DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: ADRIENNE RINALDI

AUTHOR OF: BEER SNOB CHICK

Beer Blogger Interview

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

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Craft Beer Epiphany

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

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

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

Beer Blog Background

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

Just over a year.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

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

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

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

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

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

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

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

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

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

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, porters and stouts.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

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

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

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

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

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

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

No.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

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

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

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

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

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

3. Are you married? Children?

Neither.

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

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

Off The Beaten Path

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Incredible, and my powers would be anything incredible.

5. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Mmmmmm, BACON!

SPECIAL THANKS TO ADRIENNE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: 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: TRACY CORNELIUS

AUTHOR OF: THE PISSED LIBEERIAN

Beer Blogger Interview

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

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Small town girl from Camano Island, Washington.

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

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

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

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

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

By the time I decided to start drinking, it wasn’t really a big deal since I wasn’t trying to get away with anything, so I don’t recall my first beer.

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

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

Craft Beer Epiphany

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beer Blog Background

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

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

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

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

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

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

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

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

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

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

3. Are you married? Children?

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

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

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

Off The Beaten Path

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

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

BIG THANKS TO TRACY FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: JASON THALMAN

AUTHOR OF: THE GREATEST BEER OF ALL TIME

Beer Blogger Interview

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

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Westmont, IL

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

Soccer, Football, Wrestling, Cycling and Track

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

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

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

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

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

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

Craft Beer Epiphany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beer Blog Background

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

Since December of 2009

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

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

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

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

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

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

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

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

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

I really dig

• The Beer Sessions
• Craft Cans
• Brewery Fans

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

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

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

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

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Marketing/Advertising Consultant

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

I’d start a brewery in a heartbeat!

3. Are you married? Children?

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

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

Yoga, Running, Photography, Playing Guitar and Theater.

Off The Beaten Path

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

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

SPECIAL THANKS TO JASON FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

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: DAVID VARGAS

AUTHOR OF: CRUDE BREW CREW “BEER BLOG”

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: David Vargas
Twitter handle: @DavidVargasCBC
Name of blog: Crude Brew Crew “Beer Blog”
Current location: Victorville, CA

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?
Torrance, CA (Los Angeles County, CA)

2. What sports if any did you play growing up, through college and beyond?
Football (from 5th grade to the end of high school)

3. How old were you when you had your first beer?
Um…. 21 of course! But honestly, probably closer to 18-19

4. If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer? Where did you have it? What style and brand was it?
I lived with a couple buddies when we were renting a house, they liked to throw parties with beer that tasted absolutely horrible to me. I was drinking Hamms, PBR, Riebenbach, Coors light, etc. For the longest time I couldn’t stand the taste of beer, & couldn’t understand why people did. Until recently, I drank mostly Corona until I was introduced to Craft Beer.

5. Where, if applicable, did you go to college? What did you study? What additional activities, organizations, sports did you partake in during college?
I tried going to college for a year, but skipped the majority of classes to go to the beach when I realized that college wasn’t my calling.

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 buddy Noel (from the Crude Brew Crew) started homebrewing. As I tasted the beers he made, I was intrigued by the Dunkelweizen he made & decided to start homebrewing myself. As we talked more about beer, he told me to watch “Beer Wars”, which I did on Netflix. It was then that I started going to Bevmo & started buying Dogfish Head, Stone, & any other interesting sounding Craft Beer I could find. I also decided to start a personal boycott against Anheuser-Busch for there poor-business-tactic-attack on Dogfish Head. (Which I still continue, but I do not push on others).

Noel & I decided after a few months that we should start our own podcast that revolves around Craft Beer, Homebrewing, & food pairing with a couple of his friends (Javier & Matt). That is how we started the Crude Brew Crew. We ended up meeting Anat Baron and I personally bought my DVD copy of Beer Wars directly from her @ a Beer/Cheese tasting with Dr. Bill & New Brew Thursday. I’ve visited a few breweries this year as well, and I find that I really really enjoy going to them. (P.S. – This year alone, I have been to Stone Brewery 4x, Kern River Brewing, Karl Strauss, Pizza Port, Oggi’s, B.J.’s, The Bruery). I think I’m hooked. I also built a 4-tap kegerator in my garage so that I can keg my own beer, & started by buying a 15.5 gal keg of Stone Pale Ale!

