Please note that this list is based on my personal opinions and relationships with these women, and is therefore extremely biased. Nonetheless, these are all very important women who have already and continue to make a huge impact on the beautiful world of craft beer. Also note that the order of the women on the list does not signify ranking, it is merely a listing. Cheers!

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Photo: CraftBeer.com

1. Julia Herz

Craft Beer Program Director, Brewer’s Association

Biographical Snapshot: Julia Herz is orchestrator of Craft Beer Muses, CraftBeer.com’s outlet for furthering the craft beer conversation. As the Craft Beer Program Director Brewers Association (BA) and Publisher of CraftBeer.com, Julia serves as an advocate for and educator about U.S. craft brewers, and is a key spokesperson for the BA.

Julia is a BJCP beer judge, award-winning homebrewer, a Certified Cicerone® and leader of American Craft Beer Week. Her areas of expertise include: resources and education on craft beer, general statistics on the craft brewer segment, beer styles and trends plus craft beer and food pairing. She has been featured by the Food Network ‘Unwrapped’ Series, interviewed on Public Radio, Sirius/XM, CNBC Squawk Box, Fox News and hundreds of other media outlets. Julia is a graduate of University of South Florida and previously worked at CNN in Washington D.C.

Why Julia is a Rockstar: Julia is the epiphany of the term “craft beer advocate” — regardless of gender. Julia is arguably the strongest voice of the craft beer industry. Her passion, drive and knowledge is extremely inspiring. She has, hands down, one of the best palates I’ve ever seen in my life. If there is one person in the craft beer community that I aspire to be like the most, man or woman, it is Julia.

Follow Julia on Twitter: @HerzMuses

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Photo: TeriFahrendorf.com

2. Teri Fahrendorf

Brewmaster, Road Brewer, Founder of Pink Boots Society

Biographical Snapshot: Teri is the second woman brewmaster in the history of American craft beer. She was the first woman brewmaster at both a California craft brewery and at an Oregon craft brewery. Her extensive brewing experience includes Sieben’s River North Brewpub in Chicago; Golden Gate Brewing Company in Berkeley, California; Triple Rock Brewing Company in Berkeley, California; and Steelhead Brewing Company‘s five locations in Oregon and California. Teri has won a total of eights medals in the Great American Beer Festival competition.

Teri is currently the President of the Pink Boots Society, an international charitable trade organization created to inspire, encourage, and empower women to become professionals in the Beer Industry. Teri also boasts experience as a technical speaker at many beer industry conferences, and has written technical articles for brewing trade magazines and books. Teri is a graduate of the Siebel Institute of Brewing Technology in Chicago, where she was voted Class President; the first woman class president in Siebel’s history. Teri also has a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Why Teri is a Rockstar: When Teri first started brewing professionally in 1989, there were virtually no women working in breweries. Now, as a result of her efforts with the Pink Boots Society, every major and most of the smaller craft breweries in the country have at least one woman on the team. I have yet to meet her in person, but I look forward to that day!

Follow Pink Boots on Twitter: @PinkBootsBeer

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Photo: Facebook

3. Lucy Saunders

Owner, F&B Communications LLC

Biographical Snapshot: Lucy is a writer (newspapers, magazines and books) and educator primarily focused on food & beer pairings, cooking with beer, and environmentalism in the beer industry. She is the author of five cookbooks including Cooking with Beer,Grilling with Beer,and The Best of American Beer & Food. Lucy was one of three women who contributed to Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser — an international collection of essays honoring the famous beer & whiskey writer, Michael Jackson. Lucy is also an instructor at the Siebel Institute on Beer & Food.

In addition to her writings, Lucy is the organizer of the Great Lakes Water Conservation Conference for craft brewers and policy makers as well as a speaker on sustainability topics in brewing. Lucy is a graduate of the Siebel Institute’s Sensory Evaluation course, and trained in baking and pastry at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. She also graduated from Hamilton University with a Bachelors degree in English Literature.

Why Lucy is a Rockstar: Not only is Lucy a pioneer in the world of food & beer, but I also consider her to be a beloved mentor, trusted friend and respected colleague. Ever since I met her (roughly 4 years ago), Lucy has taken me under her wing and has been one of my greatest supporters. She is one of the most intelligent, passionate and kindest people I have ever met. I have learned so much and have so much more to learn from Lucy.

