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

WHY DO I BLOG ABOUT CRAFT BEER?

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

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

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

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

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

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

This morning, I was reminded WHY I do it.

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________________________________________________________

On a final note:

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

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: 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!

If you are a self-respecting woman and, after reading this post, you still want to drink corporate beer. Well, then. I don’t know what to think.

Today I read a post entitled: 26 Highly Suggestive Girl Beer Ads.

The author notes: “Coming up with a marketing campaign for adult beverages isn’t very hard, yet they’re almost always successful when simple rules are followed. One approach, Suggestive girl ads. They sell, really well. Here is a collection of ads from around that (for at least guys) will surely get a response in the brain, if not elsewhere…Enjoy.”

Each and every single one of the 26 advertisements objectifies women in one way or another, some being more appalling than others.Some of them made me want to vomit. Literally.

By now most of you should know that it does not take much to for my feminist side to get fired up. It is moments like these where I really believe that our progressive society is actually regressing. It frustrates me to no end to think of all the people that have fought long and hard for woman’s rights and equality, just to have them objectified by mega corporations and admen.

Part of me wonders what almost completely naked women have to do with beer sales. But then I realize, when your actual product sucks, you have to find other methods to sell it. And unfortunately, in today’s sad pathetic world, sex sells.

The difference between craft beer and corporate beer is that the actual beer sells itself. Craft beer does not need to employ the help of huge ad agencies to develop multi-million dollar ad campaigns. Craft beer does not need to objectify women and sell sex in order to sell beer. The beer speaks for itself, naked women do not.

I suppose a lot can be said for people who drink craft beer over corporate beer. Obviously, they care about WHO makes their beer, WHERE the beer comes from, and WHAT goes into their beer. They will not settle for the lowest common denominator. They refuse to be victims of marketing ploys and ad campaigns. And, most importantly, they refuse to support companies that objectify women.

I want to raise a toast to all the pink boot wearing women in the craft beer industry who are brave enough to defy female standards and work in a male-dominated industry. I want to raise a toast to all the men in the industry who support woman’s rights and refuse to stoop to the level of mega-corporations and admen. I want to raise a toast to all the people in the world who choose to support craft beer in lieu of sub-par beers made with adjuncts that use ad campaigns that objectify women.

And if you are the kind of person that likes to sit down with a corporate beer from time to time, I encourage you to re-think your purchasing behaviors and beverage choices. Especially, if you are within 100 feet of The Wench. Trust me on this, you do not want to feel my wrath.

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: BRIAN ALDRICH

AUTHOR OF: SEACOAST BEVERAGE LAB

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Brian Aldrich
Twitter handle: @SeacoastBeverageLab & @BigBontheRoad
Name of blog: Seacoast Beverage Lab
Current location: Portsmouth, NH

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Lovely Belchertown (yes, Belch as in burp), MA.

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

I was big into basketball through my younger years and played volleyball through high school.

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

My first full beer was a high school party when I was 17.

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 first sip is the classic story of a father handing the can of Budweiser to his son. If my Dad drinks it it must be good, right? Yuck! Hated it and cursed it for years after, but now I can’t stop talking about 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?

Went to Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston where I studied Computer Networking Systems. I was big into volunteering, orientation, peer education against alcohol and drug abuse and video games. You can’t enter Boston without praying to the Sox/Celts/Bruins either!

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 dad brews beer and used to enter his beer into our local fair’s contests for judging. My first craft beer epiphany came while sitting cross legged on the kitchen floor with the bottle capper at age 10, capping the beers my dad made. It was mind blowing in a sense that I never knew it was humanly possible to brew your own beer without machines and robots!

Beer Blog Background

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

Since March, a whopping 6 months

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Lack of Seacoast (Southern NH) representation and I wanted to express my love of beer through words and the easiest way to tell everyone is through blogging.

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

A group of friends and I decided to make the title general enough where we could focus on beer but also focus on other beverages and bars that aren’t beer exclusive. My friends since jumped ship on the blog so I’m steering this boat to beer land!

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

My personal goals are simple, doing as best I can to represent this side of the U.S. and write interesting stories of my journey with beer. I love feedback on my posts.

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

Nothing crazy yet. I think the coolest thing is being more informed about beer. I now enjoy going and looking for new beers at bars and beer stores. I recently interviewed the Assistant Brewer from the Portsmouth Brewery regarding the GABF which was pretty cool.