2. Have you have additional craft beer epiphanies since the first? Detail as many of them as you wish:
I went to a Stone Brew event @ Naja’s in Redondo Beach, CA this month for L.A. beer week. I tried the best beer I think I’ll ever taste! “Stone 2006 Aged Double Bastard Oaked”, it was an epiphany in liquid form!

Beer Blog Background

1. How long have you been writing your beer blog?
I just recently started, though I have been reviewing Brewery visits on Yelp.com also.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?
I’m having so much fun with homebrewing, & actually enjoying beer since being introduced to Craft Beer, that I want to spread the word to others.

3. Why did you choose the name of your blog?
My blog name is really just “Beer Blog” because it’s just a portion of our website. But the name Crude Brew Crew started because myself & Noel both work in the “Crude Unit” of a big oil refinery.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog? What do you hope to achieve with it?
I hope that people enjoy reading the blog, and I hope to travel more to get some interviews going on it. I feel my achievements have been met for the moment, but I would like to get more feedback in our forums.

5. What is one of the coolest things that happened to you as a result of being a beer blogger?
I feel I’m more of a podcaster at the moment, rather than a blogger because I’ve only posted a few articles. But I’ve been in contact with lot’s of the podcasters I’ve been learning from, and recently filmed a collaboration podcast with New Brew Thursday which should be released in November 2010 (Free iTunes Podcast: Crude Brew Crew). I was also able to attend the “I am a Craft Beer Drinker” Premiere by: New Brew Thursday @ The Bruery. I have a signed DVD of Beer Wars, and enjoyed a great beer/cheese tasting by Dr. Bill (Stone’s Master Cicerone).

6. What are you top 3 favorite beer blogs/beer websites?
1. The Beer Wench (Blog)
2. New Brew Thursday (Podcast)
3. The Brewing Network (Forums)

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?
Porter, IPA, Scottish Ale

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?
Stone, Dogfish Head, Sierra Nevada

3. If you could work with or for any one brewery, which one would it be and why?
Stone Brewery for sure! I love the beer, & the atmosphere when I’m there. The brewery looks very clean & has “newer” state of the art equipment. The restaurant, outdoor seating, gardens, heck even the gift shop are very fun to be surrounded by, and the tour is inspiring. The business seems to have very good marketing & distribution which will sustain long-term growth, and I see more Stone beer around random stores & restaurants then other growing Micro-Craft Breweries. “My girlfriend doesn’t even drink beer, & she loves going to Stone Brewery for lunch!”

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… for about 1 year now. Throughout the learning process, I have made a really good stout (which 5 gallons has been consumed already), & I’m in the process of finishing my Black IPA right now (my first dry hopped beer). I just received ingredients for my next batch, a “brown ale”. And I’m hoping to design a “vanilla-almond porter” some day.

5. Do you have any beer certifications (BJCP, Cicerone, Siebel, American Brewers Guild)?? If so, what are they?
I do not have any certifications right now. I am currently a member of the AHA (American Homebrewers Assoc.), and I’m thinking about the Cicerone course too.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?
I love BBQ pulled pork with a Smoked Porter or IPA

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?
I distill Crude Oil (must be why I made a great Stout). I am a Process Technician III (a.k.a. Process Operator) of the Crude Unit for one of the larger oil companies.

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 work in a brewery full time. With prior experience in food, chemicals, manufacturing process, & homebrewing, I think I would be a good candidate.

3. Are you married? Children?
I am not married. I do have a great girlfriend who is very supportive of my hobbies, and we have a beautiful daughter together.

4. Outside of beer and writing, what are some of your other hobbies?
I love music, both listening & playing. I grew up with Punk Rock and listened to bands such as Social Distortion, The Offspring, Sublime, & Rise Against, etc. I also used to play for a L.A. based metal band similar to a Pantera/Slayer style called “Busted Knuckles”. Now-a-days, mostly working on my house, spending time with my family, working, homebrewing and beer podcasting! (I still have all my instruments; drums, guitar, bass, keyboard… and still jam every now and then).

