DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Tweeter Interview Series

Beer bloggers are not the only people using social media to share their passion for and knowledge of craft beer. Twitter is one of the most important tools in today’s craft beer industry. Beer tweeters all over the world are influencing and impacting the way people interact with and experience craft beer. The Beer Wench has embarked upon a mission to interview as many beer tweeters that she can — from all over the world.

Are you a beer tweeter? Do you want to share your story? Send me an email!

INTRODUCING BEER TWEETER: TOMMY WERNER

Twitter handle: @wtwerner

Current location: Chicago, IL

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

In the suburbs of Chicago.

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

I hurt my back playing lacrosse when I was younger, but since then, I’ve been able to scuba dive and snowboard a bunch. I also fish a lot, if you consider that a sport. I guess the most interesting sport I’ve competed in was curling when I was a kid.

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

I was raised in a very European fashion so I was given a bit of wine or beer with dinner at a really young age in order to savor the flavors.

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 don’t remember the full story, but I can guarantee it was a light American lager.

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 University of Wisconsin – Madison (go Badgers!) and studied film while I was there. In college, I was a part of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, I was an assistant instructor for the university scuba club, and I participated in the Madison Homebrewers and Tasters Guild.

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:

In college, I decided that I wanted to be an expert in some alcoholic beverage. I chose beer because it was relatively inexpensive and there were tons of different examples to sample. Also, I’ve had some ancestors who were involved in the beer industry at different points in history.

I guess the revelation came when I tasted some of my first craft beers such as Rogue Dead Guy Ale and Three Floyds Alpha King and I realized how flavorful and involving beer could be. I was raised to appreciate fine wine so it was interesting to be able to enjoy beer in a similar manner. Since those first beers, I make it a point to try as many beers as I can that I haven’t before.

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

The next major epiphany was when I got into sour beer. I remember buying my first gueuze at the Map Room in Chicago and not knowing what to expect. I had a Cantillion gueuze and it was fantastic. I was instantly hooked to sour beers and sour beer styles continue to be some of my favorites.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

This is an extremely difficult question, but right now my favorites are:

• IIPA
• Weizenbock
• Gueuze

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Another impossible question so I’ll choose some local favorites:

• Three Floyds
• Goose Island
• Piece

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

There are many breweries I’d love to work for. The main thing I think I’d look for is if I like drinking their beer. I wouldn’t want to work for a company if I didn’t enjoy their product.

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

Yes I am. Generally, I brew mostly to style, but the most interesting recipes I’ve brewed have been the ones where I try to make beers that please both the non-beer-drinker and the beer geek. I believe my American rye/wheat was my most successful batch in that respect.

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

I just completed the WBA/Siebel International Diploma Program, and I’m going back to Munich in the summer to participate in the Master Brewers Program.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

During Siebel, Randy Mosher paired Old Rasputin with aged Gouda cheese. This is definitely my favorite pairing so far.

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

I don’t read too many, but for homebrewing answers I like to read homebrewtalk.com. Also, I make sure to check out gentlemanly.net to see what I should bring to the next #gents meeting.

This past November, at the inaugural Beer Bloggers Conference in Boulder, Hagan Blount of “I Taste Your Beer” interviewed a slew of beer bloggers about their beer theories. After weeks of editing, the awesome viral video ready to launch. And yours truly is extremely excited to have been given the honor of being the first beer blog allowed embed the video… WOOT!

Cheers to all my fellow beer bloggers and to all the craft brewers around the world who ignite our passion for the craft and inspire us to share our stories with people all over the world on the Interwebz!

My Beer Theory from I Taste Your Beer on Vimeo.

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: DANIEL AKA “THE DUDE”

AUTHOR OF: IT’S A FUCKING BEER

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Daniel
Internet nickname: The Dude
Twitter handle: @itsafuckingbeer
Name of blog: itsafuckingbeer.com
Current location: Greenville, SC

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town called Abbeville, SC, which is affectionately referred to as the “birthplace and deathbed of the Confederacy.” No shit. Take that, rest of the South.

