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!

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: CODY JOHNSON

CO-AUTHOR OF: HEBREW MEN’S BREWING SOCIETY

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Cody Johnson
Twitter handle: Codysseus
Name of blog: Spirit of Brew
Current location: Reno, NV

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

The beer mecca of West Valley City, UT

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

It would be easier to state what sports I did not play. Officially I played football, basketball, baseball, golf, wrestling, power lifting and track and field. I played football at the University of Nevada, Reno in college.

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?

Again, we’re talking about the beer mecca of Utah here. Actually the first beer I can really remember was my dad’s homebrewed porter. I had it in our home in West Valley.

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, Reno. I studied Engineering Physics and played football starting all four years…I know, a combination that one cannot fathom, but it’s a true story, I swear!

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 drinking craft beer for a while when I had my first real epiphany. It happened Thanksgiving 2006 in Portland, OR when my future brother-in-law showed up with Dogfish Head’s 90 minute IPA. I was already on to IPAs at the time and they had quickly become my favorite style. The 90 minute IPA sealed the deal for me. To this day, I judge every IPA by this brew. While it is bigger than your standard IPA, it, to me at least, is the benchmark of the style, or anything wanting to be near it.

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

I think the next one would need to be Belgians. I chased IPAs so hard for so long that I almost passed on the style when I had a Chimay with my dad. Once I had it, I was hooked and every time I’d be on a business trip to Boise, ID, I’d find bitter creek because I knew they had Chimay on draft. Chimay Cinq Cents is still my favorite, but I find this to be probably the old world’s best style, or a very close second to the best the Germans have to offer.

I have had more than three, but my third would need to be into the mind-blowing realm of sour ales. People have ventured into Lambics as if they were some sort of poor-man’s version of “bacterial” beers, but there is a world of beauty in sour ale and complexities that can elude even the most well-trained beer connoisseur. While I have had a number of them to date, I think the most numbing is still New Belgium’s Lips of Faith Series sour.

Beer Blog Background

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

Collectively, we have been producing the Spirit of Brew for almost two years now. It is published monthly.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

The guys and I wanted to expand our influence to those around us who were also interested in talking about beer. Since we had a good local Email group we started it that way and then started posting issues on the web.

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

Oddly enough, HeBrew Men’s Brewing Society started out as an attractional group within our church…hard to believe, I know. This is where the inspiration for both the logo and the group name came into play.

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

My main goal is to make sure that our following has some interesting articles to read as well as something educational in each issue. I actually act as the editor of it, so my articles aren’t typically the more interesting ones, I prefer reading the other guys more than my little quips and sections.

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

Seeing people around me get more excited about beer and then actually having the guts to venture into brewing on their own. I like the fact that we inspire guys to try something new, fearlessly.

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

• Beer Advocate
• Northern Brewer (because I’m there a LOT)
• All About Beer

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, Barleywine, Belgian ales (with lower esterification)

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Dogfish Head, Stone, Nogne O

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

I think I’d have to choose Dogfish Head. Sam Calagione is always pushing the limits of what beer can be. The guy is so exploratory and willing to try anything.

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

Yes. We just brewed a sweet stout with Juniper Berries rather than hops. It’s a little sweeter than typical, but it was a nice adventure. So far, I think that the most unique thing that I’ve found is actually mead. The first mead we brewed was so bizarre and unique I was blown away. Next would have to be our Novemberfest.

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

Not today.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I love bold flavors so that’s probably why I stick to bold beers. I would have to say today I could go for a 90 minute IPA with mango habanero chicken.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I am a partner in an appraisal management company.

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 will never retire and I love my work. I would love to own a brewery with a “brew-farm” on the side. That and I’d have to work our pub!

3. Are you married? Children?

Married with a son and a daughter…my wife just racked her first hard cider this week.

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

My family is the most important thing to me. I coach football, love to weightlift and I am a voracious reader, having typically three or four books going at a time.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I’m a big guy and I’m really friendly with people I don’t even know so I probably fit real well into the category of American lager…without the beer gut of course, but nearly everyone can drink me.

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 thought I might want a beer that’s hard to find…but sometimes, you just need to have the beer that you appreciate the most. To date, I still have not found that IPA to take the place of my beloved 90 Minute IPA.

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 think the Germans have “beer wench” down. So it’d have to be an Oktoberfest, but we’d need to definitely throw out the Reinheitsgebot for reality and put some spice in that baby to make a real Winter Warmer.

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

The ability to stop time.

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

Crap, I don’t think I’ve done anything crazy enough to answer this…squat 820 pounds??? Does that count?

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

The most versatile edible known to man.

SPECIAL THANKS TO CODY 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: 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!