Follow Lucy on Twitter: @lucybeercook & @GLWater

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Photo: Facebook

4. Wendy Littlefield

Co-Founder, Vanberg & DeWulf

Biographical Snapshot: Founded in 1982 by Wendy Littlefield and her husband Don, Vanberg & DeWulf pioneered the importation of artisan ales from Belgium. From 1997 to 2003, Wendy and her husband Don co-founded and ran Brewery Ommegang, the first brewery to produce cork-finished, bottle conditioned Belgian style beers in America. Wendy was the first American woman inducted into the Belgian Brewers Guild in its more than 500 year history.

Wendy is also the founder of Pi Group, a marketing consulting firm with special interest in women’s issues, girls’ education, widening participation for minorities, sustainable dining on campus – and how non-profits can use social networking to advance their causes. She graduated magna cum laude from Yale University with a Bachelors degree in Architectural History.

Why Wendy is a Rockstar: As fate would have it, I met Wendy the very same day I met Lucy (above) — a pinnacle moment in my life as a female beer blogger and aspiring beer professional. Wendy’s resume is quite possibly the most impressive of all the women in the craft beer industry. If anyone should be deemed the first woman pioneer of craft beer in the U.S., Wendy gets my vote. I’m proud to call her a friend and mentor. I look forward to the day when I can join in on one her adventures in Belgium.

Follow Wendy on Twitter: @belgianexpert

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Photo: Discovery.com

5. Mariah Calagione

Vice President/ Marketing, Dogfish Head Brewery

Biographical Snapshot: Considered the right-side of the brain inside the workings of Dogfish Head, Mariah is not just Sam’s wife, but an integral part of the Dogfish Head team. After supporting her husband with an actual paycheck for the first few years, Mariah joined the Dogfish Head team full-time in 1997. As Vice President, Mariah works with the marketing, web, merchandise, tour and community teams. She also oversees all the social media marketing done by Dogfish.

Prior to and during the beginning of Dogfish Head’s development, she was Director at WBOC-TV, a CBS affiliate based in Maryland. Mariah graduated with a Bachelors in Public Policy from Brown University.

Why Mariah is a Rockstar: Mariah is living proof that behind every great man is an even greater woman (no offense Sam). In my eyes, Mariah is the glue that holds Dogfish Head’s core together. She is one of the brilliant minds behind Dogfish Head’s creative and innovative marketing. Under Mariah’s leadership, Dogfish Head has emerged as one of the, if not the, most influential craft beer brands on social media. She is also one of the biggest supporters of beer bloggers, and I am honored to call her a friend!

Follow Mariah on Twitter: @dogfishbeer

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Photo: Entrepreneur Magazine

6. Kim Jordan

CEO & President, New Belgium Brewing

Biographical Snapshot: As CEO and President of New Belgium Brewing, Kim is active in day-to-day sales, Branding, and Organizational Development aspects of the business with a huge focus on mid-range and long-range strategical development. She cultivated her passion for social work, the environment and community to develop one of the fastest growing craft breweries in the U.S. Under her leadership, New Belgium boasts a healthy internal culture with progressive policies such as employee-ownership, open book management and philanthropic giving. She negotiated New Belgium’s transition to wind powered electricity through an employee vote and as over seen the implementation of Colorado’s largest private solar array at the Fort Collins facility.

In her twenty years as an entrepreneur, Kim has spoken to thousands of people in the business, nonprofit and academic worlds about how to create a vibrant and rewarding work culture that enhances the bottom line. Kim graduated from Colorado State University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her early work included being an advocate for women’s rights and family health at Project Self Sufficiency.

Why Kim is a Rockstar: Kim is one of the most powerful women in craft beer. As the third largest craft brewery in the U.S., New Belgium changing the way craft beer is perceived and consumed in the marketplace. Kim is also driving major change in policy and brewing operations across the world. But don’t let her success and notoriety intimidate, Kim is an extremely down to earth, very approachable woman.

