Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Favorite Beer: How do I pick just one? Cascadian Dark Ale is my current favorite style. My favorite CDA would have to be Hopworks Secession. Laughing Dog Dogzilla, Fish Brewing Swordfish, Beer Here Dark Hops, and Oakshire O'Dark:30 are at the top of my list. Then there's the IPAs...
Favorite beer haunt: If I had to pick one it would have to be The Beer Mongers, Hopworks, and Horse Brass. If I could pick more than one I would add Roscoe's, Bailey's Taproom, Green Dragon, Saraveza, and APEX.
What was the first Craft brew you ever tried? What did you think? Portland Ale from Portland Brewing in 1990. I remember thinking "WOW! That's what beer tastes like?" I had no idea that beer could be that good. I had been drinking Hamms, Budweiser, Miller, and whatever other swill I could get. Portland Ale saved my life that day.
Do you homebrew? I have yet to brew on my own equipment. I have made an IPA from extract and an all-grain imperial stout. The IPA was good, but the stout turned out great. I also have a couple batches of mead in the basement that I had to hide from myself so it could age. I just bought my own equipment and hope to break it in sometime in September 2011.
How'd you hear about the pdxbeergeeks? Emily and Michael were talking about it on twitter.
What does being a beer geek mean to you? Loving the craft that goes into each beer. Being excited when a new brewery opens or an existing brewery starts making a new beer. Finding people on the other side of the country to trade beer with. Installing the Bend Ale Trail app on my phone so I can plan my route. Checking untappd to see what people are drinking before I order mine. Spending way too much time reading beer blogs but wishing there were more.
If you could change one thing about beer culture in the US, what would it be? I live in the Pacific Northwest. If you live on the East Coast, don't tell me my beer sucks and yours is the best. Most likely, if you have had any at all, you have had a very small sample of what's available here and, most likely, you liked it. Don't tell me your beer is better than mine. Show me. Send me a bottle. Or six.
What do you love about Portland's Craft Beer scene? I love the people. Portland's beer community is such a great group of people. Everyone is so nice. Where else will a complete stranger hand you their glass so you can try their beer?
Where can we find you on the web?
