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: JAMES MARKS

AUTHOR OF: COLUMBUS BEER GUYS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: James Marks
Twitter handle: cbusbeerguys
Name of blog: Columbus Beer Guys
Current location: Columbus, Ohio

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Guelph, Ontario, Canada and Wexford, Pennsylvania (a suburb of Pittsburgh).

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

I was a pretty active kid. I played soccer growing up and then fell in love with running. However, its kind of a love-hate relationship these days. I ran both cross country and track in high school and inter-collegiately at Denison University.

3. How old were you when you had your first beer? 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 15 years old in Puerto Rico on Spring break with my family. It was a Heineken (I know I had to start somewhere; at the time I thought I was drinking an imported treasure) and I drank it at nightfall on the beach.

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 Denison University in Granville, Ohio where I studied Political Science and Environmental Studies. I ran cross country and track at Denison (Go Big Red!); and beat the other Columbus Beer Guy, P.J. a couple of times! I know I’m going to owe him a beer for that comment.

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 actually in Europe when I was 16. My Dad wanted me to understand how to drink beer before I ended up in college. I remember we were at a corner bistro in Paris. I looked at the beer list, and most of the beers were actually from Belgium and France and I ended up stumbling on Brasserie De Saint-Sylvestre Gavroche from France. This wasn’t my first beer, but this was my first amazing beer, and I ended up falling in love.

Throughout the evening, I kept ordering delicious beers, and become quite intoxicated. Stumbling through the streets with my parents, we came across an ice cream stand. I’m not a huge dessert person, but chocolate ice cream is always a favorite, and I remember telling my parents, intoxicated, “this is the best ice cream I have ever had in my life!” Oh stronger beers and their effects. After this I was sold on drinking beer!

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

I remember it as if it were yesterday. It was at ‘The Sink’ (http://www.thesink.com/) in Boulder, Colorado. They have about 20 taps and was in new to the craft beer world. The bartender poured me his favorite beer, an Avery IPA, and I was hooked. I have drank craft beer since that day and never looked back. It made me the hop-head enthusiast I am today, and it is still tough to find an IPA that matches Avery’s brilliance.

Beer Blog Background

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

We started writing our blog over in November. Its fun and exciting. Beer is one of our favorite things in life and we hope we’re helping and informing Columbus residents what is out in the Columbus beer scene.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

The first inspiration would be all the amazing beers that are available in the U.S. Without the amazing brewers and beer, we wouldn’t be blogging about it. The second inspiration would have to be ‘Beer In Baltimore”s blog. Their goal is to create a stronger beer culture in Baltimore and that is our goal in Columbus. We’re pretty new to this and their blog has been a great example for us; and we hope we’re a great source for Columbus and others.

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

We live in Columbus, we love beer, and we’re two guys. I guess we’re not too innovative for a couple of liberal arts college graduates! Is it to late to ask for a refund on my tuition?

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

Our first goal is to create a stronger beer culture in Columbus by informing our readers what is going on in their communities. We want to be the first to know who has what on tap, what beer stores received something really unique, and also inform our readers what bars and beers are great for them to try. As for achievement, we hope to become a great resource for our readers as well as continue our education on the craft beer world.

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

It would have to be all the amazing friends that I have met through twitter and our blog, including you Ms. Routson! It’s such an amazing network of great people that love beer, and I can’t wait to meet even more amazing friends to come.

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

First has to be ‘Beer In Baltimore’, Brad was pretty much the reason we started blogging about beer in Columbus. Plus we have a little bit of a football rivalry between his Ravens and my Steelers. ‘Beernews.org’ is another as they allow us to read more in detail what is happening with our favorite breweries and beers. We also love ‘The Beer Wench’ site!!!! We get to learn about all the exciting and knowledgeable beer bloggers out there!

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

I love big beers, so Imperial India Pale Ales, American Strong Ales, and Imperial Stouts.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Currently they are Avery, Founders, and Southern Tier. However, these change all the time.

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

It would have to be Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado. I lived in Boulder for two years and loved going to the tap room and chatting with the guys there. For such a small brewing staff, the are quite ingenious with their innovative big beers and they end up tasting amazing.

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

I am not a homebrewer. It is something I would love to get into someday, but with so many amazing breweries and beers out there, I don’t want to waste my time creating something that is subpar.

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

No, but I would like to start working on my Cicerone as I hope to open a brew/restaurant soon.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

It would have to be a Double IPA with either really spicy chili or some spicy thai food.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I currently am studying for my masters in secondary education. As for trying to survive financially, I work part-time at Columbus Running 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?

My dream is to open up a craft-beer bar. Nothing trendy or over the top; just a neighborhood-feel beer bar with the best micro-brews on tap. I hope someday I can make this dream come true.

3. Are you married? Children?

I am not married, and I have no kids. As for children, I have a 3 year old German Shepard/Chow mix named Asics. He is also a huge beer lover, as if I ever spill any, he is on the scene licking it up.

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

I am a so-called runner. Right now I need to get back into shape, but I’ll prob never get back to the shape I was in college. I’m also huge into sports and can be found on the couch on any Saturday or Sunday watching my Steelers and Penn State Nittany Lions win!

Off The Beaten Path

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

I would be a Double IPA. I can be pretty cranky at times, so thats the bitter affect, but I can be sweet, which many Double IPA’s offer. Plus I have a kick in me sometimes and that matches the ABV %.

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?

Toughest question yet! I’m going to drink from my favorite brewery, so I may have to go out with a kick, and have The Beast which is a Belgian Grand Cru. I love the flavors of dates, plums, raisins and molasses and it may kill some of the fear and pain that would occur with being executed.

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?

Ok now this is the hardest question. Well Ashley, it seems that everyone loves you, but you have a hidden side as well. I think you’d be a complex imperial stout, but one aged for many years, showing your maturity and hidden flavors. You see I can see sometimes the flavors are hidden, like dreams, but over time, they are be able to be found and come true. I think for some strange reason you have some pretty big goals, and like an imperial stout that is aged, flavors that were complex to find and understand, can come out and be amazing, just like dreams.