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

Baseball all the way until I started having to actually make the team to play. I took up skateboarding a second time in college and still try a drunken ollie or kickflip here and there.

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

Other than a sip of Dad’s Silver Bullet growing up, I was a few months shy of 21. I’ve made up for it.

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 didn’t really like the first beer I tasted, which was a Bass Pale Ale someone else was having at the now thrice-defunct Wings Down Under here in Greenville. A few years later when that bar was called the Bait Shack, I used to swill large amounts of cheap PBR there until it closed down.

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

I attended Clemson University where I majored in mechanical engineering with a minor in film studies. I was a college radio DJ and a writer/editor/photographer at the school newspaper. I tended to drink lots of whiskey while writing, like all good southern writers.

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:

Oi, I’d probably have to say when I made a spring break trip and did some shopping in a state that allowed beer with higher alcohol content. Not that it should make much difference, but I grabbed a few Avery brews and Stone Arrogant Bastard. It fucked my world. I wasn’t ready for the Reverend or Salvation – I still don’t do Belgians – but my eyes were opened. Also, I lost my job and went way broke right after I stocked up. My only other choice was O.E. 800.

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

A buddy brought Dale’s Pale Ale over to my first house party / barbecue when I moved away from my college town in 2006. Another friend brought Terrapin Rye. I was hooked on them both that entire summer. And I still drink them regularly.

Beer Blog Background

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

Almost a whole fucking year now!

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I was sick and tired of beer blogs that went on for ages without actually letting you know if the beer was worth a shit. Also, bad writing and photography in said beer blogs. Come on, people, we aren’t all 13 year old girls with our first iPhones, ripping up livejournal.

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

Well, we were drinking at a bar, bitching about how confusing beer reviews can be and I just said “It’s a fucking beer, just drink it!” Fucking epiphany.

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

Well, I just want beer reviews to be less stuffy. I hope to generate a few laughs, all the while putting out content that can be digested while the readers are drinking heavily. Don’t get me wrong – I love beer, but I’d rather drink it than sniff and douche with it.

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

Strangely, locals recognize me from it. And that motherfucker Greg from Stone insisted on taking a photo of us…together. One of these days I’m gonna get a a free beer.

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

I can’t read. Sometimes I check out Beerandwhiskeybros.com. I’d rather just go hang out at my locals and drink. Oh, those are barleysgville.com and thecommunitytap.com.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, Stout (imperials and all that), Scotch Ale

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Founders, Bear Republic, Oskar Blues.

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

Well shit. Brewdog is pretty much the Courtney Love of breweries, but I’m sure they’d be fun as hell to work for. Also, I’m sure they’d love my ruddy face-hair and public urination stats.

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 more of a quality guy. I helped my roommate brew a smoked habanero imperial stout that we’re pretty proud of in response to Monster Energy Drink being a bunch of assholes to RockArt Brewery.

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

Hell no. I’m Scots-Irish with a liver like a golf ball and no conscience.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Uh. Pizza and beer. IPA or stout. Yeah. I said it. Or burgers. Burgers go fucking great with stouts, IPAs, pales or any combination of the three.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

Uh… What? Day job? I’m a freelance photographer / pourer of growlers / filmmaker / band promoter / asshole / art dude.

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?

Make films. I stopped being a tire engineer a while back for this reason. Yes, tire engineer. Michelin. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.

3. Are you married? Children?

No. Shit, I hope not.

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

Photography, filmmaking, guitar, running, general fuckery.

Off The Beaten Path

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

Scotch Ale. I’m a ginger Ulster-Scot. Sweet, red and violent.

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?

Probably a Terrapin Hopsecutioner just for the irony. And because it’s pretty damn good.

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?