Follow New Belgium on Twitter: @newbelgium

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Photo: Facebook

7. Lisa Morrison

Author, Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest

Biographical Snapshot: Known amongst the craft beer community as The Beer Goddess, Lisa is a Portland-based freelance beer writer, published author, beer instructor, beer judge and general crusader for the craft beer movement. Her freelance writing work includes: the Brewers Association’s New Brewer, Celebrator Beer News, Northwest Brewing News and more. Lisa is also the host of Beer O’Clock, a radio program on Newsradio 101 FM KXL connecting beer lovers from around the world to the best in great beer through exclusive interviews, brews news, event listings, and tasting notes, etc.

Lisa is also the author of Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest, the first book in more than a decade that brings beer lovers the very best insider information on the best places to source Northwest beer. Lisa graduated Colorado State University with a degree in Technical Journalism.

Why Lisa is a Rockstar: As one of the first modern-day female beer writers, Lisa has helped to forge the path for beer writer a bloggers, both male and female alike. She is a staple and a figure in her local Portland beer scene, actively supporting her local watering holes, breweries, fellow beer writers and bloggers. Lisa is one of the kindest women I have ever met, and I’m truly honored to call her a friend.

Follow Lisa on Twitter: @TheBeerGoddess

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Photo: Jon Weber, BeerObsessed.com

8. Nicole Erny

Exam Manager, Cicerone Certification Program

Biographical Snapshot: By far the youngest on this list, Nicole Erny was recently crowned the first woman Master Cicerone, and is one of four people in the world to claim the title. Her main responsibilities at the Cicerone Certification Program include planning and managing all aspects of the Certified Cicerone Exam; leading trainings for distributors, brewery sales teams, and other groups of beer industry professionals; Administering the Cicerone Exam at various locations throughout the US and beyond.

As a native Northern Californian with a special focus on Belgian beer, Nicole has created fantastic beer menus and formulated pairings that have captured the interest of beer drinkers from novice to expert. She has a Bachelor’s Degree,Interdisciplinary Humanities with emphasis in Media Studies from New College of California.

Why Nicole is a Rockstar: As someone who is lucky enough to live in Nicole’s neck of the world, I can attest to her super-human tasting powers and ridiculously vast knowledge of beer. When I first met Nicole, as she was tending bar at The Trapist in Oakalnd, I knew right away that she was destined for great things in beer. I’ve had the honor of taking the Certified Cicerone Exam under her management, and have experienced her training first hand. She is one of the most energetic women in the industry, and I’m really excited to see what she accomplishes in the coming years!!

Follow Nicole on Twitter: @Beer_Muse

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Photo: Melissa Cole

9. Melissa Cole

Author, Let Me Tell You About Beer

Biographical Snapshot: Melissa is an expert beer writer, beer event organizer, bar staff training and corporate events. Melissa Cole is also the founder and author of the popular UK beer blog, Taking the Beard Out of Beer. Melissa has been invited to judge at beer competitions from London to Italy and Amsterdam to America, having built a reputation as having a fine palate and fun approach to all things brewed. She is lead partner in London’s only dedicated beer tasting business, lovebeer@borough in Borough Market.

Melissa recently published her début book on beer, Let Me Tell You About Beer. She is also London’s leading exponent of corporate tastings and beer experiences, with everything from 10 cover high-end beer matched dinners for senior executives of blue chip companies to themed canape receptions for 300 delegates under her belt. Melissa was also named one of the Most Powerful Women in the Drinks Industry by Channel4 Food.

Why Melissa is a Rockstar: The percentage of women beer drinkers in the UK is pathetically low. So much so, that mega-corporations have targeted the alcohol loving women of the UK with horrible marketing gimmicks like clear beer. Through her writing, speaking engagements, and event planning, Melissa has made it her mission to educate women in the UK about craft beer. She is a friend that I frequently enjoy standing next to on a virtual soap box, using our blogs and Twitter voices to inspire change in the beer community.

Follow Melissa on Twitter: @MelissaCole

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Photo: ryan tillotson

10. Gwen Conley

Quality Assurance Manager, Lost Abbey

Biographical Snapshot: Gwen got her start in the beer biz as microbiologist for Coors in Golden, Colorado. She left Coors to work for the Ball Corporation, where she went through their sensory training program and became an expert on how colors, aromas, and flavors work together to create sensory experiences. After that, Gwen took her experience to Flying Dog, where she managed their QA efforts and conducted educational programs in beer and food pairings.

