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: ADAM SIVITS

AUTHOR OF: BEER GOGGINS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Adam Lyle Sivits
Internet nickname: Mad Hops
Twitter handle: Not on it yet (trying to get @MadHops or @Mad_Hops, but they’re both taken even though neither’s been used in a long time)
Name of blog: BeerGoggins.com
Current location: Astoria, NY

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Westminster, CO, a northern suburb of Denver

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

Baseball, football, and basketball, although mostly baseball. I also bowled in leagues when I was younger, and played a lot of golf.

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

10 or 11

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

I was on a little fishing boat with my dad and grandpa up on Lake Kabetogama in Minnesota. I don’t recall exactly, but it was something like Bud or Old Milwaukee. I mean, we’re talking old-timey midwesterners on a fishing boat, here.

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 Colorado State, in Fort Collins. I studied journalism and wrote for the school paper. I was a sportswriter, sports columnist, and opinion columnist. I played rec basketball as well, but aside from classes and the paper, my limited free time was spent hanging with friends and partying.

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:

Unfortunately, I don’t remember what my first craft beer was. It was probably Odell 90 Shilling or New Belgium Fat Tire my freshman year of college. I do remember, though, when my dad was helping me move into an apartment with 2 friends my sophomore year (freshmen had to live in the dorms). I asked him to buy us a six-pack, and he hemmed and hawed and gave me the whole “you’re underage” spiel. But he relented, and we pulled into a liquor store blocks from the apartment. As he was going in, I said “get something good.” He came back with a sixer of Michelob. It was at that point (this was 1998) that I knew “good” American beer had yet to find its way to many, many people.

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

Probably the first time I went to New Belgium, took the tour, then sat down and tried the sampler. That’s when the complexity and nuance of craft beer hit me. Luckily, I now have a good friend working there, so when I go back I’m treated like a king. A glorious, thirsty king.

Beer Blog Background

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

Just started. Clare’s had hers (in varying formats) for a while now, and finally convinced me to start writing with her.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Clare’s endless, endless nagging. Women don’t mess around, you know?

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

I think she explained during her feature with you, but her last name is Goggin, and a friend suggested BeerGoggins, like beer goggles.

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

Personally, I’d like to write entertaining, informative posts that spread the gospel of craft beer. I don’t think I have the most discerning palate ever (thanks to 12 yrs of smoking – I quit over a year ago), so the reviews might not be the most instructive ever. But beer news, culture, and quirky stories – those are fun.

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

Nothing yet, but we recently got contacted by Buckbean Brewery in Nevada, and I think they’re going to send us some stuff to review. So … ignore the answer to the previous question!

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

Why, yours of course! To be honest, I’ve just recently gotten into beer blogs. Even though I’ve loved beer as much as sports for a good long while, I’ve been into sports blogs (and written my own) for years. So I’m kind of a newb. But I’ve met Lee Williams (Hoptopia.com) and Peter Kennedy (SimplyBeer.com), and I think their sites are great.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

As my handle suggests, I love hops, so I’m big on IPAs. I also love a good porter or stout. Around Christmas I hung out with a good college friend, who’s homebrewing in Ames, IA. He said he had been big on pilseners lately, and since then I’ve been trying as many as possible. And as a fan of scotch, whiskey, and bourbon, I’m usually big on anything aged in their barrels.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Well, I’m emotionally attached to New Belgium, and they’ll always be a sentimental #1. Then maybe Stone, or Dogfish Head, or Victory, or Brooklyn. Can I put all Colorado breweries (Odell, Left Hand, Oskar Blues, Avery, Breckenridge, etc.) into one category? I’m a homer like that.

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

I’m obliged to say Brooklyn here, since I’m hoping to get a job there! But other than that, New Belgium. How green and progressive they are is great, and I’ve seen their employee beer wall. It’s … it’s impressive. My friend who works there has a gut. Let’s put it that way.

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

Not yet. Our place is pretty small. Hopefully soon. We helped a friend last week with his first batch. It was pretty straight-forward, just an ale with two different types of hops. I like to cook, so I’d get crazy with herbs and spices and things like honey and caramel.

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?