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: JEFF BULL

CO-AUTHOR OF: HEBREWING

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Jeff Bull
Twitter handle: @hebrewbrewing / @bullseyebrewco
Name of blog: HEBREWING
Current location: Reno, NV

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Lakewood, California

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

Played some unofficial sports, like Disc golf, and basketball (recreationally)

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

Ooh, at the good ole age of 19

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

My co-worker took me to a bar near where we lived, for my first Black & Tan. And yes, it was Guinness on Bass

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

Did a 3-year stint at Cypress College (Cypress, CA). Was enrolled in the computer science program, but realized pretty quick that wasn’t for me. Since I worked full-time, there wasn’t a lot of time for ‘recreational’ activities, but did find some time for amateur photography. Oh, had a blast in the Forensics club at that school as well.

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 definitely hit me when I was in Seattle, WA for the first time. Headed down to Pike’s Market, mostly to see the fish mongers throwing their catches all over. At this point, I wasn’t home brewing, and definitely knew very little about Craft beer. Noticed a brewery inside the market (the Pike), so of course I needed to drop in. Ordered their sampler, and had my first taste of a Scotch Ale. That beer blew me away! Honestly had no idea that beer could be that flavorful, or complex; Pretty much knew, right then, that I had just found a new love/passion.

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

First Saison (La Merle) and first IPA (Dogfish Head 60-minute)…both solidified one major characteristic of Craft beer: No style is set in stone. Every brewer has his/her own take on what a style should taste like, and that makes me want to try them all so much more.

Beer Blog Background

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

Being on the board of HeBrew Men’s Brewing Society, my primary role has always been the ‘tech’ guy…since its’ what I do full-time. I’m not much of a code writer, but thoroughly enjoy keeping content up-to-date & relevant, at the group’s site (hebrewbrewing.com). Started my own [personal] blog sometime ago, but have only recently pushed on it heavy. Discovering the benefit(s) of the twitter-verse, and other social networks really helped me to realize how much fun it can be to join in on the Craft Beer conversation.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Home brewing…definitely. Brewing in my garage, on a relaxing evening, is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had; Wanted to be able to share that with anyone who is interested in listening.

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

Lol, pretty simple…my last name is Bull….so, bullseyebrewing.net was born. Cliché? Probably….does it matter….nah!

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

Biggest focus of any blogging, tweeting, podcasting I do is to help promote our brewing group, and bring anyone interested in brewing at home to a helpful information base. Home brewing is my passion, and as a group, we really want to reach out to people….give them an unassuming place to learn more about it. For my own blog? Just have a good time. Brewing at home isn’t stopping, anytime soon, so why not chronicle whatever I can!

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

Meeting some truly awesome people! Heck, got a chance to meet (gratuitous name drop) @thebeerwench, @Lost_in_beer, @abbijayne…all in one night! Also, have had an opportunity to talk about that one thing we all love, Craft Beer, with many great people on the web. That makes this all worth while!

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

1. Brookston Beer Bulletin
2. Yours for Good Fermentables
3. DRAFT Magazine

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Saison, Scotch Ale, IPA

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Dogfish Head, The Bruery, Knee Deep Brewing

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

Definitely the Bruery. Had a chance to visit their tasting room (Placentia, CA) last year, and try brews like Mélange No.6, and Black Orchard on tap. For such a new, and relatively small operation, can’t imagine how innovative their brew masters must be, to come up with the variations they do. Just to be a fly on the wall would be a treat.

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

Yep, and loving every second of it. Well, I’m sure most people wouldn’t think a Hefeweizen was very unique, but I have a recipe that includes steeping with sweet-dried orange peel (after the boil). Such a simple ingredient gives the brew a nice citrus flavor, without overpowering it.

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

Not right now, but it’s on my to-do list for the next 5 years.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Hmm, it’d have to be either Porter and German-chocolate cake….OR, a good Kölsch with a well basted plate of ribs

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Network Specialist for Harley-Davidson

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?

Start a brewery, no question! I love it….you get to be creative, innovative, and just have fun with something you love. How could that possibly be a bad thing?!

3. Are you married? Children?

Nope & Nope

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

Working projects around the house, Reading, and Cycling

Off The Beaten Path

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

IPA. Bitter & robust, always a reminder to an imbiber not to take you lightly

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?

One of the only beers I may never get a chance too…Pliny the Younger

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?

Would be a Black Belgium. Possibly a little spice (coriander, clove, cinnamon)…would draw people in with it’s smooth look, but remind them quickly that it’s not a brew to underestimate

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

Ok, well, in my first car….’72 Duster (yep, Al Bundy’s car)…decided ‘hey, you know what would be fun?!’ let’s go driving around southern cali, at 60mph, in a rainstorm. Of course, when your 17, this sort of thing seems like an epiphany right? So there we are, racing around Long Beach, well over the speed limit, in a car with only drum brakes, when I lock all 4 wheels up, and proceed to slide through an intersection…sideways. This wouldn’t have been nearly as freaky, except that it was a red light for me. As soon as we made it through, the car straightened out…brakes unlocked, and was back on the road. Ahh, good times!

5. What are your thoughts on bacon?

It, along with butter, cheese, and garlic, makes everything better. Pork fat rules!!!!!!!

SPECIAL THANKS TO JEFF 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: 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!

