Drink With The Wench » beer bloggers http://drinkwiththewench.com Drinking through the world, one beer at a time. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:58:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 UPDATED 2010 Beer Bloggers Conference Confirmed Attendee List http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4834 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4834#comments Sat, 30 Oct 2010 18:16:46 +0000 Wenchie http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4834

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

]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/?feed=rss2&p=4834 29 Featured Beer Blogger: STEPHEN RICH http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5085 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5085#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:48:35 +0000 The Beer Wench http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5085

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 RICH

AUTHOR OF: DEFINITION ALE

Beer Blogger Interview

Full Name: Stephen Rich
Nickname: Steve the ProfessionAle
Twitter Handle: @DefinitionAle
Name of Blog: Definitive Ale (transitioning to Definition Ale)
Current Location: Toronto Ontario

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in London Ontario, and moved to Toronto for University.

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

I played competitive baseball for 14 years, then played high school and varsity Football.

3. How old were you when you had your first beer? The first beer I ever had was most likely not a memorable one. London is home to the Labatt Brewery, and as such the city was filled with commodity-grade beers. I do remember though when I enjoyed my first real beer. I would have been in 2004, and I had stumbled into Beer Bistro in Toronto quite by chance. The bartender recommended to me the Schnieder Weisse Aventinus, and it changed me forever.

The first beer I ever had was most likely not a memorable one. London is home to the Labatt Brewery, and as such the city was filled with commodity-grade beers. I do remember though when I enjoyed my first real beer. I would have been in 2004, and I had stumbled into Beer Bistro in Toronto quite by chance. The bartender recommended to me the Schnieder Weisse Aventinus, and it changed me forever.

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

I studied Business and Finance at Ryerson University. We had no football or baseball team to speak of, so my activities mostly involved weights and a gym.

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 went through high school assuming that I was drinking great beer – I was drinking the higher end commercial beers and imports expecting that this was as good as it gets. Then, it took just that first sip of Schneider-Weisse Aventinus in 2004 and I was changed forever. I had no idea you could enjoy flavor like this from beer. The Aventinus, and the beers that followed it opened my palate, my mind and my heart to a spectrum of flavors that I didn’t even know existed!

I went to see a movie on a Tuesday night with some friends. After, we were looking for a place to grab a beer. We must have passed 3 or 4 closed restaurants and pubs before we stepped into the recently opened (at the time) Beer Bistro. The Bar Manager and Part Owner, Dayna, was working, and charmingly enchanted us with stories of amazing beer. The first beer she served me was the Aventinus, and all of a sudden my –mouth and soul was filled with a rush a complex flavors that I had never known. This was a remarkable beer. Little did I know (until later that night), that there were hundreds, even thousands of beers that can do exactly that!

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

It was a miraculous thing for me in 2004, the first time I ever tried an Innis & Gunn; I was enjoying a beer and a meal at my favorite restaurant and beer bar in Toronto, the Beer Bistro. At the time I was just getting into real beer, and the Beer Bistro was the catalyst for that new found passion (obsession). Around then I was just beginning to learn the differences between mass produced commercial beer and craft made beer; there was really no better place for me to do that either.

Then one night not unlike any other a beer caught my eye on the expansive beer menu called Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer, which explained that it had been aged in previously used oak whisky barrels. Now, while this may sound very commonplace these days to the avid beer connoisseur, in 2004 oak ageing was still very fresh, and to me it was exceptionally exciting. There wasn’t really a question in my mind; I really loved whisky, so I had to try this beer.

If the Beer Bistro was the catalyst for my ascent to beer appreciation, then the Innis & Gunn Original Oak Aged Beer without a question was my guide. The first time I enjoyed this beer (and still every time) it absolutely floored me! I was then beginning to learn about and appreciate all the flavors that beer could posses, and the Innis & Gunn came along and just swept me off my feet! I was speechless, even still I am in awe of how delicious and fantastic this beer is. In fact, I have spent the last 6 years introducing my friends to Innis & Gunn and explaining to them why it is so exceptional – and have easily converted commodity-grade beer drinkers into real beer aficionados! Thanks Innis & Gunn!

Beer Blog Background

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

I left my job in Finance with a Mutual Fund Company in February 2010, and since then have began my career as a beer journalist operating my blog.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

One of my original inspirations was Ken Woods, the owner of the Black Oak Brewery in Toronto. Ken had spent much of his life as a corporate accountant, but one day realized that he hated it, loved beer, and decided to open up a brewery; one of the breweries that taught me about what craft beer truly is. Ken inspired me to make this move now, rather than waiting until I am 50.

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

For a long time my brother and I have dreamed of what we would name our brewery if/when we open one. Many names had floated around, but Definition Brewery is what stuck. We knew we wanted to brew real, craft, unfiltered and unpasteurized beer – sort of defining what beer should be. So the name made sense, without being too arrogant (we hope). Definitive Ale was to be the name of the blog, hence allowing people to come and explore the definitive role that beer can play in everyone’s life. The transition from Definitive to Definition is purely for branding purposes.

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

My goal is to share my passion and enthusiasm for real beer with everyone who is sick of settling for the ordinary; people who are tired of having expensive ad campaigns force feed them mass produced, commodity grade beer. I am using Definitive Ale as an outlet for my creative beer juices, and to help me build content and improve my skills. I’d like to contribute to beer, and food & drink magazines, even cigar magazines on how to properly pair beer with cigars. I’m also looking for the opportunity to host a show about real beer.

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

Since blogging, slowly but surely craft brewers in Ontario, and even some from the United States have begun to send me beer to review for them. I mean, this is every beer bloggers dream; to have your favorite breweries voluntarily send you beer! The first time I opened my mail box to a package of beer from the Stone Brewery was one of the happiest days of my beer career!

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

The three beer sites I am absolutely on the most are BeerNews.org, Daily Beverage News (which is not specific to beer, but covers all beverage industry related news), and The Bar Towel, which is an Ontario Craft Beer new forum.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Top three favorite beer styles is a crazy tough question! Damn. Ummm.. Ok. Rye Beers, Milk Stouts, and Weizen Bocks if I haaaaddd to narrow it down :D Or a Quadrupel. Or Oak Aged Beers… Done..

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Again, this is a crazy question. But if I could drink beer from only three breweries it would be Innis & Gunn, the Stone Brewery, and Het Anker (Gouden Carolus). I really have to point out Unibroue, Dogfish Head, La Trappe, Ommegang, Schieder Weisse, Dieu Du Ciel, and North Coast Brewing .