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

If I was a superhero, I’d be Batman. He gets all the ladies, drives cool cars, and I can do the creepy Christian Bale voice pretty well. If I was a new superhero, my powers would consist of teleporting. I mean how cool would that be, if their was a beer on tap somewhere crazy in the world, I could just snap my fingers and be there! Can someone please create a teleporting machine!

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

Craziest things that I have ever done. Let me think……it has to be when I was living in Boulder. My friends Justin Brown and Andrew Stromwall were visiting from out of town. The whole weekend we were drinking “Randy Manvilles”, which was a concoction of a shot featuring Crown Royal, Baileys, and Disaronno. Well through a whole weekend of fun drinking memories, and Justin Brown getting lost many times on his walk home back to my house, we concluded with a spark decision to go skydiving. Of course I was the last to jump out of the plane, and I was scared shitless. I jumped out, screamed like a 8 year old girl for a good 20 seconds, opened my eyes, and started loving life. I think this was a key moment in my life, where I told myself, F*#$ TOMORROW, and start living life! So that’s how I live today, with no regrets, and making the most out of life.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

First reaction – YUM! Second reaction – I want some NOW! Third reaction – must wipe slobber from face. No, I think bacon is amazing. I think people are getting very innovative and creative with bacon these days, either using it in desserts or in other intriguing dishes. It is one of my favorite delicacies and always is a great pair with beer.

SPECIAL THANKS TO JAMES FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

Although I have tried my fair share of lambics in the past, one style that has always evaded me: The Faro. This is because, until now, it was not imported into the U.S. (to my knowledge).

I was delighted when Lindemans Brewery and Merchant du Vin announced the national introduction of Lindemans Faro, an authentic lambic Faro  from the Senne River Valley.

You see, Lindeman’s Cuvee Rene was my first gueuze. And you always remember your first gueuze. She is responsible for giving me my biggest craft beer epiphany, to date. And she is also responsible for making me obsessed with the style. Thanks, Rene.

So back to Lindeman’s Faro …

According to Merchant Du Vin, “Faro is a Flemish classic, served throughout pubs in Brussels but uncommon outside Belgium. Historically, sugar or sugar syrup was sometimes added to young, unblended lambic by a bartender – it helped balance the lambic’s tart acidity – and soon Belgian brewers began to add candi sugar to lambic at the brewery to make bottled faro.

Lindemans Faro is fermented by the numerous strains of wild airborne yeast that are found in the lambic region – an area only 15 by 75 miles, southwest of Brussels, where all lambics are produced. Faro shows a fruit and caramel aroma, balanced by the subtle complexity and refreshing acidity of the many yeast strains in lambic. The flavor starts sweet, with suggestions of brown sugar or orange marmalade, and finishes with some crispness and a green-apple tartness; the color is deep amber.”

OG: 1.058; IBU: 12; ABV 4.0%.

Look for Faro after June 1, 2010. Looking forward to it! Cheers!

ABOUT LINDEMANS

Southwest of Brussels, in the quiet Belgian town of Vlezenbeek, the Lindemans family has been farming and homebrewing as long as anyone can remember. Commercial brewing started in 1811.

Lambic, or spontaneously fermented beers, are the beers of this region and are among the world’s rarest: they are the only beers fermented via wild, airborne yeast – no yeast is added by the brewers. The unusual, demanding, and unique flavors that come from multiple yeast strains are unmatched in the world of beer.

Merchant du Vin introduced Lindemans lambics to the United States in 1979, making them the first lambics marketed in U. S. history. To this day, they are the best selling brand in the category.

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: JOHN PALMER

AUTHOR OF: MICHIGAN MICROBREWS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: John Palmer
Twitter handle: @MichiganBrew
Name of blog: Michigan Microbrews
Facebook: Facebook.com/MichiganMicrobrews
Current location: Lansing, MI

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

– Milwaukee, WI

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

– Growing up… soccer

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

– 15

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

– Family trip to Germany… getting our fill of beautiful German cuisine and Hofbrauhaus culture. That’s about as much as I can recall… that, and falling asleep during the middle of dinner. Damn good 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 attended Marquette University in Milwaukee. Graduated in Advertising. Dabbled a little in graphic and web design, and played (drums) in bands throughout…

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:

– After my fill of Red Dog, Icehouse, High Life, etc… I was introduced to New Glarus Spotted Cow at the (RIP) Pizza Man on the East Side of Milwaukee. It quickly became my favorite brew. I couldn’t consume enough of it; the unique flavors, the color… I soon learned of the other styles New Glarus offered and quickly alienated anything mass produced and consumed myself into large quantities of New Glarus Spotted Cow, Hop Hearty IPA, and Fat Squirrel.

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

– After moving to Michigan in 2005 and trying a Bell’s Two-Hearted for the first time, I immediately became manic-obsessive for all things “Michigan beer”

Beer Blog Background

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

– About 2 months. Still a newbie, but I’ve got plenty to share

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

– Living in the capital of Michigan, a downtrodden (but fighting) economy, there’s a lot of emphasis on entrepreneurship and “buy Michigan”. I follow the Michigan Brewer’s Guild and the Michigan Beer guide and all the Michigan-based beer bloggers. I wanted to utilize my marketing background to help promote the 6th largest beer producing state in the country. Essentially, I’m utilizing my background to promote my passion/obsession. Bettering the Michigan economy and the Michigan brewing industry… It’s a win/win.

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

– A lot of other URLs were taken… it was the shortest, most direct one I could find that made sense.

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

– I hope to bring as much information about the Michigan brewing industry as I can to those who care to follow. Don’t get me wrong, I love all beer. I just want to help contribute to the rise and success of the state shaped like a mitten. Because it’s where I live now. We’ve got a lot to contribute. It’s just a matter of providing a resource for people to obtain it.