Everyone keeps asking me if there is a list of attendees for the Inaugural Beer Bloggers Conference. The event organizers have given me the go-ahead to post the list of current registries. Note: this list is continuously updating. For ease of use, the updated bloggers will be highlighted in RED!

Allan Wright – Zephyr Adventures www.ZephyrAdventures.com
Reno Walsh — Zephyr Adventures    www.ZephyrAdventures.com
Ashley Routson — Drink With the Wench    drinkwiththewench.com
Gerard Walen — Road Trips for Beer    www.roadtripsforbeer.com
E.T. Crowe — Wolverine State Brewing Co.    www.wolverinebeer.com
Ryan Conklin — Denver Bartender Examiner    www.examiner.com/x-28228-Denver-Bartender-Examiner
Lucy Saunders — Best of American Beer and Food    www.bestofamericanbeerandfood.com
Peter Kennedy — Simply Beer    www.simplybeer.com
John Holl — The Beer Briefing    www.beernexus.com
Tamre Mullins — Girls’ Pint Out    www.girlspintout.com
Jennifer Litz — Girls’ Pint Out    www.girlspintout.com
Kerry Finsand — Taplister    www.taplister.com
Bob Mack — World Class Beverages    http://worldclassbeverages.wordpress.com/
Anne Fitten Glenn — Brewgasm    www.brewgasm.com
Angelo de Ieso – Brewpublic    www.brewpublic.com
Margaret Lut — Brewpublic    www.brewpublic.com
Sean Inman — Beer Search Party    www.beersearchparty.com
Sanjiv Gajiwala — Blue Ribbon Blog    www.blog.pabstblueribbon.com
Dan Fisher (Dan on Tap) — Life on Tap    www.lifeontap.net
Dale Miskimins — sodakbeer    http://sodakbeer.com
Billy Broas — BillyBrew    http://billybrew.com
PJ Hoberman — Starting a Brewery    www.startingabrewery.wordpress.com
James Marks — Columbus Beer Guys    http://columbusbeerguys.wordpress.com/
Ronnie Crocker — Beer, TX    http://blogs.chron.com/beertx
Carla Gesell-Streeter — Hoperatives    www.hoperatives.com
Tom Streeter — Hoperatives    www.hoperatives.com
Alexis Fritzsche – Ale Babe    www.alebabe.com
Rick Hagerbaumer — Big Foamy Head    www.bigfoamyhead.com
Carlos Swinney — Mendocino Brewing Co.    www.mendobrew.com
Jason Fellon — Beer Cruiser    www.beercruiser.net
Sara Wade – Monarch Beverage    www.monarch-beverage.com
Julia Herz — Craft Beer Muses    www.craftbeer.com
Alison McGee —  From This Pint On    www.fromthispinton.com
Andy Dunfee – Hippo Lane    www.hippolane.org
David Jensen — Beer 47    www.beer47.com
Jennie Chen — MisoHungry    http://misohungrynow.blogspot.com
John Knox — MisoHungry    http://misohungrynow.blogspot.com
J.R. Woolsey — Consultant
Mark Jackson – Simply Beer    www.simplybeer.com
Zach Rosen — Santa Barbara Craft Beer    http://www.examiner.com/x-32901-Santa-Barbara-Craft-Beer-Examiner
Dustin & Libby — Beer 2 Buds http://www.beer2buds.com
Jenn Prosser  – Jenn and Beer    www.jennandbeer.com @jennandbeer
Jonathan Shikes —  Beer Man at Westword Mag    http://blogs.westword.com/cafesociety/beer_man/
Greg Koch  – Stone Brewing    www.stonebrewing.com
Jacob McKean – Stone Brewing    www.stonebrewing.com
Lauren Polinsky  – Durham Craft Beer Examiner    http://www.examiner.com/x-53634-Durham-Craft-Beer-Examiner
Cathy Clark —  Brewtiful www.brewtiful.com
Jim Pavlik —  Central State Asylum www.csasylum.wordpress.com
Jessica Daynor —   Draft Magazine www.draftmag.com
Ryan Ross —   Karl Strauss Brewing Company www.karlstrauss.com
Jay Brooks — Brookston Beer Bulletin www.brookstonbeerbulletin.com
