DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: TRACY CORNELIUS

AUTHOR OF: THE PISSED LIBEERIAN

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Tracy Cornelius
Twitter handle: @PissedLibeerian
Name of blog: The pissed liBEERian
Current location: The 253 (Tacoma), WA

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Small town girl from Camano Island, Washington.

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

I played on a bowling league at the ripe age of 12. I still bring it up to this day (16 yrs later) if I ever go out bowling with friends. I like to talk up my skills so I’m picked first for teams then amaze them with my gutter balls.

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

I was 22 years old. Yes, you read that right, and in case you are wondering, I am making up for lost time now. At least, I completely surpassed the era of drinking cheap beer, and I can have whatever I want whenever I want.

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

By the time I decided to start drinking, it wasn’t really a big deal since I wasn’t trying to get away with anything, so I don’t recall my first beer.

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

I tri-majored in Psychology, English and Anthropology through Washington State University’s Distance Degree Program. You might be asking yourself at this point, “What the heck would someone do with that kind of degree?” The truth is I don’t know either. I find it humorous that the pissed liBEERian got her university education from the biggest party college in the state while never setting foot on campus and hardly touching a drop of alcohol til she was out of college.

Craft Beer Epiphany

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

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

June 19th, 2010… I remember the day, well. Attended the Brewer’s Festival in Kenmore, WA for the first time. About halfway through the day I handed over my little wooden token to the Schooner Exact booth and had my first taste of Seamstress Union Raspberry Wheat. I call it the non-fruity fruit beer even guys like it! I think I spent an additional 10+ tokens getting more Seamstress Union that day. I couldn’t get enough, and it started me on the journey that has brought me here today. Once that pink hued liquid hit my mouth, I was bound to never be the same again.

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

I would say following the Seamstress Union encounter, my most note worthy craft beer epiphany was at Seattle International Beer Fest over 4th of July weekend in 2010. Sunday featured a special pour from Delaware’s Dogfish Head Brewery. On tap was the 120m IPA, World Wide Stout, and a Black and Tan made from the two called Heaven & Hell. My partner in crime and I were first in line and felt like festival celebrities. Had to make a dash out to the car to collect more glasses after we did the math: 2 people, 2 glasses, 3 beers = Epic Fail.

This was my first experience liking an IPA, and the whole event was just so surreal. It was an amazing weekend, and the Heaven & Hell was to die for. I enjoyed it to the very last drop and even got back in line for another round, which we barely got before the kegs blew. After SIB, I was committed to advancing my palate and integrating IPAs into my collection of loved beers.

Beer Blog Background

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

My first post was on August 2nd, 2010. A craft beer mission statement of sorts.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I was having too many ale-induced/inspired adventures and had to start keeping some kind of a record. I really got into trying new craft beers and having the time of my life with friends in the process. My whole world has been different since the beginning of the summer, like something out of the Matrix. Seamstress Union opened my eyes as if I had chosen the red pill (or pink in this case) and now see the Real World.

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

I work for a library + I love beer + I enjoy random English slang (hence pissed instead of drunk) = the pissed liBEERian

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

I hope this blog mostly entertains and informs those who read it. I’m trying to spread the word about the greatness of craft beer (especially local craft beer) and maybe convert a few people to the dark side. Since I find myself so amusing along with the random experiences that happen while drinking, all I can hope to inspire is a few chuckles along the way.

If I could make a blog related wish, it would be to get paid to do what I do. Go out, drink & review beer, and make a living in the process. If someone wants to offer me a job in marketing for their company, that would be amazing too. You haven’t seen obsessed until you’ve seen me enthusiastic about something, I go ALL the way with it.

At this time, I will totally settle for meeting a host of awesome people in the business and enjoying life one pint at a time.