Off The Beaten Path

1. If you were a style of beer, what style would be an why?
“Brown Ale Float” – A Brown Ale with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I don’t want to be too bitter or too plain, but a little in-between, with a touch of sweetness & innovation.

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?
Oskar Blues Gubna; it is not only a good beer, but a very bitter one too. I’m assuming the bitterness I’d have towards this particular situation though. (In general without these circumstances, I would like to have a Stone Levitation Ale… my favorite beer)

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 would brew a “Chocolate Oatmeal Stout with a splash of Rum”. A strong, smooth beer with a touch of Ye’ Olde Pirate. Then I’d ask my Wench to bring me another pint. LOL

4. If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
I’m not gonna lie and make this answer sound all “beerish”. I’d want the power of Invisibility.

5. What is one of the craziest things you have ever done and lived to tell the story?
I tried to pet a wild wolf that was in my way to the end of a long path. After he jumped back growling with red gums and teeth showing, I had no choice but to walk an hour and a half back from where I came to make it to the same destination.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?
Bacon has got to be one of my favorite food additions (sorry to all you vegans & vegetarians). Just yesterday I made chocolate covered bacon. It is great!

SPECIAL THANKS TO DAVID 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: SCOTT ANDREWS

AUTHOR OF: THE BEER SNOB

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Scott Andrews
Twitter handle: @the_beer_snob
Name of blog: The Beer Snob
Current location: Spring Hill, TN (30-45 minutes south of Nashville)

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the land of sand and cacti, Yuma, Arizona. If you visit there, you’ll see postcards everywhere that describe Yuma as something like, “150 miles from water, 2 miles from California and 2 feet from hell.” Yes, it’s that hot. Bad burns from touching the metal parts of seatbelts during summer are not uncommon.

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

I played baseball during 5th and 6th grades in a city league. I think we were the worst team both years, thanks to me. I broke my nose during preseason practice my 2nd year, which is probably why there wasn’t a third year!

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

I may have tasted a sip at some point early on but I think I was about 17 when I had my first full beer. I was let go from a telemarketing job after just a week, so I decided to go get a six-pack of Bud (well, have someone get it for me) and drink it down. I drank it all at home and promptly vomited it back up. Too much beer all at once, or the first sign I was destined to be a beer snob? You decide!

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

See above.

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 school in Arizona for about a year and a half, Arizona Western College. Those were my party years. The intent was to study accounting but I never took a single accounting class. I did theatre here.

Not long after moving to the Nashville area, I ended up at what was then Nashville State Technical Institute for graphic design while I worked full time doing graphic design. Now I am at Tennessee State University studying engineering, graduating, finally, in December 2010.

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 think I had a huge, lightning strike craft beer epiphany, but a smaller gradual epiphany. I had decided for some reason to try Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and realized beer could taste like chocolate and coffee and it was amazing! I believe it was winter, and I was enjoying this with a wood fire burning in the fireplace, and I realized the seasonality of beer, the diversity of beer, and how the setting can influence the taste and enjoyment of a good craft beer.

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

My additional beer epiphanies have revolved around developing a taste for different flavor profiles or styles of beers. The first time I tried Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale, for example, I didn’t like it. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the hoppiness I didn’t like. But one day, probably several months later, I finally had a hoppy beer that had prominent citrus and grapefruit in the nose and palate, and I learned to love the hops! I had a similar moment when I tried Biere Du Boucanier and learned to love a good sour beer.

Beer Blog Background

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

I’ve been writing the blog (first at http://thebeersnob.wordpress.com) since January of 2007

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I had, at this point, begun dipping my toe into the pool of craft beer but was trying so many different beers, I never remembered what I had or hadn’t tried or had or hadn’t liked. So I started the blog as a way to keep track of what I had tried and what I thought about them. It was only meant as a journal for me to keep track of my experiments in beer.