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

– Since I’m still in my infancy, I haven’t had a ton of experiences as a result… that said, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with some amazing personalities and aficionados that provide endless knowledge. It’s just awesome.

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

– Fermentation Nation

– Kalamabrew

- Drink with the Wench (!!)

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

– IPA, Porter, Russian Imperial Stout (not necessarily in that order)

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Such a tough question, as Michigan has over 80 breweries/brewpubs. But, as of late, I’ve been drinking brews from Jolly Pumpkin, New Holland & Founders

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

– I’d love to work a brewery, period. I’d love to work for Short’s, New Holland or Dark Horse because they’re not afraid to take chances.

I love breweries that work to perfect the classic styles, but there’s something about ingenuity that catches my attention.

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. I haven’t brewed anything too outlandish… yet. I’d say my smoked porter was my crowning achievement to date. Still have 1 in my basement… at a year old, hoping it’s aged well. That said, I’m working on an almond porter, pomegranate IPA, and maple syrup brown

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

– No. I live vicariously at this point.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

– Macadamia Nut-crusted Mahi Mahi & Jolly Pumpkin Oro de Calabaza.

It’s the most recent pairing I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy… so, it’s front of mind.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

– Unemployed event marketer turned freelance marketer/writer & stay-at-home dad.

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 wouldn’t change a thing.

3. Are you married? Children?

– Married. 1 little boy (5 months), 2 dogs (crazy SOBs)

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

– Camping, running, music / drums, taking things apart at my house and unsuccessfully putting them back together.

Off The Beaten Path

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

– Double IPA, because I’m deliciously potent and more often unassuming, spontaneous and will sometimes put you to sleep.

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

– I have 2, based on availability… Founder KBS or Redwood 2005

Barleywine. Because both are damn delicious brews. And why wouldn’t I want to enjoy something that’ll numb the pain and potentially act like a last meal…

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?

– An English Barleywine. Because it’s refreshingly complex and strong to boot.

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

– It’s probably not a superhero… but I’d want to be a mad scientist. To live everyday in pursuit of the ultimate crazy experiment… and to have wicked hair.

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

– I live with 2 poodles… what does not kill me only makes me stronger…

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

– My wife and I are going to purchase our own pig… so I can put bacon on my biscuits & gravy.

SPECIAL THANKS TO JOHN FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

AND THE REDWINGS SUCK!

CHEERS!

Tail Waggin’ Double White Ale is the newest release of Grand Teton Brewing’s renowned “Cellar Reserve” beers.

VICTOR, ID — Grand Teton Brewing Company, known throughout the West for their exceptional craft brews, will release Tail Waggin’ Double White Ale on May 1st, the spring release in their 2010 “Cellar Reserve” series of specialty beers.

Tail Waggin’ Double White Ale is brewed in the Belgian tradition, using malted barley, wheat malt, candi sugar and a unique touch— unmalted rye. Noble-type hops are used for bittering, with spices added in the whirlpool.  GTBC followed the Belgian tradition of using bitter orange peel and coriander, then added a bit of lemongrass to make their wit something special.  Finally, they fermented the beer with a Belgian witbier yeast strain that adds its own complexity with spicy phenols and fruity esters.

This wit pours a very hazy golden straw color, with a thin white head that clings to the glass.  The aroma is very complex, showcasing notes of lemon, coriander, bubblegum and banana.  The first sip tickles the tongue with a black pepper spiciness, which subsides into more mellow flavors of tart citrus fruits.  A very effervescent mouthfeel leads to a crisp finish, making this the perfect beer for a warm afternoon.

This is an amazingly versatile beer with food, any time of day.  Its orange notes pair nicely with eggs benedict and cheese omelettes, and its quenching acidity cuts right through the fattiness of bacon or spicy sausage.  Try it as an aperitif, or with tangy or peppery cheeses.  Nothing is better with salads, especially vinaigrettes, and it truly shines with seafood, particularly when served with lemon. White ale’s citrus and spice notes complement Mexican, Thai, and Indian dishes, which often include lime, cilantro, cumin, ginger or tamarind in their preparations.  Don’t forget dessert–key lime or lemon meringue pie, citrus sorbets and tarts, orange chiffon cake.

Beginning with this ale, Grand Teton’s Cellar Reserve beers will be released in beautiful 750 ml bottles with pry-off crowns.  They have switched from their signature 1 liter flip-top bottles because the crown provides the best-quality seal available, protecting the beer from oxygen and maintaining its carbonation level.  In addition, the new bottles are much lighter than their previous bottles, providing significant energy savings in their manufacture and transportation.  Without the wire and ceramic stopper, these new bottles are easier to recycle. Finally, the new bottle is less expensive, and GTBC has passed every bit of their cost savings on to the consumer.

In conjunction with the Teton Arts Council, Grand Teton Brewing Co. held “The Art of Beer” contest in the fall of 2009 to select artwork for the 2010 Cellar Reserve bottles.  Local artist Sarah Lott’s captivating photo of dogs in the back of a pick-up truck was chosen to represent “Life in the Tetons” through the spring and summer seasons on the Tail Waggin’ Double White Ale label.

Sarah Lott received her education in photography from St. Lawrence University, where she graduated with degrees in Fine Arts, Anthropology & African Studies, and from the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, Montana. She now resides in Idaho, gaining inspiration for all her crafts from the mountains, valleys, rivers, skies, creatures and people of the greater Teton area. See more on Sarah Lott and the other Art of Beer winners at http://www.tetonartscouncil.com/artists/art-of-beer-winners.

The Cellar Reserve series of beers are unique, different even from other craft beers.  Grand Teton’s Cellar Reserves are brewed with specialty hops and malts and unique strains of yeast.  Most ales and lagers are produced in 2-4 weeks.  However, 3 to 8 months are spent on each of the Cellar Reserve specialty brews.  They are also bottle and keg-conditioned, which produces natural carbonation and will blend and smooth the flavors with age.  These beers have a long shelf life and don’t need to be rapidly consumed.  Proper aging of these bottles creates beers to be cherished. GTBC’s Cellar Master provides regular tasting notes and aging updates on his web page, “Notes from Underground,” athttp://grandtetoncellar.blogspot.com/.

