I’m excited and honored to share with you a recipe designed for DRAFT Magazine, who published the recipe in the May issue of the magazine and is currently featuring it in the recipe section of their website.

Before revealing the recipe, I’m going to include a brief intro to the cocktail, which was not actually published in the magazine. Cheers!

Move over April showers, spring is in full bloom and the Saison season is upon us! Saisons were traditionally made as a safe, low alcohol, source of hydration for farm workers during the hot harvest months in a time when water dangerous because it was riddled with bacteria. Characterized mostly by the farmhouse strains of yeast used in fermentation, Saisons are typically pale in color, very well carbonated, and boast fruity and spicy aromas and flavors, with little to no hop presence, expect in some American versions.

Sometimes slightly tart, characteristically dry and refreshing, Saisons are perfect for the hot Spring and Summer months. This style of beer also works well in a variety of beer cocktails. The following garden-inspired beer cocktail recipe features the Saison, fresh strawberries, mint, and a hibiscus- infused vodka. The cocktails is pleasantly floral, fruity and refreshing, making it perfect for the Spring and Summer months.

Strawberry Fields

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh strawberry, quartered
• 5 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 11/2 ounces hibiscus vodka (see below)
• 4 ounces saison

Photo: Kevin Robie

Instructions: Muddle the strawberry and mint with the lemon juice and agave nectar until strawberry is completely macerated. Add vodka and ice, shake 5 times (not enough to crush the ice). Add beer and shake 5 times. Pour, with the ice, into a tulip glass and garnish with a sprig of mint.

DIY Hibiscus-infused vodka: Pour 2 cups vodka over 1 ounce dried hibiscus flowers in an airtight jar; seal tightly and store in a cool place for 24 hours. Pour through a fine strainer into a sterilized bottle or jar.

Check out the full feature HERE.

Special thanks to Noah and the DRAFT Magazine team! Cheers!

For some time now, I have been following the updates of Peter Hoey and Rick Sellers of Odonata Beer Company regarding the production of their Saison. It has been a very torturous past couple of weeks, but I am extremely happy to announce that today is the OFFICIAL release of the Odonata Saison!

Unfortunately, I will not be able to trek up to Sacramento to taste some of this delicious nectar. However, I have been assured that it should be hitting the Bay Area in the next week or so.

Ever since I learned of its creation, Odonata has been on my radar as one of the top breweries to watch in 2010 (ooooh that gives me a great idea for another post!). This February, my assumptions about Odonata were proved to be correct after I had the opportunity to taste two of its sours, Beersell and Rosa, during San Francisco Beer Week. Both completely floored me. Peter and Rick are extremely talented, and I can only imagine how far they will go from here!

Without any further ado, I present ODONATA SAISON:

ODONATA (OH-DOE-NAH-TA) is ecstatic to announce the arrival of its flagship beer, Saison! Brewed with malted barley, wheat & rolled oats, Saison is a rustic interpretation of the traditionally Belgium-brewed beer. Spiced with Styrian & East Kent Golding hops Saison has an aromatic, floral & peppery aroma and a modest hop bite. Our Belgian yeast strain also lends the slightly wild scents of passion fruit and spice. Saison is designed for refreshment & complexity; perfect on its own, or paired with ripened cheeses or classic Belgian-style seafood dishes. Saison bottles are bottle-conditioned, so serve chilled.

ODONATA Saison will be available on draft at select Northern California retailers beginning Friday, April 30, 2010 and will begin distributing bottled Saison in mid-May throughout Northern California. For more information on events, follow @OdonataBeer on Twitter, or check out the Odonoata Beer Company blog.

One of my all-time favorite beer recipes is beer mussels. And there are three different styles of beer that I think are a SLAM DUNK for steamed mussels –> The Gueze, The Saison and The Wit. One of my favorite people in the entire word, the world-renowned Homebrew Chef Sean Paxton, developed an amazing mussel recipe for the Odonata Saison: OdonataSaison

Now, if I can only get Paxton to make it for me … that would be the ULTIMATE experience.

Congratulations to Peter and Rick for the first bottle release from Odonata Beer Co.!

I look forward to tasting the Odonata Saison. And as with any NorCal beers, if any of you readers are interested in a trade — I would be more than happy to ship out some Odonata Saison!

Cheers!