Ian Cowpar — 2 Beer Guys http://www.2beerguys.com
Sean Jansen – 2 Beer Guys http://www.2beerguys.com
Ryan Jansen – Beer Guys http://www.2beerguys.com
Chuck Noll — World Class Beverages Arizona http://az.worldclassbeverages.com/
Jennifer Morrison –  Ales for All http://alesforall.blogspot.com
Willis F Jackson III – Mashtun Technologies www.mashtunbeer.com
Mike Besser — BrewDad www.brewdad.com
Steven Ward — Nova Beer Fly http://novabeerfly.wordpress.com
Doug Brumley — Fledgling Brewer http://www.fledglingbrewer.com/
Tiffany Adamowski – 99 bottles http://www.99bottles.net/blog
Jay Rascoe — Guns and Tacos www.gunsandtacos.com
Kami Marquardt — Great Lakes Brewing www.greatlakesbrewing.com
Lauren Boveington — Great Lakes Brewing www.greatlakesbrewing.com
Dionne Cocktail Diva
Mariah Calagione — Dogfish Head Craft Brewery www.dogfish.com
Sebbie Buhler — Rogue Ales www.rogue.com
Kyle Freeman — Jenn and Beer www.jennandbeer.com
Michael Bussmann — New Belgium Brewing www.newbelgium.com
Owen McCuen — Ferment Nation www.fermentnation.com
Greg Krsak — KSW Beer www.kswbeer.com
Ilya Feynberg — Damn That’s Good Beer! www.damnthatsgoodbeer.com
Jay Wilson — Brewvana www.brewvana.wordpress.com
Tom Wilmes — Boulder Daily Camera www.dailycamera.com
Nate Fochtman — The Beer Ace www.thebeerace.com
Josie Finsand — Taplister www.taplister.com
Tom Wilmes — Boulder Daily Camera www.dailycamera.com
Ryan Murphy — The Daily Pint www.dailypint.wordpress.com
Rick Andrews –  Ales from the Crypt http://alesfromthecrypt.blogspot.com
Stephanie Jerzy — Drinks for the House http://drinksforthehouse.blogspot.com
Will Blankenship — Colorado Beer & Food www.cobeerandfood.com
Erik Boles –Beer Tap TV www.beertaptv.com
Eli Shayotovich — Beer Tap TV www.beertaptv.com
Stephen Johnson — New Brew Thursday www.newbrewthursday.com
Patricia Shepherd
Dan Weitz – Boulder Beer www.boulderbeer.com
Sean McNeal – Wayward Productions
Chad Melis — Oskar Blues www.oskarblues.com
Travis Poling — Beer Across Texas http://beeracrosstexas.com
Mark Drudge — Pencil and Spoon http://pencilandspoon.blogspot.com/
Adrienne Rinaldi — BeerSnobChick www.beersnobchick.com
Meghan Storey — CraftBeer.com www.craftbeer.com
Zander Hartung — The Beer Ace www.thebeerace.com
Jeff Bull — He-Brew Men’s Brewing Society www.hebrewbrewing.com
Nancy Maddaloni — Great Brewers www.greatbrewers.com
Reggie Currie — Cheers for Beers www.cheersforbeers.com
Carol Dekkers — Microbrews USA www.microbrewsusa.wordpress.com
Jake Koeneman –  iBrewToo www.ibrewtoo.com
Carla Companion — The Beer Babe www.thebeerbabe.com
Lisa Mallen — Zephyr Adventures www.ZephyrAdventures.com
Wendy Littlefield — Belgian Experts www.belgianexpertsblog.com
Sanjay Reddy –  Not So Professional Beer Blog www.notsoprobeer.com
Julian Green –  MillerCoors www.millercoors.com
Jeff Bowles — Huck Fin’s Beer Buzz http://huckfinsbeerbuzz.com
Renée DeLuca — The Brewer’s Daughter www.brewersdaughter.com/
Dustin Romero — Widmer Brothers Brewing www.widmer.com
Candace Lacy – NC Beer Wench
Hagan Blount — Wandering Foodie http://wanderingfoodie.com
Erik Peterson –  Bull and Bush www.bullandbush.com
Jen Cadmus — Bull and Bush www.bullandbush.com
Mike Laur – Beer Drinkers Guide to Colorado www.beerdrinkersguidetocolorado.com
Danielle Quatrochi — New Planet Beer www.newplanetbeer.com