Grand Teton Brewing will release three specialty brews in the Cellar Reserve line for 2010.  The production quantity for each brew is very limited. Tail Waggin’ Double White Ale is available in kegs and 750mL bottles.

Tail Waggin’ Double White Ale is available at select locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming! Call the brewery at 1-888-899-1656 for information and availability on this exciting new product.

Grand Teton Brewing Company was founded in 1988 as the first modern “micro” brewery in the state of Wyoming. Today, Grand Teton Brewing Company is in the top 100 craft breweries in North America.  Premium microbrews include the 6X gold-medal-winning Bitch Creek ESB, the 2009 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal Winner (American Pale Ale) Sweetgrass IPA and the favorites of the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Old Faithful Ale (pale golden), Au Naturale (organic blonde ale) and Teton Ale (amber).  From their production facility in Victor, Idaho, Grand Teton Brewing Company beers are hand-crafted from only the finest ingredients, including locally-grown grains and pure Teton mountain spring water.  GTBC is a green company utilizing environmentally conscious and sustainable practices whenever possible.  GTBC is also the inventor of the modern glass growler, estimated saving over one billion bottles and cans from entering the ecosystem.  Discriminating beer drinkers can find their favorite GTBC brews on tap and in bottles throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

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: GERARD WALEN

AUTHOR OF: ROAD TRIPS FOR BEER

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Gerard Walen
Twitter handle: @roadtrips4beer
Name of blog: Road Trips for Beer
Current location: Clermont, Florida, a suburb of Orlando that is one of the few places with rolling hills in an otherwise flat state. Unfortunately, there are no stores or pubs with extensive craft-brew selections.

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

“The Cigar City” – Tampa, Florida.

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

I played sandlot-style football and baseball with the other kids in the neighborhood. As far as organized sports, none unless you count the inaugural “Soccer Club” at my high school. This was before soccer mania (for kids) swept the country. The club comprised a few “freaks” (my group) and the exchange students. This meant the exchange students did the actual playing while the freaks hung out in the backfield or near the sidelines, occasionally kicking the ball when it came near us.

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

If you count sips of my dad’s Old Milwaukee or Schlitz, then probably 7 or 8. The first beer I recall drinking all by myself, I was 15.

4. If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer?

I remember riding with some of my older brothers and their friends to a campaign fish fry during Jimmy Carter’s first run for president. Someone handed me a beer, probably Busch Bavarian or Budweiser. I drank it. Unlike many Americans, I have fond memories of the Carter administration.

5. Where, if applicable, did you go to college?

I did not take the traditional path, but after many years of taking a class or two at a time at the local community college, I went to the University of South Florida in Tampa to complete my bachelor’s degree in journalism. I joined the typical journalism groups and wrote and edited for the school paper. No sports, but I did attend during the USF Bulls inaugural football season and went to the first and subsequent games. My wife and I now have season tickets.

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?

Several of my co-workers at the newspaper where I worked were craft-beer geeks. I resisted for a while, but then one suggested that I try a beer on tap at a pub I frequented. It was Young’s Ram Rod Strong Ale. I discovered then that beer could be not only a part of a good experience, but drinking a good beer could be an experience in itself.

2. Have you have additional craft beer epiphanies since the first?

Constantly. The first time I toured a microbrewery, Boulder Brewing Co., is one I remember in particular. Not only could I see how the beer was crafted, but I was able to taste the product immediately after. Hazed and Infused is still one of my standby favorites.

Beer Blog Background

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

Road Trips for Beer still reeks with that new blog smell. I started writing it in February 2010 and introduced it to the world in March.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I was basically recruited by Sheri Wallace, who is the mind behind other “Road Trips” sites, such as

• www.roadtripsforfamilies.com
• www.roadtripsforfoodies.com
• www.roadtripsforgardeners.com

Road Trips for Beer is part of the latest wave of those sites. Also, I recently left the print media industry and was looking for an online opportunity. I love beer and I love traveling, so it seemed a perfect fit. And I was inspired by my wife, who is a travel writer and has built a successful family travel site at www.themeparkmom.com.

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

See above.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

To become the go-to website for those who travel to beer-friendly destinations. Although trips to craft-beer destinations will be a big part of it, don’t hate me when I write about mass-produced brews. Touring the now-defunct Budweiser brewery in Tampa’s Busch Gardens still brings back fun memories.

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

Besides this interview, discovering that the beer community comprises a bunch of really cool, helpful and friendly people. I look forward to meeting a lot of you on future road trips.

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

A shoutout to a friend and former colleague and one of those who introduced me to craft beer: @AlanCShaw, who runs the Beer Geek for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. In an unabashed sucking-up maneuver, I just love DRINK WITH THE WENCH. And I’ll keep No. 3 a secret – any beer bloggers reading this can assume it’s YOU!

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, Stout/porter and Belgian-style ale.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Currently, Cigar City, Boulder Brewing Co. and Great Divide.

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

Though I have not yet visited it – and I need to fix that – probably Cigar City in Tampa because it’s in my home town and although relatively new, it’s creating quite a stir in the industry with its great brews.

4. Are you a homebrewer?

No, though I’ve had some luck in the past with the Mr. Brew kit. I’d like to try it on a larger scale someday. Maybe find a mentor?

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

Wait! I can get certified in beer? Hot damn!

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

I enjoy eating food and drinking beer with it. Sorry, I can’t give a straight answer because that would imply that I have some degree of good taste and social refinement, and I strive for honesty.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Freelance writer and editor.

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?

This may sound odd, but I think I would be a landscape architect. It sounds like a job where I could split time between the office and outdoors, without being trapped in either, and I think I would enjoy the work.