ODONATA Beer Company is based in Sacramento, Ca. Brewmaster Peter Hoey is an experienced, award-winning brewer as well as an instructor at UC Davis’ prestigious brewing school and The American Brewers Guild. Sales Director Rick Sellers is an experienced beer journalist and former Beer Director for DRAFT Magazine, the world’s largest beer publication. Together Peter & Rick started ODONATA in 2009, with their first beer release (Rorie’s Ale) scoring a 100 on RateBeer and was named one of the best beers in the world.

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: JOE

AUTHOR OF: BEER AND JOE

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Joe DontWantMyCoworkersToReadThis

Twitter handle: @beerandjoe

Name of blog: Beer and Joe

Current location: Ridgefield Park, NJ www.beerandjoe.com

Background “Snapshot”

1.        Where did you grow up?

Glenville, NY

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

Football in high school till my knees went bad. No big loss, I played left bench

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

Oh boy, 14 or 15. Not of legal drinking age I know that for sure.

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

A few buddies of mine all slept over at my friend Brian’s house. I forget who but someone brought enough beers so we each at one. Pretty sure it was Labatt Blue. After one we all thought we were tripping 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 went to the Art Institute in Philadelphia PA. It was an art school so no sports or anything like that, our schools mascot was a pretzel. I didn’t really like beer in High School but when I went to college I was too embarrassed at parties to turn it down so I forced myself to drink it, eventually growing to like it. The rest is history.

Craft Beer Epiphany

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

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

I didn’t venture too far outside of Coors Light and Labatt until after I graduated from college. In fact for most of college my buddies and I would usually knock back a couple of St. Ideas 40’s to get going. But after I graduated and started working I found a local bar near my office that some co-workers and I would frequent. I tried a Sam Adams Oktoberfest there one day based on a buddy’s recommendation and the rest as they say is history. From then on I tried every beer I could get my hands on.

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

Once I started getting into Dogfish Head’s beers it really showed me how different beer can be. They put out so many interesting beers and try some really out there stuff, it’s pretty impressive and is pretty inspirational to my homebrewing.

Beer Blog Background

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

Little over two years now, although a few months back my buddy who hosts my site switched providers and I lost over a years worth of work. Back up everything people!

2.       What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I had done a couple blogs with a good friend of mine before, usually about just random stupid crap that was on my mind. People seamed to find it pretty funny and my wife though I should write about beer. She’s usually right about things.

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

My names Joe and I like beer. Seemed kind of obvious and apparently I’m not very creative.

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

If there’s one thing I’ve been annoyed about in the craft beer community it’s how series some people can take things. Beer geek not snob, and I hate when people talk down to someone else for their beer choices. I don’t care if someone wants to drink a Bud, whatever makes them happy but it would be great if I could open them up to something different. I want my blog to be fun and not too serious. I don’t know nearly as much about beer as a lot of other people so I’d rather just make someone laugh at my review.

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

Any time I get a note from the brewery I write about I think it’s pretty awesome. Climax brewing in NJ emailed me a while back, those guys put out some great beer.

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

• BEER TOWN – Been a member for about 6 years now. Good stuff
• NJ BEER – Represent NJ!
• DRAFT MAG – Pretty good magazine which can also be pretty funny

Beer Talk

1.        What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, Stout and Brown Ale. But I really like everything

2.       What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Dogfish Head, Flying Dog and Southern Tier but really there’s too many to name

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

Dogfish Head for sure. There have been many times I’ve looked on their site for job openings and told my wife we’re moving. She’s always been supportive of m life for beer and knows how much it would mean to me so she’s up for the move. Sam if you’re reading this Email me!

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

I am. I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like to but over the years I’ve made some beers I’ve been pretty proud of. Just this past summer I made a mango Wheat which I think was the best I’ve made to date. I also found out that I have a sever allergy to mango peels after peeling 10 pounds worth. For those of you who don’t know mango peels are actually pretty similar to posy ivy. I found out the hard way, learn from my mistakes!

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

About 5 years back I decided I wanted to get out of the field I was in so I got my bartenders license. I’ve only bartended once but thinking about becoming a bartender at least once a day, usually at work.

6.       What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

That’s a hard one to answer. I like a good stout with dessert. Really any time my wife and I go out to eat and I find a good beer selection I get excited.

The Personal Side

1.        What is your current day job?

I’m a studio manager for a consulting firm

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?

Either own a brewery or beer bar. Someday…

3.       Are you married? Children?

Married, no kids

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

I run, or at least when I can, did this last years NYC marathon. I watch a lot of horror movies which got me involved with writing for Bloody Good Horror, http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com. I also sit in on their podcast every week.

