feel like I shouldn’t talk about it because it’s like a spoiler on a movie ending…. [SPOILER ALERT] A stout with Brett?!??! (It is Brettanomyces right? It sure tasted like it.) I mean….wow. It was amazing. No where on the bottle does it say it has Brett in it, but you drink it and BAM! there it is. (Or is it whoop! there it is….I’m not sure.) Fantastic beer. Fantastic experience.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

What’s that Charlie Papazian quote? My favorite beer is the one I’m drinking right now….or something like that. But if I had to choose, I would say IPA, Imperial Stout and almost any sour beer.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

This is tough. Three is a small number. Port Brewing. The Bruery. And, of course, the 21st Amendment Brewing Co.

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

Probably The Bruery. I think Patrick is a mad scientist and a brilliant business man; I feel I could learn a lot from him and to be involved in something so unique and driven would be an honor.

4. Are you a homebrewer?

I have assisted in many homebrews but never have I actually made my own. It’s intimidating. I’m a cook. When I cook, I make a mess, sure I follow sanitation guidelines and I’m not making dirty food, but the sanitation required for brewing is scary. I’m almost positive I would never have the patience to brew a beer that wouldn’t get infected at some point in the process.

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

I recently passed my Certified Beer Server exam from the Cicerone Program and am studying to take the Cicerone exam hopefully in 2010. Also, if I have extra money lying around someday, I will attend Siebel.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

A sour beer (probably Rodenbach’s Grand Cru) with a plate of various cheeses, charcuterie, honeys, fruits, and a nice warm french baguette. Mmmmm, yummy.

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

BeerAdvocate. Beer Mapping Project. And Twitter, as a whole…..it’s the best, because there you can link to other blogs/sites but all the information is in one spot.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I own a pet sitting and dog walking business in the Chicago suburbs call Shake A Leg Pet Exercise & Care, Inc.

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 open a brew pub with a friend of mine who makes the BEST homebrew I’ve ever had. I’d open it in Chicago and it would be on the same level as The Publican.

3. Are you married? Children?

Yes and no. Well, unless you count four-legged children. In that case, I have two: a dog, Samson, and a cat, Weizen.

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

I run barefoot. I haven’t in a few weeks as I have a stress fracture in my foot, but once it heals I will begin training for a half marathon that I’ll hopefully run in May and then a full marathon in the Fall of 2010. Also, I cook amazing food…it’s not bragging if you can back it up.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I would be a sour beer. Bubbly, bold, a little sweet, not too bitter, pretty and loaded with enough alcohol to make life awesome.

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?

Burnter Santa Imperial Stout from Bridges Brewing

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 design an IIPA. Bold, refreshing, fun, sociable, a little fruity and (again) loaded up with enough alcohol to make life awesome!

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

Flying or teleporting.

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

I survived GABF 2009…even with Shaun and Nico of the 21st Amendment “hooking me up”….not many could survive that, I assure you.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Everything’s better with bacon.

SPECIAL THANKS TO SARAH FOR BEING AN AWESOME BEER TWEETER AND #LADYGENTS!

CHEERS!

Anyone who has ever remotely interacted with me knows that I possess (what we will call) the “gift of gab.” I talk a lot … and I mean a lot. This is partly because I think a lot … and partly because I think that I have a lot to say (whether or not what I have to say is important, however … is an entirely different story).

Two topics in which I seem to possess a seemingly endless ability to talk about are beer and social media (specifically Twitter). I constantly find myself engaging others (often strangers) in conversations about both. And usually, these conversations result in me looking like the biggest geek on the planet. Which is fine by me.

My love, passion and affinity for social media has introduced me to some pretty damn amazing people as well as has brought me opportunities that I would never have found otherwise. One such opportunity is a charity beer dinner with Samuel Adams (The Boston Beer Company) at the Culinary Institute of Charleston, SC on July 14th.

Little (well I’m not so little) old (technically I’m not old either) me got invited to attend THE ULTIMATE BEER AND FOOD EXPERIENCE. The event is being co-hosted by The Boston Beer Company and The Culinary Institute of Charleston with Special Guest, Bob Cannon — Head Brewer for Samuel Adams.

And the best part? It is ALL EXPENSE PAID.

Now how does one get such an honorable invitation? This is where all of my time and energy on social media platforms has successfully paid off (hey Mom & Dad … look at me now).

Combine a passion for writing with a passion for beer and a passion for all things Internet … add in a community of equally passionate food, wine & beer bloggers … create interactions and develop relationships with this community … and you have one big OPEN DOOR to the (food & beverage) world. The connections and opportunities are endless on the internet — and especially on Twitter. And there is no greater proof than this latest opportunity that just “fell” oh so gracefully into my lap.

The image right above is the menu for the beer dinner. Select chefs from The Culinary Institute of Charleston have incorporated the beers of Samuel Adams into a tasting menu to be envied. In addition to containing beer as a major ingredient, each dish will also be paired with a Samuel Adams beer.

This dinner excites me for several reasons. Not only will it be the “ultimate beer & food experience“, but it will also give me an opportunity to taste some of Samual Adam’s more rare and less mainstream, specialty beers. One such beer is UTOPIA — arguably the boldest, most alcoholic beer in the world. Rumor has it that Utopia will be paired with one of the desserts. (I am praying that both my stomach and my liver will hold up until dessert — and by the sound of things, this may prove to be quite a challenge).

Naturally, every great event has an equally exciting & exhilirating after-party. Lucky for me, I have also been invited to attend the special “VIP” after-party with special guest and head Samuel Adams brewer, Bob Cannon.

Now I know what you are thinking — what is the catch? After all, there is no such thing as “free” in a capitalist society. Well folks, I have agreed to do somethings in exchange for a free flight to Charleston, a free night’s stay in one of Charleston’s premier hotels, a free ticket to the beer dinner and free pass to the VIP after-party. For all this, I will blog … and tweet … and talk about the event. And while at the event, I will also blog, tweet, talk — and even live ustream the event.

Life, my friends, does not get better than this. I get to do some of the things I love to do most in life (traveling, eating good food & drinking good beer with good people) in exchange for two other things that I love to do most (writing my blog & engaging with others).

Stay tuned for more information regarding the event! CHEERS!