3. Are you married?

Yes, to the aforementioned Theme Park Mom, and I have a wonderful 6-year-old daughter.

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

I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and gardening. I’m a big NFL/college football fan. And of course traveling.

Off The Beaten Path

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

This is the hardest one to answer, but I’d say probably a Trappist ale because I go well with cheese.

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?

Something extremely high-gravity. Then I would offer it to the guard, who would drink it and get groggy enough that I could overpower him (or her) and make my 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?

When I think “wench,” I naturally think “pirates,” which leads me to “barrels of grog.” So The Beer Wench would be a cask-conditioned ale, aged in an oak rum barrel.

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

I’ve always wanted stretchy powers like Plastic Man or Mr. Fantastic. That way I could stretch my arm out to the fridge to get a beer without having to get up from the easy chair.

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

Although it wasn’t something I did – other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time – I had a gun drawn on me one time by a bounty hunter who was in the midst of capturing an acquaintance who, unbeknownst to me, was a fugitive from justice in another state. Needless to say, I cooperated by freezing and nearly peeing my pants.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Pork product of the gods.

SPECIAL THANKS TO GERARD FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

Dogfish Head recently released a very entertaining video on their website and YouTube channel called ‘Robot Brewery Tour’. In a tasteful yet snide way, this satirical video takes a jab at both the corporate beer industry and American dependence on technology. “There is no more analogue beer for the Digital Age, there’s only digital beer now for the Digital Age.”

Official Announcement From Dogfish Head:

‘Robot Brewery Tour,’ a short film starring Dogfish Head’s Sam Calagione and actor/musician Will Oldham premiered at the 2010 Off-Centered Film Fest at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 17th.

This film stars the musician and actor Will Oldham as a reporter and brewery founder Sam Calagione as a robot. It’s a brewery tour film wrapped around a dystopian vision of a near future in which robots have taken over Dogfish Head and reduced our diverse and colorful American craft brewing landscape to a monochromatic world of a single commoditized generic beer. Scary stuff!

This story almost came to life here in the U.S. during the 1970s until small, independent craft breweries, like Dogfish Head and so many others, revitalized the domestic beer scene.

Will Oldham is a Kentucky-based singer, musician and actor who has performed under a few variations of the Palace name, including Palace Brothers, Palace Songs, Palace Music, and simply Palace. He is currently touring under the Bonnie Prince Billy moniker and has performed at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats at least twice in the past decade – most recently in April of 2010 when ‘Robot Brewery Tour’ was shot on location at Dogfish’s Milton, Delaware brewery. Want to read more about Will? Check out this article from The New Yorker.

If you have 11 spare minutes on your hands today, check out the following (scary, yet humorous) video:

Robot Brewery Tour credits:

Mr. Robot – Sam Calagione
Jonathan Smart – Will Oldham
The Amazing & Talented Dogfish Coworkers – Themselves
Director – Ryan Collerd
Director of Photography – Gabe DeLoach
Sound – Kirsten Fuoti
Editors – Gabe DeLoach & Ryan Collerd
Animation – Scott Lunny
Special Effects – David Ariew

Drink With The Wench Presents

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: THE [other] BEER WENCH

AUTHOR OF: A2 BEER WENCH

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: E.T. Crowe (Elizabeth Tarry-Crowe–but nobody calls me “Elizabeth” except me mum and the Mister when the credit card bill arrives, oh and my yoga instructor because he’s old school that way).
Internet nickname: A2BeerWench
Twitter handle: @Beerwencha2
Name of blogs:

• www.a2beerwench.com
• www.wolverinebeer.com/blog
• www.aabedwench.blogspot.com

Current location: Ann Arbor, MI

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Nashville TN grew up in Tallahassee Fl, and S.E. Kentucky.  Williamsburg to be exact. Home of Cumberland College where my dad was head of the music department which, as a Southern Baptist Institution frowned on all forms of vice including drinking AND dancing.  Funnily enough, my parents hosted some pretty damn wild “Faculty Parties” if I remember right–where I had my “first wine” for sure!
2. What sports if any did you play growing up, through college and beyond?

Sports?  I sang, danced and played piano–but since I was “in the band” I attended all football and basketball games and am a HUGE fan of both sports.  I’m also a fan by default of soccer now that I have a club player I have to cart around hells half acre.  Have learned to compensate spending my time standing around waiting for her to finish by admiring soccer coach physique.
3. How old were you when you had your first beer? If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer? Where did you have it? What style and brand was it?

First beer (psst, mom, cover your ears):  16 years old at a party out of a keg in a ubiquitous red plastic cup.  I’m guessing it was probably Coors Light since I remember it tasted like beer flavored water.  Of course as a typical teen-age girl I drank whatever the boys provided–sometimes they got clever and brought “wine coolers” until I realized these were beer flavored fruity water and stopped that nonsense.  I’m a preacher’s kid from a small, boring, repressed (AND DRY) Southern village–it’s all true what they say. My parents kept a lot of wine around… And the more I drink the more Southern I sound just FYI.

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 have a B.A. in English from The University of Louisville (Ky.) and am a rabid Cardinals fan through thick/thin, Petrino/Kragthorp/Pitino’s libido.  I am a member of Chi Omega fraternity where I was (big surprise) Social Chairman for 2 years.  I was also a Resident Assistant in the athletic dorm my Senior year–prepared me to be a mom of teenagers I like to think but probably not since I spent more time not in the dorm than in it!

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:

Yeungling Premium on the beach at Fripp Island, South Carolina in 1997 the year before I packed up my family and moved overseas for 7 years where I would come to appreciate Asahi (EXTRA DRY) while in Japan, Ephes while in Turkey and whatever I stumbled upon in my Local while in England although ales are my Second Favorite Style (see below).  I have not purchased a macro brew or any of their subsidiaries since.