I don’t think there’s anything better than a smoked porter and a big, bloody T-bone with roasted garlic potatoes and steamed vegetables.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I’ve been freelancing here and there since being laid off in late August.

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 probably be the 12th man on an NBA team. You get paid millions a year to practice and be a towel-waver on the bench during games. That, or a paid-handsomely blogger who could write about awesome things, like sports, beer, and food.

3. Are you married? Children?

Not yet (WINK). Clare will read this, I know.

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

I play in an adult wood-bat baseball league here in NY – our name is the Beers! I’m also a huge movie buff. My Netflix queue is out of control right now.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I think I’d be a double IPA. I might come across as aggressive and bitter, but in the end you’ll love 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?

Well, aside from one of those Trappist beers brewed by Belgian monks? I hate to come back to New Belgium again, but their 1554 Black Ale is probably my favorite beer. Again, this is sentimental, as since college I’ve probably had dozens that are “better,” but this one just feels like home.

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?

Because of the ‘wench’ I think we have to go with a German style, perhaps a Kellerbier?

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

The ability to tell what song a person is listening to or thinking about based solely on how they’re tapping their fingers and/or toes. All other powers pale in comparison.

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

I don’t want to get into it, but beer was definitely a factor. And some narcotics. And driving. Man, we’re stupid in college.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Have you seen Jim Gaffigan’s 3+ minute bit on bacon? Like that, times ten.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MAD HOPS 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!

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Brian Cahill
Twitter handle: @BeerOnWheels
Name of blog: BeerOnWheels

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Upstate NY, spent most summers and holidays in Manhattan.

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

Basketball, now I stick to beer pong and flip-cup

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

Hmmm around 10 I believe

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

Was at a friend of the family’s lake-house and her son who was about 15 stole some beers from a cooler and we snuck off and drank one each, I wanna say it was a PBR. I remember thinking this is gross, but cool at the same time. What’s worse than the fact that it was a PBR, is what I was probably wearing in 1988.

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

Stetson University-Business

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:

Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout! I was in a Piggly Wiggly in Boone, NC and my friend Geoff said, “you gotta try this” I did, fell in love, and the rest is history.

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

No not really, nothing is as good as the first, that pretty much goes for anything doesn’t it? I am always open for suggestions.

Beer Blog Background

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

About 6 months

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

A friend of mine that was building my site and helping me come up with ideas on where to even start with this whole BeerOnWheels plan, convinced me to do it. My love for Beer, tailgating, and drinking games made it easy.

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

It is the name of my soon-to-be beer delivery business.

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

I hope if nothing else, it entertains or is helpful in some small capacity. I would love to see it take off, and allow me to meet new people. If at some point the business aspect of my site takes off, well then that would be a nice bonus.

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

I have always had a thing for “little people” and the blog has allowed me to meet several. Actually, this interview is the first cool thing to happen.

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

There are so many, and thanks to twitter I found them. In no particular order:

• DRINK WITH THE WENCH
• BETTER BEER BLOG
• BEER AND WHISKEY BROS

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

English Ale, American Ale, and the occasional lager.

2.What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Scottish and Newcastle, The Old Brewery at Tadcaster, and Coors (that’s what I play pong and flip-cup with)

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

Scottish and Newcastle, they produce my favorite beer.

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

No

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

I’m not that cool, but if there if there is some sort of mastery certificate for beer pong or flip-cup I want in!

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I prefer a Bass to wash down a Hebrew National hotdog in Yankee Stadium.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Sr. Account Executive at a technology 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 would be running a successful BeerOnWheels! I have always wanted to own my own business, and I love beer, so this makes sense.

3. Are you married? Children?

Not married, and have a beautiful 5 year old daughter-Brooklyn

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

Sports fan, Die hard Yankees and Buffalo Bills-this is the reason for my drinking!-kidding I go to a lot of Orlando Magic games, theme parks, and of course all of Brooklyn’s soccer games. We also watch a lot of MMA.

Off The Beaten Path

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

A bitter one, did I mention I’m a Buffalo Bills fan?

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?

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout for several reasons. This is probably happening in a foreign country that may not have a bottle opener handy so it would buy me time, and because I would attempt to use the shiny foil to blind him and escape.

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 go with a pale ale, possibly add butter. Let’s be honest butter makes EVRYTHING better.