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And then there is my ongoing Twitter list. I will do my best to update this list as much as possible. If you are registered and would like to have your name added to the list, leave a comment on this post and I will get you on it ASAP.

Twitter list to follow: TWITTER LIST

CONFIRMED BBC 2010 ATTENDEES

• Allan Wright of Zephyr Adventure –> @zephyradventure
• Ashley V Routson –> @TheBeerWench @beerbloggers
• PJ Hoberman of “Starting A Brewery” & “The HopPress” –> @hookedonwinter
• James Marks of “Columbus Beer Guys” –> @CbusBeerGuys
• Gerard Walen of “Road Trips For Beer” –> @roadtrips4beer
• Erik Boles of “BeerTapTV” –> @BeerTapTV @ErikBoles
• Eli Shayotovich of “BeerTapTV” –> @BeerTapTV @EliShayotovich
• Dale Miskimins of “Sodak Beer” –> @sodakbeer
• Draft Magazine –> @draftmag
• Kerry Finsand of “Taplister” –> @taplister & @kfinsand
• Tamre Mullins of “Girls Pint Out” –> @girlspintout
• Jennifer Litz of “Girls Pint Out” –> @girlspintout
• Ryan Conklin of “Denver Bartender Examiner” & ” 52 Beers 52 Weeks” –>@DenverBartender
• Billy Broas of “Billy Brew” –> @billybroas
• Lucy Saunders of “Cooking With Beer” –> @lucybeercook
• Carla Gesell-Streeter of “The Hoperatives” –> @hoperatives
• Tom Streeter of “The Hoperatives” –> @hoperatives
• David Moyer of “Beer Commissioner”
• Chris Spradley of “Breweries, Bars and Beer Food” & “Los Angeles Beer Examiner” –> @beachbumchris
• Larry McIntosh of “USA Beer Trends” –> @usabeertrends & @madhouselarry
• Carlos Swinney of Mendocino Brewing Co. –> @MendoBrew
• Alexis Fritzsche  of Ale Babe –> @alebabeIPA
• Rick Hagerbaumer of Big Foamy Head –> @bigfoamyhead
• Jennie Chen of “MisoHungry: Make it With Moonshine” –> @misohungry
• Alison McGee of From This Pint On –> @FromThisPintOn
• Andy Dunfee of Hippo Lane –> @adunfee
• David Jensen of Beer 47 –> @beer47
• John Knox of MisoHungry  –> @WindAddict
• J.R. Woolsey  –>  @TravelingPint
• Mark Jackson of Simply Beer –> @markomundo
• Zach Rosen of Santa Barbara Craft Beer  –> @zenki40
• Anne Fitten Glenn of Brewgasm –> @brewgasm
• Libby & Dustin of Beer2Buds –> @beer2buds
• Jenn Prosser of Jenn and Beer  –> @jennandbeer
• Jonathan Shikes of Beer Man at Westword Mag –> @ColoBeerMan
• Greg Koch of Stone Brewing –> @StoneGreg
• Jacob McKean of Stone Brewing –> @StoneBrewingCo
• Lauren Polinsky of Durham Craft Beer Examiner –> @laurenpolinsky
• Cathy Clark of Brewtiful –> @cathywonderful
• Jim Pavlik of Central State Asylum –> @csasylum
• Jessica Daynor of Draft Magazine  –> @draftmag
• Ryan Ross of Karl Strauss Brewing Company –> @Karl_Strauss
• Jay Brooks of Brookston Beer Bulletin –> @brookston
• Ian Cowpar of 2 Beer Guys –> @craftbeered
• Sean Jansen of 2 Beer Guys –> @2beerguys
• Chuck Noll of World Class Beverages Arizona –> @worldclassAZ
• Jennifer Morrison Ales for All –> @alesforall
• Willis F Jackson III of   Mashtun Technologies –> @wfjackson3
• Mike Besser of BrewDad  –> @brewdad
• Steven Ward of NovaBeerFly –> @novabeerfly
• Doug Brumley of Fledgling Brewer –> @fledglingbrewer
  
• Tiffany Adamowski of 99 Bottles Blog –> @99bottlesbeer
• Jay Rascoe  of  Guns and Tacos –> @gunsandtacos
• Kami Marquardt  of  Great Lakes Brewing –> @GLBC_Cleveland
• Lauren Boveington of   Great Lakes Brewing –> @GLBC_Cleveland
• Dionne  of  Cocktail Diva –> @Cocktail_Diva
• Mariah Calagione of  Dogfish Head Craft Brewery –> @dogfishbeer
• Sebbie Buhler  of  Rogue Ales –> @chocolatestout
• Kyle Freeman  of Jenn and Beer –> @kylefree
• Michael Bussmann of  New Belgium Brewing –> @carnie_NBB
• Owen McCuen of  Ferment Nation –> @FermentNation
• Ilya Feynberg of Damn That’s Good Beer! –> @ilyafeynberg
• Greg Krsak of KSW Beer –> @gregkrsak
• Jay Wilson of Brewvana –> @brewvana
• Nate Fochtman of The Beer Ace –>  @TheBeerAce
• Josie Finsand of Taplister –> @jedfinsand
• Ryan Murphy of The Daily Pint –> @sp1365
• Rick Andrews of Ales from the Crypt –> @alesfrmthecrypt
• Stephanie Jerzy of  Drinks for the House –> @stephaniejerzy
• Will Blankenship of Colorado Beer & Food –> @cobeer_food
• Erik Boles of Beer Tap TV –> @erikboles @beertaptv
• Eli Shayotovich of Beer Tap TV –> @elishayotovich @beertaptv
• Stephen Johnson of New Brew Thursday –> @newbrewthursday @darthweef
  