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

I would love to work with the Stone Brewery. I love their philosophy on brewing, how they operate their business, and the type of creative and unique adventures that they involve brewing in. I’ve not seen a more beautifully brewery and brewpub either! I love the fact that they have old vintages of so many of their beers, and that they are so involved in the craft beer community. And most of all, I love all of their beers! Hire me Stone!

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

I am a homebrewer, and some of my most interesting recipes I will not divulge on the internet before I can bottle and produce them myself :P But my last batch of beer was a Peculiar Ale brewed with allspice, whole cloves, stewed pears, roasted almonds, and was dry hopped with Williamette and Saaz hops. It is called Manifest Destiny, and was the first brew since I began this new career.

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

I am right now studying to get the BJCP certification, and one of Siebel’s programs may become an option for me in the near future.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Ok, to be consistent with the first two favorite questions, I will list my favorite three homemade food and beer pairings: 1) The Innis & Gunn Original Oak Aged Beer with Slow Smoked Beef Ribs. 2) Gouden Carolus Cuvee van de Keizer Blauw with a Tripple Chocolate Cherry Trifle. 3) Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA with Steak and Roasted Potatoes.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I am a Freelance Beer Journalist and Beer Consultant. Beer journalism is what primarily consumes my time, however I also host and organize beer tasting events, beer schools, cooking with beer classes, and consult to restaurants to improve their beer menu.

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 host Top Gear with my Roommate and best friend. Top Gear is a BBC Car TV Show, and is the best in the business! I love beer, almost more than anything. But my first love was cars. The three Top Gear Hosts get to drive the best cars in the world, in the most extravagant places under the most ridiculous circumstances! It would take much more moola for me to buy all the cars I want than it would to buy all the beer I want. This way I get the cars for my job, and I’ll pay for the beer!

3. Are you married? Children?

I am single with no children.

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

As mentioned I am a huge car buff. I am also obsessed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, I love baseball, cooking, working out and bodybuilding. I love whisky, cigars, jazz, classic rock, and dinosaurs.

Off The Beaten Path

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

Facebook just asked me this question, my result: “Trappist Westvleteren 12. A Quadrupel. It’s open to debate, but the consensus is that you’re the best beer in the world! You’re reputation is big, but you don’t act like it. You are a rare classic breed that is admired; few can live like you do”.

Given the remarkable stature of this beer, I would hardly argue with Facebook’s authority over the matter. Although, I would say a Quadrupel is accurate. Not only is a Quad among my favorite beer styles, but I am strong, complex, spicy and rich, yet soothing, warm and elegant.

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 would ask for the Double Magnum of Gulden Draak that has been sitting in my cellar since 2006. By now is it at least 4 years old, and has hopefully built the most beautiful bouquet of flavors and aromas. I am saving it for only the most momentous of occasions, but if I have to go, I’m going to have to take it with me… All 3 liters of it!

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?

The Beer Wench would be a big spicy and herbal Belgian Style Saison, leaning towards a Tripel. The mash would be designed as a Tripel would, but the boil would be my caldron to work in some real spice. Sassafras root, nutmeg, white pepper, star anise, mint, cane sugar and sage would all find their way in there at some point. Primary and secondary fermentation would be facilitated by a Belgian Yeast Strain, but the final fermentation would happen with a lager yeast at warm temperatures in a wide open vat – like a steam beer. Wild yeasts would build lush and complex earthy tartness, and build on the power of the spices and herbs. Finaly, the beer would rest in Lagavulin and brandy barrels for 3 months, being dry hopper for the last 2 weeks. They would be blended and bottled in 750ml corked and crowned bottles. Enjoy!

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

That’s easy, I’d be Superman – he has all the superpowers. The only thing he is lacking is the ability to read people’s minds. But he doesn’t need to, because he’s the man.

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

Quit my steady job with a Major Finance Firm to drink and write about beer. So far I’m still kickin’ it.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I love bacon. I want to brew with bacon. Who doesn’t love a Marzen? I’ve marinated beef ribs in bacon fat, roasted a turkey wrapped in bacon, stuffed a chicken with it, and next up is a desert.

SPECIAL THANKS TO STEPHEN FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!


]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/?feed=rss2&p=5085 0 Featured Beer Bloggers: GREG KRSAK + MATT SNYDER http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5055 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5055#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:55:58 +0000 The Beer Wench http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5055

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: GREG KRSAK + MATT SNYDER

AUTHORS OF: KSW BEER

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Greg Krsak / Matt Snyder
Internet nickname: Our Xbox Live gamertags are “Platypus Friend” (Greg) and “Snydiggity” (Matt)
Name of blog: kswbeer.com
Current location:
Matt: Portland, OR
Greg: Lake Oswego, OR

Greg

Background “Snapshot”

1.        Where did you grow up?

Matt: Eugene, OR.

Greg: I grew up in three different stages, I think. I was raised in the Mercer Island, WA area, with just enough of both parents to get a solid handle on life ethics. Eventually, I joined the Navy and grew up a little bit more, in a few different areas. I’ve finally settled in the Portland, OR area and think that truly “growing up” is always just out of reach. Growing up is understanding that there will always be people wiser than yourself, at any point in your life.

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

Matt: High school & College Swimming; Ultimate Frisbee. Living in Portland I’ve played in the Kick Ball league a few times.

Greg: I’m a high school dropout, and have my GED. Growing up, my “sport” was basically sitting around and taking recess in the library, reading books on computer programming and getting excited when I had the chance to get on one of the school computers. For a few years in middle school, I was the nerdy JV wrestler who didn’t understand the proper athletic mindset and wasn’t very good.

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

Matt: 21. :)

Greg: I actually waited until I was 21 to start drinking; although, my Dad did let me taste a few “Beer” beers and a sip or two of Rainier.

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

Matt: At a frat party, as a guest, and there was free Keystone light. I didn’t even like it back then, but drank some to be social.

Greg: It was a quest for the beer that tasted the least like beer. I turned 21 while I was stationed at the submarine base in Kings Bay, GA and fortunately, was not out to sea on the day of my birthday. I ran over to the mini mart they had there and found a six pack of Bud Light Ice, which I assumed did not have much flavor; I started drinking that with chips and salsa, in my barracks room. Those were some good memories.

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

Matt: Linfield College in McMinnville, OR. And I stumbled into becoming an Accounting Major. As far as activities went I was on the Men’s Swimming Team and was in the Ultimate Frisbee Club. My college roommate also ran the student activity center so there were a lot of trips to go skiing, rock climbing, swing dancing, etc. To pick up a little cash I had a few jobs in college, but mostly lifeguarded at the pool.