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

I would want to be able to control time and space. I would go back and right some wrongs, and spend more time with people that aren’t here now. Maybe fight Abe Lincoln on Tyler Durden’s behalf. Going back in time armed with the winning lotto numbers wouldn’t hurt either.

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

I once lied to security at Yankee stadium after a game, stating that I was waiting for a player; since I had player’s family seats (I know a guy). When he didn’t come out, convinced her that a private tour of Monument Park would ease my frustration. After taking a ton pictures I was able to grab some dirt off the warning track before being asked to leave. This was 2008, the stadium’s final season. Not the craziest, but for legal purposes will have to suffice.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Have you seen this?

SPECIAL THANKS TO BRIAN 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: GENEVIEVE SHULER

AUTHOR OF: THE HOPS HONEY

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Genevieve Shuler
Twitter handle: @TheHopsHoney
Name of blog: The Hops Honey
Current location: NYC

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

NW Jersey until I was 9, and then Oneonta in upstate NY

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

I tried my hand at karate, soccer and softball… and quickly conceded the fact that I was born a dancer, not an athlete! I did ballet as a kid & then tap & jazz all through school… oddly enough, I’m a complete klutz on the street (or, dear lord, a staircase…), but strap on a pair of dance shoes & give me a routine & I’m totally fine!

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

I think I was a senior in high school…

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

I was NOT a partier in high school (total goody-two-shoes band/theater/dance geek & loved every minute of it!), but I had a crush on a boy so I went to a party along the river under the highway overpass with a friend, and said crush gave me a beer… though, come to think of it, I’m pretty sure it was some form of cider…

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 Hartwick College in Oneonta (mom taught there so it was tuition-free!) and had a double major in Management & Spanish Education. I was an RA and campus tour-guide, and some-time member of the Orchesis dance club… and I co-taught a freshman seminar course and directed a children’s musical theater program in the town over… Cooperstown… you may have heard that there’s some great beer from over there! While I may not have had time for sports, clubs or greek life… I did get to spend 2 months in Spain and 1 month living in Puerto Rico while I was in college, which were definitely the high-points of my college experience! (PR in January is MUCH better than upstate NY!)

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:

During college I was definitely a beer neophyte, and just drank whatever was in the keg or ordered in rounds at the bar, but somewhere around my junior year I saw a new beer on tap at the Black Oak Tavern in my hometown of Oneonta and decided to give it a try… It was Sierra Nevada, and I immediately fell in love! At the time there weren’t many bars that were carrying it on tap, but if I ever saw it there was no doubt what I was ordering. Still, for many years this beer and a few Long Trails here and there were the only ‘good’ beers I drank… until…

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

… August 23, 2007… my friend Orry knew how much I loved Sierra Nevada, so he took me to the Blind Tiger in NYC. The night before they’d had a Sierra Nevada event that featured at least 17 taps of different SN brews. My jaw about hit the ground and I called my step-father to exclaim, “OMG, Timmy! I’m looking at 17 different taps of Sierra Nevada… I didn’t know they had this many!!!” That was the day that opened my eyes to the possibilities of the world of beer… and I was hooked!

Beer Blog Background

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

I’m still a blogging-baby… I started the blog 4 months ago, in September, 2009!

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I was starting to get really into beer and none of my friends were as interested and I wanted to journal my experiences with learning more about beer, and wanted a forum from which to have a dialogue with other beer-lovers… and a friend of mine had recently started her own blog with great success & that gave me the confidence to try my hand at it!

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

I’m definitely a hop-head, and I wanted the name of my blog to convey that A) I was a girl writing about beer, and B) well, that I was writing about beer! (Some discarded but discussed runners-up included Lady Lager, Imbibarella and FemAle… I think I made the right choice!)

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

Really I just wanted to see who else was out there talking about beer, and I was so blown away by the community that I’ve discovered out there, so part of my goals have already been achieved, just by being part of the discussion! My other two goals are truly to continue to learn more about the world of craft beer, and more importantly to try and encourage more gals out there to venture into the wonderland that is craft beer!

