Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

This Week in Rauchbier 2026

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to This Week in Rauchbier for April 1, 2026.

Our Rauchbier spotlight is on the Pacific Northwest where eight breweries have come together to release Smoke Break, a collaborative Rauch Märzen built around a simple idea: Rauchbier is great, and more people should be drinking it.

"The project brings together Cloudburst Brewing, Obelisk Beer Co, Varietal Beer Company, Ladd & Lass Brewing, Ravenna Brewing Company, Urban Family Brewing Co., Human People Beer, and Single Hill Brewing (who hosted the collaboration.) It is a larger-than-usual collaboration centered on a style that does not often get this kind of spotlight," reads a press release. "Smoke Break is a mid strength Rauch Märzen brewed with beechwood-smoked barley, and a touch of oak-smoked wheat. The result is a malt-forward lager with notes of caramel and cocoa, backed by a firm but clean smoky finish that lingers without overwhelming."

Then Bart Watson the President and CEO of the Brewers Association joins us to share the latest growth and success of Rauchbier in the marketplace.

Finally, we hear from Brian Shirley at Time & Materials Beer talks about his cask rauchbier.

Enjoy these audio smoky delights.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Bart Watson, Brian Shirley, Andrew Pytel
Tags: beer, craft beer, rauchbier, smoke, April Fool's Day

Music for this episode:
NewsSting by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4124-newssting

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When Veteran Brewers Collaborate Good Beer Happens

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Two for one on this episode as John Holl talks with a duo of Colorado brewers who teamed up to create something special for the upcoming Collaboration Beer Festival happening in the Rocky Mountain state next month. What goes into collaboration, how does it stoke creativity, and what should brewers learn from each other? Andy Parker of Odyssey Beerwerks and Ross Koenigs of Second Dawn Brewing discuss it all and more.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Berkeley Yeast
Our Tropics yeast is based on a London Ale strain, but we added a new gene to its genome that codes for a unique thiol-releasing enzyme. The enzyme converts the precursors in barley to free thiols that smell and taste like passionfruit and grapefruit. It’s super clean. No off-flavors like burnt rubber or other sulfurous notes. Just tropical aromatics. You don’t have to do anything unusual either, like mash hopping. Just pitch dry Tropics and supercharge your hazy IPA.

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Calling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.

All About Beer
At All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Andy Parker and Ross Koenigs

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, Berkeley Yeast All About Beer

Tags: Colorado,Collaboration, IPA, Cocktails, Barrels, Fun
Photo:

A Conversation with The Guinness Brand Ambassador

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Let's keep St. Patrick's Day rolling. This week it's a conversation Guinness Brewery Ambassador Colm O’Connor.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Colm O’Connor

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Guinness, Stout, New York
Photo: by Andy Crouch

Classic Ales with a Side of Malört

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The city of Philadelphia is a great beer town. It’s also a great food town and a place to get a dose of history, while living your best life. This week on the podcast it’s a conversation with Andrew Rubenstein of Sacred Vice, who shares tips and insights on visiting the city of brotherly love.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Host: John Holl

Guest: Andrew Rubenstein

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, Berkeley Yeast All About Beer

Tags: Malört, Brewing, Cream Ale, Restaurants, Philadelphia
Photo: by John Holl

Drink More Milk Tubes: The Story of Human Robot

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This week it’s a conversation with Ken Correll of Human Robot, the Philadelphia based brewing company that specializes in lagers. We’re talking about how to build a hospitality program, the importance of festivals, being creative in a controlled space, and just about every tangent we can pull out during our time together. Many pints hit the table, and we just about manage to keep it on the rails.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Barrel One Collective
In a landmark merger between two pioneers of New England’s craft beer industry, Mass. Bay Brewing Company and Finestkind Brewing LLC proudly announce the formation of Barrel One Collective. The Collective will house 14 total brands, operate eight brewery-taprooms across four states (MA, NH, NY, VT) and have a combined production volume of nearly 165,000 barrels, positioning it as the largest craft producer in New England and 14th largest in the country according to Brewer’s Association 2023 Production Data.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Ken Correll

Sponsors: Barrel One Collective, All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Brewing, Philadelphia, Festivals, Hospitality
Photo: By John Holl

Beer and the Big Screen

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Let’s go to the movies. It’s a conversation with Josh Miller, of Flix Brewhouse, a chain of breweries and movie theaters that brings pints to the silver screen experience.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Host: John Holl

Guest: Josh Miller

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, Berkeley Yeast All About Beer

Tags: Movies,Beer, Brewing, Growth
Photo: Courtesy of Hot Plate Brewing

Brewing European Lagers with American Ingredients

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The nature of lagers is changing and there are brewers leading the charge. Niko Tonks of Double Elbow Brewing is here to talk about brewing European lagers with only American ingredients. It’s a fascinating look at the evolution of brewing.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Niko Tonks

Sponsors: Barrel One Collective, All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Brewing,
Photo: Courtesy of Double Elbow

How One Brewery is Building Community and Embracing Creativity

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Sarah Real of Hot Plate Brewing joins the podcast for this episode.The small brewery in the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts is leading the way when it comes to showing what a modern community space centered around beer can be.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Sarah Real

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, All About Beer

Tags: IPA, Community, Pink Boots
Photo: Courtesy of Hot Plate Brewing

Every Bear Poops. Sometimes it Lands in a Beer.

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Super Bowl airs this Sunday and amid all the commercials, you might catch one for Columbia, the outdoor gear company. The makers of tough weather clothing partnered with Oregon’ Breakside Brewery to create a lager brewed with… yup, you guessed it: bear poop.

Ben Edmunds the brewery’s founder and brewmaster joins the show to talk about what went in to making this lager.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Ben Edmunds

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, All About Beer

Tags: Oregon, Scat, Lager, Marketing, Football
Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Sportswear

BONUS: The All About Beer Podcast on Eisbock

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The eisbock story is a fun lore of beer myth, a hapless brewery employee left a barrel of doppelbock outside during a snowstorm in Germany and some of the beer froze, concentrating flavor and thus creating a whole new beer style. While the roots of this story may not wholly be true, it’s a fun addition to a beer style made by distillation processes at its most base level.

These beers are rare in the United States as you need special licenses to make them but in Europe, the rules are a bit different and in some European countries, these beers, not just eisbocks, have taken on a life of their own. And this is before we start talking about other drinks like the amazing ice cider made by freeze distillation.

How does the freezing process work and what changes does it make to these drinks? This month on the All About Beer podcast, we talk to three guests with unique views on this chilly process.

Visit AllAboutBeer.com for more podcasts, to read original articles, and to get info on upcoming events.

Click here to support independent journalism covering the beer industry.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Hopsteiner
This episode is brought to you by LLZ™ - Hopsteiner’s new water-soluble citrus aroma extract. LLZ is formulated to deliver fresh lemon and crisp lime character to your next brew. Perfect for hop waters, seltzers, NA beers, and well beer..beers. LLZ offers unmatched versatility as a 100% hop-derived, clean-label supporting aroma extract. Give your next brew the citrus kick it’s been begging for with Hopsteiner’s LLZ. Explore LLZ™ and other flavor solutions at shop.hopsteiner.com.

Escarpment Laboratories
Alright brewers, quick question. Have ever brewed the same beer twice… and somehow got two different results?
Your haze drops out. Sulfur pops up. And that “quick” lager isn’t quick anymore. That’s where Escarpment Labs comes in.
We’ve seen this firsthand at top breweries across Canada and the US. Escarpment helps you choose the right yeast.
They help you dial in your process. So your beer stays consistent, batch after batch. Escarpment Yeast now ships in the United States with Priority Alert shipping. And for free brewing knowledge, subscribe to the Escarpment Labs Podcast and YouTube channel.
Go to escarpmentlabs.com to find out more.

Athletic Brewing
Want to have great beer, but just not the alcohol tonight? Give Athletic Brewing a try.

Athletic Brewing was founded in 2017 to shatter existing stigmas and perceptions around non-alcoholic beer.

They took a category that had traditionally only offered underwhelming lagers and launched a full lineup of award-winning styles. In fact, it's non-alcoholic beer so good that it's currently on over 20% of US Michelin star menus and the team at Athletic has brought home over 185 taste awards. And these non-alcoholic beers are all brewed by the Athletic team in their custom breweries with extremely rigorous quality standards.

You don't have to be sober to enjoy the great taste of beer as a meal pairing, winding down at the end of the day, or when you're out with friends and don't want the alcohol. In 2025, Athletic released over 50 different beers on their website athleticbrewing.com. Check it out for yourself.

Hosts: Em Sauter and Don Tse
Guests: Shaun Yasaki, Eleanor Leger, Marcin Ostajewsk
Sponsors: Hopsteiner, Escarpment Laboratories, Athletic Brewing, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Distilling, Eisbock
Photo: Shaun Yasaki

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Awesome Call by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3399-awesome-call
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Artist website: https://incompetech.com

A Brewery Challenges the Government Over Labeling

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This week the show welcomes Ron Extract of Garden Path Fermentation for a conversation on mixed fermentation ales, mead, cider, wine, and taking on the Federal government.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Ron Extract

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, All About Beer

Tags: Mead,Cider, Wine, Lawsuits, Agriculture, Washington
Photo: By John Holl

A Homebrewer Wins Big on Jeopardy!

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

John Weikert is well known in homebrewing circles. As a writer, a judge, and as a brewer, he has garnered accolades across the country, and is beloved in his homestate of Pennsylvania. Last year he achieved a long-time dream of becoming a contestant on Jeopardy!, the popular television gameshow, beamed into millions of home each weeknight. Not only was he a contestant, but he won six out of the seven games he played, earning him a spot in the tournament of champions, the annual event on the show where big winners are invited back to compete against each other.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Josh Weikert

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, All About Beer

Tags: 2026, Gameshow, Jeopardy!, Homebrewing
Photo: Josh Weikert

A Mid-winter View from the Yakima Valley

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

We’re not quite in the dead of winter, but it feels like it – at least from the home office – so I wanted to think about warmer weather, growth, life, and green. So I’m excited to have Darren Gamache of Virgil Gamache Farms in Washington’s Yakima Valley here on the show. We talk about 2025 hops, what 2026 might bring, and the farm’s hop water – which could be a good fit for your drinking even if you’re not doing Dry January.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Darren Gamache

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, All About Beer

Tags: 2026, Hops, Yakima, Farming, Hop Water
Photo: Virgil Gamache Farms

When it Comes to All About Beer Here's What to Expect in 2026

All About Beer — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This episode drops on the last day of 2025 so I’ve invited my colleague and All About Beer co-owner Andy Crouch on to talk about the year that was for our media company and what we have planned for the year ahead. Journalism, like the beer industry, is in a difficult spot. We know you rely on good news and information just like you do a quality pint. Supporting your local brewery is important, so is supporting the sites and shows you believe in and trust. From podcasts to articles to events, this was an eventful year for All About Beer. We were honored by both the British Guild of Beer Writers and the North American Guild of Beer Writers. And were able to pay writers, editors, photographers, and illustrators for great original work. AllAboutBeer.com/support is where you can check out ways to keep us rolling through 2026 and beyond. We know times are tough for a lot of people, so I appreciate your willingness to help.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Andy Crouch

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: 2026, 2025, Beer, Journalism, Drinking
Photo: Andy Crouch

Alex Kidd reads A Visit From St. Nicholas

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Alex Kidd recites the words of poet Clement Clarke Moore and A Visit from St. Nicholas.

The 2025 Year in Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

It's our annual year in beer show with a panel of writers who share insight after countless interviews, pints, trips, and brewery visits. Listen in as Christopher Shepard, Melissa Cole, and Matt Kirkegaard break down the highs and lows of the 2025 brewing industry.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Christopher Shepard, Melissa Cole, and Matt Kirkegaard

Sponsors: Dogfish Head, Stomp Stickers, All About Beer

Tags: Celebration

Photo: John holl

How Hop Selection Dials in IPA

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This week it’s a conversation with David Lin of Comrade Brewing in Colorado. From adapting the brewery over the years, to dialing in IPAs through hop selection, you’ll hear why the brewery is well respected among its peers and why it’s a must visit when in the Denver area.

Listen to full episodes of Drink Beer, Think Beer and read original articles by visiting the All About Beer website.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: David Lin

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head,

Tags: Beer, IPA, Pizza, Colorado

Photo: by John Holl

Lauren Woods Limbach Has Her Last Word

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

After nearly 30 years at New Belgium Brewing Co., where she had a hand in creating some of the most important wood-aged beers in the country, Lauren Woods Limbach announced that she would be retiring from the company in the new year. She’s here for a conversation about patience, wood, saison, creativity, and the future.

Listen to full episodes of Drink Beer, Think Beer and read original articles by visiting the All About Beer website.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Lauren Limbach

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head,

Tags: Beer, Wood, Barrels, Colorado

Photo: by John Holl

Randy Mosher Reflects on the Siebel Institute Moving From Chicago

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Late last week the Siebel Institute, the venerable brewing school in Chicago announced that it would be leaving the city and re-opening in Montreal. The announcement by the school’s owner send shockwaves and sadness throughout the brewing community.

This week, Professor Randy Mosher is here to talk about the school’s impact and legacy, and to give an update on his latest book project tiled Your Tasting Brain.

Listen to full episodes of Drink Beer, Think Beer and read original articles by visiting the All About Beer website.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Randy Mosher

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Beer, Education, Tasting, Chicago, Siebel, Gravy

Photo: Courtesy of Siebel Institute of Technology

Sierra Nevada's Second Generation Talks Celly Drippins and the Future

All About Beer — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:58:28 -0500

When Brian Grossman started working for the brewery his father co-founded he expected to be making beer right away. Instead he was put to work scrubbing out fermenters. Over the years at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. he has held a number of jobs in both the original Chico, California location and in the Mills River, North Carolina brewery.

Today he goes by chief brewer and is increasingly becoming the public face of the venerable beer brand that just celebrated its 45th anniversary. Earlier today, shortly before the North Carolina brewery opened its doors to the public for pours of Celly Drippins, he sat down for a conversation about generations, responsibility, brewing and hops.

Listen to full episodes of Drink Beer, Think Beer and read original articles by visiting the All About Beer website.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Brian Grossman

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Hops, History, IPA, North Carolina, Generations

Photo: by Jon Page

Properly Evaluating an Extra Special Bitter

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This week, it’s a conversation with Betsy Lay of Lady Justice Brewing in Denver. We talk about the evolution of ESB including some thoughts on Sierra Nevada winning gold in that category at the World Beer Cup with Pale Ale.

She also discusses brewing with intention, what it truly means to be a community hub, and how the Mile High City is changing – and staying the same- with its beer scene.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Betsy Lay

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Denver, ESB, Pale Ale, Judging, Community

Photo: Courtesy of Betsy Lay

Having FoBAB FOMO? Mike Pallen of Mikerphone is Here to Help

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Mike Pallen of Mikerphone Brewing talks about brewing stouts, barrel-aging, and festival season in Chicago.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Mike Pallen

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: FoBAB, Wood, Stout, Chicago, Goose Island, Marshmallow

Photo: John Holl

Bonus: Seen Through a Glass with Lew Bryson

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A bonus episode this week as we're pleased to bring you Seen Through a Glass, a podcast produced and hosted by Lew Bryson.
Here's what he has to say about this episode:

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! I asked you who you wanted me to interview, and you said "Give us The Pizza Boy, Al Kominski!" Well, I cannot defy or deny the people, so I went down to Al's of Hampden in Enola on the West Shore and got the interview...and then hung around and visited some more breweries: Ever Grain, Mellow Mink, Sworn, Hemauer, and Liquid Noise.

I got in a visit to Sugar Run Brewing in Duncansville as well, and I'll tell you about opening night at the newest bar in Millheim: our home bar, First Draft, is finally complete, and spreading joy among our friends. And if you're interested...check out the @stagpodcast Instagram page to see a picture of our new Corgi puppy, Samwise!

Next episode? Back in April, I did an Earth Day presentation at Ploughman Farm Cider's Gettysburg taproom on the agricultural aspects of rye whiskey, along with a cider guy talking about the same thing. We'll hear that, plus I'll tell you what it was like at the PA Cider Fest. See you in two weeks!

Until then?

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST!

Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County!

This episode uses these sounds under the following license:
Creative Commons CC BY 4.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

"Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com)

"Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.

Heavy Seas Charts a New Path Forward

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Hugh Sisson of Heavy Seas returns to the program to talk about the brewery joining B3, a collective of brewers. He also touches on the importance of hospitality, innovation, and ways to navigate the current state of the beer industry.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Hugh Sisson

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Business, Hospitality, Evolution

Photo: Heavy Seas Beer

A Beer Drinking Milestone Decades in the Making

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The beer world is filled with achievements. A few weeks back the Great American Beer Festival handed out its annual awards. Around Denver there were other competitions like Alpha King and Krispy King. Brewers might be crowned in “best of” lists by newspapers or local magazines. Way back in the day Wynkoop Brewery would hand out its beer drinker of the year award.

Other milestones are more private and personal.

Don Tse, recently hit an important beer milestone. For nearly thirty years he has been chronicling and cataloguing every beer he has consumed. The number is impressive as is his commitment to the cause. Tse a prolific writer and his work appears in magazines, on Forbes.com, and he co-hosts the All About Beer podcast.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Don Tse

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Tasting, Travel, Milestones, Canada

Photo: Don Tse

From the Brewhouse to the C-Suite: The Leadership Challenge

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Making great beer is one challenge; running a successful brewery is another. As today’s industry faces tighter margins, shifting consumer trends, and economic uncertainty, many brewers find themselves taking on new roles as managers and executives.

Our panel today – moderated by Andy Crouch from Schilling’s Oktoberfest - includes decision makers who have run brewhouses and have transitioned to running their businesses, folks who have worked for others and on their own, and have managed all parts of these operations.

They share lessons on leadership, strategy, and the business realities of brewing today.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: Andy Crouch

Guests: Sean Lawson, Basil Lee, Roy Milner, Paul Sayler

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Pours, Business, Octoberfest, Work

Photo: Andy Crouch

Selling Lager in the Age of Moderation

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Year of the Lager has been predicted for decades, and it is finally coming true. And the timing couldn’t be better. Drinking habits continue to shift and younger audiences are increasingly embracing moderation or even alcohol abstinence. The craft beer industry finds itself at a crossroads. After decades of solid and sometimes explosive growth, craft beer faces both a challenge and an opportunity.

Lager, with its approachable strength and depth of flavor, is uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment. And while craft lager comprises a small fraction of the beer market, it has never been more popular or relevant. Today we’re going to explore how to reframe and sell lager for audiences who value balance, flavor, and authenticity, in a moment when many aren’t reaching for a pint.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: Andy Crouch

Guests: Todd DiMatteo, Blake Tyres, Greg Engert

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Pours, Lager, Octoberfest, Pilsner

Photo: Andy Crouch

Where to Drink Beer in Denver (2025 Great American Beer Preview)

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

It’s just about that time of year again when the beer faithful travel to Denver for the Great American Beer Festival. But truth be told, there’s so much do to in the Mile High City that even if you don’t go to the convention center there’s endless beer fun to be had. A trio of local experts - Jonathan Shikes of the Denver Post, Tristan Chan of Porch Drinking, and Dustin Craft of Malteurop joins host John Holl to break down where you should go to eat, drink, and be merry.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Tristan Chan, Dustin Craft, Jonathan Shikes

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Pours, Lager, Denver, Bierstadt, Great American Beer Festival

Photo: John Holl

Neil Witte Wants You to Think About Beer Pours

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Neil Witte wants you to start thinking about how your beer is poured. The Master Cicerone, brewery consultant, educator, and draft technician has long been advocating for clean lines and proper service, but as of late he has been thinking about how beer is presented, what that does for flavor and the customer experience. After listening to this conversation, you’re going to give the man what he wants.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Neil Witte

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Pours, Foam, Glassware, Beer, Tradition, Innovation

Photo: John Holl

The Importance of the Beer Culture Center

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Beer Culture Center was founded by Liz Garibay, a long-time museum professional. When she sketched it out in 2013 she wanted it to be a place that would look at history and society through the lens of drinking. The idea came to life and has now presented hundreds exhibits and events around the country. It’s important and necessary work, one everyone in the industry should be supporting. The center also hosts the annual Beer Culture Summit, a multi-day, multi-disciplinary experience that tells the story of beer, its people, its history, and its importance. As the center expands, it recently announced its first Beer History Studies Fellow, Onteya Zachary. She will share insight into her research and more.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Liz Garibay, Onteya Zachary

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Chicago, Beer Culture Center, History

Photo:

Making the Long Drive for Fresh Hops: Offset Bier Focuses on Community and Flavor

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Park City, Utah, Offset Bier is doing big things. In a state with laws that can make it tough to be a brewer, Conor Brown, the brewery founder, is doing what he can to bring fresh flavorful beer to the people all while creating a welcoming community space. He’s currently working to build out the brewery footprint, bringing in new equipment and adding more space, and at this time of year he finds the time to make frequent trips to Idaho where he loads up on fresh hops to bring back to the brewery for quick turnaround brew days. It's the kind of commitment that bodes well for the future of craft beer.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Conor Brown

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish Head

Tags: Utah, IPA, Hops, Growth, Community

Photo: Aaron Grove

Reassessing a Career in Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We’re at a curious point in American brewing. Some talented brewers are choosing to walk away from a career they have loved. It’s not a bad thing, just part of the evolution. This week Derek Gallanosa shares his journey.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

The 5th Ingredient
If you're running a brewery owner or operator, Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient is the ultimate command center. The most powerful brewery management software on the market, Beer30 handles the entire brewing workflow, from recipe development to production. Once your beer is brewed and ready, it seamlessly manages your inventory and streamlines your brewery's sales and distribution--all in the same easy-to-use platform. Beer30 lets you get back to the beer and the people that made you fall in love with this industry in the first place. And no other brewery management software gives you the ability to truly master your business and get the insights that you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry. Visit the5thingredient.com/AllAboutBeer today to learn more and receive 3 free months of Beer30.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Derek Gallanosa