Gwen is currently manages the brewing and production processes at Lost Abbey where she is “putting all that fancy science equipment in the lab to work”. She also oversees Lost Abbey’s sensory sessions and assists in production of its much sought after barrel blends. Gwen is an instructor at the American Brewers Guild, instructing aspiring brewers on the subjects of Quality and Microbiology. She graduated the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

Why Gwen is a Rockstar: Picture the phrase: Kicking ass and taking names — that is Gwen. Gwen is quite possibly the most badass woman in the craft beer world. Although extremely fun and sociable, Gwen is one tough and serious chick when it comes to the quality of beer. Her lab work is changing the landscape of beer, one microorganism at a time. But don’t let her geeky science background fool you, Gwen definitely knows how to have a good time

Follow Gwen on Twitter: @sensorygoddess

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 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: LYSSA BEYER

AUTHOR OF: BEER IN MY BOTTLE

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Lyssa Rachel Beyer
Twitter handle: @beyerlr
Name of blog: Beer in My Bottle (a blog for the Hub site of the Green Bay Press Gazette)
Current location: Green Bay, Wis.

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Kimberly, Wis.

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

I play basketball, but the last time I’ve done so competitively was in middle school.

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

Probably around sweet 16, though I didn’t drink too often throughout high school. College is where the party begins.

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

If memory serves me, I was in an upstairs bedroom of an older house. I’m sad to admit this, but I’m pretty sure it was a Coors Light. I guess I couldn’t have expected my taste buds to be completely developed the first time around, so that’s my excuse. And that’s probably all that was available anyway.

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 Wisconsin – Eau Claire with two Bachelor of arts degrees, one in print journalism and the other in Spanish. Una cerveza, por favor.

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 ultimate craft beer epiphany revolved around drinking some homebrew. There is nothing more satisfying than enjoying the hard work you put into brewing, especially if it turns out good. I remember driving home from work one day, and thinking to myself, I could really go for one of those beers I made. That day, when I craved my own beer, I felt like a new person. As much as I had experimented with tasting new beers before that day, it has since been my mission. I have not stopped drinking yet.

Beer Blog Background

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

I started blogging about beer while interning at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in June 2008. I’d been writing on and off since my MJS blog ended in August ’08, and starting in January I restarted my more-regular blogging career at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. I try to post twice a week.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I was living in Milwaukee, surrounded my breweries, brew pubs, stores with aisles and aisles of beer from around the world. With all this at my fingertips, I couldn’t help but explore. And I love writing. So, I wrote about it.

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

My blog at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was called A Beer a Day, which I still believe in, but I thought I should change my personality while living in Green Bay. I’m hoping to get more involved in home brewing than I had been in Milwaukee, so thinking about putting Beer in My Bottle seemed appropriate.

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

I hope to learn a lot about craft beers and the home brewing process. Through readers and their comments, I’m aiming to find more ways to get involved in the beer world: festivals, bars and exotic beer tastings. Most importantly, I hope to inspire other people to become just as involved and obsessed with the beverage and everything it has to offer.

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

After my internship with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, I decided I wasn’t ready to get a real job anywhere, so I randomly moved to a furnished apartment a walks-length from the beach in Florida. I went down there without a job, but with the strong intention of getting ahold of something part time. There was a beer bar between my house and the beach. They were looking for a new server. I talked with the manager, and found out he had been reading my blog. Before I walked through that door looking for a waitressing job, he knew who I was. Needless to say, I spent four months living in the sunshine and serving beer to my fellow beer-loving patrons.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Wheat, India Pale Ale, Winter Lager

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

I’ve made about 5 homebrew batches in my career as a beer lover. The most fun batch we made was not any already-named style at all, but rather we went to the store and picked our grains by smelling them. And some by their exotic names. It was fun, and the beer turned out great! We also added citrus peel to that batch. Definitely a brew to make again!

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

None of the above, though I’m considering pursuing at least one of these sometime in my life!

4. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Dinner and beer. Doesn’t matter what I’m eating, or what kind of beer I’m drinking. In fact, I think the most fun pairing would be a meal I’d never ate before and a beer I’ve never tasted!

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Currently I work as a copy editor at the Green Bay Press-Gazette, laying out pages and writing catchy headlines so that if you have enough time to put down your pint and pick up a paper, I might intrigue you to actually read a story. But actually, I work nights, so is this really my day job?