Greg: I actually never went to college. I worked with ballistic missiles, on Trident submarines. It all sounds cool, until the realization sets in that you’re going to be staring at a launch console all day that you can’t really touch; there was no reading, or doing anything fun for six hours out of an eighteen hour watch rotation. There were interesting parts, though; I got to do a lot of targeting and some computer work, and a little bit of missile maintenance (Seeing a nuclear bomb for the first time was pretty cool). For me, the Navy was my college. It was my opportunity to leave home and explore the world, but still have my supportive family in close contact every once in a while. I think, compared to college, the Navy probably has advantages and disadvantages in preparing you for “real life”, but it all averages-out in the end. If you’re passionate enough and certain enough about your career choice and you have the right social skills, you may discover that the military is an equivalent option.

Matt

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:

Matt: I had been brewing with a friend for a few years then he moved to Denver and took all of our mutually purchased brewing equipment. (The jerk, and I don’t even think he’s brewed since). At the same time Greg said he wanted to start brewing. Our first batch (an Old Ale) turned out pretty good, and Greg entered it into the State Fair, (when it was still legal in Oregon), and we won second place in our category! I had been brewing for a few years but it was the first independent acknowledgement that our homebrew wasn’t that bad. It was a great feeling.

Greg: Alaskan Amber, at the bowling alley, on base. I remember how dark I though it was, and that it was a relatively bold step up in my beer experiences. A couple of years later, my submarine got transferred to the west coast and I had the chance to visit my first brewpub, which was this little place called “Silver City Brewery” in Silverdale, WA. At the time, they had a beer called Fat Bastard which I though was pretty intense, and therefore good; although, I can’t remember what it tasted like anymore. After I finished my final patrol, left the Navy and moved to Portland, I went to Rock Bottom’s brewpub and slipped few more notches toward beer geekiness. I still didn’t understand what any of their beer styles were, or what the difference between a lager and an ale was, but I kept coming back and it was really the gateway for me into the craft beer scene.

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

Greg: I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of them, but the Northwest has this company called McMenamins that opens up large and small pubs and brewpubs in different, unique buildings and locations. They have a lot of creepy paintings and artwork everywhere and I always thought that was a little weird, but they are very popular and their beers have had a notable influence on me. McMenamins Ruby Ale is one of the most under-appreciated beers that I’ve ever tasted, and is always near the top of my short list of favorite beers.

Greg

Beer Blog Background

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

Matt: 9 or 10 months.

Greg: Yeah, it’s been pretty fun. What do you folks out there think?

2.       What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Matt: Greg bought the URL address and started typing.

Greg: Well, It was all about the mediocre answers to all the questions I’ve had over the years. You can literally find the same, cut and pasted answer on multiple sites for the same stupid question. All I want to know is a “real person” answer to what Centennial hops are bringing to the flavor table… and why can’t anyone give me an answer that isn’t “It’s a supercharged version of Cascade”? With a lack of formal schooling, you have a heavy reliance on self-education in your life, but the Internet has been seriously letting me down for the first time, at least when it comes to really learning some of the details about beer. Frustration and disappointment are powerful motivators, and I’d like to think that I’m putting that to good use by putting some good info out there.

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

Matt: I had a marketing class while getting my MBA and I needed a name for our brewery. We thought of Krsaksnyderweizen one afternoon then shortened it to KSW and it just stuck.

Greg: It was a play on both of our last names: “Krsaksnyderweizen”, pronounced properly with a thick, German accent and lots of exclamation marks (Ker-sak-schneider-visen!!). We thought it was a funny, beer-sounding name.

Matt: We may have been drinking at the time.

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

Matt: Teach a little, entertain a little. I think people get more out of the micro brew experience with a little knowledge.

Greg: For sure. I’m on Google Analytics every day, and I always am humbled by a +1 to the site visit count.

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

Matt: There has only been ridicule and scorn to date.

Greg: Being interviewed by you is actually the coolest thing that’s ever happened to us!

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

Matt: The beer calculators for home brewing. http://beercalculus.hopville.com/recipe and http://www.beermath.com

Matt

Beer Talk

1.        What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Matt: That’s like asking “What’s your favorite movie genre?”; it depends on what I’m in the mood for. But I’m always in the mood for an English IPA, American Pale Ale or a Dunkelweizen.

Greg: Imperial IPA (Stone Ruination), Saison (Boulevard Saison Brett), and Standard American Lager (Pabst Blue Ribbon).

2.       What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Matt: I haven’t been on too many brewery tours but: Ninkasi Brewing in Eugene, OR; Rogue Ales, Newport, OR; New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO… All have a great feel to them.

Greg: Deschutes, Stone, and Vertigo. Goose Island, Dogfish Head, Caldera and Harviestoun get an Honorable Mention.

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

Matt: I really like the green/sustainability initiative and story that New Belgium has, but I would have to pick Rogue for “corporate culture” plus I like their beers a little better and they’re more local. In one of Rogues job postings it said, “we don’t have an HR department and we don’t accept bull sh** from our employees” (only slightly paraphrasing).

Greg: It would probably be Vertigo. I’ve met both Mikes on a couple occasions, and they’re stand-up guys. I really wish both of them the best, and I admire their story and their dedication to brewing. They haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be normal beer drinkers and good friends, even if they don’t know you very well. They brew consistent beer with humble equipment, and it’s becoming pretty popular. Keep an eye out for the name.

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

Matt: Of course.

Greg: I don’t usually mention that to people who I don’t already know are interested in homebrewing. Some of the more objective aspects to brewing I prefer to keep separate from my drinking life.

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

Greg: We’ll get back to you on that in two or three years, when the BJCP actually has room in a Portland or Seattle testing location. Matt and I have gotten some pretty lame scores from BJCP-certified judges on beers that we and our friends really liked a lot. So we think beer should truly be drank and judged by everyday consumers, and sometimes (but not always) focusing on the certification process gets in the way of being an everyday consumer. We think we understand beer well-enough to make it and review it the right way, and we try to minimize excessive formality.

6.       What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Greg: Lots of beers go with lots of foods. For me, I usually think: “What do I remember not going well with this, last time?” …One example of that is IPA and bleu cheese, in my opinion. It’s just that the reality of beer and food is so situational for me, and I think for a lot of people if they really thought about it. If you asked me “What’s your favorite event, friend, beer, glassware, room, smell and bank account balance?” then I may be able to give you a spot-on answer. To be considerate and answer your question, though, I do really like Foster’s Lager and Top Sirloin. But the reason for that is mainly due to happy memories associated with the experiences I’ve had at Outback Steakhouse.