Still gonna go with Scotch Ale for this one. The sex and violence of your taste buds would totally fit the profile.

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

Dude, invisibility always rules. And flying. Maybe I could be Wonder Woman’s plane. She would always be all up in me.

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

Oh shit, really? I’ve spent time in jail on each coast, but I’d have to say running from the cops and getting away with it (mostly unscathed) would take the cake. That or chasing cars down the street with my bare ass…

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Go Benton’s or go home.

SPECIAL THANKS TO DANIEL FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

I am super stoked to have had the opportunity to get interviewed by Barley Pop, an original web series about beer, at this year’s CanFest in Reno. The event was super rad, the people I met were super rad, and Buckbean Brewing Company set me up with a super rad room in the casino. I had an amazing time and will definitely go back next year.

And yeah, I know I have a lot of lesson to learn in the way of doing formal interviews and I know I talk too much and say like too much. Trust me, I will get there. But until then, check out my interview. And yes, modesty is not my strength. But then… the wench by any other name wold still be as wenchy…

Oh and the cool part about this vid, is that is captured my crazy hair w/ bright purple, black and white (the hot pink faded)…

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: CHADRICK MCNEAL

AUTHOR OF: THE BEER FAN

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Chadrick McNeal
Twitter handle: mcnealc31
Name of blog: The Beer Fan
Current location: Lima, Ohio

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

Wapakoneta, Ohio

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

Growing up I played baseball and basketball, CYO basketball in high school. I played a lot of intramurals in college including softball, basketball, floor hockey, soccer, and flag football. Since then I have played a little bit of rec league softball and sand volleyball. I have been known to be quite the defensive beast at dodgeball, too.

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

18

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

Busch Light. Had it at a party in college. There isn’t much of a story to it. I didn’t like it and it took a long time to choke it down. It actually took me a while to develop a taste for 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 went to college at Bowling Green State University and studied Telecommunications. From there, I went to Syracuse University and studied Broadcast Journalism.

Outside of classes, I spent a lot of time doing radio sports for our college station, working part time in radio, and I was also in marching and other bands.

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 craft beer epiphany was probably the first time I hadGreat Lakes’ Eliot Ness. I liked Killian’s and Amberbock but wanted to try something different. I was blown away! I didn’t know beer could taste that good. It was so rich and full of flavor, and looked gorgeous. Plus I’m a big fan of the movie The Untouchables, so I thought the name was cool, too.

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

When I moved to where I live now, there was a store that had a huge selection of craft and imports you could buy by the bottle. I liked what I was trying, but I didn’t really know what I was doing. That’s when I started reading about different styles, different breweries, things like that. I wouldn’t say there was one exact moment, but a collection of trying new beers, then figuring out what I was trying and why I liked it.

Beer Blog Background

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

I started about a year and a half ago but took about a year off when the only worthwhile place to get craft beer in town closed. Luckily, a new wine shop has started carrying craft beer that you can buy by the bottle. I live in a town that’s pretty sheltered when it comes to craft beer. I have gotten laughed at by a bartender for ordering a Killian’s because they didn’t have anything “that fancy”.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

I wanted to keep track of everything I’ve tried. I found that with a lot of other reviews sites I either don’t agree with the ratings, the reviewers’ palates are much more adept than mine, or the descriptions are thesaurus-filled descriptions that didn’t say anything.

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

I’m a fan of beer!

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

I just want to get some more ideas and reviews out there. Things have really taken off since I joined twitter. It’s been really cool to make connections with more bloggers, find more craft beer sites, and find out about more breweries. I would like to do more than reviews, but I’m not sure what yet.

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

It’s happening right now!

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

Beeradvocate.com, craftbeer.com, and there a ton of others I check out often. RSS feeds are pretty wonderful for that.

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

Porter, Stout, Bourbon Barrel

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Great Lakes Brewing Company, Stone, Breckenridge Brewery. Founders is making a run, but I haven’t had enough to put them in the top 3.

