Drink With The Wench » brewer

Inside the Mash Tun: Eric Alan Clarke Sorensen of Rock Bottom (Des Moines)

Wenchie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:18:50 +0000

Curious about the brilliant minds behind some of the world’s best craft beers? So is The Wench, which is why I’ve started the “Inside the Mash Tun” brewer spotlight series featuring some of the most talented men and women in the craft beer industry.

Today I would like to introduce to Eric, brewer at Rock Bottom in Des Moines, Iowa. For those unfamiliar with it, Rock Bottom is a franchise restaurant and brewpub concept that prides itself on offering fresh craft beers, made in house, at all of its locations.

Inside the Mash Tun: Eric Alan Clarke Sorensen

Regional Brewer, Rock Bottom – Des Moines
West Des Moines, Iowa
Twitter handle: @RBDesMoines (formerly @sorebrewer)

How did you get into the craft beer industry?

I started as an apprentice brewer at Lost Coast in 1992. Went to UC Davis after the first year & Siebel Institute after (the then required) two years.

How long have you been brewing at Rock Bottom?

Nearly nine years now.

Out of all the beers you have brewed, what is your all-time favorite?

I don’t really have a favorite beer or even a favorite style. There are beers that I’m proud of and they aren’t just the ones that have received medals. I enjoy different beers for different occasions and moods. Mostly, what I like doing is surprising folks with a beer that they don’t expect; but you just cannot beat seeing a roomful of people enjoying the fruits of your labor. That said, the challenge I set for myself was to make a great beer with the most simple malt bill and one variety of hops. I was so pleased with the first attempt, Van Der Pils – made with Calypso hops, that I brewed Nelson Sauvin Reserve Pils.

What is you favorite beer and food pairing?

I really am equally broad in my approach to food and believe that you should drink the beer you want with the food you enjoy. Contrast is just as important as congruence and complement. I dislike being prescriptive…part of that may be having grown up in the anti-establishment punk ethos in San Diego and part of it likely stems from my education in anthropology & linguistics. I really enjoy foods from a variety cuisines and it drives me nuts that so many restaurants whose cooking I enjoy only stock pale lagers or at best a more limited selection than their wine lists. We’ve come a long way but there is still room to grow.

What is the best part about working for Rock Bottom?

Our ability and freedom to create beers that cater to local tastes and trends while still being able to push those limits and educate our guests about the variety of beer. I get immediate feedback about my beers so I will often work through ideas with a trusted circle. I am making very different beers than I did when I started here, yet I still brew a few of the old favorites.

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

When I started there weren’t quite so many “styles” and we often brewed out of style. The world of artisanal, craft or small breweries has changed and yet I would probably be something somewhat funky and out of style. I know that categorization is a human trait but I think being somewhat unexpected is good.

Outside of craft beer, what are some of your other hobbies and interests?

Back when I lived in California, I really enjoyed surfing & gardening. Having moved the family to the Midwest, I have more time for cooking, reading, watching my four girls play sports, and teaching them music. Life is pretty full and I hope to get back to metal working at some point.

And lastly, what does craft beer mean to you?

Craft Beer means more to me than any of the usual definitions; it means I care about what I make and whether it is enjoyable. It’s being able to create a whole range of experiences that broadens and uplifts our minds & lives.

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Want to see one of your favorite brewers featured? Just leave a note in the comment section below or shoot me an email!

Inside the Mash Tun: Todd Parker of Copper Canyon Brewery

Wenchie — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:18:06 +0000

Today I would like to introduce to Todd Parker, one of the tallest, funniest, most talented and passionate brewers that I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing beers with. Todd’s Apple Streudel Tripel is seriously one of the best beers I’ve ever had in my life (hint hint). I seriously love this man, and you will to after you meet him!

Inside the Mash Tun: Todd Parker

Head Brewer ( technically I could be called Brewmaster also, but out of deference to friends who have real German Brewmaster credentials, I do not use it), Copper Canyon Brewery

Southfield, MI (just a few miles Northwest of Detroit)

Twitter handle: @Beertodd

How did you get into the craft beer industry?

While a grad student at CSUF, I had gotten to know the brewers at BJ’s Brewhouse in Brea, and they had gotten to know me and my homebrews. After I finished my degree, the Head Brewer there asked me what I was doing, I replied “just looking for a job”, his response was “well, why don’t you work for us in the meantime.” I’ve been in the industry since.