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

Tough question but I’ll highlight 3 from my area

• The Beer Babe
• The Beer Nut
• Lost in the Beer Isle

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Stout, Porter, Ale. I love winter brews all year round. Summer beers are not my favorite.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Portsmouth Brewery, Smuttynose Brewery , Sam Adams

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

Any! That’s too tough a question for me to answer but I will say I would love to work with/for a local brewery.

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

I have tried brewing in April, didn’t work well, but I am hoping to get another batch brewing in a month or so! Brewing takes care and patience, for which I have both but sometimes a batch won’t turn out like you plan for one reason or another. The brewing gods were not upon me that day I guess.

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

Negatory

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I’m a huge fan of a bucket full of local beers and a BBQ. I’m not skilled with pairing beer with food but I enjoy the combination of burgers and beer. Recently I had a ‘Headless Horseman’ which was a Guinness and Pumpkinhead combination. Paired that with a big burger and it was bliss.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Network Analyst aka nerd

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?

Work for Gamestop or CNET. I love any and all things technology since I was little.

3. Are you married? Children?

None of the above! I have a girlfriend who supports my love of beer, but is more a wine/cocktail person. She got me the coolest gift ever for my bday, a trip to Burlington to go on the Burlington Brew Tours. A tour of 5 breweries which lasted all day, awesome way to spend a birthday!

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

I’m a runner. Back in 2005 I weighed in at 300+ pounds and now I am 110 lbs lighter, so I like to stick with it. I am also big into video games in my free time, Halo anyone (gamertag BigBWIT). Again, sorry for the nerdieness but I argue beer and video games go hand in hand. Have you ever heard someone sing Billy Idol in Rock Band without beer? Not pretty.

Off The Beaten Path

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

Stout- Bold and Beautiful

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?

Kate the Great from the Portsmouth Brewery. Even still I don’t think the Brewery would give it to me since it comes out once a year, but by then I figure I would have enough pull to get a bottle sent to death row!

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?

It would be a sour brew for sure, brewed with barrels of lemons dragged on horseback hundreds of miles through the rain and snow. The term Wench to me means someone who has a sour attitude and gets many sour looks. Served with crushed lemonhead candies around the rim.

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

Invisibility and the ability to refill drinks by looking at my glass, obviously.

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

Rode in a minivan with some friends with the sliding door open. Friend decides to take a left turn from the far right lane of a highway. I’m living to tell the story of how an oncoming car nearly entered the sliding door of the van.

I also ran the 2009 Great Wall of China Marathon, don’t kid yourself!

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Not a fan. Hush your boo’s! I’m not the only one I promise you. I do like bacon occasionally but I don’t see what all the fuss is about.

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: JEFF ALWORTH

AUTHOR OF: BEERVANA

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Jeff Alworth
Twitter handle: @beervana
Name of blog: Beervana
Current location: Portland, Oregon

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?
Idaho. “Famous potatoes”—this indicates all the great things going on in the Gem State.

2. What sports if any did you play growing up, through college and beyond?
Hoops, which gave way to high school debate when I discovered my brain was more agile than my body.

3. How old were you when you had your first beer?
The first time I tasted beer was when my father allowed me a sip of his Coors when I was in the mid-single digits. The first full beer was a decade later.

4. If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer? Where did you have it? What style and brand was it?
Budweiser, I’m sad to say. Though that might have been the last time advertising played a role in a beer purchase. The circumstances were secrecy and friends’ elder brothers, who delivered us the elicit package. We drank two. When my father later held aloft the remaining, poorly-hidden four, he said, “Well, I always got caught; what made you think you would get away with this?”

5. Where, if applicable, did you go to college? What did you study? What additional activities, organizations, sports did you partake in during college?
Lewis and Clark (Portland) as an undergrad, UW-Madison for grad school (we burned effigies of the hated Buckeyes when they came to despoil our beautiful campus—just sayin.) I studied religion/Buddhism in both places. I think most of the activities involved beer, and I would strongly deny any claims by casual observers about other intoxicants that may have been imbibed.