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

I’m going to cheat and name two. Great Lakes, because it was my beer epiphany, I like the Cleveland connection, I haven’t had a beer from there I haven’t loved, the variety is endless, and they’ve got killer names.
But since my last name is McNeal, I think McNeill’s Brewery would be a good fit!

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 have a new batch of Holiday Ale fermenting right now. This is just the fifth batch I’ve brewed, and it’s got the potential to be the best. I am still using others’ recipes, but I think I’m ready to branch out on my own next. Perhaps a vanilla porter.

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?

Beer and meat! Steak, burgers, bacon.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I’m the production director for a group of 5 radio stations. I am also the afternoon drive DJ on our classic rock station.

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?

Eventually, I want to own a craft beer and homebrew store. But before that, I’d love to work some kind of marketing/promotions/PR gig for a brewery.

3. Are you married? Children?

Nope. I’m not ready for a wife or kids right now. But hopefully some day.

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

I have been acting in community theater for a little more than a year and I love it! I’ve been in five shows so far and have played very different characters. It’s quite a thrill to be in front of the audience in that setting, Some of my closest friends and the people I spend the most time with, I have met through the theater.

Off The Beaten Path

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

Probably a spiced holiday/Christmas ale. I’m big, warm, there is some surprise if you dig, and I’ll do a lot of things just because I think they’ll be fun for others.

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?

Great Lakes’ Eliot Ness. It was my first craft beer and still one of my favorites.

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?

Likely an Oktoberfest/Marzen style. That’s what I think of when I hear “Beer Wench”. Something smooth, but full of flavor. However, I would think some kind of spicy hops would be a nice touch, too.

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

Supreme mental powers. Being able to get whatever I wanted just by wishing! For the good of the world, of course.

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

I once had a man standing on my shoulders while juggling flaming batons. That was pretty wild!

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I would like some. Do you have any?

SPECIAL THANKS TO CHAD FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

Collaborations are hella exciting (whoah, California has completely taken over my vocabulary). Heck, new beer releases are uber exciting, especially when they are between two breweries for which I have a lot of admiration, adoration, and respect. Super excited to announce the recent collaboration between New Belgium and Allagash — Vrienden, a funky sour concoction made with weird ingredients such as caramelized endive and hibiscus.

This is the first time I’ve gotten wind of the beer, which means that I’ve been a really bad Internet beer stalker. I’ve attached the press release below. Not sure what the distribution will be, but I’m really hoping to get my hands on some. Hopefully, it makes its way up to wine country … cause it would fly off the shelf up here.

– PRESS RELEASE –

New Belgium Brewing of Fort Collins, CO and Allagash Brewing of Portland, ME are pleased to announce the release of their collaboration ale, Vrienden (Flemish for friends). Brewed with caramelized endive and hibiscus, Vrienden is inoculated with lacto bacillus and brettanomyces, creating a slightly sour beer with a floral nose and a dry finish.

“We wanted a very simple sour so as not to compete with the hibiscus,” said New Belgium Brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert. “When we ran tests using our La Folie bretta, it was too intense and the hibiscus disappeared. The Allagash microbes bring just the right amount of sour and elevate the hibiscus notes where they belong.”

Allagash founder, Rob Tod, and brewmaster, Jason Perkins collaborated with New Belgium brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert, and Assistant Brewmaster, Grady Hull, at New Belgium’s Mothership facility in Fort Collins last September. They started the day sautéing endive in New Belgium’s employee kitchen to achieve caramelization. When asked what the endive would add to the beer, Bouckaert thought for a moment, shrugged and said simply, “endive.” The team later pitched endive into the mash and hibiscus into the kettle.

Vrienden is the second collaboration beer from New Belgium and Allagash and the first commercially available through New Belgium’s Lips of Faith Series. It is available on draft and in 22-oz. bottles now through February throughout New Belgium’s area of distribution where Lips of Faith beers are usually found.