• Dan Weitz of Boulder Beer –> @boulderbeer
• Sean McNeal of Wayward Productions –> @smmcneal
• Chad Melis of Oskar Blues –> @oskarblues
• Travis Poling of Beer Across Texas –> @beeracrosstx
• Mark Drudge of Pencil and Spoon –> @markdredge
• Adrienne Rinaldi of BeerSnobChick –> @beersnobchick
• Meghan Storey of CraftBeer.com –> @mestorey
• Jeff Bull of He-Brew Men’s Brewing Society –> @hebrewbrewing
• Nancy Maddaloni of Great Brewers –> @hunterdonbrew
• Reggie Currie Cheers for Beers –>@MrBikerBrew
• Carol Dekkers Microbrews USA –> @caroldekkers
• Jake Koeneman iBrewToo –> @ibrewtoo
• Carla Companion The Beer Babe –> @beerbabe
• Lisa Mallen Zephyr Adventures –> @LisaRMallen
• Wendy Littlefield Belgian Experts –> @belgianexpert
• Sanjay Reddy Not So Professional Beer Blog –> @NoSoProBeer
• John Holl –> @John_Holl
• Jeff Bowles of Huck Fin’s Beer Buzz –> @bowles_4
• Renée DeLuca of The Brewer’s Daughter –> @BrewersDaughter
• Candace Lacy of NC Beer Wench –> @NC_Beer_Wench
• Hagan Blount of Wandering Foodie –> @h18
• Erik Peterson of Bull and Bush –> @bandbmanbeer
• Jen Cadmus of Bull and Bush –> @jencad
• Mike Laur of Beer Drinkers Guide to Colorado –> @BDG2C
• Danielle Quatrochi of New Planet Beer –> @newplanetbeer

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!

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: CARLA GESELL-STREETER

CO-AUTHOR OF: HOPERATIVES

Beer Blogger Interview

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

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Gibson City, IL – a small town 30 miles north of Champaign-Urbana and two hours south of Chicago

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

None

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

19 or 20

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 was working at the Illinois State Fair in the Junior Department (4-H judging) and discovered that beer was cheaper than pop.  The fair had lots of beer tents/gardens, but it was almost entirely Bud/Miller products though I do vividly remember how awful the Schlitz beer was.

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

Undergraduate – Monmouth College (IL), major in Speech Communication and Theater Arts with minors in Computer Science and Secondary Education; Graduate – Indiana State University and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, majors in Communication (Theater and Performance Studies)

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 I graduated from Monmouth, I went on a International 4-H Youth Exchange to the Netherlands for six months.  That’s where I learned to really appreciate better beer.

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

Since we started Hoperatives, I’ve been lucky enough to try many wonderful beers.  But the best thing I’ve learned is how great beer people are.  We may not always agree on every beer, but it’s usually easy to find some common ground.

Beer Blog Background

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

January 1, 2009 (though we were doing lots of behind the scene work before that official launch date)

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

A good friend of ours was already doing a wine blog for Cincinnati (My Wine Education) and we looked around to see if there was the equivalent for beer in Cincinnati. When we discovered there wasn’t one, we decided to start one.

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

Rock Bottom briefly had a beer evangelist program with the name Hoperatives. They dropped the name and the domain registration so we picked it up. Seemed totally appropriate since the blog was really born in the Cincinnati Rock Bottom.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

What do you hope to achieve with it? We like to say that we’re half way between a blog and an informational web site.  We try to be the online source for beer information in Cincinnati.  While we do include regional and “beyond” beer information too, the emphasis is always on beer in Cincinnati.

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

Within one weekend, we got to interview Jim Koch from Sam Adams and Greg Koch from Stone.  Two very different men, but definitely both “believers in better beer.”

6. What are you top 3 favorite beer blogs/beer websites?  Hard to pick just three!

1. Ronnie Crocker’s Beer, TX
2. Joe Sixpack
3. Brookston Beer Bulletin

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Pale ale, IPA, and hoppy reds (we’re called Hoperatives for a reason!)

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Christian Moerlein, Three Floyds, Southern Tier (with honorable mentions for Mt. Carmel and Rivertown)

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

Christian Moerlein (who also owns Hudepohl, Little Kings, Burger and many other classic Cincinnati beer brands). The owner Greg Hardman is doing such wonderful things for the beer culture in Cincinnati and has even more planned.  I would love to work with him on that mission.

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

I’m not, but Tom is beginning to dabble in it.

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

None yet! Planning to start Cicerone soon.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Southern Tier Creme Brulee Stout over Madagascar vanilla gelato

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I’m the chair of the Communication and Theater department at a community college, plus I work part-time for an online travel agency that specializes in Disney (The Magic For Less Travel).

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?

Wow… tough question.  Something that combined teaching, beer, Disney and technology perhaps?

3. Are you married? Children?

Married, yes – to the wonderful Tom Streeter who is my partner in Hoperatives and in life.  Children, no.

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

We also write a tech blog called TagTeamTech.com. We’re still growing that one. Love Disney.  We even have a Disney travel section of Hoperatives with listings of the beers available at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and on the Disney Cruise Line.

Off The Beaten Path

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

A hoppy red.  Something unexpected.

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?

Wow, another tough question.  This is one that changes frequently as I discover new beers.  My latest favorite is Mt. Carmel’s Summer Wheat – the first time I ever experienced a hoppy wheat.  Summer of 2010 will always be the summer of Mt. Carmel’s Summer Wheat.

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?

Actually, I’ve been getting into beer blends lately.  So I’m thinking a blend of two outrageous beers that would perfectly compliment each other. Three Floyds Dark Lord and… Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout and… I see some experimentation in my future!

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

Superspeed and/or flying so I can be at every beer event I always wish I was at.