Off The Beaten Path

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

Now we’re getting deep. A stout maybe? Because people think it’s heavy but is really very drinkable. I’m not sure what that means exactly but people usually avoid sitting next to me on the bus, my wife says I always look angry but I’m a really nice guy.

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?

Anchor Steam’s Christmas Ale. Not because it’s my favorite beer but become it comes in a magnum bottle and I’m going to want to take as much time as possible drinking it.

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?

That’s a hard one. I’d probably just got with raspberry wheat because that’s what my wife likes and I assume are women like what my wife likes.

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

I’m not sure I’d want the pressure of having to save people so I’d really just like the power to sleep in, I can’t remember the last time I’ve slept past 9.

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

I don’t know if it’s crazy but running the NYC marathon this past November was pretty nuts. It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I’m really proud of my accomplishment. I wrote about my training on my site and issued a public challenge to Alanis Morissette, she never responded but I’m pretty sure she was reading.

6.       What are your thoughts on bacon?

Love bacon, and not in the hip way everyone loves bacon now. When I was a kid my parents would make me a pound of bacon every Sunday for breakfast because I loved it so much. Yeah I know that sounds awful but it was great and I’m a better person because of it today. I love bacon, I’d like to take it away on a romantic getaway.

BIG THANKS TO JOE (WHOSE LAST NAME SHALL REMAIN NAMELESS) FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

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: RICK SELLERS

AUTHOR OF: PACIFIC BREW NEWS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Richard Linn Sellers
Twitter handle: @pacificbrewnews
Name of blog: beerdirector, pacific brew news
Current location: Sacramento

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Southern Oregon, east of Medford in the Cascades, along the Rogue River

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

Wrestling, Log Rolling & other timber sports

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

11 or so, stole sips from my dads glass when I filled it from the kegerator.

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

Lots of them – almost always Coors Light, a beer I still have an affinity for. I sorta liked the chore of fetching beer for pops.

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

Pacific Christian College, majored in Theology. I did a lot of preaching around the west coast, helped start churches and served as an interim minister in my free time.

Craft Beer Epiphany

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

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

My family was fond of Deschutes Black Butte Porter and at special events it was always around – it was the “special” beer, different than everyday Coors Light we had. I grew up drinking malt liquors and fell in love with Corona Extra in college – because it was cool. I never really distinguished craft beer from mass imports or industrial beers of America.

It wasn’t till I was on a camping trip with my wife in Fort Bragg, Ca, that I really fell in love with better beer. It was Ommegang Rare Vos. We found it in a crappy gas station and I picked up a couple of bottles for one reason only – it had a cork! Thinking it was just another beer I downed two bottles by the campfire, drinking from the bottle as I was wont to do. From there on out, I was pretty convinced I should be drinking beers with more flavor and body.

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

It’s only beer. I have been a professional beer writer for a few years and found I got caught up in the better beer scene more than I needed to. I realize now that, as much as I like beer, it’s only beer. If there’s someone around me sipping on something I don’t like, I don’t care. In fact, I’m more than happy to share a Bud Select or something when friends offer it to me. Like all passions, if we get consumed with the righteousness of our loves, we will surely turn people away at a faster pace than we attract.

Beer Blog Background

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

Five years

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

Craft Beer Radio – wanted to provide a west coast version of what Jeff and Greg were doing.

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

No clue.

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

I never cared about the blog too much, I was shocked when I realized people were reading it, commenting, emailing… for me, it was just a way to write – I love to write – and the fact that others read and like it was pretty damn cool.

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

… sorry, no way to begin to explain properly. I’d say the friendships cultivated around the country.

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

Stan’s, Lew’s and Jay’s – they are the beer masters of America.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, Porter, Saison

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker, Deschutes

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

Well, I’m starting Odonata Beer Co because Peter Hoey’s the best! Choosing from others, Sierra Nevada – they are, hands down, the most socially conscious and honest brewery in America. I have more respect for them than any other brewery.

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

Yes. I rarely brew the same thing twice. I just like to make things I can’t buy in stores.

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

BJCP

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Racer 5 & raw tuna…

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Starting a brewery. Transitioning out of Beer Director role for DRAFT Magazine

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

Start a brewery with a young and talented brewer – like Peter Hoey and what we’re doing at Odonata!

3. Are you married? Children?

Married, 4 cats

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

Cycling, cooking, reading

Off The Beaten Path

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

Belgian IPA – because I’m a little sweet, a little bitter and very dry.

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?

