DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: ADRIENNE RINALDI

AUTHOR OF: BEER SNOB CHICK

Beer Blogger Interview

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

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Craft Beer Epiphany

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

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

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

Beer Blog Background

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

Just over a year.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

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

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

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

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

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

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

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

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

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

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, porters and stouts.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

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

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

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

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

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

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

No.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

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

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

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

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

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

3. Are you married? Children?

Neither.

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

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

Off The Beaten Path

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Incredible, and my powers would be anything incredible.

5. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Mmmmmm, BACON!

SPECIAL THANKS TO ADRIENNE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you think?

After a emotionally charged and mentally challenging week in the beer blogging realm, my psychological state of mind was, needless to say, a bit out of sorts. I forced to question the validity and relevance of my own personal brand and blog as well as reevaluate my purpose and my place in the industry.

WHY DO I BLOG ABOUT CRAFT BEER?

Why have I sacrificed stability any semblance of a normal life to advocate and promote craft beer? Why have I sacrificed my reputation in order to fight for what I believe in?

Why have I dedicated my life to being a craft beer evangelist? The answer is simple.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi.

This is why I write. This is why I advocate. This is why I live and breathe for craft beer. If, through my writing and my evangelism, I can impact the industry, ignite a revolution, and inspire and create change, my mission has been successful.

As sappy as it may sound, I advocate out of unconditional love and passion for craft beer. I love the people. I love the community. And I love the beer.

I must admit that sometimes I ask myself: Is it really worth it? After all, I make negative money running my site. Why do I spend valuable hours promoting and advocating beer, when I should be focused on finding a job? Why do I endure all the daggers, the mud-slinging, and the insults?

This morning, I was reminded WHY I do it.

_________________________________________________________________________

Hi Ashley! My name is Terrence Jackson, and I recently started my own blog called EleventyBeers, and I have you to thank for me finally having the inspiration to do so. I mean, it is my love for craft beer that ultimately fueled my desire, but I would never have decided to actually do it if I wasn’t a frequent reader of your site. Your blog truly sets my heart on fire for sharing the craft beer gospel, and I hope that I can touch the hearts and minds of others as you have touched mine. Thanks so much for everything you do!

_________________________________________________________________________

It is humbling moments like these that ground me and bring me back to my center. This is why I do what I do. I don’t do it for fame or fortune. I am not a brewer. I don’t work for a brewery (unfortunately). I cannot make an impact on the industry from that aspect of the industry. But you know what I do have? A voice. A strong and forceful voice, at that. And one that is definitely not the most popular. But, I am not focused on being loved and adored, or even liked. I want to make a difference.

The advancement and advocacy of craft beer has become my mission in life. Some of you might not agree with my personal opinions, my choices, and my particular approach to craft beer advocacy.

Since birth, my mother has drilled this quote into my head: “This above all, to thine ownself be true.”– Shakespeare.

Love me. Hate me. Feel indifference towards me. Question my validity, question my place and value in the industry. Criticize me and insult me.

But, NEVER question my intentions or my integrity or challenge my passion and love for craft beer.

_________________________________________________________________________

On a final note:

Thank you to Terrence Jackson for reminding my why I do what I do in the first place. You have become an inspiration to me as well, and I look forward to following your adventures. Best of luck with your new beer blog. Never stop living the dream, and remember this (above all): “to thine ownself be true.”

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!

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

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

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

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

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

SMOKED PORTER STUFFED PEPPERS

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: 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

--

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!

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

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

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

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

But not anymore.

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

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

Cheers!