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

Free stuff and lots of attention! That’s what comes from having a fortunate face, a big rack, and being a chick who is really into beer tasting as a hobby. The blog is becoming more widespread locally and around the globe (it warms my little liBEERian heart to see blog hits in places like Slovenia, Australia & Turkey), so I am getting more recognition personally. I’ve gotten free tickets to events and free beer, lots of random swag, and the opportunity to get to spend time with some really cool folks who own/run breweries around the Northwest.

When someone comes up to you in a bar and says “Hey, don’t you have a blog?” all I can think is “It’s pretty damn awesome to be me right now.”

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

• 99 Bottles’ Shopkeeper Blog
• Beer Blotter
• Blogfish by Dogfish Head

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Barleywines, Wheats and India Pale Ales. This last one (IPA) was a hard won battle. Initially, I could hardly stand to have an IPA in my mouth, let alone swallow it. It took me two solid months of drinking IPAs because I wanted to like them, and now I do. Love ‘em.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

• Schooner Exact of Seattle, WA
• Dogfish Head of Milton, DE
• Big Al of Seattle, WA

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

Without a doubt, Schooner Exact. They are a small brewery that started up during 2006 in Seattle owned by Heather and Matt McClung with brewing help by Dave “Hutch” Hutchinson. Due to being so awesome, they were both able to quit their day jobs to run the brewery full time. Kudos to them, living the dream! They are friendly and down to earth people who I have had the pleasure to get to know over the last few months. It started with my obsessive pursuit of Seamstress Union which caused me to email the brewery on a regular basis to find out where kegs of it had been recently delivered to Tacoma, WA.

They seem like a close knit organization and you gotta love a group of people with a sense of humor. Take for example their beer, The Shocker. A delightfully enjoyable combo of 2 parts Raspberry Wheat and 1 part King Street Brown. They brew over a dozen varieties of beer including seasonals and special-event beer. They are as fun to chat up in their tasting room as they are to hang out with at events.

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

I see so many interesting beers that are being made, and I can’t get my hands on all of them. I think it would be fascinating to become a home brewer at some point, maybe when my life slows down a bit. Possibly once I hit the big 3-0 I’ll feel some need to become domesticated and that includes making my own brew. For now, I will just enjoy the fascinating creations of others. There are plenty to try!

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

Sadly, I do not. However, I do possess a bar towel from CAMRA though, Campaign for Real Ale. A group that promotes good-quality real ale and pubs, as well as acting as the consumer’s champion in relation to the UK and European beer and drinks industry.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

It’s simple but does the trick–pizza and beer. To me, they will always be a perfect match. Maybe a nice pesto and artichoke pizza with a mild IPA. I am hoping to add some more knowledge to my plethora of brain waves and enlighten others, so I am currently working on putting together a 10 course menu featuring a variety of beer selections. The book that has been my savior in planning this event: “He says beer, She says wine” co-authored by Sam Calagione and Marnie Old.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

My 2 day jobs include working for the library system (bet you think I pulled the ‘liBEERian’ thing out of nowhere ’cause it’s hot, right?) and a local university as an online technical liaison.

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

I’ve never felt like I was on one solid career path since growing up so my interests shift greatly at times. Although I love what I currently do for a living, I would really like to pursue a career in Marketing or PR. I’ve learned a lot about myself this last year and have realized that I have some skills and/or attributes that would probably lead me to a lot of success in this field. Being a spokesperson or marketing for a company I truly love and believe in would be a dream come true. I have been told that I am a marketing persons dream when it comes to events and fun things going on. I’d do anything if I have a reason. IE Beer Punch cards. I think I could be great at creating these events. I am intelligent and creative and personable which I think are all assets to this particular field.

3. Are you married? Children?

I am not married and have no kids. As a woman who is almost 30 you may be thinking I’m ugly or that something is wrong with me, but neither is true. I assure you it is by choice. I am not in any hurry to settle down, I am enjoying my life with virtually nothing holding me back from doing what I want to. The other things will come when they are meant to, if they are meant to.