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: San Diego, Brewing, Job

Photo: Matt Furman, Furman Photography

Barrel pH1 Arrives at Off Color Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We’re talking about barrels, branding, and business with John Laffler of Off Color Brewing. This is insight from the Chicago brewer that you’re not going to want to miss.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: John Laffler

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: History, Ales, Barrels, New Belgium, Chicago

Photo: Dynasty Brewing

What Brewing Historical Beers Tells Us About Modern Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Favio Garcia, Michael Stein, Peter Jones

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: History, Lager, Ale

Photo: Dynasty Brewing

Drinking Beer for a Good Cause

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Drinking Beer can do good for the world. Rick Lyke of Pints for Prostates is here to talk about his organization and the evolution of the Denver Rare Beer Tasting.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Rick Lyke

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: Hops, Denver, Tasting, Rare Beer, Charity

Photo: John Holl

Looking Forward to Fresh Hop Season

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

San Diego has long been a den of craft beer ingenuity. On this episode I’m talking with Daniel Cady of TapRoom Brewery about his approach to hops in beer when it comes to staying interested as a brewer and keeping customers happy.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Daniel Cady

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: Hops, IPA, Fresh Hops, San Diego

Photo:

The Evolution of an India Pale Ale

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Beer recipes are always evolving. Recently, a group got together to faithfully rebrew a west coast IPA that happened to be the original version of Swami, the famed Pizza Port Brewing Beer. On this episode you’ll hear how it happened and how palates have evolved.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Jeff Bagby, Tim Wallen, Steve Burchill

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: Nashville, Coffee, brewing

Photo: Tim Wallen

Striving for Perfection in Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week it’s a wide-ranging conversation on the persuit of perfection when it comes to beer. Ryan McCay of Living Waters in Tennessee is here to share his journey and you’ll leave feeling inspired.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Ryan McCay

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: Nashville, Coffee, brewing

Photo: John Holl

The Life and Death of TRVE Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we say goodbye to Trve Brewing, one of the great beer success stories of the early 2010s that captured headlines and fans thanks to it’s musical bent and welcoming approach. It closed both its original Denver location and its newer Asheville, NC location last week. Founder Nick Nunns joins the show to share the history, reasoning, and his forward vision.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Nick Nunns

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: Heavy Metal, Denver, Closing

Photo: John Holl

Recipe Development: Creativity and Inspiration

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A discussion about what can drive good recipe development and new ideas for creativity in beer making. We will go over the "how" and "why" of making new beers as well as translating those ideas to sustainable and effective brewing practices. Guests include Devin Bush of Wildbloom Beer, Tony Cordova of Scale House Brewing, and Megan Parisi of Samuel Adams.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Devin Bush, Tony Cordova, Megan Parisi

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Dogfish Head

Tags: Hops, Brewing, Creativity, Lavender

Photo: John Holl

How Craft Beer, and IPAs in Particular, are Changing the Hop Industry

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Farm owner Diane Gooding, Liz Bauer of Garston Hops and Alex Nowell, Mellotone Beer Project brewer and CLS Farms consultant, discuss how the partnership between brewers and growers has evolved in the past 20 years. Learn about the role terroir and farm practices play in hop aroma and flavor, and how the industry is adjusting to a slowdown in hop sales. Moderated by Stan Hieronymus.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: Stan Hieronymus

Guests: Diane Gooding, Liz Bauer, and Alex Nowell

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Hops, IPA, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, New Zealand, Farming, Flavor, Aroma

Photo: John Holl

What Does it Mean to be Local (Part 2)

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

What does it mean to be local, and what are the small things businesses do to have a true sense of self in that space?
This is a continuation of last week's episode - recorded at Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery in Virginia - where the panel goes deeper into the themes they tee'd up during the storytelling session.

Guests include: John Branding of Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery, Rob Rubba of Oyster, Oyster in Washington, DC Christian Gregory of Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen, and Sarah Searle of Quartzwood Farm Winery.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: John Branding, Rob Rubba, Christian Gregory, and Sarah Searle

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Local, Virginia, Beer, Wine, Restaurants

Photo: John Holl

Diving into the Meaning of "Local" (part 1)

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

What does it mean to be local, and what are the small things businesses do to have a true sense of self in that space? A few weeks back Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery in Virginia celebrated seven years of operation with a chill little festival that brought local artisans to its sprawling farmland. To kick off the day owners Bonnie and John Branding invited All About Beer editor John Holl to moderate a “storytelling” panel, where their friends and colleagues from the beer, food, and wine industries could go deep on topics that matter to them. Guests include: John Branding, Rob Rubba of Oyster, Oyster in Washington, DC Christian Gregory of Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen, and Ben Sedlins of Quartzwood Farm Winery.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: John Branding, Rob Rubba, Christian Gregory, and Ben Sedlins

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Local, Virginia, Beer, Wine, Restaurants

Photo: John Holl

As Asheville Rebuilds, Highland Brewing Continues to Evolve

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week it’s a look under the hood of Highland Brewing in Asheville. The venerable institution has been going strong for more than 30 years and has grown and adapted over two generations of ownership. From the Craft Brewers Conference in Indianapolis, this episode was recorded before the death of Highland Brewing founder Oscar Wong. Guests are: Nikki Mitchell the VP of Brand Development and Brock Ashburn, the VP of Operations.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Brewery Branding Co.
Since 2009, Brewery Branding has been crafting merch that helps breweries thrive.They’re born and raised in Portland, Oregon, giving them front row seats to the craft beer revolution and inspiring them to serve as your industry ally for everything branded: apparel, headwear, drinkware, and all the “wouldn’t it be cool if…” ideas you can dream up.

Brewery Branding has been there, done that, and made the t-shirts to prove it. Brewery Branding didn’t rise to the top by being just another supplier; they’re your merch mercenaries ready to get in the trenches with you. Their expert design team, online stores, warehousing, and fulfillment services are here to make your life easier—and your custom goods more profitable than painful.

Whether you're refreshing your retail space, gearing up for festival season, or launching a new product in retail, Brewery Branding delivers custom goods that are on-trend, on-brand, and ready to succeed. From the smallest batch to the biggest order, nothing gets them more excited than raising a glass to your success.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Nikki Mitchell and Brock Ashburn

Sponsors: Brewery Branding, All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Asheville, History, Brewing, Volleyball, evolution

Photo: John Holl

The Key to Crafting World Class Barrel-aged Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Three of the country's best barrel-aging brewers get together for a candid conversation about what goes into the craft. It's art, science, and a commitment to quality. Listen in as Quinn Reeder of Boulevard Brewing, Marty Scott of Revolution Brewing, and Andrew Hood of Sun King Brewery share their deep knowledge.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Quinn Reeder, Marty Scott, Andrew Hood

Sponsors: Brewery Branding, All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Barrels, Fun, Quality, Science, Bourbon

Photo: John Holl

The Tables are Turned with John Holl in the Guest Seat

All About Beer — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Ashleigh Carter of Bierstadt Lagerhaus interviews John Holl.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: Ashleigh Carter

Guest: John Holl

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Journalism, Conversation, Lager

Photo:

The State of Little Beer 2025

All About Beer — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Every year at Little Beer editor John Holl gets to host a panel with great brewers about how they brew small and what the consumer appetite is like for low ABV offerings. This year was no exception. As the pints were flowing on the Duluth, GA town green he sat down with Natalie Rose Baldwin the brewmaster at the lager-focused Wayfinder Beer in Portland, Oregon; Shaun Yasaki the Brewmaster and owner of Noble Beast Brewing Company in beautiful Cleveland Ohio; and Brandon Plyler the beer educator at Edmund’s Oast Brewing in South Carolina.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Natalie Rose Baldwin, Shaun Yasaki, and Brandon Plyler

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Brewing, ABV, Eisbock

Photo: Don Tse

The Intersection of Art and Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Em Sauter of the All About Beer Podcast and Pints and Panels moderates a conversation on beer and art.
She is joined by Eric Tennant, founder head brewer at Benchtop Brewing, Brendon Boudwin. co-founder at Carbon Copy Brewing, Harrison Fahrer, co-owner and general manger of Cellarest Beer Project and Mark Goodwin- co-owner and director of fermentation at Cellarest Beer Project.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: Em Sauter

Guests: Eric Tennant, Brendon Boudwin, Harrison Fahrer, and Mark Goodwin

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Brewing, Art, Labels, AI, Waggon Wheel

Photo: John Holl

May is Mild Month. A Trio of Brewers Celebrate English Ales.

All About Beer — Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

May is mild month, so this week’s episode features a panel on traditional English styles recorded at Little Beer V, the great festival hosted by Good Word Brewing in Duluth, GA. It’s moderated by Don Tse and features a trio of knowledgeable brewers.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Talking 30 Years of Allagash Brewing With Rob Tod

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A conversation with Rob Tod of Allagash Brewing. This year the Portland, Maine brewery marks 30 years in business.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Rob Tod

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient,

Tags: Brewing, Maine, White, Lager, Business, Mets

Photo: John Holl

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Indianapolis

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Craft Brewers Conference kicks off in Indianapolis next week. If you’re headed to the circle city, you’re likely looking for bar, restaurant, and entertainment options. You’re in luck This week it’s a roundtable episode with three Hoosiers that know all the best spots. Even if you’re not going to the conference, the city is still one you should visit for beer.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Visit Indy
You love craft beer. You’ll love Indy.

The Indy Craft Pass is your free passport to 40+ of the city’s best breweries — Sun King, Metazoa, Upland, and so many more. Check in, earn points, score swag — yes, beer can actually win you prizes! Sip local, explore new taprooms, and make your beer run count. Grab your free Indy Craft Pass now at VisitIndy.com — and let the good beers roll!

Host: John Holl

Guests: Julia Whitson, Eddie Chimi, John Allison

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Visit Indy

Tags: Brewing, Taproom, Restaurants, Hospitality, Indiana

Photo: John Holl

A Bright Spot in Beer: Sun King Brewery Brings the Flavor

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A conversation with Dave Colt, the co-founder, CEO, and Brewmaster of Sun King Brewery in Indianapolis.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Visit Indy
You love craft beer. You’ll love Indy.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Dave Colt

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Visit Indy

Tags: Brewing, Taproom, Hospitality, Indiana

Photo: John Holl

Great Pints in a Memorable Setting Make Kismetic Beer Co. a Must Visit

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We’re back in Indianapolis this week for a conversation with the couple behind Kismetic Beer Company - Nicole and Ryan Oesch. It’s a conversation on taproom aesthetics, beers that inspire, and community building.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Visit Indy
You love craft beer. You’ll love Indy.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Nicole Oesch, Ryan Oesch

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Visit Indy

Tags: Brewing, Taproom, Hospitality, Indiana

Photo: John Holl

Modern Brewing in a Historic Indy Car Location

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This week starts our road to Indianapolis and the upcoming Craft Brewers Conference. Indianapolis is a great city to visit and has a host of excellent breweries. One of them, Guggman Haus Brewing Co. joins the show to talk about about lagers, Indy Car racing, and building a family business.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Visit Indy
You love craft beer. You’ll love Indy.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Abby Gorman and Derek Guggenberger

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, The 5th Ingredient, Visit Indy

Tags: Lager, Hospitality, Indiana, Racing

Photo: John Holl

This Week in Rauchbier 2025

All About Beer — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to This Week in Rauchbier for April 1, 2025.

Our Rauchbier spotlight is a recording from Dovetail Brewery's annual Thank You For Smoking Event. It's a panel discussion that includes Bill Wesselink and Hagen Dost of Dovetail, Lane Fearing and Ryan Walker of Roaring Table, Greg Browne of Geneva Lager Works and Cesar Marron of Sketchbook Brewing Company.

Then Bart Watson the President and CEO of the Brewers Association joins us to share the latest growth and success of Rauchbier in the marketplace.

Enjoy these audio smoky delights.

Thanks to Hagen and Bill for the inspiration to do this show. Hear the genesis of This Week in Rauchbier on episode 5 of Drink Beer, Think Beer.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Bart Watson, Bill Wesselink, Hagen Dost, Lane Fearing, Ryan Walker, Greg Browne, and Cesar Marron
Tags: beer, craft beer, rauchbier, smoke, April Fool's Day

Music for this episode:
NewsSting by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4124-newssting

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

How BarrieHaus Beer Co. Approaches Lagers and Hospitality

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A conversation about lager brewing with Brittany Barrie and Jim Barrie of BarrieHaus Beer Co. in Tampa, Florida.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Brittany Barrie and Jim Barrie

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Lager, Hospitality, Florida, Drinking

Photo: John Holl

A Saison for Every Season

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A conversation with Kyle DePietro, the brewer and owner of Sasanoa Brewing.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Kyle DePietro

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Saison, Maine, Farming

Photo: John Holl

Diving into Czech Lagers with Chris Lohring of Notch Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A conversation with Chris Lohring of Notch Brewing on the vexing, fascinating, and flavorful world of Czech-style Lagers

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Chris Lohring

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Czech lager, hops, malt, brewing, travel

Photo: John Holl

Hop Butcher for the World on the Status of IPA

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A conversation with Jude La Rose of Chicago's Hop Butcher for the World on the current state of IPA.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Jude La Rose

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers

Tags: IPA, Chicago, Hospitality, Growth, Hops

Photo: John Holl

Full Frame Beer is Ready to Open in Denver

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A conversation with Alyssa Hoberer and Jacob Kemple as they get ready to open up Full Frame Beer in Denver, Colorado.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Alyssa Hoberer and Jacob Kemple

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Denver, IPA, Community, Openings, Food, Service, Hospitality

Photo: Full Frame Beer

Templin Family Brewing Plans for the Future

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This episode goes to Utah to talk with Kevin Templin of Templin Family Brewery about taking beers slow, brewing with unusual ingredients, an exploration into natural wine, and how low ABV beers can help foster conversation and community.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Kevin Templin

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Utah, Dandelions, IPA, Lager, Laws

Photo:

BONUS The Hazy History of New England IPA

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A special episode of the All About Beer Podcast with Em Sauter and Don Tse:

The New England IPA (NEIPA) or Hazy IPA has come to dominate the beer landscape with most breweries having at least one (or sometimes entire portfolios) devoted to the beer style. But how did this happen? In 2013, a small group of breweries in New England, all of which were quite tiny at the time, began to brew a beer that took what we knew of as IPA (bitter, clear) and turned it on its head, creating a thickish, orange colored beer with tons of hop flavor but not a lot of bitterness.

The world took notice and all of a sudden, the NEIPA was a worldwide phenomenon. Let’s go back to the beginning and talk to two brewers from New England who were in the room when it happened, their experiences with the beginning of the trend and how it has changed their approach to brewing today.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

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Beer and Bites for the Big Game

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Celebrate the Super Bowl with the beers and food of Philadelphia and Kansas City. Representatives from the city join the show to talk about their favorite drinks and snacks, and where to visit in their city (beyond bars and breweries).

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guests: Brian Rooney and Meredith Megan Rebar

Sponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Football, Travel, Beer, Drinks, Snacks

Photo: John Holl

The Irish Beer History of Filthy Queens

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A conversation with Dr. Christina Wade, author of the new book Filthy Queens: A History of Beer in Ireland.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Attention brewers: registration is now open for the 2025 Best of Craft Beer Awards. This is a BJCP sanctioned competition judged by fellow brewers and industry leaders; it uses a unique set of style guidelines that champions harmonious and dynamic beers. Held in beautiful Central Oregon, it’s the third largest professional brewing competition in North America and is an opportunity to have your hard work evaluated and rewarded. In addition to traditional and specialty beer styles, new this year is the Hop Water category.

Register your beers through January 31, 2025 by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/. Don’t delay, learn more and get your beers signed up by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/

Host: John Holl

Guest: Dr. Christina Wade

Sponsors: All About Beer, Best of Craft Beer Awards, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Ireland, History, Ale, Drinks

Photo: Nine Bean Rows

We Love Los Angeles

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Over the last month the news coverage out of Los Angeles has been terrifying and heart breaking. A number of fires, driven by the wind, have claimed lives and tens of thousands of homes. Lives are up ended and rebuilding will take years or more. Brewers are used to stepping up in these situations, be it fires, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, there’s a good bet that within a few days of something terrible happening, a collaboration beer will pop up. Brewers anywhere can make it and then donate processed to relief efforts or specific charities.

Common Space Brewing stepped up this time with the We Love LA beer, and brewery co-founder Brent Knapp is here to talk about the origins of the beer and how folks can help. He’s joined by Brian Avery of Bravery Brewing, who is also the president of the LA Brewers Guild. Both joined me via zoom.

Sponsors

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Register your beers through January 31, 2025 by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/. Don’t delay, learn more and get your beers signed up by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/

Host: John Holl

Guests: Brent Knapp, Brian Avery

Sponsors: All About Beer, Best of Craft Beer Awards, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Charity, Collaboration, Los Angeles

Photo: Common Space Brewer.

Using Sour Ales as a Brewing Canvas

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Skip Schwartz of WeldWerks Brewing Co. joins the show to talk about building recipes for stouts and sours with uncommon ingredients and how some of these beers are serving as gateways to other styles and flavors.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Register your beers through January 31, 2025 by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/. Don’t delay, learn more and get your beers signed up by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/

Host: John Holl

Guest: Skip Schwartz

Sponsors: All About Beer, Best of Craft Beer Awards, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Styles, Sours, Bacon, Barrels, Creativity

Photo: WeldWerks Brewing Co.

The Golden Age of Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A conversation with Tom Acitelli the author of The Golden Age of Beer: A 52-Week Guide to the Perfect Beer for Every Week of the Year.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Register your beers through January 31, 2025 by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/. Don’t delay, learn more and get your beers signed up by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/

Host: John Holl

Guest: Tom Acitelli

Sponsors: All About Beer, Best of Craft Beer Awards, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Styles, Michael Jackson, Cream Ale, History,

Photo: Apollo Publishers

Predictions for Beer in 2025

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

2024 was a tough year for drinks. 2025 also looks to have its challenges, so to put it all in perspective I asked Andy Crouch the publisher of All About Beer and Lauren Buzzeo, the editor and publisher of Full Pour to share insights, experiences, and emerging trends that will hopefully put this year ahead into perspective. Give a listen and share your thoughts for the year ahead by emailing JohnHoll@allaboutbeer.com

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Register your beers through January 31, 2025 by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/. Don’t delay, learn more and get your beers signed up by visiting https://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/

Host: John Holl

Guests: Lauren Buzzeo, Andy Crouch

Sponsors: All About Beer, Best of Craft Beer Awards, Stomp Stickers

Tags: Year in Reiew

Photo: John Holl

Alex Kidd reads A Visit From St. Nicholas

All About Beer — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Alex Kidd recites the words of poet Clement Clarke Moore and A Visit from St. Nicholas.

The 2024 Year in Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

It's our annual year in beer show with a panel of writers who share insight after countless interviews, pints, trips, and brewery visits. Listen in as Christopher Shepard, Melissa Cole, and Brandon Hernandez break down the highs and lows of the 2024 Brewing Industry.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Pinter
Ever wanted to brew your own beer but didn’t know where to start? No tubs, no tubes, and no science degree required! Skip the confusion and get straight to the fun with the Pinter. Brew your own fresh beer and impress your friends with craft brews from top breweries like BrewDog and Appalachian Mountain Brewing. It’s that easy. For this week only, you can grab the Pinter and two beer packs (that’s 24 pints!) for just $49. Plus, get free delivery when you go directly to try.pinter.com/DBTB or use the code DRINKBEER49. But hurry—stocks are almost gone for the year. I’ve heard they’re down to the last few units. Don’t miss out—grab your Pinter today and start brewing your best beer yet!

Host: John Holl

Guests: Christopher Shepard, Melissa Cole, Brandon Hernandez

Sponsors: All About Beer, Pinter

Tags: Celebration

Photo: Canva

The 2024 State of Homebrewing in America

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

It's our annual look at the state of homebrewing in America. Listen in to the conversation with Denny Conn, Megan Van Dyk, and Jim Alexander.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Host: John Holl

Guest: Denny Conn, Megan Van Dyk, Jim Alexander

Sponsors: All About Beer, Pinter

Tags: Homebrewing, Hobbies, Lager

Photo:

The 2024 State of Beer Bars in America

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What is the state of beer bars in America? We checked in with some of the finest publicans in the land for the inside story.
Listen in as Tom Peters of Monk’s Café in Philadelphia, Dave Blanchard and Neil Callaghan of the Brick Store Pub in Decatur, Georgia, Rose Signor and Andrew Smith of the Silver Stamp in Las Vegas, and Kerri Hoffman of the Beer Study in Durham, North Carolina share insights.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Pinter
Ever wanted to brew your own beer but didn’t know where to start? No tubs, no tubes, and no science degree required! Skip the confusion and get straight to the fun with the Pinter. Brew your own fresh beer and impress your friends with craft brews from top breweries like Appalachian Mountain Brewing. It’s that easy. This Black Friday, you can grab the Pinter and two beer packs (that’s 24 pints!) for just $49. Plus, get free delivery when you go directly to try.pinter.com/DBTB or use the code DRINKBEER49. But hurry—stocks are almost gone for the year. Don’t miss out—grab your Pinter today and start brewing your best beer yet!

Host: John Holl

Guest: Tom Peters, Dave Blanchard, Neil Callaghan, Rose Signor, Andrew Smith, and Kerri Hoffman.

Sponsors: All About Beer, Pinter

Tags: Bars, Non-alcoholic, travel, cellar, service, hospitality

Photo: John Holl

Pushing the Limits of Barrel-aged Beer with Matt Brynildson

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Firestone Walker Brewmaster Matt Brynildson returns to Drink Beer, Think Beer to celebrate the show's 5th Anniversary.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors

Pinter
"Ever wanted to brew your own beer but didn’t know where to start? No tubs, no tubes, and no science degree required! Skip the confusion and get straight to the fun with the Pinter. Brew your own fresh beer and impress your friends with craft brews from top breweries like Appalachian Mountain Brewing. It’s that easy. This Black Friday, you can grab the Pinter and two beer packs (that’s 24 pints!) for just $49. Plus, get free delivery when you go directly to try.pinter.com/DBTB or use the code DRINKBEER49. But hurry—stocks are almost gone for the year. Don’t miss out—grab your Pinter today and start brewing your best beer yet!"