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

It just came to me, I guess because in my early experimentation with craft beer I quickly became vehemently a craft beer guy, absolutely snubbing Bud, Coors, Miller, etc., although I really had no beer knowledge or experience at that point.

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

Although I started it for my personal benefit, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I hoped to make money with it someday. But in addition to that, I’d love to become a well respected source to which people can turn for reviews of beer. I’d also love to turn some people on to craft beer.

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

I think the coolest thing is getting to attend, free of charge, a beer dinner at the Opryland Hotel, hosted by Linus Hall of Yazoo Brewing Company. The meal was amazing and the beers paired extremely well with the food, plus I ate a meal and drank beer with Linus Hall. I was one of only 12-15 people who were in attendance!

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

I don’t actually have much time to spend looking at other sites…I am working full time and in school full time, so I barely find time to update my blog. But here are three I look at:

To find out what’s available in the Nashville area, I like to visit http://nashvillebeergeek.blogspot.com. He always has the latest on what new beers are available here or are coming soon and writes well.

I usually end up at beeradvocate.com and ratebeer.com a lot as well. Usually it is a result of googling a beer’s ABV if it’s not on the bottle or looking to see what others thought about a beer I just reviewed. I avoid other reviews like the plague when I am about to do a tasting of a specific beer, but I like to read other reviews after the fact to see what flavors others picked up.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

I’m a malty sort of guy and my favorite styles are always changing, but stouts and porters are usually two of my favorites. The other favorite would alternate between nut brown ales, IPAs and Belgian.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Hands down, Dogfish Head is my favorite. Samuel Smith would have to be my second favorite. The third is more difficult. It would be a toss up between Young’s and Rogue.

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

I would love to work with or for Dogfish Head, not only because they are my favorite, but because they are so imaginative with their beers and so willing to take risks and try new things.

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

I would love to get into home brewing but simply don’t have any time right now. Maybe after I graduate in December!

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

I don’t currently, but I definitely want to get as many certifications as I can, to add credibility and expertise to my blog but also to increase my beer knowledge for my own benefit

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I don’t often pair beer with food, oddly enough, because most of the time when I drink beer, I am trying something new which to review, and don’t want to taint my palate. I love the way, though, a good hoppy IPA cuts through a rich meal and cleanses the palate.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Web Developer

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 work as a biologist studying trout in the Smokies and other aquatic creatures and their environment. I love trout, especially brook trout, and the mountains and would love to spend my life helping preserve their natural environment and studying them outdoors on a creek.

3. Are you married? Children?

Married 13 years in October of this year, with two of the most beautiful daughters you have ever seen, 6 and almost 4

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

I don’t have much time for hobbies really, but some of the things I enjoy that I would like to do more is European travel, fly fishing, hiking and camping and visiting art museums, especially Renaissance and Byzantine art

Off The Beaten Path

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

I would be a a stout or a porter, I think….dark and malty and most appropriate for winter and a roaring fire.

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?

At this moment, I think I would say Pliny The Elder, only because I have heard so much about it, never seen it, and have even seen it called overrated. I’d like to judge that for myself.

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?

Since I don’t do any homebrewing and don’t know you that well, I think I would do a blonde ale but aged in a whiskey barrel for an extra little kick

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

I would want to be able to fly, like most other people I’m sure. But mostly because I would love to visit Italy again and this would be the cheapest way to do so. I’d also want to be able to breathe underwater so I could just lay for hours at the bottom of a mountain trout pool and just watch the trout go about their lives.

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

I’m drawing a blank here….I really haven’t done too many crazy things.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Very tasty choice of meats, but best served thick and extra crispy (not burnt). Nothing worse than floppy bacon!

SPECIAL THANKS TO SCOTT 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: THE BREWFANANTICS MINI INTERVIEW SERIES!

The Brewfantatics are a group of 3 talented homebrewers on a mission to create 100 new home brewers by the end of 2010! They want to spread the word and educate people about the fun, exciting hobby of brewing beer while they pursue their own dream of opening a brewery.