Matt: I don’t pair food and beer. There is only beer.

Greg

The Personal Side

1.        What is your current day job?

Matt: I’m in the dangerous and sexy field of accounting.

Greg: I’m doing contract work for Intel right now. I work in their LAN Access Division, and do a lot of playing around with network cards and prerelease server hardware. I really enjoy my job, but a more detailed description would probably flunk me from this interview.

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?

Matt: Professional kite boarding instructor. It’s something I’ve wanted to try and it looks like a lot of fun.

Greg: I’d marry my girlfriend, have kids and be a stay-at-home, full-time Dad.

3.       Are you married? Children?

Matt: No and no – I’ve been told that I will live in righteous loneliness the rest of my life.

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

Matt: I still play a little Ultimate Frisbee, I try to run every now and then. The latest thing I’m (we’re) trying is building a homemade keg-o-rator. I’m also optimistic about getting my golf game into the double digits.

Greg: I write computer programs, tinker with electronics and microcontrollers, and generally learn new things. In the winter, I’m pretty into snowboarding; I ride Mt. Hood as often as I can.

Matt

Off The Beaten Path

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

Matt: Dry Stout (like a Guinness Extra Stout): Dry humor and a bittersweet finish sounds like me.

Greg: My girlfriend likes Fruit Lambics, so…

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?

Greg: I’d brew a Willamette-Citra Double IPA, then I’d leave it for the executioners to finish, and that would be my final revenge. It might even kill him.

Matt: I would ask for a PBR <wink>. Then the executioner, who is actually our 3rd brewing buddy, MacGyver, would have made a flash-bang grenade out of the can. Using the grenade as a distraction to get out of the execution room we would all escape when our friends from the ‘A-Team’ land their riding lawnmower-turned-helicopter on the roof where there’s a lot of shooting but no one gets hurt.  We would escape and survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a brewing question, if no one else can help, and if you can find us, maybe you can hire Matt & Greg <gunshot sounds and awesome music play>.

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?

Greg: Oh, have you ever had Willamette and Citra in a Double IPA?

Matt: I agree with Greg, it’s very Wench-like.

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

Matt: I guess the power to have all powers would be cheating, so I would pick telekinesis because it would cover the most ground. I would be able to fly, shoot “mind bullets”; and homebrewing would go a lot faster if I could instantly make water boil. Plus, if Greg and I ever got into a disagreement over what to post on the blog, I could tear him apart atom by atom.

Greg: Everyone’s trust.

Matt: Ohhh, good one, very neo-political.

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

Matt: The statute of limitations hasn’t expired on the first so it’s not a good idea to publish in an interview, so the second most crazy thing would be…

Greg: Driving 135 mph on Interstate 90, and then pulling out my cell phone to take a picture of the speedometer.

4.      What are your thoughts on bacon?

Matt: As an actor Kevin Bacon’s talent was not sufficiently recognized by the Academy for his work in Tremors.

Greg: There it is.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MATT AND GREG FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/?feed=rss2&p=5055 0 Featured Beer Blogger: NICK TANTILLOON http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5045 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5045#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:08:31 +0000 The Beer Wench http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=5045

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!

(A few weeks ago I posted the interview with Eugene Kolankowsky of a Tale of Two Brewers. Naturally, as one would expect, a Tale of Two Brewers involves … wait for it … wait for it … TWO Brewers. So here is the second interview in the mini-series!)

INTRODUCING: NICK TANTILLOON

AUTHOR OF: A TALE OF TWO BREWERS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Nick Tantillo
Twitter handle: @Tantilloon
Name of blog: A Tale of Two Brewers


Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Poughkeepsie, New York.

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

I played Baseball in Middle School, but that’s about it. I also fenced briefly in College, but getting poked repeatedly with a 4 foot antenna lost it’s luster after a couple months.

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

18, which puts me in my Freshman year at Lehigh

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

Throughout high school, I was pretty straight-edged about alcohol. On New Years, I’d have champagne with my mom, but that was about it. Lehigh really loosened me up, although I didn’t have my first beer until I was home on Spring Break.  My mom always kept some Molsen Amber in the fridge, and as a sort of right of passage we had one with dinner. It really made me feel like an adult (one of those “parent-child” to “friend” relationship transitions.) Molsen Amber is a pretty generic Lager.

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 Lehigh University in Bethlehem Pennsylvania to study Computer Science Engineering. I was only in two official clubs or sports, “The Gaming Club” and “Fencing.” However, there was something going on every weekend. Between the stand-up comedians, musicians, free movie nights, and parties, I kept pretty busy. I also became somewhat of a gym nut; I would have joined “Crew” if it didn’t mean getting up at the god awful hour of 5 AM.

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:

My friend Curtis raised our standard of beer from Natural Ice (Natty) and Milwaukee’s Best (Beast) to Spaten and Lowenbrau. Although an astronomical improvement, it wasn’t really the eureka moment; we were still drinking low end beer (although the lowest end in Germany is a heck of a lot better than anything from the Wisconsin rice beer syndicate). Strangely enough my group of friends started getting into finer things, including cigars and top shelf (for a short person) liquors.

This, by natural extension started to make us question the quality of the beer we were drinking. I ran into a website called BeerPal.com, which I still consider a great review resource and we started our own Quest for the Holy Ale. We printed out the top ten beers and tried to find them at various shops. What really stood out was #3 at the time, “St. Bernardus Abt 12.” We all split one, and it had the same miraculous effect. We instantly became beer snobs; my personal affinity being for Belgian Abbey Ales.

I still rank that first sip as one of the only times I have sampled mana from the heavens, with a slight hint of ambrosia from the gods. For whatever reason (maybe it was just a good bottle) I haven’t quite reached that flavor Hyperion again, not for lack of trying. That striving desire has lead me down this beer blogging and brewing road: my own personal search for El Dorado.

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

Although this doesn’t deal with any specific beer, I did have an epiphany about craft beer when I started trying to find good beer on vacation. When I lived in Poughkeepsie, I was near a huge distributor called Halftime, which basically had everything I could want. Likewise, when I was in Pennsylvania, we were near Shangy’s.

They sold cases of Rochefort, which should speak to their quality and selection. I took it for granted that these types of stores were everywhere, but that simply is not the case. There are places in this country where you really need to dig to find anything of quality. The epiphany is, some parts of this country might buy good beer if it was more available, but Anheuser Busch  basically defines what beer is across whole regions. I never look for a cool crisp taste, I want flavor (it’s only ice cold because it tastes bad warm, good beer isn’t like that.)