Host: John Holl

Guest: Matt Brynildson

Sponsors: All About Beer, Pinter

Tags: Brewing, Non-alcoholic, hops, barrel aging

Photo: Firestone Walker Brewing

What is the Meaning of Beer?

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What is the meaning of beer? The answer is far more complicated and intertwined with all of our daily lives than you might think. Jonny Garrett is here to talk about his new book that examines how the human pursuit of the perfect pint built the world.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
If you appreciate the precision of barrel-aged beer, you got to check out the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago

You’ll get access to more than 350 beers, ciders, meads and perrys from 13 style categories brewed by the world’s top barrel-aged brewers—all under one roof. The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago takes flight November 22nd and 23rd in Chicago.

Grab your crew and get your tickets now and at Fobab.com

Host: John Holl

Guest: Jonny Garrett

Sponsors: All About Beer, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

Tags: Brewing, History, Books, Drinking, Innovation

Photo: HarperCollins

How Alternate Ending Beer is Re-writing the Script on Lagers

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Don Tse fills in as host for an exciting conversation about lagers and decoction with Brendan Arnold of Alternate Ending Beer Co.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
If you appreciate the precision of barrel-aged beer, you got to check out the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago

Grab your crew and get your tickets now and at Fobab.com

Host: Don Tse

Guest: Brendan Arnold

Sponsors: All About Beer, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

Tags: Brewing, Lager, Decoction

Photo: John Holl

This Year's Citra Hop Crop Just Pops & Alexandra Nowell Opens a New Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Alexandra Nowell, the long time brewer, hop advocate, and all around good person, is here for a conversation about how this past season went in the Yakima Valley, and to talk about her new brewery in Ohio, the Mellotone Beer Project.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
If you appreciate the precision of barrel-aged beer, you got to check out the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago

Grab your crew and get your tickets now and at Fobab.com

Host: John Holl

Guest: Alexandra Nowell

Sponsors: All About Beer, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

Tags: Brewing, Hops, Yakima, Ohio, New Brewery, IPA, Helles

Photo:

Discovering Belgium's Hidden Beers

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We're glad to welcome Breandán Kearney to the show. He’s the author of the soon-to-be released book Hidden Beers of Belgium, which as the name suggests, covers the beers you might not have heard of from that beer loving country, but should be drinking.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
If you appreciate the precision of barrel-aged beer, you got to check out the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago

Grab your crew and get your tickets now and at Fobab.com

Host: John Holl

Guest: Breandán Kearney

Sponsors: All About Beer, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

Tags: Brewing, Belgium, Books, Drinking, History, Innovation

Photo: Breandán Kearney

Winning Gold: The Brewery of the Year

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

A conversation with Matt Van Wyk of Alesong Brewing and Blending, which was just named Brewery of the Year at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
If you appreciate the precision of barrel-aged beer, you got to check out the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago

Grab your crew and get your tickets now and at Fobab.com

Host: John Holl

Guest: Matt Van Wyk

Sponsors: All About Beer, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

Tags: Awards, Oregon, Wood, Barrels, Cocktails, Brewing

Photo: Courtesy of Alesong Brewing and Blending

Em Sauter is Pairing Beer with Everything

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Em Sauter is an artist, writer, and the co-host of the All About Beer Podcast. She’s also the author of several books. Her most recent came out last month and is titled Pairing Beer with Everything. It’s a collection of suggestions on what beer pairs best will all aspects of life, from food to TV shows, sports teams, even the weather. It’s entertaining and hard work to get right. She talks about her process, protecting art, and how to find that perfect pairing.

Visit pintsandpanels.com to learn more.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Sponsors
Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
If you appreciate the precision of barrel-aged beer, you got to check out the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer in Chicago

Grab your crew and get your tickets now and at Fobab.com

Host: John Holl

Guest: Em Sauter

Sponsors: All About Beer, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

Tags: Art, Beer, Pairing, AI, Weather

Photo: Em Sauter

A Trio of Brewers Discuss Their Favorite Ingredients

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As a drinkers, it’s hard not to get excited when you hear brewers talking about ingredients. The passion, the exploration, the flavor. There is so much the main ingredients in beer bring to the glass. This week it’s a trio of brewers talking about how they approach ingredients, from hop selection, to heirloom corn in lagers. It was recorded in front of an audience of brewers at the annual Schilling Oktoberfest in New Hampshire, and the panel includes:

Maggie Pinto left a successful job in home infusion pharmaceuticals to pursue her dream of brewing beer. She enrolled in a craft beer brewing program at a local college, found a job at a small local brewery (Fidens) and worked her way up from the taproom and can sales. Now, she brews beer every day of the week!

Frank Zagami is Co-founder/Head Brewer of Deciduous Brewing Company in Newmarket, NH with his wife Maryann. Founded in 2014, he is striving to brew exceptional beer within all styles.

And

Spencer Longhurst is a graduate of the American Brewers Guild's Brewing Sciences and Engineering Program. Growing up in the Canadian Rockies, Spencer has cultivated a diverse brewing career having lived and brewed in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the United States. Currently, he serves as the Head Brewer at Barrique Brewing & Blending in Nashville, Tennessee, where he specialises in open-fermented mixed culture beers and continental lagers. With a strong commitment to using local and seasonal ingredients.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Maggie Pinto, Spencer Longhurst, Frank Zagami

Sponsors: All About Beer, Denver Rare Beer Tasting

Tags: Corn, Lager, Brewing, Hops, Ingredients

Photo: Zac Porter

Navigating the Current Beer Industry Challenges

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Last weekend in New Hampshire, amid the revelry of the Schilling Beer Co. Oktoberfest – a festival I’ll say should be on your radar for next year – I got together with some brewer owners from around the country to record this conversation. There is a lot of uncertainty in the industry these days and folks are trying to figure out the path forward in real time. Talking with and listening to smart people offers up a lot of perspective.

Guests

Peter Kiley is Brewmaster and Co-Owner of Monday Night Brewing, and is an award winning brewmaster, winemaker and distiller from Atlanta, Georgia. From Monday Night’s inception, Kiley’s creative vision, recipe development and multifaceted approach to alcohol production have set the groundwork for the brewery’s worldwide notoriety. Kiley is a founding member of the MBAA Georgia chapter, a member of The Hop Quality Group, a published scientific author and has presented at both The World Brewing Congress and The Craft Brewers Conference.

Tom Beckmann is the Owner and Head Brewer of Goldfinger Brewing Company in Downers Grove, Il. Upon graduating from the World Brewing Academy Master Brewer's Diploma program through Siebel Institute of Technology and Doemens Akademie in Munich, Germany, Tom became a production brewer at Lagunitas Brewing and later worked several years as a pub brewer at Emmett's Brewing Company. He established Goldfinger Brewing, an exclusively lager beer producer, in the summer of 2020 and has acute experience with lager brewing as well as what it is like to scale up a small, lager-centric, craft brewery.

Jeremy Grinkey, co-founder at Everywhere Beer Co has spent 20 years in the alcohol industry. Having spent half of that time making wine on the Central Coast of California and the remainder of that time managing beer production. Before co-founding Everywhere with a few industry colleagues, he was the Director of Production at The Bruery. Everywhere Beer Co was founded in 2022 and is focused on growing its community and delivering fresh beer as well as esoteric offerings to its dedicated fans.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Jeremy Grinkey, Tom Beckmann, Peter Kiley

Sponsors: All About Beer, Denver Rare Beer Tasting

Tags: Business, Lager, Brewing, Economics,

Photo: Zac Porter

Celebrating Cask Ale This Week and Every Week

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

https://staustellbrewery.co.uk/A conversation on the importance, process, and tradition of cask ale, with Georgina Young the brewing director of St. Austell Brewery.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Georgina Young

Sponsors: All About Beer, Denver Rare Beer Tasting

Tags: Britian, Drinking, Bars, Pubs, Cask Ale

BONUS: Unpacking Beer's Romantic Facts with Jeff Alworth

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Myths are everywhere in beer. We don't know when certain breweries were actually created, when some brewing styles were invented, or we have preconceived notions of how certain things should be. In reality, they are not true at all. Beer writer Jeff Alworth has a phrase for some of these: romantic facts. Some are semi-accurate but the truth is stretched slightly, which hurts no one and helps create legend and lore either around a specific brewery or a brewing process. Alworth lays out a list of these romantic facts for this episode of the All About Beer podcast to dig through in a fun and engaging interview about what is the "truth" of beer and does it really matter?

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Estrella Galicia
Estrella Galicia is an independent, family-owned brewery in northwest Spain, founded in 1906.

Estrella Galicia Cerveza Especial is a world class lager, brewed using the finest Spanish malts, locally cultivated Galician hops and the best brewing practices, in a state-of-the-art facility in La Coruña . Recognized around the world for quality and exceptional character. Estrella Galicia is “A beer like no other.”

Hosts: Em Sauter and Don Tse
Guest: Jeff Alworth
Sponsors: Estrella Galicia, All About Beer
Tags: Myths, Beer, Lager, Ale
Photo: By John Holl

Visiting the British Pub, No Matter the Weather

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In Pub for All Seasons: A Yearlong Journey in Search of the Perfect British Local (Headline, 2024) Adrian Tierney-Jones deftly unpacks what makes these locations so special, while also sharing details of his own life. The result is a page and calendar turner that helps reveal how different times of year bring out different experiences. It will inspire readers to get out of the traditional comfort zones and experience the Pub in all kinds of weather.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Adrian Tierney-Jones

Sponsors: All About Beer, Denver Rare Beer Tasting

Tags: Britian, Drinking, Bars, Pubs, Travel

Visiting the Great Bars of New York City

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There is no shortage of excellent places to drink in New York City, and on this episode, we're talking with Karla and James Murray, the photographers behind a new book Great Bars of New York City: 30 of Manhattan’s Favorite Storied Drinking Establishments (Prestel).

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Karla Murray and James Murray

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: New York, Drinking, Bars, Photography

All About Malört: Listen at Your Own Risk

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Author Josh Noel talks about his new book Malort: The Redemption of a Revered and Reviled Spirit. It's a story of stubbornness and luck, determination, underground appreciation, and mainstream popularity. The wormwood liquor is easy to hate but should be wonderfully appreciated. It is a uniquely Chicago story, and there is no one better than Noel to tell the story.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Josh Noel

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Chicago, Malort, Bars, Drinking

Photo by John Holl

Creating Low ABV Beers with Great Depth

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

There’s some really fun beers happening inside of a small Rhode Island brewery. This week, it’s a conversation with Cheyne Tessier of Origin Beer Project about low abv beers, art, and establishing a home base.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Cheyne Tessier

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Rhode Island, ABV, Lager, IPA, Hop Water, Business

Photo by John Holl

John Mallett Drives Home the Importance of Brewery Safety

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

A conversation recorded in Providence, Rhode Island with longtime brewmaster John Mallett, formerly of Bells Brewery who is currently happily retired. It’s a chat about brewery safety, building recipes, and insight from a career that impacted so many.

Last week I was in Rhode Island to help judge the inaugural Rhode Worthy Beer Cup. It was happening along side the state brewer’s guild conference. John Mallett, the long-time Bells Brewery brewer and production manager was giving the keynote. He’s an Ocean State Native, and was kind enough to take some time to cross the road after his talk and sit down with me for a conversation at the newly opened Buttonwoods Brewery location.

If you don’t know Mallett, maybe you’ve been living under a rock.

In addition to his work at Bells, which spanned more than 20 years, helping develop and shepherd many of the brands beloved beers to market, he’s also the author of Malt: A Practical Guide from Field to Brewhouse (released by the Brewers Publications in 2014).

He served on many boards and technical committees, including the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, Brewers Association, Hop Quality Group – of which he was a founder - and American Malting Barley Association.

Mallett retired a few years ago but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have anything left to share or teach. He is passionate about brewery safety, and finding ways to bring creativy, knowledge, and passion to an industry that he has loved for so long.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: John Mallett

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Rhode Island, Bells, Safety, Hop Quality Group

Photo by John Holl

Beer History Through Brewhouse Sales

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It’s a conversation about both history and modern beer with Alan Pugsley, the long-time brewery consultant who helped launch so many beers in the early days of the craft movement and more recently has gotten into the gluten-free beer space.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Alan Pugsley

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Maine, Brewing, Gluten-free

Photo by Dave Delsonno

The State of the National Black Brewers Association

All About Beer — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As it continues to do important work, reach milestones, and look towards the future, the National Black Brewers Association has put out a report detailing its accomplishments. Kevin Asato, the executive director is here for a conversation.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Kevin Asato

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Brewing, Associations, Membership, Growth, NB2A

Photo by NB2A.ORG

Bonus: Brewer to Brewer with Shaun O'Sullivan and Chuck Silva

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Shaun O'Sullivan of 21st Amendment Brewery interviews Chuck Silva of Silva Brewing on this bonus episode of Brewer to Brewer.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Firsd Tea
Firsd Tea is a proud sponsor of the Brewer to Brewer podcast. Firsd Tea has been working with brewers on a wide range of teas and botanicals in popular and successful beers. Firsd Tea combines flexible order sizes with the experience you need to create innovative and successful craft brews. They get you the most direct-to-farm tea selection so you are working with flavorful and consistent products. You can find out more about Firsd Tea’s collaborations with brewers and tea ingredients by visiting firsdtea.com or email info@firsdtea.com

Host: Shaun O'Sullivan
Guest: Chuck Silva
Sponsor: Firsd Tea, All About Beer
Tags: Brewing, IPA, California, Ingredients

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Hip Hop Intro 06 by TaigaSoundProd
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9533-hip-hop-intro-06
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Artist website: https://linktr.ee/taigasoundprod

Beware the Grain Dust: A Conversation About Brewery Safety

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

A few weeks back Dave Haydysch of Lone Rider Beer began posting shots of himself on social media in the hospital after being admitted for breathing problems. It turns out it was exposure to malt dust that landed him there. He’s been part of the North Carolina Craft Beer Industry since 2010 when he got his start at Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, NC. In 2016 Dave was brought on to develop and lead brewing operations at Mason Jar Lager Company.

He is now leading brewing ops at Lonerider Brewing in Raleigh and co-brewing with the team at Fortnight Brewing in Cary. Dave is an active member of the NC Brewers Guild and sits on the Education Committee for the Guild. On this episode he walks us through his career and the last several scary weeks.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Dave Haydysch

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Brewing, Safety, Malt, Brewing

Photo by John Holl

Learning Life Lessons with Lew Bryson

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Lew Bryson is on the show this week. He’s a long-time writer in the beer and whisky space, a voice of reason, and honestly just a force of good and positivity in an otherwise dreary world.

I’ve been fortunate to call Bryson a friend for the better part of 20 years now. As a writer starting off in the beer space he was one of a few that was generous with his time, advice, and expertise. That’s not a unique to me experience. Lew has helped so many better understand drinks and culture.

He’s kind and intelligent with the kind of resume that can only come with being among the very best. He was managing editor of Whisky Advocate magazine for 20 years. He is the author of Tasting Whiskey, and Whiskey Master Class, and writes a column for Craft Spirits Magazine.

His work has appeared in countless publications, including a long stint in All About Beer. Bryson is a Kentucky Colonel, and a member of The Order of The Writ, an honorary association of the bourbon industry. He lives in central Pennsylvania, which is the topic of his podcast, “Seen Through A Glass." – a show you should tune into regularly.

A few months back we were approached by Rich Colli of Varga Bar to do an event for Philly Beer Week. It was great fun, pouring and talking about whisky and beer. Before all that we sat down at Victory Brewing in Philly, to talk about writing, careers, home bars, and more.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Lew Bryson

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Whisky, Home Bars, Books

Photo by John Holl

Don Tse Nerds Out with Brewers About Decoction

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Don Tse takes over hosting duties on this episode recorded live at Forever Lager. He talks with a trio of brewers about decoction mashing. This is a fun, entertaining, and engaging listen.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: Don Tse

Guests: Zach Adams of Fox Farm, Eric Larkin of Cohesion Brewing, and Shawn Cooper of Halfway Crooks

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Brewing, Malt, Mashing, Decoction

Photo by John Holl

Cool Brewers Doing Cool Things

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This week is a conversation recorded at Notch Brewing, during the Forever Lager Festival. In a moment you’ll hear from the brewers Wild East Brewing, Working Draft, and Dovetail, a bunch of cool brewers doing cool things.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Jenny Pfafflin of Dovetail Brewery, Clinton Lohman of Working Draft Beer Co., and Brett Taylor of Wild East Brewing.

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Brewing, Rice, Hazy IPA, Festival

Photo by Andy Crouch

The History and Future of New England Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This is the second of several shows recorded live during Forever Lager, a festival held by Notch Brewing in Brighton, Massachusetts. Guest host Andy Crouch takes a deep dive into the culture of brewing in New England with a trio of respected, and well-known brewers: Tod Mott of Tributary Brewing, Will Meyers of Cambridge Brewing, and Paul Sayler of Zero Gravity Brewing.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: Andy Crouch

Guests: Tod Mott of Tributary Brewing, Will Meyers of Cambridge Brewing, and Paul Sayler of Zero Gravity Brewing

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Brewing, Pilsner, Hazy IPA, Festival

Photo by John Holl

The Past, Present, and Future of Lager

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

A panel discussion on lagers recorded at the Forever Lager '24 Festival at Notch Brewing.
Featuring Khris Johnson of Green Bench Brewing, Ben Howe of Otherlands Brewing, and Tom Clark of Berwick Brewing.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Khris Johnson, Tom Clark, Ben Howe

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Lager, Brewing, Pilsner, Hazy IPA, Festival

Photo by Andy Crouch

Camp Rauchbier: Pineapple Smoke Show with Wallenpaupack Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

An episode of Camp Rauchbier recorded at Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. with head brewer Logan Ackerley.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Logan Ackerley

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Rauchbier, Poconos, Brewing, Lager

Photo by John Holl

The Future of the Cicerone Certification Program

All About Beer — Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We’re talking about beer education this week with the two new owners of Cicerone Jason Pratt and Dan Imdieke. From where it was, how to avoid misinformation, and how to get everyday drinkers involved, they will share their insight and plans for the organization.

Host: John Holl

Guests: Jason Pratt and Dan Imdieke

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Education, History, Brewing, Cicerone

Photo courtesy of Cicerone

The 2024 Hop Report

All About Beer — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

If you listen to this show regularly, you’ve likely heard me talk about some of our other podcasts, like Brewer to Brewer and the All About Beer podcasts. If you search All About Beer on your favorite podcast platform, you’ll find them. You should also go to AllAboutBeer.com and read some of our recent articles, including an interview with a Massachusetts brewer, making beers through grief, and a hot take on hazy IPA from Andy Crouch.

This week, I’m glad to bring you an episode of the All About Beer podcast with Em Sauter and Don Tse on how the 2024 hop crops are shaping up. That’s coming up next, and I’ll be back with an original episode of this show next week. In the meantime, to support our work in the beer space, please go visit patreon.com/allaboutbeer. We mean it when we say a few bucks go a long way, and there is an option for breweries and industry-affiliated companies to get involved.

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Right now around the world, the hops industry is in two modes: In the Northern Hemisphere, the hop farmers are prepping the poles for twine, making sure the bines that start to grow are the perfect plant to make the arduous climb up, and are preparing the farm for the busy season ahead.

While in the Southern Hemisphere, harvest has been over for weeks, so the hop farmers are composting, cleaning the kilns, and are taking a well deserved break. On this episode we talk to two hop farmers, Eric Desmarais of CLS Farms in Yakima, Washington and Andrew Sutherland, hop farmer at Oast House Farms in Upper Moutere, New Zealand about what they are currently doing around their farms and the differences seasonality makes.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Estrella Galicia
Estrella Galicia is an independent, family-owned brewery in northwest Spain, founded in 1906.

Hosts: Don Tse and Em Sauter
Guests: Eric Desmarais and Andrew Sutherland
Sponsors: Estrella Galicia, All About Beer
Tags: Hops, Yakima Valley, New Zealand, Farming

The Evolution of Sour Beer in America with Tomme Arthur at Funk Fest '24

All About Beer — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This is the second episode recorded live before an audience at Funk Fest, the great event put on by Embrace the Funk and Yazoo Brewing in Nashville, Tennessee. Tomme Arthur of the Lost Abbey talks about the evolution of sours and funky, of tradition and exploration.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Tomme Arthur

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Travel, Funk Fest, Sour, Brettanomyces, Wild, Recipes

Photo by Brandon Jones

Stouts and Barrels, Chili Crisp and Whiskey. Phil Wymore at Funk Fest '24

All About Beer — Wed, 08 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This is another episode recorded live before an audience, this time at Funk Fest, the great event put on by Embrace the Funk and Yazoo Brewing in Nashville, Tennessee. Phil Wymore of Perennial Artisan Ales joins the show for a conversation about stouts, barrels, condiments, and whiskey.

Phil Wymore is the Co-Founder of Perennial Artisan Ales in St. Louis, MO, established in 2011. Prior to opening Perennial, Phil spent time in Chicago as the Cellar Manager of Goose Island, the Head Brewer of Half Acre, and attended the Siebel Institute. In 2021, he started Passenger Foods, a one-person operation that makes chili crisp. In 2023, he co-founded Common Ritual, an independent bottler that discovers extraordinary whiskies produced by underrepresented distilleries.

Host: John Holl

Guest: Phil Wymore

Sponsors: All About Beer

Tags: Travel, Funk Fest, Stout, Barrels, History, St. Louis, Goose Island, Whiskey

Photo by Brandon Jones

Brewing with Specialty Malts for Special Beers

All About Beer — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This the third of three episodes that was recorded during the Little Beer IV festival hosted by Good Word Brewing and Duluth, Georgia. This panel features a trio of brewers who talk with All About Beer Podcast Co-Host and noted author Don Tse about how malt is the most important ingredients for little beers. From heritage grains, to stalwarts, a look at how grains bring out flavor in small beers and why it should be better appreciated.

