beer
When I’m not teaching or writing, I’m usually talking about, thinking about, and/or drinking beer. I'm a homebrewer, a National beer judge with the Beer Judge Certification Program, and a Certified Cicerone® (which is the beer world's equivalent of a certified sommelier).
I don't enter many homebrew competitions, but occasionally a beer I've brewed has managed to medal in its category.
2013, American Pale Ale: 2nd place, National Homebrew Competition (first round)
2015, California Common: 1st place, National Homebrew Competition (first round)
2018, British Golden Ale: 2nd place, Best of the Bay (local Bellingham competition)
2019, Irish Stout: 2nd place, National Homebrew Competition (first round)
Sometimes I also write about beer. From 2017-2019 I was a bimonthly columnist for Bellingham Alive magazine, and I was an occasional contributor to the Bellingham Tap Trail website back when it published articles. Below are the pieces I've written.
Bellingham Tap Trail
How to Manufacture a Beer Trend.
Why the Stout Belongs to Ireland.
Beyond "Hoppy": Describing the Flavor Range of American IPAs.
Brewery Building Backstories: Fairhaven Stones Throw.
Brewery Building Backstories: Boundary Bay.
5 Things Every Beer Lover Should Know About Oktoberfest.
The Geek, the Snob, and the Know-it-all.
Bellingham Alive Magazine
Stemma Brewing Co. Joins Our Beer Family.
Grain to Glass in Skagit County.
Why the Emerald Isle Makes Black Beer.
For Thanksgiving, 'Tis the Saison.
Choosing a Beer: Overcoming the Paradox of Choice.
Finding Sunshine in a Beer Can.
Bellingham's Drinking Scene Grows Up: The Aslan Depot.