Beer Blog Background

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

I started writing for Gene’s blog in March. It’s been great ever since.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Gene started this blog as he became passionate about the science of making beer. I love to write and I love beer, so naturally being able to combine the two means I never run out of material. I’m grateful he chose to include me in this.

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

Gene originally was going to write the blog with another friend, but he didn’t write a single post. Eventually he sort of fell off the face of the earth, but his original intention was to write about beer with a partner.

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

I’d really like to become a published author. This blog gives me a great chance to demonstrate my style and sense of humor while simultaneously encouraging me to delve deeper into homebrewing. I’d really love to find an agent who would be interested in reading my book proposal and sample chapter (for my recently completed humorous guidebook.)

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

We were chosen as Google’s “Noteworthy Blog of the Day” and started getting 500 visitors a day. That was pretty amazing.

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

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Abbey Ale, IPA, and Christmas Ale

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Dogfish Head, St. Bernardus, and Rochefort

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

I really agree with Sam Calagione’s philosophy at Dogfish Head. I consider myself an off-centered person, and really like their signature styles. If I could learn to brew from one of the great masters, it would be him.

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

Yes, but I’m still finding my feet and making a lot of mistakes. I have a Red Ale in the primary right now which looks promising.

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?

You can’t beat good chili and beer. I particularly like Stone Smoked Porter with any type of red meat dish, spicy or not. Although, for anything truely hot, I like Double Bastard. Nothing puts out the fire like hoppy beer.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I work as a Marketing Manager and Technology Advisor for a Fiber Optic retailer.

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

I’d love to be an author, but not a starving one. I could write for hours on end; when I was unemployed I spent joyous twelve hour days on my book. It’s really the financial realities of being a recent graduate keeping me from pursuing it full-time right now.

3. Are you married? Children?

Married yes, children no.

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

I love to cook, especially Greek and Mexican food. I’m really interested in learning the Tin Whistle, although I sound about as bad as a third grader right now. Lastly, I got some leatherworking tools for Christmas; I loved making my King Arther costume from The Holy Grail (for Halloween.) Learning to make leather items seems like it would be a very relaxing hobby. Plus, I just love the smell of leather.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I’d be a Trappist ale, since I love changing people’s perspective on what true beer is. I want to bring about those beer epiphanies.

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’m still chasing down that elusive first taste of St. Bernardus that I had in college. I think that if I was about to die, I’d give it one last shot. I bet it would taste even better.

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?

Much like Dogfish Head is resurrecting ancient beer recipes (like Midas Touch,) I’d create a recipe that might have existed in a tavern in the middle ages. They didn’t always use hops back then and were much more creative with their bittering herbs. I’d probably include wormwood and honey, with some spices and fruit.

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

I would want to be extremely lucky; I could have riches if I wanted them, great teachers when I needed them, and no unfortunate or untimely events would happen to me.

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

I had to climb a shaky ladder while wearing a heavy backpack up to the roof of a derelict building to take pictures of a solar installation. It was about 150 degrees up there and there were no railings. I’m not usually afraid of heights, but it was frightening.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Bacon is delicious, but I’m starting to lean more towards the Canadian variety. Nothing beats a bacon egg and cheese muffin on a lazy Saturday morning.

SPECIAL THANKS TO NICK FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/?feed=rss2&p=5045 0 THE OFFICIAL BEER BLOGGERS MAP http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4805 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4805#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:56:32 +0000 Wenchie http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4805

Drink with the Wench
The Wench is well known for her relentless mission to document each and every beer blogger through her interview series. Then one day, through a Twitter discussion with fellow beer blogger Billy from BillyBrew.com, they came up with a secret plan to take the beer blogger interviews a step further.

The idea? To make a Google Map of the beer bloggers.

Why you ask? A few reasons:

  • Promote beer bloggers by exhibiting their scope and reach
  • To allow beer advocates to find beer blogs in their area
  • Traveling? Use the map find a blogger near your desitnation and plan a meet up (Perfect for gypsies like The Wench)BillyBrew Logo
  • It’s pretty darn cool

So here is the Beer Bloggers Map. We’ve already added dozens of bloggers to get it off the ground, and would now like to add the rest of the beer bloggers to take it to the next level. See below to have your site added.

Beer Bloggers Map

A collaboration between Drink with the Wench and BillyBrew.com


View Beer Bloggers in a larger map

If you have a beer blog and you’re not on the map, don’t worry. We’re just lazy beer drinkers and haven’t added everyone.

To get your beer blog added, contact Billy here and include the following information:
1. Your blog name and URL
2. Your City & State
3. A URL to your logo or whatever picture you want included

Simple as that!

Cheers to all the beer bloggers in the world! Hope to see many of you at the Beer Bloggers Conference this November in Boulder!

]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/?feed=rss2&p=4805 5 Chief Blogger Named For First Beer Bloggers Conference http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4793 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4793#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:41:17 +0000 Wenchie http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=4793

The cat is out of the bag. Some of you might have figured it out for yourselves, some of you have heard it from me, and some of you may have read the announcement … Either way, I am very honored and excited to reveal that yours truly has been selected as the Chief Blogger of the Inaugural Beer Bloggers Conference that will take place November 7-9th in Boulder, CO.

Now there are some things I need to clear up before describing my involvement in the conference. In no way shape or form does the title Chief Blogger imply that I have been crowned the “best” beer blogger. Oh no, there is no way in H E double hockey sticks that my 2.5 year old blog has earned me such honors. Although I aspire to be like them, I am definitely no Stan, Jay, Stephen or Charlie.

So why have I been deemed Chief Blogger of the Beer Blogger Conference? Well for starters, I have attended the Wine Bloggers Conference, I know its founders, Zephyr Adventures, and I am familiar with their organic process of organization, and their concept of using a collaborative voice to drive the contents and flow of the conference. I also am familiar with the steps leading up to the conference — determining panels, recruiting speakers, nominations for awards, social media promotion for the event, etc…

For the past week or so, the rumor mill has been churning and I have received several calls, emails, texts, DMs and the like about my involvement in the Beer Bloggers Conference. Consider this your official confirmation. It should also be noted, at this time, that I will be attending the Beer Bloggers Conference as both Ashley “The Beer Wench” and Ashley of Mutineer Magazine, one of the event sponsors.

In my opinion, the Beer Bloggers Conference is an excellent opportunity to bring together some of the most passionate craft beer advocates, enthusiasts and evangelists in the world together. The conference is not limited to just experienced bloggers. In fact, newbies are highly encouraged to attend because there will be so much information available to assist in the development of a beer blog.