While some among you may consider Yeungling NOT a craft brewer, I do and am modeling my own beloved company after theirs.  I can’t get said fine Pennsylvania brew in “America’s High Five” a.k.a. Michigan but love finding it whenever I’m Down South.  And plan to transport it over state lines after my Annual Trip to Louisville on the First Saturday in May (see how many people know what Holiday this is—hint:  it involves hats and mint juleps, oh, and horses)

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

In Michigan the opportunities for Craft Beer Epiphanies abound.  Starting with Founders in Grand Rapids I’ve worked my way through developing a real taste for the Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale—which is saying a lot because (as you know) ales are not my first choice but this is a really nice one—around to New Holland who brews the FINEST Kolsch style (Full Circle) I’ve had since spending a Christmas in Koln, Germany with friends.

My new favorite IPA is made by Arcadia Ales in Battle Creek. And of course Shorts makes some lovely beers, including The Magician but I personally can do without licorice flavored beer no matter how many awards it wins.  Of course, it’s been established that I am a Dogfish Head fan(atic) and am never more than a few feet from a Raison D’etre, and not just because I am madly in lust with Sam Calagione either.  It’s one of the few Belgian style ales that I return to time and again.  I’ll have to fill you in on the amazing options in Ann Arbor on my next Wench collaboration blog (wink).

Beer Blog Background

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

I’ve been blogging on wolverinebeer.com about a year but as Beer Wench since October last year.
2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I am in constant learning mode as part owner of The Wolverine State Brewing Co.  While I am a successful marketer (and semi-professional writer with a pretty large fan base, albeit I haven’t managed to earn any money off that yet) and have a thriving real estate business I was not what you would call “a beer person” in the traditional sense.  But when I was approached by The Boys (founders of Company) nearly 2 years ago now and have slowly but surely turned my back on Realtor life as we prepare to open our own brewery and tap room in Ann Arbor I realize one of the coolest things about it is—The Beer!

As I researched beer info (blogs, books, magazines) I realized that the bulk of them were focused on The Beer–as in the making of, the appreciation of various types of, the pairing of food with, and were dominated by men–sort of like the industry itself.  My take is a slightly off-kilter, sarcastic and let’s-poke-fun-at-ourselves female perspective incorporating everything from mildly serious discussions on labeling rules and regs to “best beer songs” which really got folks revved up!   I don’t speak on ANY topic however, without thorough research, and usually discussion with My Boys, who now include the adorable Oliver–The Brew Kid for Wolverine Brewing.

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

I’ve always wanted to be officially named A Wench–once you get to know me, you’ll see why it works!  And “A2″ is the “A-squared” shorthand for My Beloved Adopted Mid-west City (Although This Wench’s heart truly belongs to the South and I’m planning a fun sweep of Southern craft breweries for the fall once I hit all of our amazing Michigan ones–starting right here with my favorite: Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti).

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

Of course, I’m all about shameless promotion for The Wolverine State Brewing Co.  The Boys (yes they have names but I prefer to think of them thus) offered me ownership in the company not just because that was all they had to offer at the time (other than their adorable company and a tendency to dissolve into naughty email chat when we are trying to conduct business).  They knew I would take this thing seriously and My Plans for my blog dovetail with My Plans for My Company.

I want to become the premier microbrewer of mainstream and experimental craft lagers in the Midwest.  Also, with the help of The Boys and The Kid, the A2 Beer Wench will pursue Cicerone certification (in my spare time–ha!) while adding a video element to The Wench’s Education with The Boys, as I’ve found a film student at that University across town who will work for beer (score!) a la Gary Vaynerchuk and his winelibrary.tv which is sheer marketing GENIUS.

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

Hands-down the coolest thing so far happened to me this week–I finally Got Noticed by drinkwiththewench (one of my beer bloggin’ heros) hence said chance to blather on about myself, and was asked to partake in a podcast with a couple of “beer guys” one in Florida and one in N.Y.  We had our practice session yesterday and I think it’s gonna be great!  They can go on and on about a topic and I’ll jump in with my girlie/smart ass/industry expert/brewery owner perspective.  
6. What are you top 3 favorite beer blogs/beer websites?

I love Mutineer Magazine’s Blog–frankly, am hoping they’ll consider printing a little, ah, fiction (if I take mine down a notch to an R rating of course).  I’m also a big fan of the girlsguidetobeer ’cause she’s just funny as hell and nearly as naughty as me plus of course, my new BFF The OTHER Wench as drinkwiththewench.  I tend towards industry minutiae /gossip/ trends/marketing/advertising and take my role as Wenchy Educator about said topics seriously.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

• German Pilseners (Noble Pils or the like from our Buddies in Boston
• Maibock/Helles bock (e.g. SN Glissade—yummy)
• Kolsch (German obviously) or in that style a la New Holland’s Full Circle

2. Favorite breweries OTHER THAN MINE (naturally):

• Dogfish Head
• Shorts/Arbor/New Holland/Arcadia (it’s a Michigan tie!)
• Yeungling

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

If you have not sorted out the answer to this questions yet…I’ll repeat:  Dogfish Head.  And truly not just because of Sam (heavy sigh) but because of the intensity of purpose his company brings to craft brewing, the savvy marketing and packaging they use and because he is Smoking Hot.  Sorry.  I can’t help it.

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

Nope—but I pay one to work for me.

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

No but am psyched to start my training—first Official A2 Beer Wench session is (appropriately enough) May 9 Mother’s Day with Oliver and The Boys.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

As one who could also easily be labeled “wine wench” which is what Oliver calls me when he throws up his hands in disgust at my booze choices when we are out—I’m a big fan of stinky, heavy cheese with my hoppy, vine-y beers (see list above).