Host: Don Tse
Guests: Amanda Cardinali, Ryan Ziarko, Brett Schweigert
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Travel, Little Beers, Malt, Culture
Photo by John Holl

Making the Case For Drinking More Cask Ale

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This the second of three episodes that was recorded during the Little Beer IV festival hosted by Good Word Brewing and Duluth, Georgia. This panel features a trio of cask beer experts who talk with All About Beer Publisher Andy Crouch about the very best of the process.

Host: Andy Crouch
Guests: Steve Hamburg, Todd DiMatteo, Neil Callaghan
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Travel, Little Beers, Ales, Cask Ale, Culture
Photo by John Holl

Brewers Discuss Creating Low ABV Lagers and Ales - From Little Beer IV

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is kicking off a trio of shows that was recorded at the just concluded Little Beer IV festival hosted by Good Word Brewing and the city of Duluth, Georgia. This panel, which was presented live during the fest, features a trio of brewers all talking about the process, culture, and general greatness of low abv ales and lagers. Guests include: Zach Adams of Fox Farm Brewery, John Branding of Wheatland Spring + Brewery, and Todd Boera of Fonta Flora.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Visit the Wonkas of tea beer at booth 2390. Firsd Tea has teas and botanicals to create new colors, flavors, and textures to craft beer and hard teas. Firsd Tea even has beer and cocktail recipes with popping boba. Step into pure imagination at booth 2390 at the Vegas CBC or email info@firsdtea.com.

Malteurop Malting Company is North American proud with premium grains from field to flavor. Their selections include Base, Specialty and Distillers malt varieties. Stop by their Booth #2143 at the Craft Brewers Conference in Vegas!

Host: John Holl
Guests: Zach Adams, John Branding, Todd Boera
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Travel, Little Beers, Ales, Brewing, Culture
Photo by John Holl

The Best Places to Drink Craft Beer in Las Vegas

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Las Vegas will be the focal point for many brewers in the coming weeks as the Brewers Association hosts its annual Craft Brewers Conference, World Beer Cup, and Brewers Expo. For those traveling to sin city – either as brewing professionals or curious drinkers – this episode will offer up all the tips to make the most out of your drinking time on and off the strip.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guests: Wyndee Forrest, David Pascual, and Dan Pixley
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Travel, Casinos, Beer, Las Vegas, Dining
Photo art by Canva

Modern Lager Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Jack Hendler and Joe Connolly discuss their new book Modern Lager Beer: Techniques, Processes, and Recipes.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Jack Hendler and Joe Connolly
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Lager, Tradition, Fermentation, Germany, Landbier
Photo by Brewers Publications

This Week in Rauchbier 2024

All About Beer — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to This Week in Rauchbier for April 1, 2024.

Our Rauchbier spotlight is trained on Caleb Michalke of Sugar Creek Malt in Indiana. He's working to bring rauchmalt of distinction of discerning brewers and distillers.

Then Rick Lyke, our rauchbier sherpa and the founder of the Pints for Prostates Campaign, shares his inspirational journey into smoked beer and offers his unparalleled insight and advice to breweries regarding smoked beer.

Then Bart Watson of the Brewers Association joins us to share the latest growth and success of Rauchbier in the marketplace.

Enjoy these audio smoky delights.

Thanks to Hagen and Bill for the inspiration to do this show. Hear the genesis of This Week in Rauchbier on episode 5 of Drink Beer, Think Beer.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Caleb Michalke, Rick Lyke, and Bart Watson.
Tags: beer, craft beer, rauchbier, smoke, April Fool's Day

Music for this episode:
NewsSting by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4124-newssting

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Fiden's Brewing is Making IPA with Character and Distinction

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

On this episode it's a deep dive on what goes in to making a great IPA. Steve Parker of New York’s Fiden’s Brewery joins the show.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Steve Parker
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: New York, West Coast IPA, Mosaic Hops, Mouthfeel
Photo by John Holl

Wayne Wambles talks about beers of his past and his brewing future.

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

How do beers evolve over time? And how does patience, curiosity, trust, and creativity work to the benefit of bother brewery and brewer? Wayne Wambles, the (now former) long-time brewmaster of Cigar City, is here to talk about his career, a return to homebrewing, and how specialty ingredients work best when added to a solid beer base.

Wambles has started a brewery consulting service and can be reached at WayneWambles@yahoo.com .

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Wayne Wambles
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Florida, Stout, IPA, Homebrewing, Consulting, Creativity
Photo courtesy of Wayne Wambles via Facebook.

Ep. 225 Meteorologist Eric Fisher

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It's beer and weather together on this episode of the podcast as Boston CBS Meterologist Eric Fisher joins the show.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Eric Fisher
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Weather, Treehouse, Blizzard, Travel, Boston, Eclipse

Ep. 224 - Author Aaron Goldfarb, Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

It’s a bit of a departure on the show this week as we’re talking about spirits with long-time beverage writer Aaron Goldfarb. He has a new book out: Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits.

Goldfarb has been a journalist for over a decade, frequently writing on the subjects of cocktails and drinking culture for such publications as the New York Times, Esquire, Playboy, PUNCH, and VinePair, and has had features written about his career in the New York Times, Forbes, and the Boston Globe. His previous books include Hacking Whiskey, named a finalist for Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Best New Book, and Gather Around Cocktails. In 2020, Tales of the Cocktail named Goldfarb the Best Cocktail & Spirit Writer for the year. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, daughter, son, cat, and a lot of bottles of booze.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Aaron Goldfarb
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Booze, Books, California, Tequila, Bourbon, Cocktails

Ep. 223 - Morgan Snyder of Buttonwoods Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

It’s a trip to the Ocean State and a conversation with Morgan Snyder, the head brewer and co-founder of Buttonwoods Brewery. From world-class small-batch lagers, to an expansion, and the wonder of saison, this episode covers it all and more.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Morgan Snyder
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Lager, Saison, Rhode Island, Growth, Cocktails

Ep. 222 - Julia Herz of the American Homebrewers Association

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Homebrewing has been a source of passionate online chatter over the last week after the American Homebrewers Association announced it would put its annual Homebrew Con on “hiatus” in favor of smaller events and demonstrations located within the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.

Julia Herz, the executive director of the AHA is here, to explain the change.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Julia Herz
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Homebrewing, Conference, Festival, Denver

Ep. 221 - All The Things to Love About Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

There’s a lot to love about beer. And that can be tough to remember at times. So in honor of Valentine’s Day, we've asked three enthusiastic folks - Aaron MJ Gore, Annette May, and Tom M. - to come on and share what makes their heart flutter when it comes to lager and ale.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Aaron MJ Gore, Annette, May, Tom M.
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Cask, Love, Education
Cover art: AI image created by Canva.

Ep. 220 - Joe Wells of Fair State Brewing Cooperative

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

There are some trends worth paying attention to these days around the beer space. One of them is THC seltzers. They are popping up on menus in certain states alongside IPA and lager.

THC Seltzers are taking off. On this show last year Scott Selix of Lua and Climbing Kites talked about his brewery's entry into the space. Their beverage is being contracted out of Minnesota’s Fair State Cooperative Brewery, which also has its own line of seltzers. The brewer putting in the work to make and develop these is Joe Wells.

Wells has been in the craft beer industry for over a decade, from California to Canada and the last five years at Fair State where he serves as Head Brewer.

On this episode he talks about how these THC seltzers are made, how they came about in the first place, and what the market is doing in response to their availability.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Attention brewers: registration is now open for the 2024 Best of Craft Beer Awards. Now in its 10th year, this is a BJCP sanctioned event judged by fellow brewers, professional judges, and industry leaders. Judged in Oregon, it’s the third largest professional brewing competition in North America and is a chance to have your hard work evaluated and rewarded. In addition to traditional styles, new this year is the smoothie sour style category, and the collaboration competition. Learn more and register your beers through January 31, 2024 by visiting www.BestofCraftBeerAwards.com/register

Host: John Holl
Guest: Joe Wells
Sponsors: Best of Craft Beer Awards, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Seltzer, THC, CBD, Hemp, Business, Growth

Ep. 219 - Chris Shields of Rhinegeist Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

A conversation with Chris Shields, the Director of Education at Rhinegeist Brewery.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Host: John Holl
Guest: Chris Shields
Sponsors: Best of Craft Beer Awards, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Education, Food, Ohio, Hospitality, Business, Growth

Ep. 218 - Shaun Yasaki and James Redford of Noble Beast Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

There’s a lot happening inside the walls of Cleveland, Ohio’s Noble Beast Brewing. All of it is good. On this episode it’s a conversation with owners Shaun Yasaki and James Redford about food, hospitality, creativity, and tradition.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Host: John Holl
Guests: Shaun Yasaki and James Redford
Sponsors: Best of Craft Beer Awards, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Bars, Food, Ohio, Hospitality, Lager, Rauchbier, Flanders Red

Ep. 217 - Michael Roper of Hopleaf

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

There are some iconic beer bars in America, and on the Mt. Rushmore is Hopleaf, the venerable Chicago institution. Michael Roper, its long-time publican, who recently announced his retirement is on this episode.

Late last year Roper, who founded the Hopleaf in Chicago in 1992 announced that he’d be retiring from the bar. He’ll stay involved in various ways, as you’ll hear shortly, but the day to day is now the responsibility of others. His retirement came on the occasion of his 70th birthday, we recorded this a week after. It’s hard to overstate the importance of the Hopleaf in terms of beer bars in America.

Located in the city’s Andersonville neighborhood it has been the place for a well curated and uncompromising beer list and an equally thoughtful food menu. Roper will walk us through the history of the bar and thoughts for the future of hospitality, and along the way gives us a reason to strive for better bar experiences.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Host: John Holl
Guest: Michael Roper
Sponsors: Best of Craft Beer Awards, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Bars, History, Chicago, Hospitality

Ep. 216 - Pink Boots Society Founder Teri Fahrendorf

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This episode features a conversation with the legendary Teri Fahrendorf, the long-time brewmaster and founder of Pink Boots Society. She’s here for a wide ranging conversation about her career, brewery safety, recipe development, creativity, and forging a path in the beer industry.

After a storied career in beer, Fahrendorf recently entered a working retirement. She’s helmed breweries, judged competitions around the world, and founded the Pink Boots Society, which she later ran for nearly a decade. She’s been a safety advocate, outspoken critic, historian, and sounding board in her more than 30 year career.

After countless brew days and then a turn selling raw ingredients, she’s focused today on her art, crafting pottery from her studio in the pacific northwest. It’s another creative outlet for this one-time computer programmer who forged a career through determination and will when the craft brewing industry was still in its infancy.

She joined the show in early January 2024 to share some stories and insights, more of which can be found on her her blog and website terifahrendorf.com

Fahrendorf isn’t leaving beer completely – she says she still plans to judge competitions and stay involved in various other ways, but for the first time since the 1980s bee is not her primary job focus. This seems like a good time for an introspective.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

Host: John Holl
Guest: Teri Fahrendorf
Sponsors: Best of Craft Beer Awards, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Bars, History, Education, Pink Boots

Ep. 215 - Predictions for Beer in 2024

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Lets ease into the new year with a panel discussion from some of my other All About Beer podcast hosts and colleagues. We’ll discuss thoughts and trends for 2024, and have some fun reminiscing on 2023 along the way.

Today on the show I’m joined by some of the voices and bylines you’ve come to expect from All About Beer. It’s not quite our holiday office party, but it’s a chance for us to get together for a good time and to talk about what we’ve experienced on the job and what might be on the horizon.

For this episode I’m joined by Andy Crouch, the publisher of All About Beer, Don Tse better known as the Don of Beer, and Em Sauter, better known as Pints and Panels. Together they co-host the bi-weekly All About Beer Podcast. Plus, Sarah Jane Curran, the host of Beer Me! Radio, who joined our podcast group in 2023.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

The Best of Craft Beer Awards

In addition to traditional styles, new this year is the smoothie sour style category, and the collaboration competition. Learn more and register your beers through January 31, 2024 by visiting www.BestofCraftBeerAwards.com/register

Host: John Holl
Guests: Andy Crouch, Em Sauter, Don Tse, Sarah Jane Curran
Sponsors: Best of Craft Beer Awards, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Bars, Draft Beer, Conversations, Hospitality, Resolutions

Ep. 214 - The 2023 State of Beer Bars in America

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Beer bars play an important role in delivering a world class experience while offering a curated list that can surprise, delight, or just be a comfort. This is our annual episode where we check in on the state of beer bars with thoughtful publicans.

So, What is the state of beer bars in America in 2023? Two bar owners, Jeff Bruning and Devin Cox, share their experiences and insights.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Jeff Bruning and Devin Cox
Sponsors: ProBrewer, All About Beer
Tags: Restaurants, Beer, Bars, Draft Beer, Conversations, Hospitality

Ep. 213 - The 2023 Beer Year in Review

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

It’s our annual end of the year wrap up with writers from around the globe who cover the beer industry. You’ll hear from Matt Kirkegaard, Christopher Shepard, Brandon Hernandez, and Melissa Cole. Listen in as these venerable journalists discuss the trends of 2023, give analysis on the news, and offer insight that impacts all beer drinkers.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Matt Kirkegaard, Christopher Shepard, Brandon Hernandez, and Melissa Cole
Sponsors: ProBrewer, All About Beer
Tags: Festivals, Beer, Hops, History, Conversations, Non-alcoholic beer

Ep. 212 - The 2023 State of Homebrewing

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0500

This is our second annual show dedicated to homebrewing. Drew Beechum and Denny Conn are here to talk about what’s happening with the hobby, to answer a listener question, and to spread some holiday cheer.

Conn and Beechum are longtime homebrewers and noted personalities in the space. They are the co-authors of Simple Home Brewing and Experimental Homebrewing, which is also the name of the podcast they co-host.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Shopify
Shopify’s already taken the cash register online, helping millions sell billions around the world. But did you know that Shopify can do the same thing at your retail store? Give your point-of-sale system a serious upgrade, with Shopify. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/drinkbeer and take your retail business to the next level today.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Drew Beechum and Denny Conn
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Homebrewing, Cans, Hops, History, Festivals, Conventions

Ep. 211 - Jake Gardner of Westbound & Down

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Last week, Westbound & Down Brewing announced that it had acquired two breweries, Aspen Brewing and Capitol Creek Brewery’s brewpub, both in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley.

The deal, says Jake Gardner the Director of Brewing Operations at Westbound & Down Brewing Company, is part of a plan the brewery has been eyeing for a while. There was a desire to expand in a meaningful way, while still staying true to the brewing ethos that has guided Westbound and Down since it opened in 2015.

We’ll talk business and the growth projections, and how Aspen’s 7,000 barrel capacity, and Capitol Creek Brewery’s brewpub will blend with the existing infrastructure.

But we’re also going to talk about IPA, barrel-aged beer, and how the brewery wants to be great at all that it does.

That goal squares with Gardner’s background. He started professionally brewing at Breckenridge Brewery in 2011 before transitioning to Hogshead Brewery where he worked his way up to head brewer in 2013. While working at Hogshead he connected with three mug club members who ended up becoming partners in opening Westbound & Down Brewing.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jake Gardner
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Colorado, Craft, Restaurant, Growth, IPA, Barrels

Ep. 210 - David Moore & Andy Joynt of Big Grove Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

From consumer preferences, to growing a company, I’m excited to have David Moore and Andy Joynt of Big Grove Brewing on the show this week. As the brewery expands through Iowa and is eyeing other states, we will talk about flavors and creativity, and finding ways to stay nimble in a challenging industry.

Joynt has been the director of beer for Big Grove Brewery for 7 years and became an owner in 2020. He is responsible for all beer that is made at Big Groves five different operations that includes two production facilities as well as three smaller taproom breweries. Under his leadership Big Grove has become the number one top selling craft beer in Iowa surpassing Blue Moon and Leinenkugels. Big Grove has also captured multiple awards including World Beer Cup, GABF, and US Open Beer.

Moore spent the first six years at Big Grove as the chief operations officer and became an owner in 2020. He recently moved to chief growth officer where he will oversee the company’s advancement in new markets for taprooms, distribution, as well as all new business divisions. He is also the CEO and owner of Climbing Kites, Iowa first and top selling THC infused beverage company.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Andy Joynt and David Moore
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Iowa, Craft, Restaurant, Growth, Flavor, Hospitality

Ep. 209 - Sam Masotto of Bonn Place

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Sam Masotto of Bonn Place Brewing in Pennsylvania is here for a conversation about hospitality, food, and fun. It’s a special episode, recorded at the brewery in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Sam Masotto
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Pennsylvania, Craft, Mild, Sandwiches, Saison, Flavor, Hospitality

Ep. 208 - Scott Selix of Lua Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

From creating a thoughtful space that puts beer and food front and center, to one of the newest frontiers in adult beverages: THC and CBD, Scott Selix of Lua Brewing is here to talk about his growing brewery and the evolution of hospitality. He is Co-Founder of Lua Brewing in Des Moines as well as Lua’s sister company, Climbing Kites, a THC Sparkling Water brand. He also runs HYFR Hospitality, a hospitality company based in Des Moines, which just opened a new restaurant. Either/Or, where this episode was recorded. Scott was the President of the Iowa Brewers Guild from 2019-2023.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Scott Selix
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Iowa, Craft, Lager, IPA, THC, Flavor, Hospitality

Ep. 207 - The State of Iowa Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Today it’s a visit to Des Moines, Iowa for a lively conversation with two of the state’s leading brewers, the guild director, and historian Maureen Ogle.

Last week I was in Iowa to speak and spend time at the state’s guild annual conference. It had been several years since I was there and I wanted to get a better handle on what is happening in the state – and it’s a lot.

What is happening there is important to the industry as a whole, and worth a listen.

My guests are:

Dave Morgan is a small town Iowa native, that attended and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Business Administration in 1998. After graduation, he jumped into the hospitality industry, opening and operating multiple food and beverage locations before transitioning into the craft brewery scene in 2012. He leads the team at SingleSpeed Brewing Co, operating 3 locations (Brewery+TapRoom), all located within the state of Iowa and has been a member of Iowa Brewers Guild Board since 2020, currently holding down the incredibly important / do the least position of Vice President.

Noreen Otto is a Wisconsin native who relocated to Iowa to attend college and law school. After graduation, she worked in a number of political roles. She then spent 7 years focused on state and federal policy for Hy-Vee, Inc. as Vice President Government Relations. Her work focused on retail business issues. Noreen also served at the Chief Administrative Officer for specialty cheese maker, Maytag Dairy Farms before joining the Iowa Brewers Guild as the Executive Director in fall of 2021. She lives with her husband and two sons in Newton, where she sits on the Jasper Community Foundation and library board. Noreen can be found making cheeseboards when she isn’t trying to understand Minecraft.

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a Finance degree in 2009, R.J. Tursi spent time with relatives in southern Italy, working at their winery and learning what it means to be passionate about your work and craft. In 2012, R.J. and his parents, Bob & Amy Tursi

opened Exile Brewing. Over the past 11 years R.J. has guided Exile through the relatively easy growth of the 2010s, earned his Advanced Cicerone Certification, and is currently helping Exile navigate the more tumultuous waters of the 2020s.

and

Maureen Ogle is an historian and the author of Ambitious Brew: A History of American Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Dave Morgan, RJ Tursi, Noreen Otto, Maureen Ogle
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Iowa, Craft, History, IPA, Lager, Flavor

Ep. 206 - Diane Flynt, author of Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Diane Flynt, the author of the recently published Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South. This is a story of history, diversity, and the future.

For those who say social media is a bad thing, I get it. But occasionally it can provide gems. For example, last week I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw Sean Lilly Wilson, the founder of North Carolina’s Fullsteam Brewery post about a new book he was reading: Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South.

I was immediately intrigued and reached out to the author, Diane Flynt, to come on the show.

She and her husband Chuck live in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, where she is an apple grower and cidermaker. She says above all else she is an insatiable learner, which led to the concept and writing of this book.

Flynt is a multiple-time James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional and founded Foggy Ridge Cider in 1997 after leaving her corporate career and produced cider until 2018.

There aren’t nearly enough books on apples in the world, especially engaging and well thought out ones, but this book stands among the top, in my mind and based on what I’ve read, for not only the rich history and passion it provides, but also the personal narrative weaved throughout, and the easy to understand approach, which helps put the subject in our hands.

Press materials provided in advance give this description: Flynt "shows how southern apples, ranging from northern varieties that found fame on southern soil to hyper-local apples grown by a single family, have a history beyond the region, from Queen Victoria's court to the Oregon Trail.

Flynt also tells us the darker side of the story, detailing how apples were entwined with slavery and the theft of Indigenous land. She relates the ways southerners lost their rich apple culture in less than the lifetime of a tree and offers a tentatively hopeful future."

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Diane Flynt
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Cider, Apples, History, South, Agriculture, Flavor

Ep. 205 - Sean O'Keefe of Pontoon Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

There is a lot of uncertainty in the American beer industry these days, especially among the smaller breweries. In what is both a cautionary tale and one of optimism, Sean O’Keefe of Pontoon Brewing in Georgia is here today to talk about how his brewery was forced to close and to furlough employees.

Earlier this month the brewery put up a social media post announcing that it needed to close. This was necessary, owners said because one of it’s main distributors had not paid them for beer delivered. O'Keefe has not publicly identified the distributor, citing on-going litigation as the reason.

The brewery has been a vibrant part of the Georgia Beer scene for years now, focusing on big boozy imperial stouts and messing around with adjuncts. It’s also making more mainstream beers that can appeal to a wider audience. It hasn’t always been easy, but the brewery has grown, and O’Keefe is candid about what has been happening behind the scenes to get to this point, and how fragile it can all be.

Right now the brewery is looking for investors and looking for a path forward. There seems to be a lot of announcements these days about breweries closing and it puts a spotlight on all of the facets that go into running a successful business, and how even one piece out of sync can hurt the whole brewery.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Sean O'Keefe
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Business, Bills, Stouts, Georgia,

Ep. 204 - Nate Schweber and This America of Ours (now in paperback)

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

“I’ve known Nate Schweber going on 20 years now, we’ve been colleagues, friends, and even co-authors. I can say without a doubt that he is one of the hardest working reporters I’ve ever met, he has a keen eye for detail, enjoys a good drink, and knows how to rock with the best of them.