Personally, I am really excited to be involved in something that will help to promote, strengthen and increase the awareness of the beer blogosphere. In just 6 months, I have learned a lot about over 100 of my fellow beer bloggers through my Featured Beer Blogger Interview series. I have already had the opportunity to meet nearly 100 fellow beer bloggers in my travels all across the U.S., and I really hope to get the opportunity to reconnect with many of them in Boulder.

For all details surrounding the events as well as updates and news releases, check out the official site HERE.

Naturally, I will also be managing the Twitter process for the 2010 Beer Bloggers Conference. We have set up the Twitter account @beerbloggers and I will be Tweeting and Retweeting about the conference. So sign up to follow our updates and please use the hash tag #BBC10 on all your Tweets about the conference!

I also want to give a shout out to the sponsors who have made this event possible:

Boulder Beer Company
Oskar Blues Brewery
Draft Magazine
Mutineer Magazine
Boulder CVB
Colorado Brewers Guild

And if you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring the Inagural Beer Bloggers Conference, contact Allan at info@beerbloggersconference.org!

——————————————————————

Also, for those of you who are curious to know who has confirmed registration, I will begin the compile a list on my site and update it as frequently as I can. I will only post people who want to be posted, so if you don’t see your name on the list, leave me a comment of shoot me a message!

CONFIRMED ATTENDEES

]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/?feed=rss2&p=4793 8 Featured Beer Blogger: DAVE ISSER http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=3767 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=3767#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:26:04 +0000 Wenchie http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=3767

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!

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Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Dave Isser
Internet nickname (if applicable): microbrewster
Twitter handle: @brews_clues
Name of blog: Brews Clues
Current location: Los Angeles

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Ashland, Oregon

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

Soccer, skiing, and tennis

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

13

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 visiting my brother at college and went to a party. I don’t remember what kind of beer it was, but probably some watered down bud light or something. Not a memorable beer experience, but I had a good time.

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 college at UPenn and studied English. The major itself hasn’t opened too many doors, but it has made me a decent writer.

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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 don’t really remember my very first, but it probably involved drinking Rogue’s Shakespeare Stout as Rogue was from my hometown in Oregon and that was my favorite beer for many years.

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

Every time I try a new beer that’s delicious, surprises me, or challenges me, I’m reminded of why I love beers. There are far too many to mention, but here are a few highlights for me:
Stone 13th Anniversary
Pliny the Elder
Getting Mikkeller’s Black Hole Stout on tap in Amsterdam
the 2008 Port Brewing High Tide IPA
Stone Self-Righteous
Deschutes Black Hole Sun IPA
Avery Maharaja.

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Beer Blog Background

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

Just over three years, although not much happened during that first year.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

A few years before I started writing, I began keeping an excel spreadsheet of all the beers I had tried. People kept telling me that I needed to do something bigger than just keep an excel spreadsheet, so I tried a blog.

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

An ex-girlfriend suggested it, and since I didn’t have anything better I went with it. I was never that wild about it, but people always say how much they like it, so it stuck.

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

World peace through beer.

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

Hmmm, well this interview is pretty cool. It’s been interesting to see how people respond to my beer knowledge. Whenever I hang out with friends, they’re always embarrassed to show me what beer they’ve brought cause they’re not sure if it’s good. I always say, I love good beer, but I’m not a snob about it.

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

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Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

  • Russian Imperial Stout
  • Imperial IPA
  • Barleywine

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Oh man, I hate to limit it to just three, especially cause it’s always changing by who’s doing the most interesting stuff. But right now I’d say:

  • Russian River
  • Mikkeller
  • Stone

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

I think Vinnie at Russian River could probably enlighten me the most about beer and brewing, but you have to imagine getting drunk with the Brewdog guys would be hilarious.

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

Yeah, I started about a year and a half ago and still have a lot to learn, but my brews are getting better. I did a double IPA called The Resistance, which I dry hopped with Simcoe and everyone really liked. My last beer was a bit too ambitious: a black IPA dry hopped with fresh organic hops. Not sure where that one went wrong, but you can read about both of those beers on the blog. Right now I’m working on a Ginger Saison that I got out of Sam Calagione’s Extreme Brewing book, and a Russian Imperial that I’m aging with bourbon soaked oak chips; I have high hopes for the stout.

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

No, I’m waiting till I can grow a pencil mustache and own a tuxedo.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I have to go with American IPA and burger. I realize that’s not all that fancy, but LA is a city of burgers and so many of the good places to get beer down here also have great burgers.

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The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I edit documentaries and science shows for TV.

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?

Probably be a chef. I love cooking and have been doing a lot of recipes with beer recently.

3. Are you married? Children?

No, but I have an amazing girlfriend that loves beer almost as much as I do.

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

Are there other hobbies?

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Off The Beaten Path

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

Probably a Belgian IPA: bitter and bright from the pacific northwest with a dry humor and wild streak from the Belgian yeast.

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

I have trouble believing that a country that is cool enough to give you a final beer before you die would also make beer smuggling punishable by death. But I think I’d probably go with Pliny the Elder. I drink it all the time and maybe he could offer some infinite wisdom in my final moments.

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?

Belgian Strong Dark Ale. In your face with sweetness and complexity. Probably do Belgian candy sugar, cherries and some wilder yeast strain.

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

The power to eat spaghetti without ever getting full.

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

I’m always getting myself into something interesting. Most recently, I climbed Angel’s Landing in Zion while it was completely snow and ice covered. I’ve also done a fair amount of questionable spelunking.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I’ve always wanted to do a breakfast with eggs, bacon, and a smoked porter or possibly Rogue’s Chipotle Ale. Those two styles just seem like they’d be so good with bacon.

SPECIAL THANKS TO DAVE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!!!

]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/?feed=rss2&p=3767 0 Featured Beer Blogger: CHRIS BJERRISGAARD http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=3107 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=3107#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:06:50 +0000 Wenchie http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=3107

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!

WhiteHatMarketing

INTRODUCING: CHRIS BJERRISGAARD

AUTHOR OF: TRUE CASK

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Chris Bjerrisgaard
Twitter handle: @cbjerrisgaard
Name of blog: TRUE CASK
Current location: Vancouver BC Canada

Background “Snapshot”

1.Where did you grow up?

Rossland BC Canada, Better known as Red Mountain BC. It’s a small ski town north of Spokane Washington.

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

Ski & Snowboard in the hometown. Mixed Martial Arts now.

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

12

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 went to a party on the side of a mountain during the winter. Bonfire, sledding, and a 40oz of Old English.

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

Art Institute of Vancouver. I took Entertainment Business Management. The program has since moved to Vancouver Film School.