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

When I’m not blogging it up or doing empirical research for the blog, my free time is usually divided between reading and exercising. Gotta work off all those beer calories somehow! I am hoping to participate in a marathon & a triathlon in 2011. Time with family and friends are my first priority, and I will always find enough hours in the day to try and do it all.

Off The Beaten Path

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

An IPA. They are always the most inventive and uniquely named beers (I have about 20 different nicknames) plus you never really know what to expect when you go to drink one. The nose could be floral or citrusy: Is she wearing Victoria’s Secret Pink or Clinique today? The tastes can range from mild to extremely bitter: Will she be sweet and adorable or a little crazy and sexy? Don’t even get me started on the mouth feel…

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

A Schooner Exact Seamstress Union Raspberry Wheat. It’s my favorite beer in the world. Although many would choose an ale more profound or complicated, it is not only the taste of SU that appeals to me but all that it represents. The flavor would not only explode on my tongue, but it would remind me of: what it has been to learn about and love beer; the people I have met and befriended because of my beer pursuits; and the best summer of my life being full of love and laughter.

To me it is the equivalent of hugging a diary or licking a photo album, it takes me back.

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

A brew called “The Beer Wench” would have to simply be a Barleywine. Sweet and smooth going down but will knock you on your ass once you’ve finished with it. Extra special ingredients… a surly smile and a hair toss on her way out the tavern door.

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

Without a doubt, TELEPORTATION. Gas prices are a killer, and I spend most of my time in my car since my life is so nomadic at the moment.

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

Wow… now that’s a loaded question. Let’s just say that every time I’ve gone to the Top of Tacoma bar in the 253, it’s led to an ‘experience’. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great place to drink and dine. Randomness seems to ensue whenever I hang out there.

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I have never been a huge lover of bacon. My desires usually lean toward a big, fat, juicy sausage. However, now that I’ve gone all vegetarian like in the last 6 months let me just say this: I’m super happy for people who are bacon obsessed. You can find it everywhere and in everything. It must be a dream come true.

BIG THANKS TO TRACY FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: STEVIE CALDAROLA

AUTHOR OF: BASICALLY RED

FOUNDER OF: LADIES OF CRAFT BEER

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Stevie Caldarola
Twitter handle: @BasicallyRed & @LadiesOCB
Name of blog: Now that the Ladies of Craft Beer site is up, BasicallyRed: To Be Read, Basically, my old blog, will be folding into the BasicallyRed tab there as a “From the Editor” column of sorts.  I also write for Mutineer Magazine’s blog.
Current location: New York, NY

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?
   St. James, Long Island, NY
2. What sports if any did you play growing up, through college and beyond?
   I’ve always been a pretty active girl- growing up I went to a dance school where I took tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, etc.  In middle school and high school I played volleyball.  At college, I became a member of the hip hop squad and the step team.  After college I went back to volleyball, playing on recreational indoor and outdoor leagues.  Recently, I have both played and refereed flag football for the New York City Social Sports, a great and fun organization where you play sports and then the teams go to the bar afterwards to socialize and meet each other.  NYCSSC just started volleyball as well so that could be trouble!
3. How old were you when you had your first beer?
   That depends on what qualifies as my first “beer”… I had my first ever Budweiser at 20.  My first ever craft beer experience was at age 24.
4. If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer? Where did you have it? What style and brand was it?
   I’ll go with my first craft beer, since that’s what I really remember.  The guy I was dating at the time brought me to his local bar and convinced me to give beer a second chance (I was refusing to drink beer at the time since I hated the “taste” of Budweiser and thought all beer tasted that way.)  He bought me a pint of Magic Hat Number 9.
5. Where, if applicable, did you go to college? What did you study? What additional activities, organizations, sports did you partake in during college?
   My undergrad college was Adelphi University, where I received a BFA in Theater Design/ Technology with a focus in Lighting Design.  I also minored in Photography and was a part of the Honor’s College.  While Theater and work took up most of my time, I was a part of the hip hop squad and step team.