About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces eight year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases.  In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship.  For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

About Allagash Brewing Company
Allagash Brewing Company started in 1995 in Portland, Maine. Allagash White, a Belgian style wheat beer, was the first beer brewed and the company flagship.  Today Allagash makes six year-round beers, a regular rotation of seven yearly releases and an ever-changing selection of one-off beers.  Allagash have dedicated themselves to brewing creative, distinctive and high quality Belgian-inspired beers. For more information, please go to www.allagash.com.

Being the eccentric beer geek that I am, I’m always looking for new, fun, unique and quirky beer gadgets and accessories. And I like my swag like I like my beer — artisan, hand-crafted and made with love.

Unique objects make awesome gifts, and with this holiday season rapidly approaching, I’ve been on the mission to uncover fun, original and quirky gifts for my very special beer geek friends.

The coolest thing I recently stumbled upon was porcelain ceramic beer glasses and beer goblets produced by Jim Gottuso, a talented potter and the author of the blog Sofia’s Dad’s Pots.As someone who loves Ancient Greek and Egyptian art exhibits, I find Jim’s unique designs to be quite appealing.

The beer glasses can be viewed and purchased a the Gottuso Etsy Store.

About Sofia’s Dad’s Pots

Functional porcelain ceramics made by none other than Sofia’s Dad. Glazes are dishwasher safe, microwave-able and are LEAD FREE. You can eat off of them and drink out of them and I do. Pots are thrown on an electric wheel and fired in an electric kiln. These pieces are decorated using a combination of chattering and etching using a resist. Chattering is a method of allowing a metal “rib” to bounce on the surface of a rotating vessel while the resist method is done by physically painting a resist on with a brush and etching the areas that are left exposed. The latter method can be done multiple times and the combination of techniques results in various delicate and visually complex decorations.

Note: I will ship anywhere that the US Postal Service ships which is almost everywhere. I have successfully shipped to England, Belgium and Australia. If you live outside the US, just send me a message via Etsy or email me at go2sew(at)gmail(dot)com and I will pack the piece, take it to the Post Office, get the shipping price, and edit the listing with said price to your particular country.

Please visit my blog to get a glimpse of how things are made and the life of a potter.

Napa, CA – Wine dinners are plentiful in wine country. Beer dinners, on the other hand, rarely occur. And dinners with both beer and wine on the table are virtually non-existent. But not anymore.

This December 8th at 6pm, Yountville’s Michelin star-awarded restaurant Bistro Jeanty will be presenting the first ever beer vs. wine dinner in Napa Valley, the heart of America’s wine country. This uniquely engaging food & beverage experience will be co-hosted with well-known beer journalist and Cicerone Certified Beer Server, Ashley Routson.

A relatively new trend, the beer vs. wine dinner concept is a unique way to engage educate, and provide guests with an amazing food & beverage experience in a fun, unique and relaxed setting.

The dinner will consist of 4 “beverage-neutral” courses, each paired with generous pourings of both craft beer and artisan wine. Bistro Jeanty’s ,General Manager, Kelly Mitchell-Jacks, will be selecting the wine pairings while Ashley Routson tackles the beer. Guests will be provided with ballots in which to score and vote for the winning beverage pairing for each course.

This will be the first time a beer vs. wine pairing “throw-down” will be executed in Napa. “Napa is a a food and beverage mecca. It is home to some of the most discerning palates in the world, “ Routson says. “If there is any region in this country that can truly appreciate the complexity and the nuances of craft beer, this is it.”

After the recent release of her article “A Craft Beer Epiphany in Wine Country” , which details an extravagant food and beverage experience at the renowned French Laundry, Routson is quite confident that craft beer will be able to stand its ground, even in the toughest crowd.