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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:

My friend Scott returned from a trip to Bellingham Washington with a case of Fat Tire. Thus began the exploration of real beer. Funny, because Fat Tire seems rather mundane now.

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

Many. My first Lambic, my first real Imperial IPA, my first Harvest IPA, on and on. Every time I try something new I have a craft beer epiphany.

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Beer Blog Background

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

Since Aug 2009.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I got big into the whole Gary Vaynerchuk personal branding thing. I had always wanted to start a blog but he provided the push I needed. Figured I better pick a topic I can talk about all the time, so it came down to beer or mixed martial arts. Despite the fact I know more about MMA, I also found there were way to many people out there talking about it, due to this I had no real niche to fulfill in the community. With beer the community, although strong, is smaller and Canada only has a handful of people representing the scene up here. Thus I picked beer.

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

Simple branding exercise. I wanted something that spoke to the core of the craft beer movement. Beer from a cask is one of the most pure forms you can taste beer, and the word true was used to enhance that. I also considered pure cask, real cask, etc. True just had a nicer ring to it.

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

I just want it as an outlet for my personal branding. I work in internet marketing, specializing in social media. I think it would be a joke for me to work in that field and not have a ‘personal portfolio’ of sorts. In the end I just want to spread the love of craft beer, and maybe one day do some marketing consulting for the industry.

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

I’ve met a ton of good friends through my blogging, both in person and online. I must say the strength of this community blows my mind everyday. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help each other out, and that has to be the coolest part about it.

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

Have to show love for my boys over at Two Beer Queers, Hop Cast, and Thank Heaven For Beer. There are so many good blogs out there it’s hard to pick just three. Also have to show respect for BC BREWS, as he has been writing about the BC craft beer scene much longer than I have.

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Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Imperial IPA, Imperial Stout, Lambic. Unless its food pairing, then Saison has to get in there.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Killing me here… Hair of the Dog, Driftwood (BC), and Lost Abby. So much respect to the 350 or so other breweries I love but don’t have room to list.

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

My own brewery! That said, of the current existing breweries it would have to be Dirftwood Brewery. I think they are best set up right now to be the BC brewery that makes a major mark on the craft beer scene. An extremely close second would be Central City Brewing, as their head brewer is probably the best in BC.

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

Not yet, but a couple of friends and myself are in the process of making our own nano-rig.

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

None at this time; however, I just finished beer school and passed with flying colors. I do plan on becoming Cicerone certified, but the test is out of my budget right now. In the mean time I plan on getting the certified beer server from Cicerone as it is a pre-requisite for becoming Cicerone certified.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

In Vancouver we have a tap house known as the Alibi Room. It has possibly the biggest beer list in Canada – all craft. They serve these amazing chicken wings with honey, garlic, chili, and fresh herbs. They pair so well with the Driftwood Farmhand Saison it’s bordering on religious experience. If you are ever in Vancouver make sure to drop by Alibi and try this pairing!

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The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Internet marketing, social media, and content acquisition for a small media startup in Vancouver.

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?

Own a brewery. That said, I have a ton of things I would love to do for a living.

3. Are you married? Children?

I live with my girlfriend and have a dog who gets treated better than most children.

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

MMA, Design, Hockey (watching), Video Games, Food, etc.

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Off The Beaten Path

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

Imperial Stout. I’m big, complex, but not as in your face as an IPA or Lambic.

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?

Trappist Westvleteren 12, just so I can say I finally tried it.

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’m not much of a brewer yet, wouldn’t do you justice!

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

Extreme intelligence.

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

That’s between me and Europe.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

It needs to finally be recognized as it’s own food group.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO CHRIS FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

]]> http://drinkwiththewench.com/?feed=rss2&p=3107 3 Featured Beer Blogger: KEVIN SMITH http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=2485 http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=2485#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:00:56 +0000 Wenchie http://drinkwiththewench.com/?p=2485

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!

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INTRODUCING: KEVIN SMITH

AUTHOR OF: THE AMBER AGE

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Kevin Smith
Twitter handle: @kmjsmith
Name of blog: The Amber Age
Current location: Brunswick, MD – a small town on the western border of the state, approximately an hour from Baltimore and DC.

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Pretty much just outside of Boston and NYC.

2. What sports if any did you play growing up, through college and beyond? Wow…How much space do you have?

I played little league baseball and soccer as a kid and again in college, ran track, played football (HS, flag, semi-pro), street hockey, martial arts (Kung-Fu and Karate), and more recently – Australian football.

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

14, maybe 15.

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

My dad came from an Irish household (my grandmother was off the boat) and sat me down around then (14ish), told me he was fine with me drinking at the table at that age as he did it, just not to do abuse the privilege. I don’t remember particulars beyond that it was at the dinner table and it was whatever my dad had on hand at the time. It might actually have been 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?

I attended Emerson College in Boston where I graduated with a degree in writing with a film minor. I was a sportscaster for the AM radio station, president of the Oral Interpretation Society, a member of Hands-On (sign language society), was a contestant in the Baked Bean Pot at Nick’s Comedy Stop (stand-up comedy competition pitting students from the local colleges against each other), was a teacher at the Boston Kung-Fu Tai-Chi Club, and played for the school’s baseball and soccer teams.

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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:

So…I think my craft beer epiphany worked in reverse. As I mentioned, when I was in HS, I was drinking Bass, and very likely Sam Adams and Catamount beers at the dinner table. I would go to parties and I ended up drinking a lot of hard alcohol because I felt that the beer I was getting at the parties was undrinkable. I realized at a very early age that the Macros were not for me.

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

Well, when I went away to college, I became a bigger beer drinker – primarily Guinness and Newcastle Brown, but quickly found Harpoon’s IPA. It was a thing of beauty. I would buy a six pack and a pack of Double-stuffs, sit down at the typewriter, and crank out my school assignments. The bitterness of the hops balanced nicely with the sweetness of the Oreos. I might not think that if I did it now, but it was something I liked to do then.

I think it was also around then that I first discovered both beer bars (the sorts that would have over 100 selections from around the world), and brew pubs. I used to go to the Sunset Grille in the Allston neighborhood of Boston. A ton of taps, almost all crafts or imports, or I would hit The Boston Beer Works – one of the city’s brew pubs.

One of my goals now is to try a craft beer from every state. I haven’t yet put together the definitive list, but I know that I have had beers from HI, CA, OR, WA, ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, MA, NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, WV, NC, LA, TX, CO, OH, IL, GA, UT, NV. I have to go back through notes and make sure, but those are the ones I’m pretty certain are already on the list.