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:

My first real craft beer epiphany was at a beer tasting at a place in New York City called the Village Pourhouse.  The class was focused around Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and included a sampling of six brews by them.  The last brew that we tasted was the newly released Torpedo Extra IPA- I had never had such a hoppy beer before, and it was love at first sip.

I have had so many craft beer epiphanies in the past year that I would spend an entire year describing them all to you.  I almost feel that every time I take a sip of a new beer, I have an epiphany, whether good or bad, big or small.  That’s what I love about craft beer- I’m always learning- always trying new things.

Beer Blog Background

1. How long have you been writing your beer blog?
   Since late February of this year
2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?
   I’ve had a blog for about a year now, but could never really figure out a niche that I was passionate about and could write about.  I tried many different topics but nothing seemed to fit right.  After my “craft beer epiphany” I started to chat about beer more on Twitter and somehow found this beer voice on there called “Hoptopia”.  Upon asking Lee some questions and having random chats about beer, as well as checking out his site and some other beer blogs, I decided to give beer blogging a try.  The rest, as they say, is history…
3. Why did you chose the name of your blog?
   It was actually a pre-existing name.  I used to say “basically” a lot and I have red hair.  My dad has always called me “Red”.  It just seemed to fit and show my personality as well as be a cute little play on words.  People probably don’t know this, but the by-line of my blog used to read, “I’m just a girl spouting my truths”, but I changed it to the current line “I’m just a girl tapping my truths” to make it more beer appropriate- you be the judge!
4. What are you personal goals for your blog? What do you hope to achieve with it?
   My personal goal for the blog is to write what I feel and love what I write. I want to be able to inspire people to talk about craft beer the way I was inspired. The point of what I am doing is to write about beer in a style that is easy for readers to understand and relate to- it is why I often compare beers to easily accessible and popular foods. One reader sees that 21st Amendment’s Monk’s Blood tastes like Black and White Cookies and absolutely has to try it, even though he has previously sworn off beer because he hates the way that fizzy, yellow beer tastes. Said reader tries the craft beer, loves it, and then moves on to another craft brew. He is hooked, and tells all of his friends. The result is spreading the word about this amazing and delicious liquid. I’m of the mindset that beer is a social advocate for us, seeing as how it is often a helpful medium for loosening up and enjoying social situations. Why shouldn’t we be social advocates for it?The Ladies of Craft Beer site is another example of a forum to advocate craft beer. The site is dedicated to women teaching other women about the wonders of craft beer, however, men who support our cause are more than able to come along for the ride. The site is just about to launch with 11 contributors not including myself. These women are shining examples of craft beer advocates and stellar women in general. I cannot wait to see what we can achieve!
5. What is one of the coolest things that happened to you as a result of being a beer blogger?

Writing for Mutineer Magazine has been pretty rocking- it’s a great group of people with a lot of really informative and interesting things to say.  I’m a fan of wine and coffee too, so I love to read all of the articles.  I feel like I’m becoming a wealth of knowledge on all things liquid!

The coolest thing that has happened to me as an offshoot of being a beer blogger was the opportunity for me to start a beer advocate group called the Ladies of Craft Beer, which is a national group of women who are dedicated to educating other women on the world of craft beer (and the group that inspired the above website I was speaking about). The really exciting thing about this group is the amount of support we have received- since April alone we have gathered about 1,425 followers on Twitter and 1,135 people have liked us on Facebook. Women are definitely under-represented in craft beer, mostly due to the misconceptions that are out there about beer. What women don’t understand are the many various tastes and styles out there in craft beer land, and at least one is bound to fit your liking. On our sites, we encourage women to talk about beer and ask each other questions while also putting together beer meetups and events for tastings and social fun. It really is a great tool and I’m hoping it will expand even further with our new magazine-style website.