How long have you been brewing at Copper Canyon?

4 ½ years

Out of all the beers you have brewed, what is your all-time favorite?

That’s tough, like asking a parent what their favorite child is. I have had some hits and a few misses here and there. My RyePA and Apple Streudel Tripel are two of my favorites, however, probably one of my most successful beers is my Summerzest, which is a beer I have to make all summer. It is a modified Wit made with orange peel, lemongrass, ginger, and honey. I am very proud of a beer that I just made called Faux Bruin. It had been a project ruminating in my brain for several years. It is my take on the Flanders Red/Brown styles of beers, except I made it without adding souring bacteria and wild yeast post boil. I used a sour mash technique to develop the acidity as well as by adding some Balsamic vinegar to the boil. I added some raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and cranberries to develop the fruitiness, and some vanilla and an oak spiral to add some of the characteristic background flavors. I fermented it with a Belgian yeast that develops a tartness in the beer. While I did not get the acidity characteristic with the style, I am happy with the results that I got and with future batches, I might let the sour mash go longer to build the acidity.

What is you favorite beer and food pairing?

Girl Scout Samoas with bourbon barrel stouts, esp. Founders KBS

What is the best part about working for Copper Canyon?

I am allowed the freedom to be as creative as I want, which is a nice feature. I can brew a Saison with 12 different flowers, or a Stout with chocolate, or an 8% Marzen.

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

Sometimes I’m an IPA fermented with Brett., sour and bitter. Other times, I’m a Scotch Ale, a big sweet thing, chock full of fun. In general though, I see myself as a Belgian Strong Ale, a non-traditional beer, with a little spice and a heck of a kick.

Outside of craft beer, what are some of your other hobbies and interests?

I have a stinker of a dog called Flipper, who can be a handful, much of which is my fault. He has diabetes now, so that means daily insulin shots and consistent feeding times. I enjoy playing soccer when I can as well as BBQing meat.

And lastly, what does craft beer mean to you?

Craft Beer means Passion, it is the embodiment of that Brewers passion to create something beautiful. It isn’t a product, it is art. It isn’t the “be all, end all” that pays the bills, it is why I do what I do, why I exist. It is not designed to be inoffensive to the masses, it is designed to be good.

DVD bonus features:

Beervangelism efforts: member of the MBAA, Michigan Brewers Guild (on Marketing Committee), monthly Beerposiums, official mascot of the Detroit Draft Divas womens group, and contributor to the Beertoddcasts with the Brew Bubbas podcasts (Brewbubbas.com).

Have you ever experimented with Beer cocktails, if so, what was your favorite concoction?

Yes, Beer Cocktails are the natural progression from Bourbon Barrel beers, Maple beers, and Chardonnay Barrel beers. It is trying to enhance an already good product with some different flavors. It is just evolution, expanding the palette of colors for the mixologist to use. Personally, I have played with a few, adding a splash of Tequila to my Apple Streudel Tripel works very well, and I do not know why. My favorite though is a Summermaker, which is a shot of Whiskey in a pint of Summerzest, the Summerzest acting like sour mix, for a very tasty Whiskey Sour.

Inside the Mash Tun: Jason Yester of Trinity Brewing

Wenchie — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:39:50 +0000

Today I would like to introduce to you one of my favorite men in the world, the ever talented and absolutely adorable Jason “Saison Man” Yester of Trinity Brewing. Artist, brewer, and loving pet owner — Jason is an extraordinary person, and a great friend. Cheers!

Inside the Mash Tun: Jason Yester

“King”, Trinity Brewing
Colorado Springs, Co
Twitter: @SaisonMan

How did you get into the craft beer industry?
I was damn poor when I was in College, but I scrounged up enough money to buy a home brew kit for my roommate. He never used it, so I just kinda took it over! I was also a Biology major, and quickly I was able to see how valuable a background in Biology is in brewing. I developed an independent thesis titled “A Microbial Analysis of Bottled Ale,” and crafted the first Colorado Barley Wine in a bottle circa 1997… the rest is history :p

How long have you been brewing at Trinity?
Wow… I think the real question is ‘How long have I not?” … When I was 18 I proclaimed that I would start/own a brewery by the time I was 30. I only missed that date by about 6 months! Trinity opened in August of 2008.