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Owner/marketing guru for The Wolverine State Brewing Company which encompasses everything from long days of “ride alongs” with distribution sales reps, public relations writing, blogging (duh), soliciting Founders Club members amongst my many A2 connections, planning beer promo events (Hello World Expo of Beer!), arranging to provide/serve/promote my beer at the many fundraising parties in this town, planning for football season, meeting architects/builders/electricians/plumbers/city inspectors at The Brewery and Tap Room building, hand-wringing over the slowness of renovation, propping up The Boys when they are down or being propped up (our synergy is great–see the post from March 23 Wherein The Wench Loses Faith).

Whew.

Soon I get to buy chairs, tables, bar ware, dry snacks, lights, artwork, sling a paintbrush, all in the name of getting the damn place OPEN by July!  Then I hit tailgate season. . . Oh, and I sell a few houses now and then ($5 million last year) and write erotic fiction and endeavor to get it published–closer and closer by the minute although I’m considering opening an e-publishing outfit in the back of the brewery:  Hot Books/Cold Brews–whaddaya think?

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 am working towards my dream of giving up on real estate (GOD I HATE appraisers, ya know?), opening the Tap Room, brewing more and better lagers, selling them in the midwest (I’ve just got Michigan distribution right now), and getting paid to WRITE, which I will do preferably in the brewery at my World War 1 era steel desk that could be used as a bomb shelter in a pinch, where I watch the activity and smell the brewing process all day long.  I will admit that my Realtor colleagues are among my earliest and best fans (of the beer and the writing) though and will continue to be that no matter what!

3. Are you married? Children?

Mr. Wench is a well-known entity in my blogosphere.  He comes in handy when I need someone to bounce ideas off of, drive the kids to soccer, provide a naughty back rub (he’s indulgent this way), or be a straw man to make fun of on either blog (see the PMS post on the bedwench’s blog from March 24–all true!).  We’ve been together a while, been through a lot, and enjoy the journey.  I have a teenaged son about to embark on that life changing triumvirate of events known as Prom/Graduation/College (he’s majoring in “Hey I’m in College–where’s the party?”  Apple has not fallen far you see), and 2 daughters, 15 and 12.  Future Wenches in Training for certain.

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

Bikram Yoga–the sweaty kind or exercising in general as it keeps me sane–reading about beer or doing diligent research amongst the books in my Other Favorite Genre–watching soccer coach ass–drinking, probably too much but that’s what Milk Thistle is for—taking Power Walks with Ipod cranked to Rage Against the Machine or Cage the Elephant or Sheryl Crow with my 2 wenchy poodles.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I love this question because My Boys have decided that the first Experimental Lager on our taps will be named in my honor.  There is a bit of a debate about what it will be.  Here is how they weigh in.

• Matt (“The Man” and President–bringer of all things boring and budgetary, corporate drone attorney of note but cool dude nonetheless): “”Rauchbier’ because it’s bold, raunchy and in-your-face!” (Rauchbier is German beer style that uses smoked malt so it has a really strong taste that most people can’t handle—he has to throw in the smarty pants bit every time!)
• Trevor (“The Brain” and well, The Brain supplier of all things pie-chart and Meta Branding related): a 22 oz pilsner glass full of Pilsner Urquell. A refreshing original with a bite.  When I got this response the emails flew about The Brain as Wench ass-kisser but somebody’s got to be That Guy.
• Oliver (“The Brew Kid” adorable and determined to make me take All Things Brewing very very seriously): You are a Raspberry Helles, it’s seductive, mysterious, and always in the mood. (CAUTION: this would be a very Off-Center Beer. To quote the motto, of the company, of the man who is to in the future, retain a restraining order against you)

Awwww, are they not adorable?

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?

In the spring/summer:  Sierra Nevada Glissade.  In the fall/winter: Dogfish Head Raison D’etre served to me by Sam himself. . .in a loincloth like that hot new Spartacus show on Starz—OK, he has to serve me the Glissade too.

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?

(Went to my Brew Kid on this one Ashley, hope you don’t mind—what’s his point anyway, other than the obvious):

“A German Helles with Raspberries, harking back to The Beer Wench as a staple of a good German Beer Garden where the refreshing helles is served in it’s most traditional setting.”

Raspberries ‘cause he knows I love them I guess.  Don’t know what all that nonsense is about restraining orders!

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

I am BEER WENCH, bringer of malted, hopped and fermented Goodness to the masses crying out for options to the beer flavored water lagers of the Evil Macros.  I use my Xray vision to seek out shitty beer fridge choices and send my muscular Minions, dressed in Wolverine lager t shirts and loincloths (a la Spartacus, see above) to replace all Labatts/Molson/Heinie/Corona options with my delicious Michigan made, craft brewed, yet competitively-priced brew.  Using my stealth mind control powers I can persuade beer snob bar owners to place my sweet tap handle alongside their heavy, meal-like ales as The Perfect Fizzy Yellow option for their thirsty patrons.  I need no other super powers as my regular charms serve me just fine, thanks.

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

While visiting Key West several years B.K. (Before Kids) Mister W and I made friends with a cool old Popeye-looking guy in a run down bar where we had decided to hang out pretty much every night because the appetizers and drinks were cheap (this is prior to having Real Jobs).  After 3 nights of chatting, getting to know him, listening to some awesome live acoustic guitar groups and drinking enough to cause our poor (then still young) livers to sob for mercy, he invited us down to the beach for a stroll and to partake of a controlled substance in the same family as our beloved hops.

Being the young and invincible, fit and cocky beings that we were (and still are, just with More Experience) we followed him there, partook, and heard his whole life story, which included the fascinating fact he had escaped from a maximum security prison nearly 5 years prior where he had been incarcerated for 1st degree murder, of which he was totally guilty, he said, eyes glowing as he gazed upon our bleary selves.  We froze like the proverbial deer in the murderous headlights, eased ourselves up to a semi-standing position, and walked backwards away, slowly, waving and smiling and murmuring under our breath—RUN!

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

If I could, I would marry bacon and we’d head to Belgium for our honeymoon where I would have a scorching affair with chocolate, while bacon watched.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MY SISTA WENCH FOR AN EPICLY AWESOME INTERVIEW!