We also have set up our launch event during the Great American Beer Festival. It is called the Beer for Boobs Brunch and it will be held at the newly opened Freshcraft Restaurant and craft beer bar four blocks from the convention on Friday morning from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Tickets are $20 (they include a full buffet style brunch) and half of the ticket price will go to breast cancer awareness. There will also be discounted pints (proceeds of which will go to breast cancer charities as well) and raffles for brewery swag. We’re 82% sold currently and the group of attendees consists of many great faces in the craft beer industry- this mix and mingle event is not something to miss! It’s so amazing to see how much the craft beer world is not only willing to, but WANTS to give back to the community and support causes. Beer people definitely are good people.

6. What are you top 3 favorite beer blogs/beer websites?
   Beernews.org is a great resource for the newest craft beer happenings. Hoptopia.com started it all for me and is a growing quick reference review site that is user friendly and super informative (plus he’s got great IPhone and Droid apps which are handy when you’re trying to pick a brew at the bar!)  New Brew Thursday and HopCast’s sites are tied for third- both of their webcasts are fun to watch and chock full of information.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?
   Rauchbiers have recently become my number one- there’s something about that super smoky, burnt flavor that I love.  Thick Russian Imperial Stouts are a close second, as I’m a huge fan of the sweeter, heavier beer.  The newly emerging American-style India Black Ales are also a favorite- I’m loving the mixture of extreme hops and darker malts.
2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?
   Dogfish Head for their flavor experimentation; Cigar City for their crazy cedar-aged series, which I have yet to try but think may be the coolest thing on the face of the planet (I love cigars, in case you couldn’t tell); and BrewDog for their fun approach to beer and super silly beer videos (plus, James is wicked cute!).
3. If you could work with or for any one brewery, which one would it be and why?
   This is a hard question because I think I’d work for and with ANY craft brewery if I had the chance (and someday I want to start my own!)  If I had to pick one, however, I’d say Dogfish Head, because I’d love to pick Sam Calagione’s brain.
4. Are you a homebrewer? If yes, what is the most unique and interesting beer recipes you’ve brewed as a homebrewer?
   I am now a homebrewer as of two weekends ago!  It was such an exciting and frustrating day, my first brew day, where I brewed a Belgian-style Black IPA.  (“Why not?” I said.  “Go big or go home”.)  I’m calling it “Pain in the BIPA” and so far, it smells delicious.  How it tastes, on the other hand, is yet to be determined…
5. Do you have any beer certifications (BJCP, Cicerone, Siebel, American Brewers Guild)?? If so, what are they?
   I do not have any certifications yet, but have been slowly learning about BJCP and Cicerone.  I have a feeling that those certifications may be sought after in my very near future.
6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?
   I’m not stellar at pairing food and beer, but I’d probably say that my favorite so far is a really good homemade veggie burger (usually spicy and peppery) with an IPA with a little bit of malty sweetness, such as Union Jack by Firestone Walker.  I’m getting more into cheese lately, though, and nothing beats a good crystallized cheese (i.e. aged Parmesean) with a robust rauchbier or imperial stout.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?
   Sales
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 want to work for a brewery and learn to brew on a commercial scale so that I could eventually open my own brewery/brewpub.
3. Are you married? Children?
   Not yet, but I am a very lucky lady with a great man in my life.
4. Outside of beer and writing, what are some of your other hobbies?
   Craft beer has, luckily, taken over all of my spare time.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Off The Beaten Path

1. If you were a style of beer, what style would be an why?
   I would be a Black IPA (sorry, American-style India Black Ale), because I like to incorporate a little bit of everything but still have my own flavor and style.
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?
   Oh man- that’s a toughy.  Probably Goose Island’s Bourbon County Coffee Stout because it is decadent and delicious and at 13% ABV, one 22oz bottle makes you feel better, no matter what…
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?
   Bacon, bacon and bacon!  You and I are bacon-loving sisters, and I love that, so I would pay tribute to you with a bacon beer- I wonder how bacon would go with hops…
4. If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
   I would want to be a comic book character like Scott Pilgrim.  If you haven’t seen that movie yet- go see it now.  However, I’m pretty happy with how my life is right now without super powers, but there certainly are some days where I wish I was a comic book character who could just punch someone out and have one of those fun looking sound word bubbles come out… “BAM!”  “BIFF!”  That would make me feel better two-fold!
5. What is one of the craziest things you have ever done and lived to tell the story?
   If I told you, then I’d have to kill you…
6. What are your thoughts on bacon?
   Yes, please!