Out of all the beers you have brewed, what is your all-time favorite?
I really enjoy experimentation, and consider a lot of the brewing I do to be ‘Cuisine Inspired.’ As Saison is my favorite style of beer, nailing a single favorite is very difficult. Although I may answer differently on any given night, I am going with ‘Double Rainbow,’ a Saison I crafted with an old co-worker John Schneider (Owner of Black Fox Brewing). Wanting a challenge we crafted this collaboration Belgian with 2 ingredients for each color of the rainbow and fermented it with Sake procedures. We used copious amounts of locally grown Syrah grapes to create a very vinous beer. The task of trying to create balance and never overwhelm any of the ingredients was quite difficult, and we nailed that balance on this beer. Only about 600 champagne bottles were released, and the batch is completely sold out… I can’t wait until I run into this bottle again after a few years of cellaring

What is you favorite beer and food pairing?
Old growth, barrel aged Flemish Sour Brown, with Maytag blue cheese and a cube of ripe watermelon atop a leaf of endive.

What is the best part about working for Trinity?
The sincerity of the people I get to see everyday! From co-workers to our customers, there is one thing they all have in common…. a love for beer! I am surrounded by a vibrant community that continues to grow organically. When I come to the brewery, I always feel inspired by this environment and I enjoy how I am pushed to excel. I couldn’t ask for a better situation as a brewer and an artist.

If you were a style of beer, what would you be and why?
Ha, ha… Saison of course, in fact I think I am part Saison already … Saison is the French word for ‘season,’ always changing, always interesting, and always unpredictable (plus it’s always presented in a cool glass)…. if I were any other style I would eventually get bored.

Outside of craft beer, what are some of your other hobbies and interests?
I am extremely passionate about gardening and growing my own food! I love to cook! Freelance writing, doing paintings with my bare hands, hiking, camping, FOOSBALL!! and hanging out with my pups

And lastly, what does craft beer mean to you?
I hope I can explain this while avoiding criticism !

I look at the term ‘Craft Beer’ as a social and conscious movement…. and more than anything, an awakening. So many intelligent people from so many different back grounds have built this business upon art, authenticity, inspiration, expression, and an extremely high level of generosity. Craft Beer is a very healthy, growing, and evolving culture… it’s exciting to be a part of… THE END :3

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Want to see one of your favorite brewers featured? Just leave a note in the comment section below or shoot me an email!

Featured Beer Blogger: EUGENE KOLANKOWSKY

Wenchie — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:01:17 +0000

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: EUGENE KOLANKOWSKY

AUTHOR OF: A TALE OF TWO BREWERS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Eugene Kolankowsky
Twitter handle: @Splobucket
Name of blog: A Tale of Two Brewers

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in upstate New York just outside the town of Poughkeepsie.

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

I was mainly into track and field. I began to Pole Vault in High School and did it all the way through college. I continue to coach two Pole Vaulting teams at local Florida schools.

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

I’m a coach for a team so I have to set a good example. I’m going
to lie and say 21.

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

As I recall, it was at a crew party. I said I wasn’t going to drink, but someone offered me his Tequiza. I don’t remember what it tasted like and I haven’t had one since, but I do remember it was a Tequiza.

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

Ha, I went to nerd school. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. I got my degree in Mechanical Engineering. I didn’t do any other official activities other than Track, but I did frequently play on my (now wife’s) sorority intramural soccer team. They were the only people who didn’t about my ineptitude at soccer. I also did a lot of snowboarding and mountain biking.

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:

That’s an amazing question. I never thought of it like that but it’s totally true. My current brewing aspirations do stem back to my first real craft beer. It started around Christmas in 2005. I went and visited Nick at Lehigh and we exchanged gifts. I got him some little disco ball, and he got me a bottle of St. Bernardus ABT 12. I was surprised, thinking “he got me beer as a gift???” But then I tasted it, and here’s where I am today. I’m totally obsessed with the world of craft beers. I suppose Nick can take all the credit for this obsession.

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

I suppose the other one I had was when I realized I could brew my own beer, and thought a kit would be a totally awesome birthday gift. And it was!