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:
While I heartily endorse the “epiphany” theory of beer conversion, mine was more gradual. I was first getting into good beer in the 80s (yes, I’m old) and edging closer to craft through imports. I moved to Steinlager and then a now-extinct beer called Smith and Reilly’s Honest Beer. At some point, stout entered my world and all bets were off. It was either Sheaf Stout or Terminal Stout from the nascent McMenamins empire. The McBrothers described their beer as “alive” and proudly declared that since it was handmade, each batch was different—a fact that only many years later gave me pause. At the time, I thought it was rockin’ cool.

2. Have you have additional craft beer epiphanies since the first? Detail as many of them as you wish:
The moment you stop having epiphanies is the moment you’ve forgotten why you like beer. Just last night I had a bottle of Ninkasi Maiden the Shade and was transfixed by the dance of lively hopping. These regular epiphanies are why people start blogs.

Beer Blog Background

1. How long have you been writing your beer blog?
First post was January 20, 2006. It was my fourth blog, and understanding as I did their ability to overtake one’s life, the entirety of the first post read “Well, this spells doom.”

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?
I used to write beer columns for a local paper and Celebrator, but quit round about 2000. I had been blogging about politics and decided something lighter might be in order.

3. Why did you choose the name of your blog?
“Beervana” is a name Portlanders claimed for their home town. The usage grew so that it was sometimes used for Oregon, not just Portland. For anyone starting a blog here, it would have been an obvious choice, and I was just lucky to have started one of the first beer blogs.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog? What do you hope to achieve with it?
Goals? You understand that I’m a blogger, right? If I had goals, I’d be trying to get paid for writing, not blogging. Oh, I suppose I should mention the Honest Pint Project here, too. It was launched inadvertently after a post on Beervana led to a raft of attention. You should check it out: honestpintproject.org.

5. What is one of the coolest things that happened to you as a result of being a beer blogger?
Bloggers are treated as real media in Portland, which still blows my mind. As a consequence, we get invited to observe pretty cool stuff. Some of us were once sent on a junket to the city of Astoria by the Chamber of Commerce. Last month I got to go on not one but two tours of the Oregon hop fields. Every time something like that happens, I am booth shocked and delighted.

6. What are you top 3 favorite beer blogs/beer websites?
I read about ten beer blogs every day, and check in with probably another 40 every week. Since some of the higher-profile blogs get all the attention, I’ll give my nods to three good local ones: It’s Pub Night, The New School, and Portland Beer and Music.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?
Three? Three? Impossible. Okay, wait, I know how to get out of this: British ales, Belgian ales, and American ales. I suppose if waterboarded I’d confess to lamic, stout, and cask bitter, but I’d deny it the next day. And saison.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?
Three? Three? Impossibler. Seriously, I couldn’t do it. Even if you waterboarded me.

3. If you could work with or for any one brewery, which one would it be and why?
This is an intriguing question. I assume you don’t mean that brewery I’ve had in my mind for the past few years—the one called “Farmhouse” that combines a seasonally-sourced, locavore cuisine with Belgo-Oregonian ales, right? (Seriously, rich investors, email me.) I’d probably go for an traditional European brewery like Cantillon, Sam Smith’s, or Weihenstephan. I’d be learning an ancient art, but mainly I just like to travel.

4. Are you a homebrewer? If yes, what is the most unique and interesting beer recipes you’ve brewed as a homebrewer?
Yes. I am, unfortunately, a better writer than brewer, so my successes are modest. A high point was the time I invented dry-hopping. In an early brewing debacle, my co-brewers and I had spent too much time relaxing and having too many homebrews. We found our finishing hops on the counter after the beer was in the carboy as we were cleaning up. In a fit of panic, we jammed them down the neck of the carboy and produced our best beer ever. Later I learned that other brewers had beaten us to this discovery by 500 years.

5. Do you have any beer certifications (BJCP, Cicerone, Siebel, American Brewers Guild)?? If so, what are they?
I am a proud member of the fictional Associated Brotherhood of Portland Beer Bloggers local 503.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?
In honor of local icon and beer writing pioneer Fred Eckhardt, I will cite stout and chocolate. He also turned me onto, if not invented, the beer float. Vanilla ice cream and Black Butte Porter—amazing.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?
Unemployed! For 14 years I was a researcher at Portland State University, but when my grant expired earlier this year, I had the crazy idea to try to write a beer book. We’ll see just how misguided that was in the months to come.