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Beer Blog Background

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

I had an aborted attempt at group blog a little while ago. The Amber Age was launched a little less than a month ago.

What inspired you to start writing your blog? For the last three years I have covered the Maryland brewing industry for the Mid-Atlantic Brewing News – you might be familiar with the Southwest Brewing News. We’re under the same publisher. Anyway, the paper comes out once every two months. As such, there are things that just don’t fit the editorial calendar and get nixed. Sometimes those things can be pretty important. I wanted to make sure that those things got covered.

At the same time, I wanted to address other areas of the country, and really reach out to the beer lover everywhere. In spite of being a two-and-a-half person operation (my wife is the Web master and primary photographer, and my sister-in-law will be an occasional contributor), I am working very hard to present what I have as more of an on-line magazine than blog, but I recognize that it’s still a blog. The site is not yet complete, but it is getting there.

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

It’s a play on The Golden Age. As a matter of fact, my current article there discusses this very question. Boiled down, I feel as though we are in a Golden (or Amber) Age of brewing. When I first started drinking beer, it was less than a decade after Albion brewed their first batch of craft beer in Sonoma.

Selection was still pretty limited. Now I can walk into my local liquor store and have a selection of quality beers from just about any state, and I wanted a name that reflected that.

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

Honestly? I’d like it to be a destination for people looking for intelligent commentary on the brewing industry, and at the same time, I do hope it turns into a money maker.

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

Well – just being a beer writer, there have been several things that have been happy benefits – I haven’t paid to attend a beer festival in over three years, I get to be the “celebrity” judge at homebrew competitions, I have developed some remarkable relationships with the Maryland brewing community – some really great people, but I really love the free beer.

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One day earlier this year a package showed up for me from Oregon. Couldn’t figure out what it could possibly be. Opened it up and it was four bottles of Long Board Lager. Now, admittedly, it’s not a beer I am thrilled by, but it was nice, as a member of the brewing press, that Kona Brewing’s new marketing company would send that out ahead of their East Coast roll out.

More recently, I was at Flying Dog’s facility to discuss with their queen of marketing an article I’m working on for Maryland Life Magazine regarding the brewery. We discussed the article over some Raging Bitch – the as yet unreleased 20th Anniversary Ale – a Belgian IPA. It’s always cool to be out ahead of some of these things. I’m in talks right now with a brewer who’s projecting an early 2011 opening.

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

Not including yours – I like Flying Dog’s whole family of Web sites. They’re fun, informative, and as the single biggest brewery in my Brewing News territory, a must read for me. I try to keep up with the news at AHA’s site (for the neophytes reading your site – NOT the 1980′s pop artists), and I often visit the Brewers Association of Maryland’s site – although I feel like they need to do a better job of keeping that last one updated.

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Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Love me a good IPA. A proper Irish Stout. I’m talking like Guinness, or Murphy’s or Beamish. Few Americans get stout right. A really good Marzen can be genius, but few approach that level with that style.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Without thinking about it too much, and in no particular order – Flying Dog, Stone, Harpoon. If I thought about it, I would be banging my head on the keyboard as one brewery knocked the next out of my list, and so on and so forth.

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

There are two that come to mind immediately – Harpoon and Flying Dog. Harpoon mostly because for close to half my life I called Boston home, would love to move back, and it would be a product with which I know I would be proud to have my name associated. As for Flying Dog, I’ve actually been trying to get my foot in the door there for a little over two years. I know many of the people, the brewery is nearby, and not only do they make a damn fine product, but they throw one hell of a bash every September – GonzoFest. How can you not like that.

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

I do homebrew, but I am not what one would call prolific with it. I brew approximately once per year. The last beer that I did was an Australian sparkling ale. I was unable to land about a third of the ingredients so I had to substitute a lot and hope the beer came out. It was okay after the initial bottle aging, but the one bottle that I aged for eight months was really nice. That’s probably the most unusual one that I have done.

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

Nope.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I’m not sure that I have a specific one, but these are some of the better ones that I have found-Raging Bitch with turkey chili. The flavors of the beer balanced nicely with the heat from the jalapenos. Sam Adams Holiday Porter with espresso fudge. Not even a fan of the beer, but the pairing was absolutely genius. Ellicott Mills (a brew pub just outside of Baltimore) does a Dunkel that’s wonderful with their alligator etouffee.

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The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Freelance writer/Maryland beer guy for the Mid-Atlantic Brewing News.

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?

Cartoonist. Would utilize one of my other talents – which will be on display soon in the Brew-ha-ha section of The Amber Age. I love drawing. Very influenced by people like Gary Larson and Charles Addams.

3. Are you married? Children?

Yes, and only when hungry. Sorry. Two daughters – 2 and 7 years old.

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

The above noted art (I’m currently illustrating a children’s book largely written by my seven year old). I just completed my eleventh season of playing Australian football, have been involved in martial arts for almost 30 years, and am an avid reader.

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Off The Beaten Path

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

Stout. I’m 5’6″ and 185 pounds – and I can still run a mile in about 6:30. Do the math – it’s as much a physical description of me as anything else. And please, no jokes about my creamy head.

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?

Flying Dog’s Gonzo Imperial Porter from a nitrous tap. There have been roughly four, maybe five porters that I have truly loved – for the most part it’s a style I feel breeds a lot of mediocrity. But I think there’s a beautiful balance between the malt and the hops in that beer. It’s one of the handful of beers that I would refer to as a perfect beer. And I would die happily with that as the last taste in my mouth.

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?

Hmm…maybe a Belgian..something smooth, maybe a little fruity…a dry lambic? No…I think I would go with a nice barley wine. Nothing fancy, nothing extra – just something smooth, and tasty, that just keeps getting better as it ages. The Beer Wench Barley Wine…it even as some nice alliteration to it.

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

Definitely not one of the lame ones. Maybe something cool, like being able to find quality craft brew nearby no matter what the odds. Instead of spider senses, I’ll have craft brew senses…I sense a Longtrail Ale in that fridge, or we are a quarter of a mile from where we can pick up some Stone IPA.

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

I don’t remember how I got there, but I woke up naked at the base of the statue of Horace Greeley in Chappaqua NY back in college. Had to walk five miles home like that.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Ah bacon-the perfect food. Ambrosia of the Gods. How is it pig has bestowed upon us such a gift? What other food is just as good on a sandwich as it is a salad, and can be served at any meal of the day? Wonderful for breakfast, but maybe even better, nay, sublime, wrapped around a sea scallop with a maple glaze. ‘Tis a most marvelous thing.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO KEVIN FOR HIS AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

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