Deschutes Black Butte Porter – that beer often takes me home. I can’t drink it without thinking of my family.

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?

Scottish Strong – because it’s sticky sweet, a little raspy in it’s smokiness and knows how to warm a person up from the inside, out.

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

I’d have an anti-idiocy gun…

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

Wow… rode a bike off my elementary school roof. Bike broke, somehow I walked away. Did some stupidly drunk driving in high school too – something that is clearly among the stupidest actions I’ve made.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

It’s the new peanut butter…

SPECIAL THANKS TO RICK FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

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: TIM CIGELSKE

AUTHOR OF: THE BEER RUNNER

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Tim Cigelske
Internet nickname: TeecycleTim
Twitter handle: @TeecycleTim
Name of blog: The Beer Runner
Current location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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

Running, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, cycling and flippy cup

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

Five, I think.

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

My dad let me try a little bit of his beer at a family party. I think it may have been Pabst Blue Ribbon, and I thought it was terrible.

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

I went to Marquette University to study journalism. Pretty much did a lot of writing, interning for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Associated Press while I was there. I was part of an intramural 3-on-3 basketball league championship team. Still got the t-shirt from that.

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:

Not really sure I can pinpoint it to a single instance. What I really enjoyed — and still enjoy — about craft beer is how much it can constantly teach you, about taste, history, culture, science, marketing, community, etc etc.

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

Definitely going to Savor in Washington D.C. after a long day of hiking and realizing beer pairs really well with a wide variety of foods. My friends and I felt like we were in heaven.

Beer Blog Background

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

Since October 2008

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

No one (that I knew of) was writing about people who take both craft beer and a healthy, active lifestyle very seriously. Some of the biggest beer fans are know are hardcore triathletes, marathoners, hikers, cyclists, etc. I think because both people who are into these types of sports and craft beer are adventures — it’s the same personality type. What I didn’t know was how many people fit into this category. I’ve been blown away at the number of beer runners from every sport that have been featured on the blog.

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

I came up with it, not surprisingly, during a run. (A State Park in Maine, to be exact.)

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

First and foremost, I want to give voice to a group of beer lovers and athletes who don’t really have a place devoted to their dual interests quite so specifically. And through these experiences, I’d like to teach myself and others about the cool new beers and adventures that these people are constantly uncovering.

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

The cool people you’re constantly meeting, both online and in person at places like the Great American Beer Fest (where I finally met The Beer Wench!) I’ve always said there’s no community quite like a community of runners, and now I’ve found another community just like it.

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

Can I be biased? I have to say No. 1 my parent site, Draftmag.com.

The name says it all with BEER N BIKES.

I’m a big fan of Chipper Dave at Fermentedly Challenged.

And of course, the Beer Wench is awesome for a variety of reasons, and you’re giving me my first interview about The Beer Runner

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPAs, Belgian trippels, stouts

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Sprecher, Dogfish Head, New Glarus

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

I once spent a night shift working with a Lakefront Brewery worker for an article I was writing, and it was a fun experience. I’m not sure you can go wrong with working with any brewer. But I’d have to go with Dogfish Head, the most adventurist brewery out there.

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

No, I’m sure I’d screw it up something fierce.

5. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Honestly, tacos and Schlitz and/or PBR.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I do the social media marketing for a private university.

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?

Exactly what I’m doing right now. It’s super fun.

3. Are you married? Children?

Jess and I have been married for a bit over three years now, and we’re expecting our first baby (other than our beagle) in early May. Craziness.

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

Other than running and biking? I’m taking business classes and I read a lot of Chuck Klosterman books and articles.

Off The Beaten Path

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

Probably an Oktoberfest, thanks to my German heritage.
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?

Wow. Probably something from Sprecher, both because they have incredible beer, and it would remind me of home.

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

Imperial IPA, with extra hops

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

People tend to usually go for the obvious superhero, like Superman. But I wouldn’t want to be Superman. Way too much responsibility. I’d like to be the Flash. You get to be super fast, without the crushing burden of society’s expectations on you.

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

I fell down a mountain (well, about 20 feet or so down a mountain) and had to be airlifted by a helicopter off the continental divide in Montana. I suffered a pretty bad concussion and had to get some stitches, but otherwise walked away OK.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

It’s been around for a long time, but for some reason bacon seems to be getting a lot of hype right now. I think bacon sculptures takes it a bit too far, but you can’t go wrong with eating the stuff. I’m a fan.

SPECIAL THANKS TO TIM FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!