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?
Novelist. Because that’s what I wanted to do until my first novel was unceremoniously dumped by all credible publishers and agents. I wouldn’t mind being Jim Jarmusch, either.

3. Are you married? Children?
Yes, none. Sally makes regular appearances, both in pictures and text, on the blog. She hates it.

4. Outside of beer and writing, what are some of your other hobbies?
A blogger must retain certain of his secrets.

Off The Beaten Path

1. If you were a style of beer, what style would be an why?
I am mild and subtle, so I’d be an Imperial Flemish red.

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?
Am I being executed in summer or winter? I’d definitely drink a beer produced in a country other than the one killing me. I wouldn’t feel right supporting such a repressive state. I might possibly try to have a beer smuggled in that was spiked with the antidote to the lethal injection.

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?
English strong ale. This actually reminds me of my high school English teacher, who had put her way through grad school while being a barmaid. She earned her doctorate that way and we could only call her Doctor Scanland. She was baudy and frank and easily my favorite teacher. It may be owing to her influence that I became a beer blogger. In any case, she’d want nothing less than a beer of twenty proof. I suspect old-timey ingredients would enhance such a beer, like brown sugar, oats, and soot.

4. If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
No question: flying. Lunch in Paris? Done. Unless we’re talking powers from the TV show “Heroes,” in which case I’d go for Hiro’s ability to bend time and space. That was pretty cool.

5. What is one of the craziest things you have ever done and lived to tell the story?
I once danced on the minaret of the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, India. I have done many crazier things, but none so poetic.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?
Overexposed. Corned beef is the new bacon; I’m telling you, get on the bandwagon while it’s still cool.

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: MIKE UPSON

AUTHOR OF: THE BEER COMMUNE

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Mike Upson
Twitter handle: @StonePurist + @BeerCommune
Name of blog: The Beer Commune
Current location: Escondido, California

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I was born in San Diego, and moved to Escondido when I was 5. Have been there ever since.

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

I’m not too big on sports, but if I had to choose any, they would be Billiards, Bowling, and Croquet.

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

Um…probably 12. No, I did not reverse the numbers accidentally.

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

I went to Palomar College in San Marcos for 3 years before I decided I had had enough of institutional education. I now independently research a variety of topics for my “higher learning.” I was majoring in English.

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 was a BMC man (boy) and drank that crap for a long time. I slowly moved up the chain to Newcastle, and then Guinness. One day I walked into a Liquor Store in Oceanside, Ca and saw a bomber of Stone Old Guardian on the shelf. I had gone in to buy a sixer of Coors, but the $5.99 pricetag, Gargoyle, and 11.26% ABV on the 2007 Old guardian was calling my name. I gave it a shot, and voila! Instant Craft Beer LOVER! I have not looked back since.

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

My least favorite style was Sours, as I was a Hop Head. I had a tasting with Veritas 004, Rosso E Marrone, and many other top notch sours and was instantly converted. Needless to say, sours are my favorite style now.

Beer Blog Background

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

Since July 31st 2010

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I felt the local craft beer scene needed something to bring everybody together, and that’s what The Beer Commune is, or will be. I plan on it being the “go-to” for Craft Beer Aficionados.

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

There is a wine auction site called The Wine Commune (I work in the fine wine industry) and I liked the sound of it. I checked the availability of www.beercommune.com, and it was available. I had to grab it up. I also own www.bottletradingnetwork.com and my partner in this venture, Mike Gagos aka Mikedashg owns www.2MikesDrink.com, which is a play on our friends’ website which is www.2GuysDrink.com.

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

I plan on converting this venture into a full fledged business. The Beer Commune will be a multi-faceted site with everything the Craft Beer enthusiast can dream of. The site is currently down, and in the middle of a redesign, but my original blog is still up, and contains information on the site’s future. Please see the following links for more details:

http://beercommune.wordpress.com/
http://beercommune.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/current-site-status/
http://beercommune.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/beercommune-com-update-2/

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

I’d have to say my involvement with the IAACBD video. I am very pleased with the results, and think it is a monumental step for the Craft Beer Revolution. The guys at New Brew Thursday did an awesome job. They are great guys, and are a huge part in why I’m doing what I’m doing with The Beer Commune. I have been touted as a Beer Celebrity, and am humbled to receive industry discounts at many of my favorite watering holes.