He’s a raconteur, with endless curiosity and compassion, and great passion. My life is better because I know him.

His chords are familiar to listeners of this show as it has opened up every episode since we started, and was even part of the old After Two Beers show I did for All About Beer. We’ve been to breweries and crime scenes together, we’ve had adventures and even wrote a book together – Indiana Breweries – which was released in 2011 and has since gone on to sell tens of copies.

He lives in Brooklyn these days, but he grew up in Missoula, Montana and has always had a passion for outdoor reporting. A previous book, Fly Fishing Yellowstone is a must for any angler looking for the story of trout in the historic park, not just the fish but tales of the streams and its history.

His latest book tells a remarkable story about conservation, activism, and journalism, with belts of sold drinking thrown in here and again. It’s called This America of Ours: Bernard and Avis DeVoto and the Forgotten Fight to Save the Wild.

It was published on July 5, 2022 and the paperback is out now. It has also the book won the High Plains Book Award, and received the first place book award from the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

The book tells the story of a husband and wife team that took on special interests and politicians like Joe McCarthy and worked to protect land that should have been protected, and along the way, they strike up a friendship with a woman who would alter the course of cooking in America.

It’s suspenseful, meticulously researched, frightening with bits of levity, and historically important with mirrors to today. It is one of the most engaging books I’ve read in a long time, and I’m not just saying all of this because he showed up at my house with a bottle of gin.

But, of course, that’s where we start.”

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Nate Schweber
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Nature, Travel, Parks, History, Gin

Ep. 203 - Chad Yakobson of Crooked Stave

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

If you’ve been paying attention to the beer social medias lately, you might have noticed a photo of a Colorado-brewed amber ale making the rounds. It’s called Re-Tired and it’s a clear homage to the original recipe of New Belgium’s Fat Tire. This beer, however, is made by Crooked Stave. Chad Yakobson, the brewery’s founder and brewmaster is here for a conversation.

He founded Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project 13 years ago and originally it focused around Brettanomyces. As his official bio points out that his brewing master’s thesis was on Brettanomyces and its use in the brewing industry.

“Wanting to spread the wealth of knowledge, Chad published his research as an open-source website to provide a greater understanding of Brettanomyces yeasts for brewers. Focused on strain-specific fermentations and the major compounds produced during pure culture anaerobic fermentation in wort, the application of these yeasts has proliferated throughout the brewing industry.”

Wild Wild Brett, where I’ll begin the conversation, was a research and development series that really helped drinkers of the time better understand the yeast. But, a changing beer world has it backburnered today.

Still, everything old can be new again, including amber ales. When New Belgium announced it was fundimentally changing its famed fat tire from an amber ale to more of a golden one, many folks were heartbroken, even if they hadn’t purchased the beer for some time. Chad walks me through how this homage came to be, and how he never thought Crooked Stave would ever make an Amber ale.

A lot has happened in thirteen years and Chad weaves the story of Crooked Stave and the larger beer industry through the lens of Colorado.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Chad Yakobson
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, IPA, Wild, Sour Ales, Colorado, Brettanomyces, Fat Tire

Ep. 202 - Tim Ogden of Deviant Libations

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week, I’m excited to be joined by Tim Ogden of Deviant Libations in Florida, for a conversation that revolves around inclusivity in the beer space, and creating a taproom that reflects personality and passion.

This is the last of the shows I recorded during the Florida Brewers Guld Conference this past summer, and I was grateful to meet and spend time with Tim Ogden.

Ogden started home brewing in the late 90s and after moving to Florida at a time when craft beer was far less accessible, and they became an avid homebrewer out of necessity.

It soon became apparent that working in the industry would be a dream come true. They started out at Hops, a brewpub chain, and moved on from there in 2009 to help grow with Cigar City Brewing.

In 2008 after receiving a scholarship for the concise brewing course at Siebel Institute granted by the Florida Brewers Guild, Ogden served two terms on the guild Board of Directors.

Tim is known for adjunct sweet stouts, fruity IPAs, crispy clean lagers and not-so-tart sour ale, and has a passion for constant reinvention and blurring of the boundaries between styles. Tim leverages creativity and personality to navigate the space between traditional beer and things a little less common to create beverages that are unique and fun, while still accessible to a wide array of people, and is intent on creating a space of radical inclusivity where all are not only accepted but genuinely feel welcome.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Tim Ogden
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, IPA, Florida, Sour Ales, Taproom, Diversity

Ep. 201 - Water Chemistry and Malt Production

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This is a malt centric episode at the intersection of brewer curiosity. In a moment I’ll be talking with Chris Cates of Little Animals Brewing, Brent Manning of Riverbend Malt House, and Andrew Zinn of Leveller Brewing.

A year ago, Cates visited Belgium and came back inspired. After visiting through some of the worlds best breweries, drinking classic and carefully crafted saison, he wanted to make a beer that not only paid homage to those beers but to also impart a sense of place from Eastern Tennessee.

After trying a few recipes that didn’t yield the results he wanted, Cates reached out to Riverbend Malt House in neighboring North Carolina to help him create a pilsner malt that would mimic those from Belgium.

The idea, he said was to a local malt “tailored for diastatic and mixed fermentations, with higher protein and beta-glucans and built in minerality and buffering capacity.”

Riverbend achieved this by creating a water profile that was rich in minerals that was used during the malting process. Manning of Riverbend says the results yielded a malt that resists ph drop slightly better than usual, and allows for additional laxtic acid and potential ester precursors.

We’ll weave the whole story from start to finisih as Cates and Manning join the show with Andrew Zinn of Leveller Brewing, who has also been brewing with the malt.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Chris Cates, Andrew Zinn, Brent Manning
Sponsors: Shopify, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Malt, Belgium, Water, Science, Pilsner, Saison, Tennessee, North Carolina

Ep. 200 - The Beer Initiative to Promote 9-8-8 the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This episode will specifically be talking about self-harm experiences and prevention.

Guests Jon Lane of O.H.S.O brewing in Arizona and Russ Klisch of the Lakefront Brewery in Wisconson discuss the beer initiative around 9-8-8, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This episode will specifically be talking about self-harm experiences and prevention. Lane has lost family and friends to suicide, and, as you’ll hear, even had ideations himself. He credits the volunteer he spoke with after dialing 988 for saving his life.

Not everyone knows about the number and the service and Lane wanted to raise awareness and to shine light on the importance of mental health and saving lives. The 9-8-8 beer initiative helps breakdown barriers and bring suicide prevention to the forefront of conversations. Lakefront Brewery released its beer, Save A Weiss, earlier in September.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Lifeline. Additionally, in the United States you can visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of services. Individual countries also have their own resources.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Jon Lane and Russ Klisch
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Weather, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Recipes

Ep. 199 - Eric Desmarais and Alexandra Nowell of CLS Farms

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Out to Washington this week for an update on the 2023 Hop Crop and to hear how the timing of the harvest impacts flavor and aroma. Eric Desmarais and Alexandra Nowell of CLS Farm in Yakima is here to share their insight.

Mid-September means the hop harvest is in full swing in the Pacific Northewest, and to get insight on what is happening with the harvest I’m so pleased to be joined by Eric Desmarais, the 4th generation owner of CLS Farms in Yakima and Alexandra Nowell the technical brewing advisor to the farm.

They’ve been busy taking stock of all that’s happening amid the acres and running sensory and talking with brewers. They’ve also been looking at the calendar and taking stock on the aromas and flavors that the hops present when they are picked.

It’s something that gets a good amount of attention these days.

Earlier this year they hosted a seminar titled "Finding the Edges: The Intersection of Art and Science Hop Picking Windows," and were joined by Tom Nielsen of Sierra Nevada, and Stephanie Conn of VGF Farms.

The seminar explored the diversity of hop aromas that can develop based on when a variety is harvested and in this conversation they will share details on that and what they have additionally learned this season.

How does harvest time impact the flavor of the hops? One example that CLS found that harvesting El Dorado towards the end of September brings out its tropical and candy aromas whereas early harvested El Dorado has more citrus and melon character.

It’s a fascinating subject and science.

Bonus: The All About Beer Podcast. IPA Through Time

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

India pale ale is the style that built craft beer. With bold, hoppy flavors, it was distinctive and different and tantalized tastebuds of craft beer drinkers.

IPA is a historic style, but historic doesn’t mean static. Yes, there are many modern interpretations of IPA, but even historic IPA evolved over time, in response to tastes, wars, taxation and many other factors that drive beer makers and beer drinkers.

Guests:

Ron Pattinson
Ron Pattinson is a British beer writer and historian who lives in Amsterdam. He has wasted the last two decades of his twilight years researching and obsessing over many beer-related topics.On his Shut up About Barclay Perkins blog, he writes in excruciating detail about beer history, mostly of British beer styles, with excursions across the Channel into German Austrian, Dutch and Scandinavian beer history. The books he has authored on beer history are almost innumerable. They are mostly significant for their single-word titles, such as "Porter!", "Mild!" and "Bitter!" and their enormous page count. His published works include a book on brewing historic beers called "The Home Brewer's Guide to Vintage Beer" and the definitive work on Scottish beer and brewing, the snappily-titled "Scotland! vol. 2". The few copies of his books to be sold mostly reside in brewers' offices. He is married and the father of two sons in their twenties, neither of whom have yet bothered to move out, despite numerous hints.

Mike Karnowski
Mike Karnowski is the owner/brewer at Zebulon Artisan Ales in Weaverville that he rubs with his wife Gabrielle. He is the author of Homebrew: Beyond The Basics, home brewer since 1986, historical beer enthusiast.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Estrella Galicia
Estrella Galicia is an independent, family-owned brewery in northwest Spain, founded in 1906.

Estrella Galicia Cerveza Especial is a world class lager, brewed using the finest Spanish malts, locally cultivated Galician hops and the best brewing practices, in a state-of-the-art facility in A Coruna. Recognized around the world for quality and exceptional character. Estrella Galicia is “A beer like no other.”

Yakima Valley Hops
Looking for an easy hop sourcing experience? Yakima Valley Hops offers the finest quality hops from right here in our Valley and premium growing regions around the world. Get the hops you need when you need them, with ultra-fast shipping and awesome customer service. With a full line of liquid hop products and all your favorite varieties, no contracts are needed to brew with the best. Shop now at YakimaValleyHops.com.

Hosts: Don Tse and Em Sauter
Guests: Ron Pattinson, Mike Karnowski
Sponsors: Estrella Galicia, Yakima Valley Hops, All About Beer
Tags: Brewing, IPA, History, Hops

Ep. 198 - Ami Parrino of Florida Avenue Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

During the Florida Brewers Guild Conference a few weeks ago I had the chance to meet a lot of dedicated professionals and folks working to bring deeper meaning to beer.

One such person is Ami Parrino the Laboratory Manager at Florida Avenue Brewing Company. At the brewery she combines her expertise as a microbiologist and Advanced Cicerone to ensure the production of top-quality beers and elevate the overall beer experience for consumers.

She is a beer judge and is Siebel Institute sensory trained. Ami offers classes on beer and food pairing and works with local breweries to curate their menu pairing options. And she is in the process of writing a book on beer and food pairing culture around the world.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Denver Rare Beer Tasting
If you plan to be in Colorado in a few weeks for the Great American Beer Festival you need to check out the Denver Rare Beer Tasting. It happens on September 22nd and brings together 64 of America's best craft breweries all for a great cause -- the Pints for Prostates campaign. The beer list is incredible, packed with rare, exotic and vintage beers you won't find anywhere else. These are legendary beers the breweries hold back just for the Denver Rare Beer Tasting. This is a bucket list event for both beer fans and brewers. You can get a look at the beer list and find more information at pintsforprostates.org. All-inclusive tickets are $200 and include unlimited beer samples, a great buffet lunch, t-shirt, tasting glass and program. Money raised goes to the fight against prostate cancer including a free health screening before the event, a simple blood test that checks for common health issues that might just save your life. That's the Denver Rare Beer Tasting -- Drinking Beer and Saving Lives.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Ami Parrino
Sponsors: All About Beer, Pints for Prostates
Tags: Beer, Florida, Sensory, Pairings, Food, Beer Weeks, Pink Boots

Ep. 197 - Live from Jack's Abby Craft Lagers

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A special live audience episode of the podcast co-hosted by John Holl and Andy Crouch.

Recorded on location at Jack's Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham, Massachusetts.

With special guests: Jennifer Glanville Love of Boston Beer, Sam Hendler of Jack's Abby Brewing, and Adam Romanow of Castle Island Brewing.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Hosts: John Holl and Andy Crouch
Guests: Jennifer Glanville Love, Sam Hendler, Adam Romanow
Sponsors: All About Beer, Pints for Prostates
Tags: Beer, Massachusetts, Lager, Seasonal, Oktoberfest, Legislation

Ep. 196 - Randy Mosher and Your Tasting Brain

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Strap in, because we’re going on a ride, deep into flavor, our senses and what Randy Mosher calls “Your Tasting Brain.”

No matter how long you have been around beer, thinking about beer, drinking beer, listening about or talking about beer, there is always something new to learn.

This is especially true when around Randy Mosher. He’s the celebrated writer behind classic books like Tasting Beer, and a talented brewer and recipe developer.

Last month he was in Orlando, giving the keynote address at the Florida Guild Conference, a stellar event put on by now former director Sean Nordquist. Over the course of 90 minutes, Mosher walked attendees through the sensory systems.

He sat down with me afterwards for a conversation that picked up on that talk, and the info he plans to put into his forthcoming book: Your Tasting Brain: How it Works and How to Use it

Taste, smell and mouthfeel represent fully half of our sensory systems, but we barely notice them most of the time, he says.

Using the simple act of tasting to slice through the new science, this book – which he hopes will publish next year - brings the science to life and illuminates just how complex, finely tuned and superbly functional these senses are.

School is in session. Professor Mosher is ready to teach.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Randy Mosher
Sponsors: All About Beer, Pints for Prostates
Tags: Beer, Florida, Tasting, Recipes, Sensory, Aroma

Ep. 195 - First Magnitude Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A lot of breweries talk about sustainability and environmental practices, but few are as committed as Florida’s First Magnitude. This week on the show it’s a conversation with Christine and John Denny, the founders of the brewery.

Located in Gainesville, Florida they are the Southeast’s first carbon-neutral brewery through a partnership with We Are Neutral, and they have donated a lot of money to and encourage research into the Florida Springs Institute.

In the brewhouse they are working to reduce waste and to find ways to be more efficient. There are charitable works they brewery touts and they are striving to remain a relevent community hub.

As for the beers, they are pretty darn good, including one that I enjoyed during the show: Drift, a session brown ale. What’s a session brown? Keep listening.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Christine and John Denny
Sponsors: All About Beer, Pints for Prostates
Tags: Beer, Florida, Water, Sustainability, English Mild

Ep. 194 - Weihenstephan and Jack's Abby

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Last Week Jack’s Abby, the Massachusetts-based lager brewery announced that it would soon be releasing a collaboration with Weihenstephan, the venerable German brewery.

It’s called Fest Of Both Worlds and it’s brewed with Pilsner and Munich malts along with Sterling and Adeena hops, and fermented with TUM 34/70, which Weihenstephan shared for this beer.

At nearly 1,000 years old Weihenstephan is a brewery of legend around the world and through a commitment to technical brewing and education has helped countless brewers and drinkers better understand beer.

This collaboration with Jack’s Abby is only the third time Weihenstephan has collaborated with an American brewer. The beer will be available later this month in Massachusetts and New York.

My guests are Jack Hendler Co-Founder of Jack’s Abby and Matthias Ebner, the Global Brand Ambassador Weihenstephan. They are here to talk about the collaboration, and so much more.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Matthias Ebner, Jack Hendler
Sponsors: All About Beer, , Pints for Prostates
Tags: Beer, History, Non-alcoholic, travel, festbier

Ep. 193 - Mandy Naglich and How to Taste

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

We’re tasting all the time when it comes to beer and our drinking experiences. But there is always a chance to become better, to go deeper and layer in more thought. Mandy Naglich, is the author of the new book “How To Taste” and she is here to guide us.

There are several books that exist that help us understand our brains and senses when it comes to tasting. Now, there is a new one to add to your shelf.

How to taste: a guide to discovering flavor and savoring life by Mandy Naglich was released a few weeks ago and is a fun, conversational, and thought provoking book that is worthy of your time and attention.

Mandy Naglich is an Advanced Cicerone, Certified Taster, and journalist. As a Certified Cider Professional and after completing all levels of WSET Spirits Mandy began to teach both consumers and professionals about flavor and service across the beverage alcohol category. Her wildly popular tasting classes sell out around the city and virtually. Mandy uses her experience tasting and studying beverages to report for outlets like Vice, Taste of Home, VinePair, and Wine Enthusiast. Her fans also follow her adventures around the world on her popular blog @drinkswithmandy.

This new book goes beyond just beer and that is to our benefit.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Mandy Naglich
Sponsors: All About Beer, Yakima Valley Hops, Pints for Prostates
Tags: Beer, History, tasting, travel, cheese,

Ep. 192 - Brewing Guild Directors Discuss a Decade of Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Perspective is important when it comes to enjoying beer and understanding the industry. This episode features a panel comprised of directors of three state brewing guilds.

It’s amazing how much has changed in the beer industry in 10 years. We’ve seen the rise of the Hazy IPA all while the the number of operating breweries exploded. Trends have come and gone and mergers and closures dot the landscape.

Perspective helps us appreciate where we are and where we can go by examining where we’ve been.

Today, three state brewer guild directors: Rob Fullmer of Arizona, Mary MacDonald of Ohio, and Paul Leone of New York are here for a chat about what is happening in their states and what it means for beer in general.

All three are celebrating a decade on the job, and with that time comes, yes, perspective.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Host: John Holl
Guests: Marcy McDonald, Paul Leone, Rob Fullmer
Sponsors: All About Beer, Yakima Valley Hops, Pints for Prostates
Tags: Beer, History, Mental Health, Festivals, Travel

Ep. 191 - Sandy Boss Febbo of Bang Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

What’s it like being an organic brewery in 2023? Harder than you might think, but getting a little better. My guest is Sandy Boss Febbo of Minnesota’s Bang Brewery and she’ll explain.

I love hearing about breweries that are not trying to be everything to every one. The ones that were founded with a sense of purpose and continue to stick with it. Headed into the craft brewers conference in 2022 in Minneapolis, I heard about Bang Brewing, just over the river in St. Paul. It's an all organic brewery, with a low profile, robust local following, and a strong sense of identity.

Sandy Boss Febbo is the co-owner and co-brewer of Bang Brewing, with her husband Jay. The brewery opened in 2013 after the pair spent a fair amount of time homebrewing and honing recipes. A decade later the brewery is still committed to the original plan: to produce lagers and ale with only sustainably farmed, all-organic ingredients.

The brewery is located in a custom built pre-fabricated grain bin that also houses the taproom. The grounds feature rain gardens, a prairie beer garden, and is dotted with the unwavering focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability. Sandy and Jay are founders of the Organic Brewers Alliance, members of the NRDC’s Brewers For Clean Water Campaign, Partner Member of the Artisan Grain Collaborative, and Patagonia Provisions Partner Brewer.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Sandy Boss Febbo
Sponsors: All About Beer, Yakima Valley Hops
Tags: Beer, Minnesota, Grain, Sustainability, Kernza, Process, Farming, History

Ep. 190 - Scott Ungermann and Reflections on Anchor Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The recent news about Anchor Brewing pulling back it’s distribution to just California and discontinuing Our Special Ale, it’s Christmas offering, had me thinking about the brewery’s place in history and its impact.

Scott Ungermann, the former brewmaster of Anchor is here to talk about all that and more.

A few weeks ago Dave Infante, of the excellent Fingers Newsletter broke the news that broke hearts: Anchor Brewing, the venerable San Francisco Brewery, the makers of Steam Beer, and now owned by Sapporo, were pulling back its distribution to focus solely on California – already its biggest market – and would be discontinuing it’s annual Christmas tradition beer: Our Special Ale.

“Our Special Ale has always been a bizarre beer,” wrote my colleague Andy Crouch on All About Beer. “It was never particularly popular but it had tradition, pedigree, history and therefore loomed large in American craft beer.”

It’s a loss and in an eulogy of sorts, Scott Ungermann, who was the brewmaster and VP of Production of Anchor from 2014 until 2020 is here to talk about his relationship with the brewery and that particular beer.

Anchor has always been part of his beer DNA. A tour of the brewery when he was in college inspired a homebrewing hobby, which led to a degree from University of California Davis, and then a long career with Anheuser-Busch, including a stretch at it’s Newark NJ facility, before a chance conversation and a long simmering desire brought him to the top beer job at Anchor.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Scott Ungermann
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, California, Anchor, Lager, Christmas, Process, IPA, History

Ep. 189 - Eric Tennant of Benchtop Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

We’re talking about food science, quality control, and the relationship to beer with Eric Tennant, the founder and master brewer of Virginia’s Benchtop Brewing.

Occasionally beer gets sent to the home office here and on the afternoons when the schedule is clear and I’m in the mood for some refreshment, I open a few and let my mind wonder.

A recent box from Benchtop brewing in Virginia got my taste buds and mind working over time in the best possible way, so I asked Eric Tennant the founder of the brewery to come on the show.

He’s Native of North Carolina and NC State Alumni with a Bachelors Degree in Food Science.

After 15 years experience in the food and beverage industry as an R&D Scientist where he created a US Patented process for a major food manufacturer.

During those years working as a food scientist he was also focusing on quality control, process improvements, and consumer insights fields.

When he left the food industry he was able to apply his technical skill and knowledge to producing delicious, innovative, and many times, culinary inspired beers.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Eric Tennant
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Virginia, Science, Lager, Creativity, Process

Ep. 188 - Ryan Sentz of Funky Buddha Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Ryan Sentz is here this week to talk about how he and his brother bought back Funky Buddha, the Florida Brewery they sold to Constellation Brands six years ago.