INTRODUCING: DAVE HARNEY

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: David M. Harney
Twitter handle: @thebrewfanatics
Name of blog: brewfanatics.com
Current location: Cincinnati (Dave and Josh)

Background “Snapshot”

1.        Where did you grow up?

Grew up all over. I’ve lived in 4 different states (IN, OH, IL, MI) I consider IL my home though….

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

Football, basketball and track. Even set a school record in track J  Just intramural in college.

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

Depends on what ‘first beer’ means.  Honestly, my first taste of beer I was probably 8 or 9 and took a sip of my dads beer during a Notre Dame football game.  Definitely made a bitter beer face, (maybe because it was that yellow barley water out of a red and white can

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

See above

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

Michigan State University.  Studied Econ, went to a lot of sporting events, tailgates etc.  as far as playing, just stuck with the intramurals.

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 first real epiphany had to come with my first batch of home brew back in 2003.  My brother Josh got me my first recipe and my girlfriend at the time bought me a kit for my bday from an old British dude named Dodger.  The first batch I made was great.  Of course, we were accustomed to drinking Busch Lite up to this point,  but I didn’t know beer could taste so good. I didn’t even let friends waste it on drinking games, they had to enjoy it!

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

Too many to list J

Beer Blog Background

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

We’ve only had the beer blog going for a couple months, but we have years of notes from past batches J

2.       What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Honestly, it was a book called ‘Crush It’ that talks about how to use social media to get the word out about ones passion.  I never knew much about creating websites/blogs, but the book gave a lot of great detail on how to build it and (in my case) share the good word on craft beer!

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

This might be one of my recent ‘beer epiphanies’ …I was literally just sitting at my computer trying to think of domain names for our new website, and brewfanatics just hit me over the head, and fortunately it wasn’t taken already!

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

Part of our mission is to help influence 100 home brewers this year, if we can do that, I think we will have had a very successful year!  We would also like to establish a solid brewing community where people can share recipes/stories/experiences.  Through all of this we’re hoping to create some credibility for ourselves as well, so when we start our brew pub, people know they’re going to be drinking great  beer from people who care a lot about it!

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

Running into some people we had never met before in Chicago, and hearing from them that they were fans of the site, and were thinking about brewing at home.

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

• Probrewer.com
• beeradvocate.com
• realbeer.com

Beer Talk

1.        What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, Stout, and pretty much anything Bell’s makes J

2.       What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Bells, Dogfish Head, Great Lakes

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

Definitely Dogfish Head.  I love their creativity and Sam’s (Caligione) passion for great beer.

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

Starting brewing back in 2003 with extract.  Just got into full mash brewing over the past couple years.  Just made a bourbon barrel imperial stout that turned out great!

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

No, not yet J

6.       What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Easy, hot bbq wings with an good IPA (prolly Bell’s 2 hearted)

The Personal Side

1.        What is your current day job?

Operations manager for an exterior residential paint 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?

Run a brew-pub.  I love making good beer.  More than that, I like it when other people enjoy the beer I make.  Let’s face it, on Friday after a long week, people want to get away from the stress of work and enjoy a good meal with a good beer.  I would love to play a part in providing that outlet.

3.       Are you married? Children?

No, aaaand, no.

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

I like to get out and play golf, basketball, and love being in/on/around the water in the summer.

Off The Beaten Path

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

Dogfish Head’s Pangaea because I’ve traveled around a lot, taken a lot from all of those experiences, and come up with a pretty good product J

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?

Probably a Natty Lite so the last look on my face is bitter beer face which will remind everyone what will happen while drinking yellow barley water.

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 I hear ‘wench’ it makes me think of Medieval Times and a bunch of drunk ogres singing songs around the table at the pub….Probably some type of Red Ale with a little extra malted barley to kick up the ABV

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

…hmmm, flying always comes to mind first, then probably also teleportation

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

5 years at MSU

6.       What are your thoughts on bacon?

Bacon is great, and pretty much makes everything taste better.  I even had a Listermanns Brewing Co. “Smoked Bock” that kind of reminded me of bacon and it was great.

SPECIAL THANKS TO DAVE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT BREW FANATICS INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!!!