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

1. NewBrewThursday.com
2. Drinkwiththewench.com (Of Course!)
3. 2GuysDrink.com

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Sours, Barleywines, Double IPA’s

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Stone, Lost Abbey, The Bruery

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

Stone. I am a huge fan of EVERYTHING they do.

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 future homebrewer. I have way too many other beers to try before I start making my own.

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

I plan on going for the Cicerone title. When this will occur, I do not know.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I’d have to say Muenster Cheese, Whole Grain or Water Crackers, and Craft Beer.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I work for RL Liquid Assets in Carlsbad. I work as a Receiving Manager, Bottle Grader, Photographer, and do a little web work.

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 like to work in promotions for Stone. You know what they say about shitting where you eat though.

3. Are you married? Children?

I have a 3 year old daughter, but have separated from my fiancée unfortunately.

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

I am an underground conscious hip hop artist. I go by the name “Kasper Martyr Phantom” and am in a group called “Food For Thought.”

Off The Beaten Path

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

I would be a sour. I may be difficult to get used to, but once you love me, you 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?

Lets make this a Top 3 question. Otherwise, I’ll never be able to answer this. 1. The Bruery’s Chocolate Rain, Stone’s Stonewall Ale, Lost Abbey’s Russ.

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

I’d make “The Beer Wench” a Imperial Sour brewed with Lemon Zest, Sage, and Pomegranate.

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

Teleportation, of course.

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

I’ll let you know when I do it.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Bacon is, of course, one of the best foods on this great Earth. In a beer, I’d have to pass.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MIKE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

WELCOME TO THE SESSION — the brain child of beer blogging veterans Stan Hieronymus of Appellation Beer and Jay Brooks of Brookston Bulletin. On the first Friday of each month, all participating bloggers write about a predetermined topic. Each month a different blogger is selected to host The Session. The blogger gets to choose the topic (provided it has not already been covered). The day after The Session is over, the blogger is then “required” (I say this loosely) to post a roundup of all the responses received. For more info on The Session, check out the archive page.

Today’s theme was chosen by … yours truly! Session #44 = FRANKENSTEIN BEERS!

A name, what’s in a name?

Everywhere you look these days, brewers are defying traditional style guidelines and crafting products that resemble science projects and culinary experiments more than beer. Beer festivals have become grownup science fairs where brewers can display their latest inventions.

Some brewers have pushed the limits so far that they have become modern day Dr. Frankensteins — crafting mutated monster beers.

Dr. Frankenstein was obsessed with natural philosophy and chemistry. He set on a mission to defy the laws of nature. His scientific creation was unlike anything the world had ever seen before. It was not a man, but a monster, constructed of human parts and various other inanimate objects.

One brewery, in particular, stands out above the rest as the brewing equivalent Dr. Frankenstein.

Over the past year or so, the Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde brewing duo from BrewDog, James Watt and Martin Dickie, have unleashed mad chaos and massive confusion on the craft beer industry with some of the most extreme beers known to man — if we can even call them beers.

Brewdog’s monstrous, freak-of-nature beers beg the question… Is this science or is this witchcraft?

My first run in with BrewDog’s Frankenstein-esque beers was Nanny State — a 1.1% ABV beer with a theoretical IBU of 225. Orginally brewed as an out-lash against the government, Nanny State was BrewDog’s odd attempt at creating the world’s first Imperial Mild. Technically, it is below the legal classification of beer.

How does one even begin to describe this beverage? Nanny State has a nose of pure hops — very floral with intense notes of pine and citrus. The nose does nothing to prepare you for the palate onslaught of its flavor. But then, I’m not even sure the beer has any flavor since one sip of it completely destroys the ability to taste anything. It was by far the most bitter thing that I have ever put on my tongue. Drinking Nanny State felt like I was licking the pine sap off of a pine tree.

Nanny State left my tongue completely numb for a good 15 minutes. And it took my taste-buds a good hour to fully recover from the hop attack.

Brewdog followed Nanny State with the release of a polar opposite Frankenstein-esque beer called Tactical Nuclear Penguin — an insane imperial stout with an ABV of 32% ABV, which was achieved through repetitious freezing and re-fermentation with mutinous yeast strands.

My reaction? Take a wad of peet, some dirt, a bunch of liquid smoke and a bottle of vodka. Blend. Filter out the dirt. And there you have it. Tactical Nuclear Penguin.