There’s an interesting trend happening in beer these days. Small breweries that had sold to larger brewing companies are regaining their independence. The founders of Three Weavers in California re-purchased the brewery from Fireman Capital. 21st Amendment Brewery ended it’s agreement with Brooklyn Brewery. And in the last month we’ve seen Appalachian Mountain Breweryfounders purchase the brewery back from Anheuser-Busch InBev and Florida’s Funky Buddha going independent after a purchase from Constellation Brands.

Ryan Sentz, a co-founder of the brewery is my guest this week and he talks me through the early days of the brewery, the decision to sell in the first place and what life and business was like under Constellation.

Constellation made a push into the craft space a few years ago with the splashy and billion dollar purchase of Ballast Point followed by Funky Buddha. The acquisition did not go as planned and after some devaluations Constellation sold Ballast Point to Kings and Convicts.

At that point, Sentz, who stayed on with Funky Buddha, knew that the brewery he founded could be next. He and his brother KC decided to make the move to re-acquire their brewery.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Ryan Sentz
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, History, Business, Homebrewing, Creativity, Florida

Brewer to Brewer: Shaun O'Sullivan and Mitch Steele

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A note from John Holl:
"This week I’m pleased to share with you a recent episode of the Brewer to Brewer Podcast, which runs on the All About Beer channel. Shaun O’Sullivan of 21st Amendment interviews Mitch Steele of New Realm Brewing. The duo discuss Steele’s career and he shares insight into his time working for Anheuser-Busch at the dawn of craft beer and the movements made to address and combat the upstarts. It’s a fascinating look into business and history and I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I did."

Ep. 187 - Averie Swanson at Funk Fest

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Averie Swanson of Keeping Together is on the show this week in a conversation recorded last month at Funk Fest in Nashville, TN. We’re talking about saison, building a new brewery, and the creative process.

Swanson is one of the most talented and thoughtful brewers in the U.S. today and her career path is well known. Going from a volunteer at Jester King in Austin to its head brewer in just four years before leaving several years ago to start a new venture called Keeping Together. Originally operating out of Chicago it was focused on mixed culture, rustic, Belgian-inspired beers.

Now, she and her partner Pat Fahey have purchased a property in New Mexico and plans to open a brewery and tasting room. Over the last year she has been thinking about new iterations of her beer, specialty ingredients, becoming part of a new community, and the experiences that come with new beginnings and space.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Averie Swanson
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, History, Ingredients, Travel, Saison, Creativity

Ep. 186 - Garrett Oliver at Funk Fest 2023

All About Beer — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week the show is back in Nashville for the second of three conversations recorded before a crowd at Funk Fest, the amazing event hosted by Yzoo Brewing and Embrace the Funk. Mr. Garrett Oliver the Brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery is the guest.

As any good beer fan knows, he is the brewmaster of The Brooklyn Brewery, the author of The Brewmaster’s Table, and the Editor-in-Chief of The Oxford Companion to Beer. He has been brewing craft beer since 1989 and is a veteran of over 1000 beer dinners and tastings in 16 countries. An original board member of Slow Food USA, he later went on to become a Councilor of Slow Food International.

In 2014 Garrett was the recipient of the James Beard Award as the country's top drinks professional. In 2020 he founded the Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (MJF), a 501(c)(3) grant-making non-profit organization that funds scholarships for technical education in the brewing and distilling fields for people of color. In 2022, Garrett was "enthroned" by the Knights of The Brewer's Fork of Belgium, descendants of the ancient brewer's guild.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Garrett Oliver
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, History, Ingredients, Travel, Michael Jackson

Ep. 185 - Camp Rauchbier 2023

All About Beer — Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This is a special edition of This Week in Rauchbier as we celebrate Memorial Day Weekend 2023 with a visit to Camp Rauchbier.

Recorded at Barrique Brewing and Blending in Nashville, Tennessee before a live and enthusiastic audience John Holl is joined by Spencer Longhurst in the co-host chair. Guests include Jack Hendler of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers and Khristopher Johnson of Green Bench Brewery.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Hosts: John Holl and Spencer Longhurst
Guests: Jack Hendler, Khristopher Johnson
Tags: beer, craft beer, rauchbier, smoke, Memorial Day, Nashville

Music for this episode:
NewsSting by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4124-newssting

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ep. 184 - Vinnie Cilurzo at Funk Fest 2023

All About Beer — Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A lively conversation over two beers with Vinnie Cilurzo recorded before a crowd at the 2023 Funk Fest in Nashville.

Cilurzo talks about the relationship between wine and beer, dialing in acidity, and surprises and delights with pours of four-day-old Pliny the Elder.

As one of the leading voices in hop-forward beers and proper barrel-aging he offers unparreled insights into what goes into making world class beer.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Vinnie Cilurzo
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Wine, IPA, California, Acidity, Styles

Ep. 183 - Mary and Brian Rooney of BKS Artisan Ales

All About Beer — Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week on the show I’m glad to have Mary and Brian Rooney of BKS Artisan Ales in Brookside, Missouri. They are here to talk about consumer preferences, tinkering with styles, near endless choice, and the regionality of brewing.

A few weeks ago I had the chance to meet and chat with them. They were pouring as part of the Little Beer Festival and we had a lot of fun batting around ideas while I learned about their brewing philosophy and approach to hospitality.

They opened BKS in 2017 and the name comes from the commonly used abbreviation of the brookside neighborhood of Kansas City where the brewery is located.

Mary runs the front of the house and Brian works in the brewery. And despite what brewery’s full name, he’s also creating a multitude of lagers through the Pivo Project. We’ll get into that… and more.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Brian and Mary Rooney
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Missouri, IPA, Customers, Lagers, Styles

Ep. 182 - Ted Mack and America's First Black Owned Brewery: The Rise and Fall of Peoples Beer.

All About Beer — Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A lot of the focus in beer today focuses on the now. There is a wealth of history that exists and on the show today I’m talking with Clint Lanier, the author of “Ted Mack and America's First Black Owned Brewery: The Rise and Fall of Peoples Beer.”

There are some excellent history books about beer that exist in the world. Most will focus on broad categories, but there are some that do a deep dive into a single topic or person that really give us a sense of time, place, and purpose.

There are often lessons to be learned about where beer is today.

One such book is “Ted Mack and America's First Black Owned Brewery: The Rise and Fall of Peoples Beer.”

This is from the blurb:

Born a sharecropper in rural Alabama in 1930, Theodore A. (Ted) Mack, Sr., fought in the Korean War and then played football at Ohio State while earning a college degree. Brewing and selling beer, he believed, would be just another peak to attain.

After all, it couldn’t be more challenging than his experience in organizing buses to the March on Washington or picketing segregated schools in Milwaukee.

This is the story of Mack’s purchase of Peoples Brewing Company in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Though he had carefully planned for the historic acquisition, he underestimated the subtle bigotry of Middle America, the corruption of the beer industry, and the failures of the federal government that plagued his ownership. Mack’s ownership of Peoples Brewing is an inspirational story of Black entrepreneurship, innovation and pride at a time when America was at an important racial justice crossroads.

The author is Clint Lanier. He’s is an assistant professor of English at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. His writing about travel, history, food and drink has appeared in the Huffington Post, Eater, and Fodors.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Clinton R. Lanier, PhD
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Wisconsin, History, Taverns, Business, Books

Ep. 181 - The Octatonic Collaboration

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Craft Brewers Conference is an annual event that brings brewers from around the world into a selected city for a few days of education, equipment buying, and camaraderie.

Brewers have also been using the occasion to get together in advance to create and then release collaboration beers. One of the most ambitious – at least from what I’ve experienced in recent years – will be released on May 1 by Embrace the Funk, the wild and wooded side of Yazoo Brewing.

Brandon Jones, the brewer behind ETF called his friends – Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River, Jason Perkins of Allagash, Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King and Khristopher Johnson of Green Bench Brewing and they all agreed to lend their time, talent, and inspiration to the beer.

Then Jones got Jeff Mello of Bootleg Biology involved on the yeast side and Matt Albrecht of River Drive Cooperage to sort out the wood.

Everyone – minus Jason Perkins of Allagash – was able to jump into the zoom studios earlier this month to talk about the beer, how it all came together, and the spirt of collaboration among brewers and in the beer industry.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Brandon Jones, Vinnie Cilurzo, Jeffrey Stuffings, Khristopher Johnson, Jeff Mello, Matt Albrecht
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Lager, Malt, Collaboration, Yeast, Farming, Hops

Ep. 180 - Brewers Discuss Lagers at Little Beer Festival

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It’s a love of lagers episode from four brewers that have fully embraced the traditions to the style and are working to have modern conversations in the space. You’ll hear from Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Bagby Beer, Heater Allen, and Cohesion Brewing.

It was a beautiful weather day in Duluth, Georgia last weekend as Good Word Brewing put on its third Little Beer Festival. Todd DiMatteo, who you’ve heard on this show, hosted a celebration of low ABV lagers and ales from top-notch brewers from around the country.

The brewery has already set the date for Little Beer IV: Saturday April 13, 2024. It’s a perfect setting and a charming town just outside of Atlanta and if you’re serious about great beer and the people who make it, be sure to be there next year.

It’s not just beer drinking at this fest but also some education. Under the shade of a large tree in the middle of the green John Holl was able to sit down with four brewers of note to talk about their love of lagers and the steps they are taking to create delicious beers.

The panel includes:

Lisa Allen of Heater Allen and Gold Dot Beer in Oregon,

Jeff Bagby of Bagby Beer in California;

Ashleigh Carter of Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver Colorado,

and

Eric Larkin of Cohesion Brewing in Denver.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Lisa Allen, Jeff Bagby, Ashleigh Carter, Eric Larkin
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Lager, Malt, History, Tradition, Farming, Hops

Ep. 179 - Brewing Lagers with Craft Malt

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Is craft lager having a moment? It’s certainly gained popularity on taproom menus around the country and is showing us the diversity of styles and flavors that can be enjoyed in this category. But where does craft malt fit into these styles that are so driven by the flavors and functionality of malt?

This a special episode, recorded on location at the Craft Malt Conference that was recently held in Portland, Maine. It brings together three brewers from the Northeast to discuss their lager programs and how, when, and why they choose to use or not use craft malts in the development of their beer recipes.

Guests are Sean Towers from The Seed: A Living Beer Project, Michael Fava of Sacred Profane Brewery, and Justin Slotnick from Schilling Beer Co. Stay tuned until the end for great insight from Daniel Carey of New Glarus brewing.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Michael Fava, Sean Towers, Justin Slotnick
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Lager, Malt, History, Tradition, Farming, Hops

Ep. 178 - Jim Koch on the Evolution of Samuel Adams Boston Lager

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

2023 is looking to be an interesting year for legacy brewers in the U.S. We’re seeing closures and contractions, and changes to beloved brands.

Of course, the most noted right now is that New Belgium announced that it completely reformulated Fat Tire, turning it something that bears no resemblance to the amber ale that raised and delighted a generation.

The changes, or “remastered” version of Boston Lager that Samuel Adams announced earlier this year are not as drastic, but are important and do have an impact on what is poured into the glass.

It’s impossible to imagine the modern American beer landscape without Boston Lager. When the Boston Beer company launched in 1984 Jim Koch and co-founder Rhonda Kallman were hand selling samples to accounts all over the city.

The beer, based in part on a historic Koch family recipe and further developed by Joseph Owades, a brewing scientist who is credited as the inventor of light beer, was seen as an alternative to the macro offerings of the early 1980s.

The beer won early accolades at the Great American Beer Festival in both the consumer preference polls and the formal judging. Top honors gave it bragging rights as “best beer in America,” something the brewery still uses in the beer’s marketing nearly 40 years later.

Boston Beer has grown. Brands like Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, and Dogfish Head are now all part of the company. Samuel Adams has released hundreds of beers, some that landed well with consumers, and others that faded quickly.

Boston Lager endured. On draft, in bottles and cans, and in every variety pack the brewery releases, the familiar lager is ever present. But as consumer preferences change, and technologies advance, and as brewers strive for a better version of their vision, the beer has evolved.

Koch shares insight on how hop harvest helped evolve the beer, and how historic brewing processes are being used to help the lager taste smoother. If it’s been a while since you last had a Boston Lager, now is a good time to give it a fresh try.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jim Koch
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Lager, History, Judging, Boston, Samuel Adams, Hops, Malt

This Week in Rauchbier 2023

All About Beer — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to This Week in Rauchbier for April 1, 2023.

Our Brewers Roundtable goes deep into the smoke with Spencer Longhurst of Barrique Brewing & Blending, Logan Ackerley of Wallenpaupack Brewing, and Will Gomez of The Brew Bridge.

Then Bart Watson of the Brewers Association joins us to share the latest growth and success of Rauchbier in the marketplace.

Enjoy these audio smoky delights.

Thanks to Hagen and Bill for the inspiration to do this show. Hear the genesis of This Week in Rauchbier on episode 5 of Drink Beer, Think Beer.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Spencer Longhurst, Will Gomez, Logan Ackerley, and Bart Watson.
Tags: beer, craft beer, rauchbier, smoke, April Fool's Day

Music for this episode:
NewsSting by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4124-newssting

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ep. 177 - Travis Peterson & Tim Schnars of Meadowlark Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It’s off to Montana this week for a chat with the owner and brewer of Meadowlark where we get into the importance of craft malt, a fondness for Scottish-style ales, and brewing with mushrooms.

Meadowlark has been on my radar for a while now, but it wasn’t until owner Travis Peterson sent some beer to the home office that I was able to give the full line up a go.

Travis tells me that he’s long had a dream of helping people experience the beauty of food and beer pairings. Neither food nor beer has to be complicated or contrived, he says,. It’s all about the experience and opening your mind to all the possibilities beer can create.

Travis graduated from Gonzaga University as a civil engineer and pursued a career working on bridge projects in both California and Washington following graduation. But in those years while visiting breweries he could not shake the desire to one day open his own. And that’s where Meadowlark, in Billings, MT came into focus.

On the show he’s joined by Brewing Director Tim Schnars. You’ll hear his voice first.

He’s been brewing professionally since 2006, when there were less than two thousand breweries in the United States and joined Meadowlark in 2013 Before brewing, Tim received post-secondary certification in advertising and design and pursued a career in animation.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Travis Peterson & Tim Schnars
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Texas, Foraging, Ingredients, Small Batch, The Land

Ep. 176 - Zach Page and Nick Bonadies of Belleflower Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A decade ago Zach Page and Nick Bonadies met as homebrewers who volunteered to help launch Trillium Brewing Company.

Zach, who handles a lot of the brewing responsibilities, moved to maine and worked at Lone Pine Brewing Company where he facilitated their expansion.

Nick, who now does a lot of marketing, naming, and other managerial responsibilities, stayed in Massachusetts for a while where coordinated Trillium's expansion projects.

Eventually they got back together professionally and brought their wives Melissa and Katie into the fold, with the four of them opening Belleflower Brewing in 2021.

Nick and Zach sat down with me last week in their taproom – sharing a mic- to talk art and surprises, family balance, and being part of a larger community.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
GuestS: Zach Page and Nick Bonadies
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Maine, Art, Ingredients, Small Batch, Lager, IPA

Bonus: Beer Travelers in Milwaukee

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Wisconsin is one of those places that lives in the imaginations of Americans largely in the form of caricature. Full of cheese curd eating, beer loving, Harley riders, the state rarely gets the respect it deserves.

In reality, Wisconsin is all of those things and so much more. I grew up 90 minutes south of Milwaukee but it might as well have been a totally different country. Chicago is Midwestern in the way that non-alcoholic beer is beer, in name only.

Wisconsin, on the other hand, is pure Midwest. From Friday night fish frys to the homey environs of supper clubs and a relatively laid back sense of community and good spiritedness, Wisconsin is the heart of the Midwest for me.

So today I’m excited that in the latest episode of Beer Travelers we’re making our way to one of the great overlooked gems in the American craft beer scene: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

To help lead us through this town’s glorious and storied beer scene we have two fantastic local guides. Chris Drosner is a long-time beer writer and editor covering Wisconsin and Milwaukee specifically. He’s written the Beer Baron column for the Wisconsin State Journal, the daily newspaper in the capital city of Madison. And it’s through this column that I first got to know Chris and his take on the Madtown and greater Wisconsin beer scenes. More recently, Chris moved to Milwaukee, where he is now the executive editor of Milwaukee Magazine.

Joining Chris to help us on our tour of Brew City this week is Bobby Tanzillo, the senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com, where he writes about beer, whiskey, history, and architecture. He’s the author of a half dozen history books, including several about beer and its history in Milwaukee. And he’s a great resource for all the beer happenings in the city.

While Chris and Bobby compete for scoops on the latest beer news in Milwaukee, it’s clear they have a deep respect for one another and they are the perfect pair to help us navigate this jewel on Lake Michigan.

For original articles or to read the vast archives or to check out All About Beer. follow us on Twitter @allaboutbeer and Instagram @allaboutbeer. Support Journalism by visiting our Patreon Page.

Host: Andy Crouch
Guests: Chris Drosner, Bobby Tanzillo
Sponsor: All About Beer
Tags: Milwaukee, Wisconsin beer

Ep. 175 - Trevor Nearburg of Beerburg Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Spring is almost here which means that plans will start to come back to live in the colder parts of the country. Foraging has always been a part of beer and on this episode we’ll hear from a Texas brewer who is making the most of what is growing around the brewery.

Trevor Nearburg is the founder of Beerburg Brewing in the Texas Hill Country

After his brother started homebrewing, Nearburg got roped in and together they decided to quit their jobs and become brewers.

Both took jobs stacking cases and scrubbing floors at Real Ale Brewing, one of the 50 largest breweries in the US at the time and the second largest in Texas. They both quickly moved up, and after a year of working various jobs in the packaging hall Nearburg made a significant jump to become the Head Brewer of Uncle Billy's, a local brewpub and his brother got into management at Real Ale.

Trevor grew Uncle Billy's from a 600 bbl/yr taproom into producing 3,000 bbl/yr and distributing all over Texas. He also helped open the latest iteration of the Celis Brewery.

Eventually he became fascinated with brewing with local ingredients and wanted to create a brewery devoted to this and the idea for Beerburg slowly started forming.

The plans came together and he opened Beerburg in late January of 2020.

After a rough few years he is back to devoting time into wildcrafting beers with native ingredients and local yeast strains.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Trevor Nearburg
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Texas, Foraging, Ingredients, Small Batch, The Land

Bonus: Clean Lines Means Better Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

For the last several months the All About Beer podcast has been producing great episodes on a single topic that matter to beer drinkers. Hosts Don Tse and Em Sauter have great expert guests that bring unparalleled insight into all aspects of beer.

This episode tackles the importance of clean draft lines. Even if you’re a casual drinker this is still important and fascinating.

You can hear regular episodes of the All About Beer podcast, as well as Brewer to Brewer and Beer Traveler by searching All About Beer on your podcast platform of choice.

If you believe in quality journalism and content I hope you’ll give our patreon a look: patreon.com/all about beer or you can learn more about advertising on the shows by emailing info @ all about beer dot com.

Drink Beer, Think Beer will be back next week with all new episodes, but for now please enjoy the All About Beer Podcast with Em Sauter and Don Tse.

There’s nothing more important in the beer world that’s also super misunderstood and unappreciated than clean draft lines- a dirty draft line can sully a person’s relationship with a brewery or bar and can also have legal implications as well.

Our Guest: Neil Witte is one of the foremost draft beer experts in the beer business. He’s spent 20 of his 23 years in the business working in draft quality, first for Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City and now with his own company, Craft Quality Solutions. He co-authored the Draught Beer Quality Manual (DBQM), widely considered to be the most authoritative draft beer reference guide in the beer business today. He continues the work on this living document to this day as a member of the Brewers Association Draught Quality Subcommittee.

For original articles or to read the vast archives check out All About Beer. Follow us on Twitter @allaboutbeer and Instagram @allaboutbeer. Support Journalism by visiting our Patreon Page.

Hosts: Em Sauter and Don Tse
Guest: Neil Witte
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Brewing, Beer, Draft, Cleaning, Safety, Flavor, Bars, Stadiums

Ep. 174 - Devon Kreps of 7venth Sun Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Devon Kreps, the owner of 7venth Sun Brewery, has a degree in Fermentation Science from Oregon State University and gained experience at Anheuser-Busch's research pilot facility in St. Louis. She was also the Production Manager at Sweetwater Brewing during its expansion from 25,000 to 60,000 barrels.

In 2012, she opened the first 7venth Sun Brewery location in Dunedin, which features 10 taps and outdoor seating. This location, the brewery says, is now treated as a pilot facility, focusing on producing Saisons, Belgian beers, Brett IPAs, Hazy IPAs, and "fun" lagers. The Tampa location, which opened in 2017 in a former VFW roller skating rink, is a larger production plant with a tasting room and outdoor beer garden.

7venth Sun Brewery has created a pair of seltzers called Pink Tax and Blue Tax. They are identical recipes except for the color- and the price.

According to the brewery, The Pink Tax refers to the practice of charging higher prices for goods and services marketed to women. Razors, for example, can be up to 66% more expensive for women than for men, despite being the same product. This practice is seen as a form of gender discrimination, as it disproportionately affects women and non-binary individuals.

In a switch: The Blue Tax seltzer is priced higher than the Pink Tax seltzer, and 100% of the additional cost, as well as proceeds from both seltzers will be donated to the Pink Boots Society.

Kreps explains how all this came about and also talks about Tampa Beer Week and the growing of a business.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Devon Kreps
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Seltzer, Tampa, Festivals, Hangovers, Lager

Ep. 173 - Introducing the Monocacy hop

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Hop lovers, put your attention to Maryland where this month brewers and growers there released a beer with a hop that is native to the state and unlike anything else found elsewhere. The brewer and researcher behind it are here to share the story.

Last week in Maryland state officials, brewers, growers, and enthusiasts gathered at the Milkhouse Brewery to taste some beers that have recently been brewed with the Monocacy hop.

As you’ll hear from Tom Barse at Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm and Bryan Butler at the University of Maryland Extension, this hop has been in plain sight for forty years and because of a farmer with an appreciation for the plant, as well as it being strategically located on the farm it was able to grow and thrive until it was eventually tested.