Cannot wait to meet her one day and UNLEASH HAVOC!

CHEERS!

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: THE BREWFANANTICS MINI INTERVIEW SERIES!

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

INTRODUCING: JOSH HARNEY

Beer Blogger Interview

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

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I lived in South Bend, Indiana, until I was 14 and then moved to Cincinnati

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

Mostly basketball.  In high school we had a good team, which made it fun.  Most of the guys went on to play in college, and one professionally, though I didn’t.

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

My first beer of my own? 18.  But I’d been sipping Pop’s beer since I was little.  I couldn’t understand why he liked that stuff but I kept thinking that if I kept trying it maybe I’d like it to, eventually.

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

In our home once we turned 18 years old our folks would let us have one beer in an evening under the following conditions: we drank  it with them, we weren’t in a sports season or academic club that prohibited it, and we weren’t driving anywhere that evening.  My 18th birthday was right in the middle of basketball season, so I had to wait until later in the spring to have that first one.  It was probably a Bud Light…Pop is a Bud man.

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 started off at Michigan State in the Fisheries & Wildlife program but what I studied was mostly hoops at the rec center, pool halls, and the [then] new Batman cartoon that was on TV every day.  When I could no longer hang with the increasing out of state tuition I was paying, I tranfered to Eastern Illinois University and finished my undergrad degree in Environmental Biology.  At both schools I was active in campus ministries seeking to strengthen the relationships students have with their families, friends, and with Christ.

At Eastern, a group of us started having a lot of fun finding practical ways to show people God’s love, with no strings attached.  We’d do things that didn’t take a lot of dough because we naturally were all broke, but we might go clean somebody’s bathroom for free, or head up to the gas station and wash car windows for free, or in the fall we’d get out into the residential neighborhoods and rake leavs for free.  It was a blast.  I also earned a Master of Science degree  in Industrial & Environmental Hygiene from the University of Cincinnati….industrial hygiene is an extra geeky field within the broader profession of occupational safety and risk 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.”

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

Although I’d been enjoying craft beer for some time, and brewing some too, I don’t think I had an epiphany until I read Garrett Oliver’s ‘The Brewmaster’s Table.’  The book is so lovingly written, and really exposed me to the wider world of international craft brews, that I didn’t want the book to end.  It really made me see the endless possibilities of beer flavor, texture…the whole sensory experience, plus the food pairing combinations presented by an ‘entrepreneurial’ craft brewing style.  Anyone who loves craft beer and loves to read should have that book in their library.

Beer Blog Background

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

Just over a month

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Dave made me do it.  Ha!

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

ESB, American pale ale, Dunkel

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Fitger’s up in Duluth, Minnesota eh, Bell’s, Hofbrauhaus

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

Probably Dogfishhead.  Those guys look like they have a lot of fun plus it’s employee owned

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

Yes!  I made a saison that turned out really nice last summer, after I cultured up some yeast from a bottle of Saison du Pont.  Golden, a bit spicy, a shade funky, refreshing.  MMm!  Definitely will do that one again.

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

Nope

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Easy – ‘Grown Up’ ice cream floats.  Find some really good vanilla bean ice cream and make a float with an imperial stout like my own St. Peter’s Gate or Brooklyn Brewery’s seasonal Chocolate Stout.  It’s just plain naughty!  It’s a cinch to make and is an easy, but special, change of pace to serve for dessert when you have guests over.  Even if they say they don’t like beer, this is a great one to throw at them to challenge their concept of what beer can do for their palate.  Coffee lovers who say they don’t like beer will beg you for seconds, if they’re not laid out on the floor from chugging the imperial stout/vanilla ice cream.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I am a full time Director of occupational safety & environmental health at a large 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?

Presuming my family’s financial needs would still be met, it would take me about 1.5 seconds to change and focus just on making beer that people love to enjoy in the brewpub that exists just in our minds at this point.

3. Are you married? Children?

Yep, married to the absolute best wife in the world, for 5 years.  God willing, we’ll start having kids this year.

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

I get what I like to call Nature Deficit Disorder pretty easily, so I like to spend time out in the woods.  Walking with my wife and the dog on trails.  Hunting.  Shooting.  Listening. I like putzing around in the vegetable garden, making sure the hop yard is doing well.  Low key stuff.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I think I’d be a trappist dubbel.  Rich, complex, but not everybody’s favorite.

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?

You raise a good point.  Everybody should probably have an answer to this in case it comes up.  Hopefully I’d be swift enough to think of some brew that’s only released about every ten years or so, to buy some time for the other Brewfanatics to put together a rescue plan for me.

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?

Wenchie, you know I’d make you something that makes you smile, although I’m surprised [though pleased] you’ve evolved from the Bud Light swilling High Street days in Columbus, at Buckeye National U.  I’m pretty confident I could whip you up a batch of saison with a Brett secondary that makes you swear the barnyard is still in the keg.  The special tweak though, would come from some sage or maybe even a small portion of some old lambic.

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

It would give my icon on Brewfanatics.com the voice of Chuck Norris

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

Are you kidding?  I have an advanced degree  in how to avoid risk. I’m not as bad as Ben Stiller in that movie with Jennifer Aniston where he knows the odds of contracting hepatitis from mishandled and undercooked veal or whatever, but I’m not exactly known as a risk taker.  I got nothing, sorry.  I mean, that whole thing with the grenade and the charging bull has been blown waaay out of proportion…

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

All are pleasant.  A couple years ago when my pal Boo and I started our 24 hr. drive out to Wyoming for antelope hunting we decided to make a list of everything that tastes good with bacon, and then to start eating all of them.  Turns out there’s almost nothing that doesn’t taste good with bacon.  People need to eat more bacon and enjoy more good beer.  It’s okay to die a little bit overweight and be really happy.

SPECIAL THANKS TO JOSH FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

STAY TUNED FOR THE FINAL BREWFANATICS INTERVIEW TOMORROW!

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!