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 travel the world and write about all the beer I could find. I love blogging, and I love traveling. Oh, and I love beer. Would they pay me to do that?

3. Are you married? Children?

Nope. And nope.

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

Running, snowboarding, scrapbooking, I dabble in fishing — more specifically with a fly, reading, baking, socializing (I think that can count as a hobby).

Off The Beaten Path

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

Any type of Ale, because that means I’m top fermented, and something about that just sounds more appealing.

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?

Blue Moon, because it’s always been my favorite. Are they going to give me an orange slice?

3. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I prefer turkey bacon. Not big on grease. Though, if I had enough beer the night before, this could be a different story.

SPECIAL THANKS TO LYSSA FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS TO WOMEN IN BEER!

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: CARLA COMPANION

AUTHOR OF: THE BEER BABE’S BREW REVIEWS

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Carla Jean Companion
Internet nickname: The Beer Babe
Twitter handle: @beerbabe
Name of blog: The Beer Babe’s Brew Reviews
Current location: Portland, ME (As of December 21st!)

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Syracuse, NY

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

I was never a “run back and forth chasing a ball” type of person, but I was geeky enough to actually direct the pep band that played at our high school football and basketball games. In college (University of New Hampshire) I got really into competitive target archery after joining the archery team. I placed second place regionally and won several state/local competitions. I haven’t hung up my bow just yet, but I shoot a lot less since I have taken over coaching the UNH’s archery team.

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

I know I had my first sips of wine as a little kid at the table with my parents. I don’t remember my first beer experience, but if it was a sip of my parent’s Bud Light I am betting it wasn’t a pleasant one. Not sure on the age.

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

I went to the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH and got a B.S. in Marine & Freshwater biology. At UNH I was a resident assistant (RA) and joined the archery team. I also was the “on-line editor” for the college newspaper, The New Hampshire. After a few years in a corporate job un-related to my degree, I went back to school because I wanted to teach people about science, and I just got my M.S. in Environmental Studies : Environmental Education from Antioch University New England this July.

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:

This one took me a while to figure out. I can’t remember when it was that I decided that beer was not a vile beverage that my dad and grandfather liked, but I do remember when the spark of passion for craft beer hit me.

After I had started drinking different beers and getting used to their tastes after college, I had a friend that told me about Dogfish Head IPAs. They have three different IPAs, 60, 90 and 120 minute IPAs, corresponding to the amount of time that the beer is dry-hopped. (Which, at the time had to be explained to me – complete with a photograph of “Sir Hops Alot”) Essentially, however, the brews are very similar, with a different amount of malt added just to round out the hops. My friend got a hold of a bottle of 120 minute IPA and we had a side-by-side tasting of 60, 90 and 120.

I can’t tell you how intrigued I was that the same ingredients in slightly different ratios could produce such drastically different, but somehow linked beer. And I couldn’t believe that anyone would consider that beer ingredients could produce something as insane as the 120 minute IPA, or that hops could have such a range of delightful flavors. I was hooked, and really wanted to explore those subtleties within a beer style, not just compare different beer styles to one another.

Beer Blog Background

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

I started in May of 2007, so I am right at about 2 and a half years.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

In 2007 I moved to a duplex that was in walking distance of a convenience store that had a surprisingly large and frequently updated selection of beer. Living with five other roommates meant that I could bring home a six pack of a beer that I’d never tried before, and we could sit around debating the relative merits of each beer.

We tried anything and everything that we could find, and kept a bottle from each of the beers we tried. After a year of doing this, we had collected a little over 100 bottles. But as we were packing them up to move out, we realized that there was very little that we remembered about each beer, and that we might have to try them all again to find the ones that we truly enjoyed.

So as an organization tool and supplement to my own memory, I decided to write up my thoughts on the beers on a blog, and The Beer Babe’s Brew Reviews was born.

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

Hhm… its an alliteration that’s pretty easy to remember, but I think I was dubbed “the beer babe” by a friend of mine once he found out how much I knew about beer. People have been asking me a lot about it lately – and I keep trying to tell them – hey – its not that I really think I’m some hot babe, it just kinda worked.