Beer Blog Background

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

The blog has been going for almost exactly a year strong, but Nick just joined up about 2 or 3 weeks ago.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I started brewing beer, and I just kinda felt like writing about it. Nothing really more interesting than that.

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

Well when I started brewing I was brewing with this guy Dave. Hence two brewers. Well he fell off the face of the earth, so I invited Nick along for the ride. He’s been a great friend for so long, and he is relatively new to the brewing process as well. It just sorta felt right.

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

My dream is to open my own brewery. I would absolutely love that. I tell people that I’ll be the next Sam Adams, except better. And when I’m famous for making beer, I can use the blog to outline the story of my book about how I came to be.

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

Well the site has really just started catching on. But recently I wrote an article about the draughtkeg, and I ended up getting some inside info and a free sample out of it. It really made it feel like it’s starting to get some traction.

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

I do a lot of research on the forums over at Homebrewtalk.com. The boys over at mondaynightbrewing.com are entertaining, and they’re about to hit the big time. I also order a good amount of stuff off NorthernBrewer.com.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Pilsner, Stout, HefeWeizen

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Stone, Ommegang, Mississippi Brewing Co. (have you ever had
Mississippi Mud? Awesome bottle, more awesome beer)

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

Hmmm… I guess I’ll say Stone. They seem like they’ve got their
stuff together, and they have a good variety of beers.

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. But so far I haven’t gone that crazy on my recipes. I did try a nut brown ale with pistachios. Didn’t turn out great.

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

Well, I’m part of the American Homebrewers Association, does that count?

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Smoked Porter & Burgers

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I’m a forensic mechanical engineer. I find out why stuff breaks.

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 be running my own brewery. I love making beer, and I love the satisfaction in seeing people enjoy it.

4. Are you married? Children?

Married, yes. No children, but three Golden Retrievers (nice furry four-legged kids). Their names are Sandi, Savannah, and Samson.

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

Well, I coach two local high schools in the pole vault. I also just took up Skeet Shooting. I’m also a gamer at heart. I’d say those are still my main hobbies at this point.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I’d say a hoppy pale ale. Smooth, refreshing, GREAT body. But will also come back and bite you in the ass if you look at me wrong.

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’d get a two liter boot of the strongest and most potent stuff I could get. Get as drunk as possible, as quickly as possible, so I don’t realize what the hell is going on.

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?

Shooting from the hip here, but I’d say a porter. It’s gotta be something bitter and aged (in reference to a stereotypical wench of course, not you). So maybe a belgian ale. Maybe add some different
fruits. But not heavy, just a hint.

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

Flying would be soooo badass.

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

Cliff jumping off an 80 foot cliff. I realize this isn’t totally
crazy, but it was enough for me.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I LOVE BACON.

SPECIAL THANKS TO EUGENE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

Interview With ROB TOD Of Allagash

The Beer Wench — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:50:55 +0000

Back in the early 1990’s, the American craft beer scene was nothing like what it has evolved into today. The U.S. beer market was heavily dominated by corporate beers and imports. And although a few craft breweries (i.e.: Anchor Steam, Sierra Nevada and Samuel Adams) were gaining national recognition, the craft beer “scene” was relatively small and localized.

Inspired by the craft beer forefathers (i.e.: Fritz Maytag, Ken Grossman and Jim Koch), the mid-nineties gave rise to what is often referred to as the “2nd generation” of craft brewers. Whereas the 1st generation carved out the path for the craft beer industry, it was the 2nd generation of brewers that took craft brewing to the “extreme” level. Driven by innovation, creativity and slight insanity, this 2nd generation of craft brewers completely changed the beer scene as we know it today.

Rob Tod, founding owner and brewmaster of Allagash Brewing Company, is a member of this guild of highly sought after cult craft brewers. Prior to 1995, most American palates were unfamiliar with the Belgian beer styles. Belgian beers were not among the imports over-saturating the beer market. And although Michael Jackson had been writing praises about these styles for years, the average American beer drinker was clueless about them.

Enter Rob Tod, the man who was crazy enough to step outside of the box and brew some of the first American Belgian-style beers. In many ways, Rob and Allagash paved the way for and inspired the modern day American movement towards Belgian beer consumption and demand.