SPECIAL THANKS TO STEVIE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

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

INTRODUCING: TATIANA PEAVEY

AUTHOR OF: A STRONG FUGGLY BREW

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Tatiana Alexandra Peavey (I kept my maiden name)
Beer Advocate: GoatsUdder
Twitter handle: Goats_Udder
Name of blog: A Strong Fuggly Brew
Current location: California (all of it at once!)

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

The beautiful Mendocino Coast (150mi. N. of San Francisco)

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

I have a varsity letter in sailing from Orange Coast College and have been sailing since I was 9!

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

4 or 5

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

Well my father grew up in Munich, Germany so it wasn’t a big deal for children to try beer at all so he never thought twice about giving me a sip here and there when I asked for it. My first time that I can recall was at a little pizza joint in Fort Bragg, Ca. My family used to go there a lot when I was little  and we’d order pizza and beer, at the time my parents beer of choice was Anchor Steam by Anchor Brewing, SF. And I always used to ask for a sip to go with my first bite of pizza.

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 high school at 16 and moved to Orange County to go to Golden West College for their music and recording program and Orange Coast College for their sailing program. I am now 22 and took a couple years off from school to see where my passions took me. I am applying to Cal State Fullerton this fall to finish my Bachelors in Music (Vocal performance) and English. Why CSUF? It is a block or so from where my husband is attending Law School at Chapman U. and I will never hear the end of it from my parents if I don’t get a degree. I love to read, I love to write and sadly telling people you’re smart means nothing without the little paper that says so.

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 had what one would call a reverse epiphany. I grew up a stones throw from North Coast Brewing Co, and with parents who always had local beers in the ‘fridge. My parents bought a bar when I was a freshman in  high school and I remember them discussing what beers to have on tap. It was very obvious how strongly Anheuser-Busch and Molton-Coors pushed to have their products placed in every bar with emphasis on VISIBILITY. Due to local popular demand and cheapness my parents bent on allowing Miller High Life to be served for $1 pitcher nights. My reverse epiphany came in when I tasted Miller and the samples of Budweiser and Coor’s that the distributors would just oh so casually leave at our club. They tasted awful! Why would ANYONE want to drink this?! Why do they push this swill so hard?! That was definitely an eye opening moment where I scratched the surface of the beer war.

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

On a more positive note than my “reverse epiphany” I would have to say that I have craft beer epiphanies on a daily basis. But nothing comes close to the realization that comes with brewing your own beer, tasting it and knowing you have a very long road ahead before you become the next local watering-hole of amazing craft hoppiness.

Beer Blog Background

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

Technically since January 2009 but it hasn’t been till the beginning of this year that I’ve been updating it more regularly.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I spend a lot of time connected to the interwebs, whether it be through my iPhone or my lap top I am always connected. I had always talked about beer either in forums or updating my facebook statuses it seemed almost natural to formalize it in some way.

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

When I first heard the word “fuggles” I was so amused by it’s sound I was using it every ten minutes, by itself, in funny voices, as a reply, as a question, as often as possible! There’s just something about it that makes me want to roll around and giggle incessantly. As for Goat’s Udder I got that from Norse mythology: when a warrior dies and goes to Valhalla there is a goat who eats from an eternal tree and produces mead from her udder into a large cauldron for the spirits of warriors to drink! I thought that was pretty metal.