“I love wine, don’t get me wrong. But in my opinion, the complexities and nuances in beer surpass those in wine, in many respects, and, as a result, beer is slowly but surely challenging wine as the quintessential food pairing beverage,” says Routson.

Routson’s confidence does not intimidate Mitchell-Jack who responds, “I have no doubt that beer will give wine a run for its money, but I will be surprised if it walks away with everyone’s vote.”

Doors open at 6pm. Price per person is $70 and includes tax and gratuity. Tickets are limited to 60 persons and can be purchased online through brownpapertickets.com or in person at Bistro Jeanty.

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: ADRIENNE RINALDI

AUTHOR OF: BEER SNOB CHICK

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Adrienne Rinaldi
Twitter handle: @BeerSnobChick
Facebook: Beer Snob Chick
Name of blog: Beer Snob Chick
Current location: Denver, CO. Mecca of Beer

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I’m a nomad. Well not really. I moved around a lot, Arizona to Southern California to Minnesota to Arizona and now Colorado. Home is where your heart is.

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

Grew up swimming, throughout high school as well. But, shoulder surgeries prevented me from collegiate sports. I currently LOVE rock climbing, hiking, running, snowboarding…anything outdoors really.

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

No idea. I was lucky enough to get little sips from my dads beer, but at the time I thought it was gross.

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 remember going off to college and my dad telling me beer would be my favorite beverage. I did not believe him at the time. Although, I hate to admit the first beer I actually liked was Amber Bock. This began my taste for darker, malty beers.

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 Arizona State University and studied broadcast journalism and political science. I’m hoping to get an MBA in the next couple years with an emphasis in marketing and entrepreneurship.

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 cannot recall one moment, but I do remember having my first oatmeal stout, hesitant at first because of the dark color, but then completely appreciating the full flavors of a stout.

Beer Blog Background

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

Just over a year.

2. What inspired you to start writing your blog?

My favorite bar in Tempe, Arizona was/is Four Peaks Brewery. A group of friends go there to have beer after rock climbing. I would then check out different breweries wherever I would go, take photos etc. Someone told me I should start writing about my experiences, from a female perspective, and try to write my love for good craft beer to peak interest in other females.

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

At a bar with a high school friend a couple of years ago, I was bummed that there was not a craft beer selection. My friend said to me, “Why don’t you just get an MGD like everyone else?” I said to him, “I’d rather have a glass of water than drink that stuff!” His response was, “Your such a beer snob.” I then spoke to my dad about the name I had received and he said, “I’m so glad I raised a beer snob chick.” And, thus, it began.

4. What are you personal goals for your blog?

What do you hope to achieve with it? Eventually, I would like to compile a book geared towards women and how to find the inner beer snob within them, perhaps sell some t-shirts, and have advertising.

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

I have had a few breweries link my blog to their site. Many friends now ask me what breweries to go to and which beers to try. I have been invited to attend the Sisterhood of Suds, go to a beer blogging conference, and hopefully be featured on the Beer Wench site!

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

• beerdrinkersguidetocolorado.com
• thenakedpint.com
• kegworks.com

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

IPA, porters and stouts.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Four Peaks in Tempe, Ariz.; Great Divide in Denver, Colo.; and Left Hand in Longmont, Colo.; and have to mention Prescott Brewery in Prescott, Ariz.

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

Great Divide. I love the atmosphere, the beers and the still small feel if a better know craft brewery.

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

I am not, I just enjoy the artistry of others.

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

No.

6. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

The first thing that comes to mind is pizza and beer! But, I love a good stout and with stinky blue cheese or brie.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I own my own marketing/communications company, Vega Communications.

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 be a professional traveler! I love to travel and been in the outdoors and experience different cultures. I have yet to find something I can make money by doing that.

3. Are you married? Children?

Neither.

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

Hiking, camping, rock climbing, snowboarding, running, Pilates, relaxing with friends and traveling. I love to explore, dream and discover.

Off The Beaten Path

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

I would be chili beer. Who doesn’t enjoy smooth and spicy?