I had the honor of meeting Rob during the 2009 Great American Beer Festival at an event he was co-hosting with Dogfish Head and Russian River. I am not even sure how I ended up at the event and consequently in the VIP room, but I can say that it was one of my highlights, by far. And surprisingly enough, Rob not only remembered meeting me, but also remembered my name when I saw him again at the 2010 Craft Brewers Conference. (PS: Rob, Thanks for the beer!)

I recently had the opportunity to call up Rob Tod and pick his brain about his beer background and the creation of Allagash Brewing Company. And here is his story, as presented through the ramblings of The Beer Wench:

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

RT: “ I went to Middlebury College in Vermont. I majored in Geology and was on the Nordic ski team.”

Obviously, studying rocks is a far cry from brewing beer.

BW: Why Geology?
RT: I was always fascinated by rocks. I liked the science end — there was a fair amount of chemistry and physics involved. That and the lab work was in the field.

Post college graduation, Rob Tod spent a brief stint in Colorado, but ultimately moved back to Middlebury with the intention of further education.

RT: I liked the faculty at Middlebury College. Thought about going back to get my PhD to teach.

BW: What stopped you from pursuing this career path?
RT: I got a job washing kegs at Otter Creek in Middlebury. I was looking for a job and a friend suggested the kegwashing position. Free beer, I wasn’t going to say no to that. I was there for two days and knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

Unlike many craft brewers, Rob was not a craft beer enthusiast or homebrewer before he got into the industry. His story is the reverse.

RT: I kind of discovered the beer industry a different route than others. Most discover beer and get into the industry. I got into the industry and then discovered craft beer. I was blown away that little breweries were making great beers.

BW: 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?
RT: I didn’t know there were craft beers in the U.S. back in the 80’s. I remember going to a keg party in Boulder in 1991. They had a keg of Pete’s Wicked Ale. First dark beer I saw out of a keg and I was like wow. It is crazy to think it now, but I was just amazed that you could get big beer like that in a keg. I don’t know if I even had Guinness at that point. At that time, I was just buying what I could afford.

BW: What was your first “Belgian craft beer epiphany”?
RT: Celis White — I randomly bought it off the shelf in the store. I opened the first bottle and took a sip and thought it was bad. I gave it to my friend and said, “taste this man, I think something is wrong with this beer.” He didn’t think it was that bad. I ended up finishing the beer. By the time I was four beers in, I was in love with that style. To this day, I remember that flavor. Piere Celis is a huge inspiration of ours. In fact, I visited him in December when I was in Belgium.

*NOTE: For those of you who may not be familiar with Piere Celis, he is considered the modern-day godfather of the Beglian wit style. Prior to founding the American brewery Celis, Piere Celis founded the founded the well-known Hoegaarden Brewery — where Celis revived the Beligan wit beer style. Unfortunately, both breweries today are corporately owned.

After hearing this story, it became evident why Rob Tod chose to brew Allagash White as his first beer, the beer that ultimately became the flagship of Allagash.

BW: What is the significance behind the name “Allagash”?
RT: Good question. Allagash is a region in Northwest Maine. I’m terrible at thinking up names. So I passed the task onto my buddies. One buddy told me to call it Allagash brewing because “you spent a bunch of time up there.” I didn’t like it at first. But then I found some space and needed to chose the name in order to start working on the brewery. One day I was staring at the paper and saw Allagash and went with it.

Allagash Brewing Company sold its first batch of beer in the summer of 1995. In the beginning, Rob was a one man team working out of a small, self-designed 15 barrel brewhouse in Portland, ME. Rob was the brewmaster, the kegging line, the sales force and the marketing team.

BW: Prior to starting Allagash, did you attend any formal brewing programs or schools?
RT: I did do a two week course at Siebel on the laboratory side of work. But really, I learned how to brew the hard way. We [Rob and his father] started alone just doing one beer only. Drafts only. Local only. Walk before we run. We’ve approached things slowly and cautiously.

This approach has seemed to work well for Allagash, who has gained a reputation as being one of the pioneers of experimental barrel-aged and sour beers in the craft beer industry.

BW: When and why did you decide to start using barrels?
RT: Curiosity. We have been doing it for over ten years now. We were just curious about the different flavors that can be imparted from wood.