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

Worked as a production assistant during the rehearsal portion of John Mellencamp’s “Lonesome Jubilee” tour.  They hired me two more times for a segment in the middle and the final shows. I worked several other concerts after that, but that one was the best.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Bacon is the reason we were put on this planet (after beer, of course).

SPECIAL THANKS TO CARLA 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: TRACY CORNELIUS

AUTHOR OF: THE PISSED LIBEERIAN

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Tracy Cornelius
Twitter handle: @PissedLibeerian
Name of blog: The pissed liBEERian
Current location: The 253 (Tacoma), WA

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Small town girl from Camano Island, Washington.

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

I played on a bowling league at the ripe age of 12. I still bring it up to this day (16 yrs later) if I ever go out bowling with friends. I like to talk up my skills so I’m picked first for teams then amaze them with my gutter balls.

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

I was 22 years old. Yes, you read that right, and in case you are wondering, I am making up for lost time now. At least, I completely surpassed the era of drinking cheap beer, and I can have whatever I want whenever I want.

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

By the time I decided to start drinking, it wasn’t really a big deal since I wasn’t trying to get away with anything, so I don’t recall my first 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 tri-majored in Psychology, English and Anthropology through Washington State University’s Distance Degree Program. You might be asking yourself at this point, “What the heck would someone do with that kind of degree?” The truth is I don’t know either. I find it humorous that the pissed liBEERian got her university education from the biggest party college in the state while never setting foot on campus and hardly touching a drop of alcohol til she was out of college.

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:

June 19th, 2010… I remember the day, well. Attended the Brewer’s Festival in Kenmore, WA for the first time. About halfway through the day I handed over my little wooden token to the Schooner Exact booth and had my first taste of Seamstress Union Raspberry Wheat. I call it the non-fruity fruit beer even guys like it! I think I spent an additional 10+ tokens getting more Seamstress Union that day. I couldn’t get enough, and it started me on the journey that has brought me here today. Once that pink hued liquid hit my mouth, I was bound to never be the same again.

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

I would say following the Seamstress Union encounter, my most note worthy craft beer epiphany was at Seattle International Beer Fest over 4th of July weekend in 2010. Sunday featured a special pour from Delaware’s Dogfish Head Brewery. On tap was the 120m IPA, World Wide Stout, and a Black and Tan made from the two called Heaven & Hell. My partner in crime and I were first in line and felt like festival celebrities. Had to make a dash out to the car to collect more glasses after we did the math: 2 people, 2 glasses, 3 beers = Epic Fail.

This was my first experience liking an IPA, and the whole event was just so surreal. It was an amazing weekend, and the Heaven & Hell was to die for. I enjoyed it to the very last drop and even got back in line for another round, which we barely got before the kegs blew. After SIB, I was committed to advancing my palate and integrating IPAs into my collection of loved beers.

Beer Blog Background

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

My first post was on August 2nd, 2010. A craft beer mission statement of sorts.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I was having too many ale-induced/inspired adventures and had to start keeping some kind of a record. I really got into trying new craft beers and having the time of my life with friends in the process. My whole world has been different since the beginning of the summer, like something out of the Matrix. Seamstress Union opened my eyes as if I had chosen the red pill (or pink in this case) and now see the Real World.

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

I work for a library + I love beer + I enjoy random English slang (hence pissed instead of drunk) = the pissed liBEERian

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

I hope this blog mostly entertains and informs those who read it. I’m trying to spread the word about the greatness of craft beer (especially local craft beer) and maybe convert a few people to the dark side. Since I find myself so amusing along with the random experiences that happen while drinking, all I can hope to inspire is a few chuckles along the way.

If I could make a blog related wish, it would be to get paid to do what I do. Go out, drink & review beer, and make a living in the process. If someone wants to offer me a job in marketing for their company, that would be amazing too. You haven’t seen obsessed until you’ve seen me enthusiastic about something, I go ALL the way with it.

At this time, I will totally settle for meeting a host of awesome people in the business and enjoying life one pint at a time.

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

Free stuff and lots of attention! That’s what comes from having a fortunate face, a big rack, and being a chick who is really into beer tasting as a hobby. The blog is becoming more widespread locally and around the globe (it warms my little liBEERian heart to see blog hits in places like Slovenia, Australia & Turkey), so I am getting more recognition personally. I’ve gotten free tickets to events and free beer, lots of random swag, and the opportunity to get to spend time with some really cool folks who own/run breweries around the Northwest.

When someone comes up to you in a bar and says “Hey, don’t you have a blog?” all I can think is “It’s pretty damn awesome to be me right now.”