Now it's available for brewing and tasting.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Tom Barse & Bryan Butler
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Maryland, Hops, Agriculture, History, Ale

Ep. 172 - Are You Ready for Some Football and Beer?

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

There is a lot of focus on football this week in America as the Super Bowl is coming up on Sunday. To get excited about the game and the cities involved I’ve asked on three leading experts from Philly, Kansas City, and Phoenix/Glendale.

An eighteen year veteran of the craft brewing industry, Jeremy Danner is the digital marketing manager and a brand ambassador for 4 Hands Brewing Company. Prior to his current position, Danner worked in brewing, cellar, packaging, management and marketing roles at 75th Street Brewery, the Power Plant Restaurant & Brewery and Boulevard Brewing Company. He’s contributed to brewing, R&D, branding, marketing and media, helping breweries connect to consumers through his love of craft beer. He’s also got a half decent Twitter following.

Rob Fulmer is the Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.

Bryan Kolesar is a reporter and author based in Pennsylvania. He’s the founder of the Brew Lounge Blog, the author of Beer Lover’s Mid-altantic, and has worked for both the Mid-Atlantic Brewing News and the Ale Street News.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Bryan Kolesar, Rob Fulmer, Jeremy Danner
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Football, Food, Travel, Baseball, Rocky

Ep. 171 - Trevor Rose-Hamblin of Old Irving Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Trevor Rose-Hamblin, the co-founder and head brewer of Old Irving Brewing Chicago is here to talk about barrels, food, and the importance of mental health.

Last month in New Hampshire, Trevor Rose-Hamblin, the co-founder and head brewer of Old Irving Brewing in Chicago stood before a packed ballroom in Manchester New Hampshire.

He was there to deliver the keynote at the state’s annual craft brewers conference and he was there to talk about his own life experiences and to urge everyone in the room to think about mental health and ways to help people from causing self harm.

It was an impactful speech, and one that he references in this conversation several times as he talks about how Old Irving Came to be, a life in kitchens, and how critically important it is to be listening, watching, and always working to keep people safe and working towards a better headspace.

This was recorded the day before his talk and before that part of the conversation we briefly talk about Chicago and it's love of barrel-aged beers.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Trevor Rose-Hamblin of Old Irving Brewing
Sponsors: All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Barrels, Kitchens, History, Brewpub, Mental Health, Chicago

Ep. 170 - Devin Bush of Wild Bloom Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Earlier this week I was in Manchester, New Hampshire for the state’s brewers guild conference and I had a chance to sample my way through a lot of what the state is currently producing. This was especially true during my conversation with Devin Bush of Wild Bloom Beer.

He’s the Head Brewer & Co-Founder - along with his wife Beth Ibitz = of the Littleton, NH brewery which recently opened a taproom with a focus on Saisons, Belgians, and Lagers.

He’s a graduate of the BrewLab at the University of Sunderland, has certification from the International Guild of Brewers and Distillers, and brewing for Bridge Road Brewers in Australia among other breweries across Europe and the US. He was also awarded the inaugural NH Brewer of the Year in 2020 and also serves on the NHBA Education Committee.

What is clear from the conversation – where he opened several beers along the way – he has a passion for local ingredients – actual local ingredients.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Athletic Brewing Co.
This episode is brought to you by Athletic Brewing Company – America’s leading non-alcoholic craft brewer. Give Dry a Try this January with Athletic Brewing’s near beers. NEW Athletic customers can receive 20% off their FIRST order of TWO 6-packs or more when they visit athleticbrewing.com and use the code AAB20 at checkout by March 31, 2023.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Devin Bush
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Lager, Rauchbier, History, Local Ingredients, Malt, Saison

Ep. 169 - Charlie Cole of Blue Cat Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

From a marketing beginning to eventual homebrewing and then a professional career that had him working for one of the best-known German brewers to small outfits where his creativity could flourish, Charlie Cole has been dedicated to craft.

When the opportunity came along to get involved with Blue Cat, an Illinois brewing institution going back to the 1990s, he jumped at the chance.

He’s a believer in tradition and forward momentum, of honoring location and history but not settling for the status quo.

For almost two years now he’s been working to keep the brewery and restaurant moving in a positive way but a series of factors – including many that are familiar to other brewery owners – have made it a tough road to walk.

At the end of 2022 he had to close, something he hopes is temporary.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Charlie Cole
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Lager, Cucumber, History, Illinois, Restaurant, Labor

Ep. 168 - Kelsey Grammer of Faith American Ales

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Scores of Americans have grown up with Kelsey Grammer on their TV sets and on the silver screen screen, through his roles on Cheers and Frasier, as the voice of Sideshow Bob on The Simpsons and Stinky Pete in Toy Story II.

He’s done a lot with his professional life. He's starred in countless stage shows, authored books, and dabbled in music.

Now, in addition to all that he owns a beer company. It’s called Faith American and it’s based out of upstate New York, where he owns a home. The brand was started in 2019 but was put on pause at the start of Covid-19. It’s been recently revived.

The property that he hopes to one day open a tap room comes up a lot in this conversation as the thrust behind the beer ideas, but for now the beers are being made at Frog Alley, a Schenectady New York brewery helmed by brewer Rich Michaels.

The three beers in the Faith American lineup – two IPAs and an Ale – currently have distribution through New York and New Jersey.

As you’ll hear he’s supporting the beer through appearances, often at local bars, the kind of cozy places where regulars have their reserved seats, the kind of bars where… well you know.

Beer and celebrity is interesting and there have been a lot of well-known and boldface names that have gotten into the alcohol business. George Clooney selling tequila. Ryan Reynolds selling gin. There are celebrities that have vineyards, some in name only and others who work the land.

There has not been too much in the way of beer. There are some examples, but it’s largely been barren on the celebrity supported and owner front.

Grammer, as you’ll hear, is all in and he’s added personal touches to the brand that bring more to the beers than just his extensive acting resume.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Kelsey Grammer
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, New York, IPA, History, America

Ep. 167 - Predictions for Beer in 2023

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

What does this year hold for beer? Likely a lot of uncertainty for the industry, but increased choice for the consumer.

For the first show of 2023 I’m glad to be joined by three of my colleagues, the hosts of other shows from All About Beer, and just good friends.

Andy Crouch is the publisher and my fellow co-owner of All About Beer and he hosts the monthly Beer Travelers podcast.

Em Sauter is the author of Pints and Panels, has written several books which are available where fine products are sold and is the co-host of the All About Beer podcast which airs every two weeks. Don Tse is also the co-host of the All About Beer podcast, he’s the Don of Beer on twitter, Instagram, facebook and wherever puns are found.

Listen in as we discuss eisbock, travel, and Lisa's kickass party.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Andy Crouch, Em Sauter, Don Tse
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Travel, Cans, Lisa's Party

Ep. 166 - State of Beer Bars 2022

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

2022 offered more chances to get back out into the world. The beer bars across the country, that is to say, the ones dedicated to well selected lists and impeccable service are a necessary part of the beer landscape.

Like taprooms and restaurants they are also facing hardships amid labor shortages and rising costs.

We are grateful to have three well respected publicans on the show this year to talk about their experiences and to give us the state of beer bars in 2022.

- Suzanne Schalow of Craft Beer Cellar

- Christopher Quinn of the Craft Beer Temple

- Roger Baylor of Pints and Union and Common Haus Hall

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Pro Brewer
We bring original articles to ProBrewer.com twice a week covering issues important to the beer industry and aimed at helping breweries of all sizes understand different facets of the business. Check out our articles on ProBrewer.com every Tuesday and Thursday and visit the site daily for other original content and to stay connected with the beer industry.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Roger Baylor, Christopher Quinn, Suzanne Schalow
Sponsors: Pro Brewer, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Workforce, Bars, Bottle Shops, Customer Experience, Boston, Chicago, Indiana

Ep. 165 - The Very Best of 2022

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

It's the fun time of year where we recap all that happened in beer, look forward a bit, and generally spread merriment.

This year the expert panel includes: Melissa Cole, Matt Kirkegaard, Carla Lauter, and Chris Shepard.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Melissa Cole, Matt Kirkegaard, Carla Lauter, and Chris Shepard
Sponsors: Pro Brewer, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, , Hazy IPA, St. Homebrewing, Dragons, Growth, Closures

Ep. 164 - Jonathan Moxey of Rockwell Beer Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

"I’ve known Jonathan Moxey since long before I was on the beer writing beat. We were in a group of beer enthusiasts that met in and around new York city at least 15 years ago. Moxey was a homebrewer at the time. He was more than that, of course, but I first knew him as a homebrewer and a damn good one at that.

There would be parties and gatherings and bombers would be passed around and all of us, young ‘uns would talk about how beer could save the world – or at least make our worlds better.

Strangely enough a lot of folks in that group have gone on to work in and around beer, including opening their own breweries.

Moxey and his wife left New York for Missouri where he got a job at Schlafly, and then Perennial and now he’s at Rockwell Beer Co. as the head brewer.

He’s making tasty beer with soul, and it’s always a pleasure when I get a can.

He’s also an insightful and thoughtful guy. I saw him in person at the great American beer festival and over liters at Bierstadt Lagerhaus he got me thinking about beer in ways I hadn’t in a long time.

So Moxey is here this week to share some of those thoughts and to keep the interest in beer flowing."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jonathan Moxey
Sponsors: Pro Brewer, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Rauchbier, Hazy IPA, St. Louis, Amber Ale, Party, Homebrewing

Ep. 163 - Gretchen Langfeldt of Switchback Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

"Over the summer I spent a delightful evening at Switchback, the venerable Vermont Brewery and got to talking with Gretchen Langfeldt over beers and during a tour of the brewery. At the time I was bummed that I didn’t have my mobile recording kit with me. She’s here this week via zoom for the show and I couldn’t be happier.

After graduating Notre Dame with an engineering degree she started working at Switchback one day a week and then eventually full time.

Today she’s the engineer and brand marketing leader for the brewery.

We’ll talk about engineering, and marketing, plus beer and employee ownership, and yes true believers we’ll also get into Rauchbier. But I started off by asking about the physical building and the equipment inside. As you’ll hear it’s truly a special place worth many visits."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Gretchen Langfeldt
Sponsors: Pro Brewer, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Rauchbier, Hazy IPA, Vermont, Ale

Ep. 162 - Homebrewing in 2022

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We’re headed into that time of year where people tend to reflect, take stock and then look forward. On this episode I wanted to catch up with the homebrewing sphere since it continues to drive and inspire a lot of what happens in professional beer.

For this panel I’m honored to have three guests who have been making their beer for a long time, are active in their communities, and are constantly doing outreach and education to help everyone interested in the hobby.

Annie Johnson is a well-known research & development brewer with extensive experience in the food & beverage and consumer goods industries, and as a software development/IT specialist in state government. Annie has been brewing for over 24 years, is a recognized National Beer Judge and Brewmaster.

She most recently won the prestigious Glen Hay Falconer Foundation's Scholarship for Engineering & Brewing to the American Brewers Guild and graduated November, 2020. She is on the American Homebrewers Association Governing Committee, is a PinkBoots Chapter coLead and on the board of the Harriett Baskerville Incubation Project. She makes her home in Seattle, WA and Sacramento, CA.

Denny Conn and Drew Beechum are longtime homebrewers and noted personalities in the space. They are the co-authors of Simple Home Brewing and Experimental Homebrewing, which is also the name of the podcast they co-host.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Jack's Abby
Founded in 2011 by three brothers, Jack, Eric, and Sam Hendler, Jack’s Abby has become a mainstay of the craft brewing scene in the Northeast and nationwide.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Annie Johnson, Denny Conn, and Drew Beechum.
Sponsors: Jack's Abby, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Homebrewing, Hops, , Technology, Craft

Ep. 161 - Beers for Thanksgiving 2022

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

What is the best beer style for your Thanksgiving table? How should you approach pairing good beer with good food? What is a recipe that everyone should try?

Chef Jessie Massie of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Chef Josh Tomson of The Lodge at Woodloch share their culinary thoughts all things beer and food to make the holidays merry and bright.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Jessie Massie and Josh Tomson
Sponsors: Pro Brewer, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Lager, Hazy IPA, Food, Thanksgiving, Pairing

Ep. 160 - Jeff O'Neil of Industrial Arts

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

"A few months ago I was visiting Industrial Arts, a brewery in New York’s Hudson valley to record a few episodes of Steal This Beer.

Jeff O’Neil, the brewery’s founder and brewmaster, was walking us through his impressive 100 hectolitre system and sharing a sneak peak of some non-alcoholic beers he was working on.

This week those beverages are hitting the marketplace so it seemed fitting to have him on this show to talk about the evolution and process.

And we’ll get to that, but first we’ll go into that brewery system and he’ll illustrate how it has been constructed to benefit his IPAs, which are some of the very best being made in America right now, and how that even extends into the fields.

He’s a member of the hop quality group, and spent time in Germany this year around harvest, and shares his observations and insights from walking those farms.

Jeff, as you’ll hear, is a thoughtful brewer. His career has spanned more than 20 years and he worked at a number of breweries on both coasts before opening Industrial Arts six years ago.

From where it was at the start to where it is now is impressive to hear and before we got started with the recording he said he doesn’t spend too much time brewing these days, but rather stands on the brew deck and points and tells stories.

And that’s where we start, with an extended index finger and this tale of modern engineering."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jeff O'Neil
Sponsors: Pro Brewer, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Non-Alcoholic, Hops, Germany, Technology, Craft

Ep. 159 - Matt Tweedy of Tooth and Nail

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

"Last month I was in Toronto as a judge for the inaugural Canada Beer Cup. Over the course of three very very long days I was seated across from Matt Tweedy, the co-founder and brewing director of Tooth and Nail Brewing in Ottawa.

By the lunch break on the first day I knew he needed to be on the show. Aside from having a great palate and brewing insight, he’s a thoughtful guy who genuinely cares about the beers he's making and the overall direction of brewing not only in Canada but globally.

Before opening the doors of his brewpub he learned from some of the very best on the planet including stints at Cantillon, Fullers, and The Lost Abbey. Those experiences continue to shape his beer today and help with the overall education and flavor experience that patrons get every time they open one of his beers or step into the bar."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Matt Tweedy
Sponsors: Pro Brewer, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Recipes, Awards, Canada, Taproom, Food

Ep. 158 - Alyssa Hoberer of Jagged Mountain Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

There are some posts that have a longer shelf life on the internet than others. Bits of wisdom or doses of reality that resonate when you first read them and then continue to make sense long after should they pop up again.

Such is the case with a post that Alyssa Hoberer put up in late 2019 urging people to not open a brewery, unless they had put in the work and knew the risks.

A lot has happened in the last two years, obviously, but that post – and I’ll read more about it in the show – popped up in my facebook feed last week and still rang true.

Hoberer has also posted more bits of wisdom as well as a look inside the brew house at Jagged Mountain in Denver where she is the head brewer.

It’s a wide ranging conversation that talks about beer’s evolution, making strong seltzers, social media, and more. But we start with education and how the Great American Beer Festival can be more than fun, it can also be an exchanging of ideas.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

New Holland Brewing
Dragon's Milk began as a single barrel experiment over 20 years ago at New Holland Brewing Company and has since grown to become the best-selling American-made stout. Aged in bourbon barrels, rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and vanilla make for a deliciously smooth and drinkable brew. Whether it's sitting by a bonfire or binging the latest season of Game of Thrones, share a legend with Dragon's Milk today. Learn more and find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.

Les Bon
A celebration of saison, mixed fermentation beer, ciders, natural wine and oysters. Brewers from around the country will descend on Duluth, Georgia on November 5, 2022 from 1pm to 5pm on the town green. All proceeds go to further the mission of Oyster South supporting aquaculture in the southeast. Tickets are $85 and include unlimited beer samples, coffee, oysters, and a bbq plate.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Alyssa Hoberer
Sponsors: New Holland Brewery, Les Bon, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Recipes, Awards, Colorado, Taproom, Seltzer

Ep. 157 - The Big Friendly

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"Earlier this year at the Great American Beer Festival the awards in the beer categories were handed out followed by awards to breweries of the year, as dictated by size. This is based on a metric of barrels produced annually as well as medals won in the competition.

For the 251 to 500 barrel capacity brewery, The Big Friendly, a relatively new brewery in Oklahoma City took home the award.

Curious about the brewery and its name I called up co-founders and owners brothers Joe and Will Quinlin to talk about their brewing evolution, creating a memorable and welcome space, the changes in Oklahoma that has allowed it to become a beer destination and just what goes into making award winning recipes. "

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Joe and Will Quinlin
Sponsors: New Holland Brewery, Les Bon, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Saison, Recipes, Awards, Oklahoma, Taproom

Bonus: Randy Mosher Talks about Tasting and Experiencing Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

When it comes to beer education, Randy Mosher has schooled countless drinkers on the art and science of tasting beer.

He is a writer and creative consultant, the author of five books on beer and brewing, and provides training and lectures around the world. Mosher is a teacher at the Siebel Institute, has a background in design and advertising, and frequently consults on new product development and branding for breweries and specialty food and beverage companies. Based in Chicago, he is currently a minority partner in two Chicago-area breweries.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Company
Athletic Brewing Company’s award-winning, craft, non-alcoholic beers are fit for all times. Down time, work time, game time, even gym time. Pick a time and grab an Athletic, because it’s about time you could enjoy a great-tasting brew, any time you want. Even right now. Head to athleticbrewing.com and get some fresh brews delivered. New customers can even get 20% off with code AllAboutBeer20 and free shipping on two 6-packs or more.

For original articles or to read the vast archives or to check out All About Beer. follow us on Twitter @allaboutbeer and Instagram @allaboutbeer. Support Journalism by visiting our Patreon Page.

Hosts: Em Sauter and Don Tse
Guest: Randy Mosher
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing Co.
Tags: Brewing, Tasting, Sensory, Flavors, Hops, Books

Ep. 156 - Von Ebert Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This is the last, for now, of the shows recorded on location from the Pacific Northwest. It was recorded at Von Ebert Brewing’s Glendoveer location, on the far edges of Portland, Oregon and situated on a golf course.

Von Ebert is a brewery that has been crushing it since the start. Making great IPAs and Lagers as well as boasting a terrific blending program – in fact we discuss some of those beers on this show to illustrate ingredients and process.

A brewery with a diverse portfolio that executes on the highest of levels always has something to explore, and prior to the show Jeff Alworth, the writer, author, and podcast host, had been driving me around Oregon and trying to dissect Von Ebert.

Since it was such a conundrum, I invited him to co-host this episode.

Happily it goes off the rails at points.

Our guests keep us on track and they are:

Sam Pecoraro, the Head Brewer who has been brewing around Portland for 11 years at various breweries, including Burnside Brewing, The Commons Brewery and Breakside Brewery before joining Von Ebert at their inception in 2018. As Head Brewer, Sam leads the Pearl District and Glendoveer Brewing teams in all quests related to IPA variants, German-inspired lagers and mixed culture beers.

And Jason Hansen, the Lead Brewer and Blender who Started homebrewing right after college, and ended up getting a job at Seven Bridges Organic Homebrew Supply in Santa Cruz, CA. before moving to Sante Adairius Rustic Ales where he eventually became head brewer. He was then Lead Fermentationist at Garden Path Fermentation in Burlington, before joining Von Ebert in 2018.

It’s a crowded table that grows a bit more when we’re joined later in the show by Madeleine McCarthy, who was then a brewer at Von Ebert but has since started working at 10 Barrel Brewing.

There is a lot to unpack on this rollicking show recorded just off the practice green at the course with a an audience putting a dent into the lager taps.

-John Holl

This episode is sponsored by:

Jack's Abby Brewing

Guatemala, the land of eternal spring, rich agriculture, and affinity for fantastic food and coffee. Craft beer is a fledgling movement in the country, but it’s being led by our friends from El Zapote Brewing. Our conversation with them inspired us to create a unique coffee golden lager with imported beans from Finca Retana family farm in Antigua, Guatemala. We believe this beer will have a true taste of the country and we hope you enjoy this unique lager inspired by culture, colors, and conversation.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Hosts: John Holl and Jeff Alworth
Guests: Sam Pecoraro, Jason Hansen, Madeleine McCarthy
Sponsors: Jack's Abby, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Hops, Recipes, Growth, Oregon, IPA, Lager, Mixed Fermentation

Ep. 155 Austin Umbinetti-Hutton of Aslan Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

As the sojourn through the pacific northwest continues I’m thrilled to air this episode of the podcast recorded in Bellingham Washington at the Aslan Depot where head brewer Austin Umbinetti-Hutton joined me before a live audience on a wide ranging conversation about his career, the beers Aslan is making, the importance of community and creativity, and more.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Austin Umbinetti-Hutton
Sponsors: New Holland Brewery, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Hops, Recipes, Growth, Washington, IPA, Lager, Hop Water

Beer Travelers: Denver

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

From Andy Crouch:

"Denver holds a special place in my heart. I’ve watched as the local beer scene has grown and then exploded, with dozens and dozens of breweries cropping up in parts of town that didn’t even really exist, such as RiNo. Denver has long had a formidable beer scene but today it is one of the country’s best. And on this second episode of the Beer Travelers podcast, we’re going to talk with two local experts, Tristan Chan of PorchDrinking and Jonathan Shikes of the Denver Post. These two are as knowledgeable as they come and as we’ll hear, they are full of advice for planning your visit to the Mile High City.

Stay tuned at the end of the episode for my personal favorite suggestion for Denver. Hint: it’s the perfect place for a nightcap or to end your trip."

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Pub Culture Beercations
Stop living vicariously through other people's social media posts and get out and make some memories of your own! Join Pub Culture Beercations for one of our upcoming tours and start exploring the world one pint at a time with us. Visit PubCultureBeercations.com for more information.

For original articles or to read the vast archives or to check out All About Beer. follow us on Twitter @allaboutbeer and Instagram @allaboutbeer. Support Journalism by visiting our Patreon Page.