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?

Four Peaks Pumpkin Porter, combined with a splash of their Oatmeal Stout. That would take me right to Heaven.

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 adore a good stout, I would add a bit of chocolate and blueberry. Not too much blueberry, just enough so you can smell blueberry and taste chocolate. It would be an amazing combination. I have only had one brewer perfect it.

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

Incredible, and my powers would be anything incredible.

5. What are your thoughts on bacon?

Mmmmmm, BACON!

SPECIAL THANKS TO ADRIENNE FOR AN AWESOME INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!

Right now, Rod Stewart’s voice is echoing in my brain:

“I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger.”

Not gonna lie, the closest I got to drinking craft beer in college was probably Guinness. Okay, that is a lie. My parents always had some sort of craft or imported beer in the house growing up, so I wasn’t completely unexposed. But like most poor college students, I always searched out the cheapest thrill and swill possible. Unfortunately, this usually meant Natty Light and buckets of the big bad corporate beers. Back then, beer was a means to an end. And that end was getting drunk. Yeah, you’ve all been there so don’t look at me like that.

I did not know one single person that homebrewed on campus. Which actually makes sense when you think about the “I want a golden egg and I want it now” instant gratification seeking Millennial Generation. We didn’t have time to wait 6 weeks for the beer to ferment. We wanted to get drunk NOW. My BFF Shana puts it best: “I don’t have all day to start feeling good here.”

Today’s college kids are a bit more savvy, though. Which sparks a little envy deep down inside me. If only I knew that I would eventually throw my two degrees out the door to pursue a career in the craft beer industry. Instead of hosting themed parties with Gatorade jugs filled with deadly (and disgusting) vodka concoctions, I could have hosted kick-ass homebrewing parties. Let’s face it, I would have been the coolest kid in school. Probably wouldn’t have graduated with honors, but it could have saved me 5 years of soul-searching.

Sara Wallace, Senior Writer at The Daily Princetonian, recently contacted me regarding my opinions about the recent trends towards homebrewing on campus for an article she released today. Naturally, I was more than happy to weigh-in on the topic.

I think it’s extremely important for young drinkers to develop an appreciation and respect for the art and craft of beer. Craft beer is more than just a mechanism for getting drunk. Sure, alcohol consumption does have a pleasantly euphoric side effect. But getting drunk should never be the primary reason behind drinking beer. Unfortunately, most college kids are mindlessly drinking whatever yellow fizzy beer they can find at the cheapest price instead of putting thought and consideration into where the beer came from, who made it, what ingredients went into it, and whether or not they actually like the stuff.

Beer is both a science and an art, which I think most educated persons can appreciate on some level, whether or not they drink. Brewing beer is like making food — there is a baking (scientific) component to it as well as a cooking (creative) aspect. I find that students get into homebrewing for all sorts of reasons outside of getting drunk. (Engineers like the science aspect, artists like the design component, etc.)

The trend towards homebrewing on campus is really exciting. I know many brewers who started homebrewing during college and then ultimately became professional brewers. Many of my friends that are still in college have started homebrewing on campus and often come to me for advice and inspiration.

There are SEVERAL great resources about homebrewing on the Internet as well as many excellent books. Charlie Papazian’s “The New Complete Joy of Homebrewing” is a must-read book for all homebrewers. For the frugal, used copies of older versions are available and just as helpful. In regards to equipment, Northern Brewer is one of the best resources for supplies and ingredients. By far the best resource online is the American Homebrewers Association website. The AHA also releases a great magazine on news and trends in homebrewing called Zymurgy. And naturally, I always encourage following homebrewing blogs.

In my opinion, young (student) homebrewers will be responsible for shaping the future of the craft beer industry. They will be the driving force behind future innovation, inventing new tools and systems as well as pushing the boundaries of the industry. It is a really exciting time for craft beer!

What do you think?