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

I hope to reach out to my generation and beyond, bringing to their attention the crucial roll beer has played in our cultural evolution. We need beer to remain community based in order to stave off many of the social problems we have today. Everything from alcoholism, addiction, violence and fear is combated by the sense of community that brewing provides. I recently did a paper for my anthropology class covering exactly these issues (which I will be posting later this month). I want to help show the path to bold flavors and color that many people lack the initiative or courage to explore for themselves, I want to empower both men and women to step out of the comfort zone of fizzy “piss-beers” as I call them, and bask in the light that is the world of craft beer.

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

I feel that being a beer blogger has opened doors for me to meet the people behind the beer that I would normally not be able to meet and I think that’s cool. I also think the attention it has brought to my weaker areas of knowledge is awesome. It forces me to learn more and research constantly.

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

Beer advocate, Beerfestivals.org (it’s always a party there!), Twitter (I love being in constant contact with the tweets of brewmasters from Lagunitas to Stone’s CEO. I get my news and I get it instantly, who’s brewing what and who’s drinking what, it’s great!)

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA’s, Belgian Dubbel, Barleywine

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

North Coast Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co., Dogfish Head Brewing Co.

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

I would have to say Dogfish Head. I think it is amazing how they work with experts to recreate historical brews and beverages—whether for production, or for independent projects, they really hit the nail on the head when it comes to creativity and excitement for unique brews.

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

I have been brewing on and off since I was a child with my dad. The most unique beer we ever made was an Apple Pie Cider that tasted just like Apple Pie!

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

I do not, but I plan to ameliorate that very soon.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

PIZZA AND BEER! You can create any pizza and find a beer for it or vice verse. They were made for each other. Aside from that I really love Stone’s Arrogant Bastard with a Heath Bar and Bacon. I also, recently came to the attention of Stones Epic Vertical Ale 09.09.09 pairing with ate, a Guava Paste, I thought that was super tasty!

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I am a sound engineer and a student.

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

I would go back to my parents ranch in Mendocino, start growing hops in our valley and open a small brew pub in my dad’s shop.

3. Are you married? Children?

I have been married since August of last year! Our honeymoon consisted of visiting every microbrewery between San Francisco and Seattle!! My husband Glenn and I do all of the tasting together and I really appreciate how involved in beer he’s become over the last year, including holding mini tasting events and traveling off the beaten path to find beer. He’s my biggest fan, sponsor, and editor. None of it would be possible without his support.

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

I love to cook, paint, garden, Sail and my four legged children: a 20 year old Chinchilla, an opossum and my Shiba Inu aptly named I.P.A.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I would be a stout–while fun and tasty I am robust and have a wide range of bitterness.

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

It came to my recent attention that there is a fantastic brewer who works at the brewery in Tustin, Ca. While talking to him about his brews and his adventure to his current position he offered me a splash of this amber liquid and asked me what I thought. It was ambrosia! The most perfect barleywine I had ever tasted in my entire life! Why wasn’t it out on the sales floor? Why hadn’t I heard of this before?! I would pay whatever you want but I NEED A BOTTLE OF THIS LIQUID GOLD!

Then the heart break started. He had made two little kegs of this barleywine 4 years ago, bottled some and it went bad. He had to throw away more than half his batch due to oxidization. Indeed there was none left to really pour out, barely a ¼ keg to taste from. If I was being put to death and somehow there was some of this ambrosial, Belgian waffle like, warm honey, maple liquid left–I wouldn’t want anything else to touch my lips. I had religious experience that day.

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

I would make an Scottish Ale. Scottish Ales are my inspirational discussion beer! I feel like when there’s Scottish Ale in my hand we could verbally explore the world and back again. Starting of course with how amazing the beer was!

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

Teleportation! It seems like everywhere I go I’m in the car for 1 hour to 9 hours unless I’m going to the gym and in which case I can normally walk. But everything is so far away I think teleportation would be my greenest of green vehicles!

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

My friend’s yearly beerfest is one of the best parties I look forward to every year. With games and kegs of amazing North Coast brew I am always intensely surprised and happy to wake up alive the next day!

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Yes, Please!

SPECIAL THANKS TO TATIANA FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!