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

• 99 Bottles’ Shopkeeper Blog
• Beer Blotter
• Blogfish by Dogfish Head

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Barleywines, Wheats and India Pale Ales. This last one (IPA) was a hard won battle. Initially, I could hardly stand to have an IPA in my mouth, let alone swallow it. It took me two solid months of drinking IPAs because I wanted to like them, and now I do. Love ‘em.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

• Schooner Exact of Seattle, WA
• Dogfish Head of Milton, DE
• Big Al of Seattle, WA

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

Without a doubt, Schooner Exact. They are a small brewery that started up during 2006 in Seattle owned by Heather and Matt McClung with brewing help by Dave “Hutch” Hutchinson. Due to being so awesome, they were both able to quit their day jobs to run the brewery full time. Kudos to them, living the dream! They are friendly and down to earth people who I have had the pleasure to get to know over the last few months. It started with my obsessive pursuit of Seamstress Union which caused me to email the brewery on a regular basis to find out where kegs of it had been recently delivered to Tacoma, WA.

They seem like a close knit organization and you gotta love a group of people with a sense of humor. Take for example their beer, The Shocker. A delightfully enjoyable combo of 2 parts Raspberry Wheat and 1 part King Street Brown. They brew over a dozen varieties of beer including seasonals and special-event beer. They are as fun to chat up in their tasting room as they are to hang out with at events.

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

I see so many interesting beers that are being made, and I can’t get my hands on all of them. I think it would be fascinating to become a home brewer at some point, maybe when my life slows down a bit. Possibly once I hit the big 3-0 I’ll feel some need to become domesticated and that includes making my own brew. For now, I will just enjoy the fascinating creations of others. There are plenty to try!

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

Sadly, I do not. However, I do possess a bar towel from CAMRA though, Campaign for Real Ale. A group that promotes good-quality real ale and pubs, as well as acting as the consumer’s champion in relation to the UK and European beer and drinks industry.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

It’s simple but does the trick–pizza and beer. To me, they will always be a perfect match. Maybe a nice pesto and artichoke pizza with a mild IPA. I am hoping to add some more knowledge to my plethora of brain waves and enlighten others, so I am currently working on putting together a 10 course menu featuring a variety of beer selections. The book that has been my savior in planning this event: “He says beer, She says wine” co-authored by Sam Calagione and Marnie Old.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

My 2 day jobs include working for the library system (bet you think I pulled the ‘liBEERian’ thing out of nowhere ’cause it’s hot, right?) and a local university as an online technical liaison.

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’ve never felt like I was on one solid career path since growing up so my interests shift greatly at times. Although I love what I currently do for a living, I would really like to pursue a career in Marketing or PR. I’ve learned a lot about myself this last year and have realized that I have some skills and/or attributes that would probably lead me to a lot of success in this field. Being a spokesperson or marketing for a company I truly love and believe in would be a dream come true. I have been told that I am a marketing persons dream when it comes to events and fun things going on. I’d do anything if I have a reason. IE Beer Punch cards. I think I could be great at creating these events. I am intelligent and creative and personable which I think are all assets to this particular field.

3. Are you married? Children?

I am not married and have no kids. As a woman who is almost 30 you may be thinking I’m ugly or that something is wrong with me, but neither is true. I assure you it is by choice. I am not in any hurry to settle down, I am enjoying my life with virtually nothing holding me back from doing what I want to. The other things will come when they are meant to, if they are meant to.

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

When I’m not blogging it up or doing empirical research for the blog, my free time is usually divided between reading and exercising. Gotta work off all those beer calories somehow! I am hoping to participate in a marathon & a triathlon in 2011. Time with family and friends are my first priority, and I will always find enough hours in the day to try and do it all.

Off The Beaten Path

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

An IPA. They are always the most inventive and uniquely named beers (I have about 20 different nicknames) plus you never really know what to expect when you go to drink one. The nose could be floral or citrusy: Is she wearing Victoria’s Secret Pink or Clinique today? The tastes can range from mild to extremely bitter: Will she be sweet and adorable or a little crazy and sexy? Don’t even get me started on the mouth feel…

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?

A Schooner Exact Seamstress Union Raspberry Wheat. It’s my favorite beer in the world. Although many would choose an ale more profound or complicated, it is not only the taste of SU that appeals to me but all that it represents. The flavor would not only explode on my tongue, but it would remind me of: what it has been to learn about and love beer; the people I have met and befriended because of my beer pursuits; and the best summer of my life being full of love and laughter.

To me it is the equivalent of hugging a diary or licking a photo album, it takes me back.

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?

A brew called “The Beer Wench” would have to simply be a Barleywine. Sweet and smooth going down but will knock you on your ass once you’ve finished with it. Extra special ingredients… a surly smile and a hair toss on her way out the tavern door.

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

Without a doubt, TELEPORTATION. Gas prices are a killer, and I spend most of my time in my car since my life is so nomadic at the moment.

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

Wow… now that’s a loaded question. Let’s just say that every time I’ve gone to the Top of Tacoma bar in the 253, it’s led to an ‘experience’. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great place to drink and dine. Randomness seems to ensue whenever I hang out there.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I have never been a huge lover of bacon. My desires usually lean toward a big, fat, juicy sausage. However, now that I’ve gone all vegetarian like in the last 6 months let me just say this: I’m super happy for people who are bacon obsessed. You can find it everywhere and in everything. It must be a dream come true.

BIG THANKS TO TRACY FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

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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