BW: Allagash has also done a few collaboration with other breweries. What has been one of your favorites?
RT: Isabelle was a blast. Tomme deserves all the credit, though. He brewed the beer.

After learning about the history of Allagash, I wanted to learn more about the man behind the brewery — a more “intimate” side of Rob Tod.

BW: Who are some of your greatest mentors in the industry?
RT: Piere Celis, Ken Grossman, Kim Jordan. More inspiration than mentors. A lot of my peers, Sam,Vinnie, Adam, Tomme are all inspirations. Those guys are always doing new things that are inspiring us to do new things.

BW: What is your favorite style of beer to DRINK?
RT: Probably the Belgian White. In the beginning, my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t love the beer we were brewing and wouldn’t be able to go out and sell it. I love the style of white beer. I always seem to gravitate back towards that beer. I love the beer now more than we first started brewing it. I just love craft beer. When I’m on the road, I love trying new beers. So much cool stuff and innovation right now. I like to try a lot of styles of beers.

Let the record show, Rob Tod loves craft beer.

BW: What is your favorite beer style to BREW?
RT: I haven’t had time to brew in quite awhile. As far as actually brewing it, I like learning and trying new things. So whenever we are doing new things at the brewery, learning a new style, experimenting, etc… — it’s fun. What ever is new. Experimentation. Cool surprises. That is one of my favorite things about brewing.

Rob’s willingness and love for experimentation has definitely helped put Allagash on the map. The brewery even has its own koelschip in the outside air where the brewers have been experimenting with a “house” wild yeast strand that was discovered in a batch of beer and has since been isolated. Those beers have not been sold yet, however, they are rumored to reach the market, ultimately. Errr … I mean, hopefully.

I think I might have confused Rob a bit with my famous “Off The Beaten Path” series of questions … however, he was kind enough to answer two of my favorites:

BW: If you were a style of beer, what style would be an why?
RT: I guess a white beer cause I like it, my favorite style.

BW: What are your thoughts on bacon.
RT: I love it, but my doctor doesn’t think I should eat it.

Special thanks to Rob Tod for 1. providing me with an awesome interview 2. for being an amazing brewer and inspiration in the industry and 3. for being an all around genuine and truistic person. I truly adore you, your beer and your company.

Cheers!

Featured Beer Blogger: TOMMY DAVIS

The Beer Wench — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:13:32 +0000

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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: TOMMY DAVIS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Tommy Davis

Internet nickname: Tommy D

Twitter handle: @theBrewFanatics

Name of blog: BrewFanatics.com

Current location: Chicago, IL

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Antioch, IL

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

Golf, Tennis, Fishing

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

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

Does Hooch count? The first time I got drunk was off of Hooch as a freshman in high school (age 14) when I visited my cousin at her college. I definitely drank a couple Natty Lights (typical college dorm beer) that night, too. Haha.

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 graduated from the University of Iowa. Hawkeyes baby! Studied Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Beer Drinking, of course. I was a member of the Hawkeye Football tail

gating club. “Win or lose, we booze!” Some other clubs that I belonged to were the Sports

Column, College Street Billiards, Vitos, The Field House / Third Base, The Airliner, and Etc J

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 mom

ent as a “craft beer epiphany.”

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

I honestly can’t remember my exact epiphany moment, but I do remember a moment that was just the opposite. During my early college years (when I was still naïve and arguing that Miller Lite was better than Bud Light), one of my bartender friends offered me a sample of a new beer they had on tap. It was called Dogfish Head. At the time, I thought it was the most disgusting thing I had ever tasted and kindly asked for a Miller Lite instead. Well, times have changed a little since then and now Dogfish Head is one of my favorite craft brewing companies and I have taken an oath not to drink beer by Bud, Miller, or Coors. We actually have a BrewFanatics Oath. Haha.

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

I definitely continue to have craft beer epiphanies to this day. I’m always discovering new beers that I like better than the one before it. I’m also noticing that my pallet is developing further as I try more and more brands and flavors. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work, but I’m willing to put in the time. Practice makes perfect, right? J

Beer Blog Background

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

No too long. Only started this year, although we have been talking about doing it for a long time.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Our love for good beer and Gary V’s book “Crush It!” We want to spread the word about home brewing and how fun, easy, and inexpensive it is.