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

I really like exposing people to an ameteur-turned-intermediate adventurer type of writing – and not getting too jargony or snobby. I will start homebrewing soon (I know I promised that to readers last year but I’m really going to start soon.)

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

There have been a lot of really neat things that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing as a beer blogger. I got to be a “beer expert” at a brewer’s dinner for the Maine Brewers Festival, I’ve met and talked with lots of local and non-local brewers, I’ve met several people from Dogfish Head Brewery (including Sam Caligione) that knew who I was or had read my blog, and in general I’ve just gotten to try a lot of really awesome beers that I don’t think I would have had access to otherwise (like Atlantic IPA, Brooklyn Black Ops, etc.) To pick one moment is really tough!

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

I love The Aleuminati because they really got me initially connected with the craft beer loving’ world and they’re all great people. Beer for Chicks is awesome, too, if not just for the fact that there are hundreds of beer-loving women on there that give me faith that I’m not too weird. But The Beer Wench, Here for the Beer, Dr. Beer Love, Ratebeer, Drink Craft Bee definitely make the list.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Ugh. I knew you’d ask a “favorite” question at some point. It changes for me, like, daily. But I do usually love Russian Imperial Stouts, Hefeweizens and certain IPAs. I’m across the board, and frankly, I’ll try anything – so tomorrow I might have an entirely new favorite.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Dogfish Head Brewery (DE), Allagash (ME) and Stone (CA) because they make some damn fine beers. Brooklyn, Goose Island, Unibroue and others also fit into the top 10 somewhere.

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

Dogfish Head, because Sam seems like a really laid-back guy to work for. Or Stone, so I could live in California and get to hang out at their awesome brewery there.

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

I plan to be soon! Haven’t gotten together the equipment (and it is insanely difficult to find homebrewing stuff near me.)

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?

Redhook ESB and flan. Just try it – its awesome.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I work for the University of Maine doing teacher professional development, educational research and social networking. We run workshops that pair scientists and educators helping the scientists to communicate their research more effectively, and helping educators to bring more current scientific research into their classrooms.

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 I would stay doing this, honestly. Its really my passion.

3. Are you married? Children?

Neither. I’m happy, though, and that’s what matters.

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

I’ve already mentioned archery, but I also love photography, collecting antique science books, listening to and collecting vinyl records (though I’m hating that now because I have to move about 20 boxes of them up four flights of stairs… not fun.). I also do freelance graphic design (mostly for non-profits) and have in past positions helped design exhibits for museums. I also recently learned to ski, and I also enjoy recreational target shooting with a 22 rifle, and I know how to do a lot of common car repairs. So I’m a bit of a tomboy for a babe, but hey, its fun.

Off The Beaten Path

1. 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’m temped to say “La Fin Du Monde” here but that’s a little cheesy. If they could get me any beer at all I’d probably ask for Kate the Great (Russian Imperial Stout) or Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA.

2. 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?

Since I don’t know much about brewing, I can only guess here, but I think that because the “wench” implies a pirate-like nature I’d probably brew a spicy IPA. Or I could just bring you a bottle of Middle Ages Brewing – Wailing Wench for you to drink.

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

I would really like the ability to pause time. So I could get tons of things done but not spend any time actually doing them.

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

I took a class in graduate school called “Alpine Flora” which is essentially studying the teeny weeny flowers that grow on top of mountains. For the class, we had to climb Mount Adams (5774 ft) and Jefferson (5712 ft) and spend a few days in the mountains. It was probably the most physically challenging thing I’ve ever done – we had 60lb packs, steep trails and hot weather, and I was out of shape.

It was gorgeous, but I was unprepared since I’m not usually a mountain-hiker. My shoes were cheap and apparently not ready for the strenuous nature of the hikes either because after the third day of walking pointy rocks, completely split in two. Both of them. Which meant that the only footwear that I had to descend the steep, slippery trails was a borrowed pair of sandals and some wool socks.

I carefully made my way down the mountain, and managed not to tumble completely down the side or break an ankle. I was wicked lucky.(for pictures and a more detailed story, check out

5. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I want to learn to cure it, because at a DrinkCraftBeer beer dinner, they supposedly had HOP CURED BACON that I must – at some point in my life – try.

SPECIAL THANKS TO CARLA FOR BEING AN INSPIRATIONAL FEMALE BEER BLOGGER!

CHEERS!