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

Getting to meet other people within the community has probably been the best result of the blog thus far. Instead of just being another body in the bar, being able to say that you’re writing about beer lets people know that you’re serious and that you want to be a part of and help advance the craft beer industry/community, and it’s been so amazing just to see how everyone I’ve met is so passionate, so welcoming, so open… and so dedicated to sharing, communication and collaboration… it’s been beautiful to discover!

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

I swear, this is not ass-kissing, but… DRINK WITH THE WENCH,  HOPTOPIA & THE VICE BLOG

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, Hefeweissen & Sours

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Elysian, Green Flash & Dogfish

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

I don’t think I’d want to work with or for any particular brewery at this point, simply because I’m enjoying getting to become familiar with as many breweries as I possibly can without bias! Although, it must be a serious kick to work with/for Sam at DogFish…

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

I know that a lot of people say they’d homebrew if they had a bigger apartment, and then someone counters with “well you really don’t need THAT much space to start small…”… but hey, you at least need to have a kitchen, right? Given that my apartment is 105 sq. feet, I’m going to have to wait until my next apartment before I can start homebrewing… but I definitely plan to! (see… the NY Post saw how small my apt is!)

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

Nope – not a one! Maybe someday…

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

CHEESE! I’m totally, 100% addicted to cheese… so the fact that beer & cheese pair together so beautifully is a truly incredible (read: delicious) gift!

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I’m the Marketing Coordinator at a non-profit that raises money for a basic science research institute in Israel.

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 open up a brew-pub in Vermont with a B&B above, and a farm down the road to help sustain the restaurant… le sigh…

3. Are you married? Children?

Not yet… and not yet… but I’m currently accepting applications!

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

Living in NYC I love being able to check out theater, concerts, movies in the park in the summer and, of course, singing show tunes at Marie’s Crisis! I’m also big into camping & traveling, and lately I’ve managed to combine the two quite successfully!

Off The Beaten Path

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

I’d definitely be an IPA… a strong flavor that not everyone can appreciate, but those that love an IPA are true devotees… full to the brim with hoppy bitterness, but with a sometime-sticky, sometime-floral sweetness that catches you off guard…

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 Sierra Nevada Pale Ale… the beer that started it all for me should, rightfully, be my last…

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?

“Bad to the Bean”… a hoppy IPA made with espresso beans for a caffeine jolt as well as some fiery chilis!

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

Teleportation – that way I could visit any brewery at any time without regards to vacation time or finances! (I could also visit any beach in the world on a random weekend when I need a break!)

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

I did a hike into the FL Everglades over spring break in college & camped out overnight… with an alligator breathing outside my tent during the night… the hike ‘out’ was definitely much faster than the hike ‘in’!

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Given that I’m stuffing my face with this roasted bacon, apple, onion & cheddar melt right now… I’d say I’m a fan! Oh, and when I stopped being a vegetarian after 8 years, it was the first thing I had!

SPECIAL THANKS TO GENEVIEVE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

BEER CHICKS RAWK!

CHEERS!

As with most cool new trends, NYC is miles ahead of all the other cities.

The latest new gadget is a website that tracks the beer selections of NYC bars. The website is called BeerMenus and operates similar to MenuPages. BeerMenus just launched yesterday -April 24, 2008- and is already generating hype.

It uses two types of search methods. One is by bar, which is typical and expected. The other is actually pretty damn awesome. People have the option of searching by BEER. Just type in a desired beer, and all the bars that offer it will appear on a Google map. INGENIUS.

BeerMenus indexes special events at bars as well. I might be willing to take a trip to NYC if anything sparks my interest!

Here is the creation story:

Brothers Will and Eric were drinking beers and debating their favorites before heading out for the night. Eric backed Arrogant Bastard and Will was pushing Dogfish Head 90 Minute. They searched for a bar serving their favorite beers on google. They came up empty handed, but their disappointment faded when they saw their destiny. As avid beer lovers who started homebrewing at ages 4 and 7, they had to create a website where people could browse and search beer menus.

Today BeerMenus.com has over 150 beer menus, including over 1200 beers. And we’re just getting started. We add and update beer menus every day and wouldn’t have it any other way.

I encourage everyone to check out the BeerMenus Blog.

It would be great to have something like this for the city of Columbus. Any tech savvy individuals interested in assisting The Beer Wench with such a task?