But in all seriousness, the beer was actually not that bad. I happen to be a huge fan of scotch and TNP had many characteristics that reminded me of scotch. A small shot of the beer, goes a long way, though. I doubt I would ever be able to finish an entire bottle

Interesting enough, the beer does mellow out and become more drinkable with age.

The Germans were not about to let BrewDog claim the highest alcohol beer crown. They retaliated with a 40% ABV. Not one to step down to a challenge, BrewDog recaptured the title with its 41% ABV Sink The Bismark.

Sink The Bismark has one of the best noses, ever. The aroma hits you like a hop explosion — in your face citrus, pine, resin, grass. At 41%, the beer drinks like a spirit — and it warms the esophagus like a spirit. The extreme alcohol level and boisterous malt bill help to balance out the intense bitterness from the hops.

Surprisingly so, I liked this beer a lot. However, as with anything that teeters around 80 proof, I don’t think I could handle more than a few “shots” of this beer. Interestingly enough, though, Sink The Bismark worked nicely as a “spiking agent” and a shot of it took BrewDog’s regular IPA to the next level.

As if 41% wasn’t extreme enough, BrewDog released what they are deeming as the last of its extreme alcohol beer series, aptly named End of History. Clocking in at a boisterous 55% ABV, The End of History is the Frankenstein beer of all Frankenstein beers. It is an Imperial Blond Belgian ale, infused with nettles from the Scottish Highlands and fresh juniper berries. Each bottle of the beer is stuffed into the carcass of a dead woodland creature (that has been taxidermified).

According to BrewDog: “The name derives from the famous work of philosopher Francis Fukuyama, this is to beer what democracy is to history. Fukuyama defined history as the evolution of the political system and traced this through the ages until we got the Western Democratic paradigm. For Fukuyama this was the end point of man’s political evolution and consequently the end of history. The beer is the last high abv beer we are going to brew, the end point of our research into how far the can push the boundaries of extreme brewing, the end of beer.”

Only 12 bottles have been made — and it has been completely sold out. As fate would have it, BrewDog released one bottle (and one bottle only) to be sampled by members of the press. The lucky recipients were my good friends over at BeerTapTV. I’m extremely honored to say that on November 5th, I have been offered the opportunity to taste this freak-of-nature beer during a live steaming of BeerTapTV at the Beer Bloggers Conference! Make sure to tune in and watch the debauchery go down.

Well folks, there you have it. I have dedicated my Session #44 Frankenstein Beer post to none other than the freak-show circus act known as BrewDog. Cheers!

“I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.” -The Monster.

If Darth Vadar had access to beer in outer space, the plot for Star Wars might have been a bit different…

Whether it’s due to lack of oxygen from the cabin pressure, dehydration, or other unknown factors, anyone whose ever indulged in an adult beverage or two (or three or four) while flying in an airplane can probably attest that altitude impacts how alcohol effects the system.

One can only wonder what gravity does…

Saber Astronautics Australia, a new space engineering company that researches logistics and operations solutions for the space industry, and 4 Pines Brewing Company, an up and coming microbrewery located near Sydney, Australia, recently teamed up to brew a beer specifically designed to defy the laws of gravity and be consumed in outer space.

Although suitable for consumption on earth, the actual drinkability of this beer in microgravity environments has yet to be determined. For its inaugural mission as a contracted flight researcher, Astronauts4Hire, a non-profit corporation poised to blaze new trails in the commercial spaceflight industry, will be conducting tests on what could ultimately become the world’s first beer to be certified for drinking in space.

“Astronauts4Hire is living up to its name,” says its President Brian Shiro. “This opportunity is an important milestone for us and illustrates how researchers can hire our members to conduct experiments under conditions of microgravity.”

According to the official press release: “An Astronauts4Hire flight member will act as the primary flight operator. The researcher will perform various experiments such as sample the beer during weightless parabolas and record biometric data on body temperature, heart rate and blood alcohol content.”

The first test is scheduled for mid November 2010 and will take place on-board a series of parabolic flights operated by the ZERO-G Corporation. A portion of the funding for the series of test flights that will ultimately qualify the brew for consumption in space will come from the sales of the very same beer on Earth.

So for those of you lucky enough to travel into space one day, it looks as if beer might be on the menu…