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

I had no say in the matter. One day I got a text from Dave saying he just bought our domain name. I loved the name and the rest is history. It really is the perfect name for us. Our name and our logo together, tell people that we are fun guys that are crazy about brewing beer. I just went with it.

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

We actually have quite a few goals. One of our main goals is to create 100 new home brewers by the end of the year. Making your own beer is such a fun, easy, and cool hobby. Not enough people know that. We sell everything you need to get started on our site. We’ve made it really easy for you to get started. Actually Wenchie, we were thinking that you would be the perfect candidate for this. What do you think? I think your fans would love to hear about your home brew adventures J

Another goal of ours is to make our site as fun and educational as possible for home brewers of all experience levels. We want to create a HUGE, fun online community of home brewers. How cool would it be to have a home brewer from Alaska exchange ideas with another home brewer from Australia, or Canada, or anywhere else in the world? That’s why we created “The MASH,” our forum where home brewers of all experience levels can share their own brew stories, help other home brewers, and chat about anything else beer related. “The MASH” really belongs to our members. We want them to have fun with it!

YOU CAN JOIN “THE MASH” FOR FREE AT: www.BrewFanatics.com/forum

Lastly, we want to start our own brewery / pub and be able to “Cheers with our own beers!” That would be super cool!

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

By far, the coolest thing that has happened to me was after I interview Greg Koch from Stone Brewing Company (Awesome video. Check it out on our site). I went up to the bar to order some Arrogant Bastard and I actually met a few people who knew who I was and were huge fans of the BrewFanatics! I felt like a celebrity for a few minutes. I thought that was pretty crazy.

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

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Brown Ale, Stout, IPA

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Right now my top 3 brewers are probably Bell’s, Goose Island, and Dogfish Head. This list is subject to change without notice.

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

Either Dogfish Head or Stone Brewing. They both were started by cool dudes and seem to have great work environments.

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

Yes, but I am definitely the most novice of the three BrewFanatics. I haven’t brewed anything crazy yet. So far, I’ve only brewed using malt extract ingredient kits. I plan on “All-grain” brewing pretty soon. Then I will be able to try some cool stuff.

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?

I like any kind of beer with any kind of food. Definitely not picky. Much rather have a beer with my food than water or soda. Actually, my favorite thing is having a good brown ale or stout after dinner. It’s like dessert for me J

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I day trade futures and stocks from home and work on BrewFanatics.com.

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 think we are about to get there. I can’t tell you now, but I think we’re almost there.

3. Are you married? Children?

No way Jose! (yeah, you say this now … till Wenchie gets her hands on you, wait … who said that.)

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

I’m very into my health and fitness. You’ll find my in the gym 4-5 days a week. Kind of funny for someone who drinks so much beer, huh? Actually, did you know that beer has more health benefits than red wine? Check it out. www.brewfanatics.com/heart-disease/

I love learning about new stuff whether it’s related to beer, investing, technology, or anything else I find interesting.

I also love golfing, fishing, boating, traveling to sunny places, fantasy football, and playing tennis with my dad. He’s pretty good for a geezer.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I would definitely be a Brown Ale, because I’m smooth and have a good body. Ahahahahaha! That’s funny right there!

Easy choice! Brewdog’s Sink the Bismarck. At 41% alcohol it is the world’s strongest beer. I definitely won’t feel anything when execution time comes J

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 the strongest IPA ever! Tons of hops! It would have a super hoppy aroma that slaps you in the face then a super strong, bitter aftertaste that lingers in your throat, so you don’t forget that you just messed with The Wench!

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

To create world peace with good beer.

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

Hung over the edge of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas on the “Insanity” ride. This ride truly lives up to its name. I felt like I was being thrown off of the Sears Tower. Absolutely insane! If you are ever there you must try this ride. www.stratospherehotel.com/thrills/insanity_the_ride.cfm

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Love it! Although, I tend to eat turkey bacon more. It’s the health nut in me.

SPECIAL THANKS TO TOMMY AND THE ENTIRE BREW FANTACTICS CREW FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW SERIES!

CHEERS!

Featured Beer Blogger: JOSH HARNEY

DHonig — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:55:03 +0000

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

INTRODUCING: THE BREWFANANTICS MINI INTERVIEW SERIES!

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.

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!