Host: Andy Crouch
Guests: Tristan Chan and Jonathan Shikes
Sponsor: Pub Culture Beercations
Tags: Denver beer, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Avery Brewing

Ep. 154 - Kevin Quinn of Bale Breaker Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In the 1920s when the practice was more common, Meghann Quinn’s ancestors followed the railroad west and wound up settling a farm in Washington’s Yakima Valley.

Following the repeal of Prohibition, they got into the hop industry and have ridden the wave since; supplying the larger brewers through the uninspired decades of large-scale American brewing, and into the boom days of today’s craft surge.

Seeing the success of hops in the larger market coupled with an interest in homebrewing Quinn, her husband Kevin, and her brothers launched Bale Breaker brewing on the property in 2013.

Kevin Quinn is my guest today.

How close is the brewery to the field? It takes less than five minutes to get from the bine to the kettle, he says.

It’s more than hops here as well.

There’s an apple orchard on the nearly 3,000-acre farm, along with fields of Hungarian Wax Peppers, some hemp, and 2021 marked the third barley harvest. Last year they processed more than 200,000 pounds of barley, some of which went into Bale Breaker beers as well.

There is a real sense of pride that comes with growing ingredients where they are used and it’s clear from the steady stream of visitors that come through during this season and year round, that drinkers and other brewers feel the same.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Denver Rare Beer Tasting
Heading to Colorado for GABF? You should check out the Denver Rare Beer Tasting on October 7th. It's an incredible afternoon of beer passion featuring America's top craft breweries pouring rare, exotic and vintage brews to benefit the Pints for Prostates campaign. This is truly a bucket list event for a great cause where you get to try beers you won't find elsewhere, and meet the men and women who brewed them. More information at pintsforprostates.org.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Kevin Quinn
Sponsors: New Holland Brewery, Denver Rare Beer Tasting, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Hops, Recipes, Growth, Washington, IPA, Lager

Ep. 153 - Chuckanut Brewery + Garden Path Fermentation

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"I’ve been spending the last week or so in the Pacific Northwest and this is the first of several shows that I’ll be bringing you from Washington and Oregon.

It kicks off at Chuckanut, the brewery founded by Mari and Will Kemper and recorded at their brewery in Burlington, Washington, south of Bellingham where they long operated a pub and restaurant. This production facility is largely dedicated to lager, with a few ales thrown for good measure, but mostly lagers.

They’ll expand upon what brought them to this town, across from the airport in a minute and expansion plans for what is lovingly referred to as South Nut.

And we’ll talk about the intersection of clean and wild beers with their brewery neighbors Ron Extract and Amber Watts who run Garden Path Fermentation, a temple for all things drinkable from beers to wine, mead, and more.

While it may seem, at first glance, little to connect them aside from the larger beer industry, there are actually strong ties."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Mari Kemper, Will Kemper, Ron Extract, Amber Watts
Sponsors: Harpoon Brewery, Denver Rare Beer Tasting, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Homebrewing, Recipes, Growth, Washington, Wild, Lager

Ep. 152 - Brad Ring of Brew Your Own Magazine

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"A few weeks ago I spent some time in Vermont, touring around breweries, catching up with old friends, and doing a little promotion for The Craft Brewery Cookbook – which is available now where books are sold.

At two of my stops I teamed up with Brad Ring, he’s a long-time friend and colleague and the publisher of Brew Your Own Magazine.

BYO has a long and storied history and is the best resource for anyone looking to get into homebrewing or looking to add on knowledge.

I’m not just saying this because I host a monthly podcast for BYO about nano brewing, or because I’ve written for the magazine over the years. It’s true because it is smart and detailed a publication run by dedicated homebrewers who appreciate history and where things are headed.

Much like professional brewing, homebrewing has evolved and Ring and his team constantly keep their finger on the pulse. In keeping up with the times BYO has recently released an updated version of the Big Book Of Homebrewing. You can find it where good books are sold and on the BYO website.

I sat down with Ring in his office, just before a book signing. He opened some cans of a Lawson’s finest liquid pale ale and we talked about the new book and homebrewing in general."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Harpoon Brewery
Did you know that Harpoon IPA is New England’s Original IPA?

Brewed in Boston and Vermont for decades by their Employee Owners.

Hoppy, crisp, perfectly balanced.

Harpoon IPA: New England’s Original IPA.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Brad Ring
Sponsors: Harpoon Brewery, Denver Rare Beer Tasting, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Homebrewing, Recipes, Growth, Vermont

Ep. 151 Dave Colt and Andrew Hood of Sun King Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"A long, long time ago I lived, briefly, in Indiana working as a newspaper reporter. Working the late shift there weren’t a lot of drinking options for a post-shift beer. Thankfully there was a brewpub not far from the office that would stay open late and on most nights I’d find Dave Colt and Clay Robinson working on recipes and plotting their own brewery.

The brewery would become Sun King, and is one of the largest in Indiana with a growing footprint, multiple locations, and a commitment to quality and irreverence that is unrivaled. It’s been fun to watch the brewery grow and rack up awards, and as I was thinking about this week’s show, I noticed a can of Cherry Busey, the brewery’s Flander’s Red ale on my desk.

So calling up Dave Colt and Andrew Hood, who runs the barrel program, seemed like a smart move.

From talking about how the program has grown, to new avenues the brewery has explored – including a spot in Florida, it’s a wide ranging and fun romp through Central Indiana and beyond."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Harpoon Brewery
Did you know that Harpoon IPA is New England’s Original IPA?

Brewed in Boston and Vermont for decades by their Employee Owners.

Hoppy, crisp, perfectly balanced.

Harpoon IPA: New England’s Original IPA.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Dave Colt, Andrew Hood
Sponsors: Harpoon Brewery, Denver Rare Beer Tasting, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Barrels, Recipes, Growth, Indiana, Florida, Cream Ale, Flander's Red

Ep. 150 - Christian Weber of Common Roots Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"The fire was fast moving and devastating, and even standing outside the rubble in the immediate aftermath Christian Weber knew that Common Roots would rebuild.

The brewery in upstate New York had become a community hub and the loss was devastating, not only for the customers, for Weber’s family – which founded and built the brewery – but also the employees who relied on the company.

So from day one Weber said they would be supported and the brewery would be back.

Last week I had the chance to sit in that rebuilt brewery, now with an expanded taproom and restaurant, and to see the plans for additional growth just across the street. It’s a remarkable journey for this brewery – which is centered in the Adirondacks - but available in 10 states.

Weber talks us through it all."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Harpoon Brewery
Did you know that Harpoon IPA is New England’s Original IPA?

Brewed in Boston and Vermont for decades by their Employee Owners.

Hoppy, crisp, perfectly balanced.

Harpoon IPA: New England’s Original IPA.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Christian Weber
Sponsors: Harpoon Brewery, Denver Rare Beer Tasting, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Kitchen, Recipes, Growth, IPA, New York

Ep. 149 - Travis Zeilstra of By All Means Brew Lab

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"I met Travis Zeilstra more than a dozen years ago, at the first SAVOR event in Washington D.C. he was pouring beers for the brewery he worked for at the time and we struck up a conversation about beer and food – natural given the event – that stuck with me for quite some time.

He’s done his turns in kitchens and preparing menus and thinking about the ways flavors interact and can delight. Now, as the head brewer of By All Means Brew Lab in Billings, Montana he can think about how the beers interact with the food offerings, and how he wants the beers to present after turns with various ingredients and in wood.

Ever thoughtful and passionate, there’s a lot to dive into, so let’s do just that."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Harpoon Brewery
Did you know that Harpoon IPA is New England’s Original IPA?

Brewed in Boston and Vermont for decades by their Employee Owners.

Hoppy, crisp, perfectly balanced.

Harpoon IPA: New England’s Original IPA.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Travis Zeilstra
Sponsors: Harpoon Brewery, Denver Rare Beer Tasting, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, ProBrewer, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Kitchen, Recipes, Wood, IPA, Montana

Brewer to Brewer: Tomme Arthur and Marcus Baskerville

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

On the first episode of the Brewer to Brewer podcast Tomme Arthur of The Lost Abbey interviews Marcus Baskerville of Weathered Souls Brewing.

Eventually the conversation turns to Black is Beautiful, the global collaboration that Baskerville and the brewery spearheaded. To date more than 1,200 breweries in 22 countries have brewed and released the beer which aims to “raise awareness for the injustices people of color face daily and raise funds for police brutality reform and legal defenses for those who have been wronged.”

Much has been said and chronicled about the beer and its history but Arthur wanted to go a little deeper and do a fresh check in. Hear their full conversation on the Brewer to Brewer podcast.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Firsd Tea
Firsd Tea is a proud sponsor of the Brewer to Brewer podcast. They have been working with brewers on a wide range of ingredients in delicious beers. Firsd Tea combines the flexibility of order sizes with the experience you need to create innovative and successful tea beers. They get you the most direct-from-farm tea selection so you are working with flavorful and consistent products. You can find out more about Firsd Tea’s collaborations with brewers and tea ingredients by visiting blog.firsdtea.com.

For original articles or to read the vast archives or to check out All About Beer. follow us on Twitter @allaboutbeer and Instagram @allaboutbeer. Support Journalism by visiting our Patreon Page.

Host: Tomme Arthur
Guest: Marcus Baskerville
Sponsor: Firsd Tea
Tags: Brewing, Black is Beautiful, Collaboration, Travel

Ep. 148 - Gary Glass of Left Hand Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Gary Glass was entrenched in the world of homebrewing. What began as a hobby soon turned to a career, where he spent 20 years at the Brewers Association, including a long stint as the director of the American Homebrewing Association.

When COVID-19 struck and the Brewers Association laid off a significant portion of its staff, Gary was included in that group and pondered what he would do next. He wanted to stay involved in the brewing industry and thought about doing sales, but an opportunity presented itself at Lefthand Brewing, the venerable Colorado brewery that has cornered the craft market on nitro stout.

It wasn’t far from his house and Gary was able to begin as a brewer, his first professional job in beer, where he’s spent the last nearly two years proving himself, working hard, and learning processes.

Earlier this summer that work was rewarded as he was named head brewer.

From starting off on malt extract to now running logistics on hundreds of barrels at a time, it’s been quite the journey, and we’ll start at the beginning.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Harpoon Brewery
Did you know that Harpoon IPA is New England’s Original IPA?

Brewed in Boston and Vermont for decades by their Employee Owners.

Hoppy, crisp, perfectly balanced.

Harpoon IPA: New England’s Original IPA.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Gary Glass
Sponsors: Harpoon Brewery., The Craft Brewery Cookbook, ProBrewer, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Homebrewing, Stout, Tripel, Recipes, Colorado, Brewers Association, Nitro

Introducing The All About Beer Podcast

All About Beer — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 10:33:58 -0400

Welcome to the first episode of the new All About Beer podcast. In this premiere episode, co-hosts Em Sauter and Don Tse examine the Cold IPA with Kevin Davey, of Wayfinder Beer, who is credited with creating the style. From the specs and flavor, process and debunking myths, this show will explain and examine every facet of craft beer’s newest style.

Subscribe to the All About Beer Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and please leave us a review. We appreciate your support.

This Episode is Sponsored by:

For original articles or to read the vast archives or to check out All About Beer. follow us on Twitter @allaboutbeer and Instagram @allaboutbeer. Support Journalism by visiting our Patreon Page.

Hosts: Em Sauter and Don Tse
Guest: Kevin Davey of Wayfinder Beer
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing Co.
Tags: Cold IPA, Oregon, Lager, Hops, Brewing

Ep. 147 - Mitch Steele of New Realm Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"I spent a few days in Georgia earlier this month, visiting breweries that had long been on my list but current global events kept me away. Chief among the breweries was New Realm, an impressive outfit that was founded by a trio of brewing professionals with long careers in beer.

On the brewing side is Mitch Steele. He’s one of those first name club brewers who has spent his tenure creating intriguing and classic recipes, pushing the boundaries of hops, and working to bringing forgotten or shaddowed styles into the light.

At New Realm he is overseeing several breweries and a distiller, including the main location where we sat at the bar on a recent afternoon drinking lager and IPA. It’s a wide ranging conversation that eventually turned to Stone Brewing, where he spent a decade as the brewmaster. That brewery recently sold to Sapporo Brewery, a move that shocked and saddened a lot of beer fans.

Although he’s not there anymore and hasn’t been for some time, Stone is part of his history and Mitch shares some thoughts."

- John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored By
Harpoon Brewery
Did you know that Harpoon IPA is New England’s Original IPA?

Brewed in Boston and Vermont for decades by their Employee Owners.

Hoppy, crisp, perfectly balanced.

Harpoon IPA: New England’s Original IPA.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Mitch Steele
Sponsors: Harpoon Brewery., The Craft Brewery Cookbook, ProBrewer, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Brewing, Hops, IPA, Lager, Recipes, History, Stone Brewing, Georgia

Ep. 146 - A History of Brussels Beer in 50 Objects

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"It can be hard to come up with new ideas for beer books, so sometimes taking inspiration from another concept – like lists – just makes sense. This is not a bad thing and in the case of Eoghan Walsh’s new book A History of Brussels Beer in 50 Objects it is a very good thing.

This is especially true since he does not talk about beers specifically (with a few exceptions) since that concept has been done over and over again. There are tangible objects that have helped shape drinking in Brussels over the century and by carefully curating a tight list Walsh is able to weave together a longer story.

This is no surprise as Walsh, who is an award-winning writer, and the editor of Brussels Beer City has worked over the years to tell stories beyond beer."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored by:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Eoghan Walsh
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing Co., The Craft Brewery Cookbook, ProBrewer, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Books, Brussels, History, Lambic, Coolship

Ep. 145 - Todd DiMatteo of Good Word Brewing + Public House

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"I’ve had the good pleasure of knowing today’s guest for a while now, although this is only the third time we’ve hung out in person. Todd DiMatteo is the owner and brewer here at Good Word Brewing and Public House in Duluth, GA and has been turning out some of the more flavorful, interesting, and low abv beers that I’ve had in a while.

He has a long career in beer and hospitality, including a long term at the Brick Store Pub, an Atlanta institution, the influence of that bar can be felt in his beers today, with nods to traditional styles and an appreciation for well-established international beer regions.

On this episode he talks about the brewer's ego, making beers that make him happy and foster a good drinking experience, and his huge love of carbonation."

-John Holl

This Episode is Sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing Co.
Cigar City Brewing has taken inspiration from beyond the cosmos for Cosmic Crown, a golden-hued Strong Golden Ale, and added Galaxy hops to impart passionfruit and peach qualities to its profile of ripe fruit and light peppery spice. Assertive aromas of pineapple, bubblegum, dried flowers, and a hint of black pepper greet the nose. Overripe banana, red apple, and lime leaf esters play on the palate, while poundcake-like malt, pepper-like spiciness, and herbaceous bitterness play supporting roles. Learn more at CigarCityBrewing.com

Stomp Stickers
Stomp is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code BEEREDGE15 for 15% off your first order.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Todd DiMatteo
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, Stomp Stickers, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, ProBrewer, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Malt, ABV, Carbonation, Georgia, Food, Brewing

Ep. 144 - Andrew Witchey of Dancing Gnome

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Andrew Witchey is the founder and brewer of Dancing Gnome in Pittsburgh and opened up his new taproom early for a conversation over Kölsch about how the city has evolved beer-wise and where it’s heading.

Then he talks about his appreciation of lagers, his dislike of sours, and how he created a new space that reflects the beers and the brewery’s personality.

This Episode is sponsored by:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Andrew Witchey
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, Stomp Stickers, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, ProBrewer, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Pittsburgh, Lager, Sours, Business, Taprooms, IPA, Hops, Tradition

Ep. 143 - Author Pete Brown talks about Clubland and The World's Best Beers

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"Pete Brown is a an award winning writer and author whose curiosity has led him deep into the history of food and drink and along the way he has uncovered forgotten stories, helped shape the understanding of beer, and enchanted readers though his ability to convey a keen sense of place and voice.

His latest book was just released. It’s called Clubland: How the Working Men’s Club Shaped Britain. He charts the clubs early beginnings, booming popularity, influence on popular culture, and eventual decline.

In the pages, reads some promo copy, Pete 'explores the clubs’ role in defining masculinity, community and class identity for generations of men in Britain’s industrial towns. They were, at their best, a vehicle for social mobility and self-improvement, run as cooperatives for working people by working people: an informal, community-owned pre-cursor to the Welfare State.'

The we transition to another book: World’s Greatest Beers: 250 Beers from Pilsen to Portland, which will be published by CAMRA Books in August. Pete is the chief writer on the book that includes entries from other well known writers in the beer space, including the host of this podcast. We'll talk about how to build out such a list, the eventual flack that will be flung, and what goes into enjoying a great beer aside from taste."

-John Holl

This Episode is sponsored by:

Jack's Abby Brewing
Argentina is a lively land of agriculture, food and fun. For us, those are the ingredients for a great beer culture. In talking to our friends Andres and Alberto, we covered a range of topics from climate, to crops to Asado-Argentinian BBQ parties. This inspired us to create a new lager using Malbec grape must that would pair perfectly with the social occasion and the food. We hope you enjoy this unique lager inspired by culture and conversation.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Pete Brown
Sponsors: Jack's Abby, Stomp Stickers, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Clubs, Work, Economics, Books, History, CAMRA

Ep. 142 - Nate Schweber author of "This America of Ours"

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"I’ve known Nate Schweber going on 20 years now, we’ve been colleagues, friends, and even co-authors. I can say without a doubt that he is one of the hardest working reporters I’ve ever met, he has a keen eye for detail, enjoys a good drink, and knows how to rock with the best of them.

He’s a raconteur, with endless curiosity and compassion, and great passion. My life is better because I know him.

It will be published on July 5, 2022 and I can’t say this enough: pre-order a copy now.

It tells the story of a husband and wife team that took on special interests and politicians like Joe McCarthy and worked to protect land that should have been protected, and along the way, they strike up a friendship with a woman who would alter the course of cooking in America.

But, of course, that’s where we start."

-John Holl

This Episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing Co.
Jai Low IPA. Vibrant aromas of nectarine, orange zest, and lime leaf greet the nose, melding seamlessly with peach-like esters and a light, bready malt aroma. Citrus flavors of clementine and tangerine dance on the palate with a snappy bitterness, with bread crust-like malt, and sparkling carbonation providing balance to this moderate-bodied IPA. Learn more at CigarCityBrewing.com

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Nate Schweber
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, Stomp Stickers, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Gin, Politics, National Parks, Conservation, History, Travel

Ep. 141 - Tom Beckmann of Goldfinger Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"It's no secret I love a well made lager. One of the great benefits of this current brewing age is the number of small producers that are creating high quality pilsners and lagers. Goldfinger Brewing, located in a western Chicago suburb is one of them.

Thomas Beckmann, the co-founder and brewer is my guest this week. He has all the credentials one would want from a proper lager brewer. He has his Master Brewer’s diploma through the World Brewing Academy in Chicago and Munich, and built Goldfinger to the specs he wanted, including a decoction brewhouse, aeration, horizontal lager tanks and natural carbonation.

There is also some family history involved here as well. Markus Goldfinger, a brewer – and equipment manufacturer - who lived in the 19th century in Poland and sold across Europe is Tom's ancestor.

Today’s Goldfinger has three core offerings and a host of rotating seasonals, we’ll talk about it all along with process, and service.

I’ve been hearing about Goldfinger from several of you listeners for a while now, including Aaron Peterson who says “ His brewery has achieved 'please just take all of our money' status in our household, and his Maibock was one of the best beers I have had in a very long time.”

Then Ashleigh Carter of Bierstadt Lagerhaus suggested having Tom on, so clearly the time had come.

This Episode is sponsored by:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Thomas Beckmann
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, Stomp Stickers, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Ownership, Family, Lager, Travel, Equipment, Illinois

Ep. 140 - Live from Highland Brewing in Asheville, NC

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl

"In a sign that the world is adapting to the pandemic, beer weeks are back and last week Asheville, North Carolina one of the great beer cities in America celebrated all of its breweries and producers.

I was fortunate to spend a day in the city capped off by a visit to Highland Brewing, which was founded in 1994 by Oscar Wong. Today the brewery is led by his daughter Leah Wong Ashburn.

Highland put in the hard work and laid the groundwork for the scene to come and today continues to make flavorful beers and welcome visitors to their expansive taproom and grounds that now feature a volleyball court.

This discussion was held in the brewery’s barrel room, which opened during the pandemic and hasn’t seen much use. But on this night where pints of Gaelic ale flowed and a crowd gathered to snack on bites from a local food truck, we could forget about the worries of the world for a few minutes and just enjoy some camaraderie.

I’m joined in hosting duties by Jon Page, he’s my long-time friend, the former managing editor of All About Beer and the photographer for The Craft Brewery Cookbook – which is on sale now – where books are sold.

This event was billed as a book signing, but I was more eager to hear from Leah and Oscar about the brewery, it’s legacy and future, and the family dynamics.

We were using hand held mics and as happens sometimes people moved them back and forth, bear with us."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing Co.
Have you met Florida Man? It’s a modern Double IPA with a tropical expression from its blend of American hops, including Citra, Azacca, El Dorado, and Mandarina Bavarian, and is balanced by delicate peach esters from a unique Double IPA yeast and a dash of Canadian honey malt. Learn more about the hero of the sunshine by visiting CigarCityBrewing.com

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Oscar Wong, Leah Wong Ashburn, Jon Page
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, Stomp Stickers, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Ownership, Family, Volleyball, Amber Ale, Watering holes, North Carolina

Ep. 139 - Lindsay and Shawn Johnson of Birds Fly South

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Birds Fly South calls itself a “progressively old school urban farmhouse” brewery. It might sound like several contradictions until you start talking with Shawn and Lindsay Johnson, the co-founders, and suddenly this Greenville, South Carolina brewery starts to make sense.

The origin story might sound familiar. Shawn was a beer fan who tried a lot of different styles and visited breweries during his time in the Coast Guard. At the time they were stationed on Kodiak Island, Alaska where early sunsets meant more times for hobbies. Lindsay got him a homebrew kit for Father’s Day one year and the rest… well, you know.

The moved to Florida and Shawn started working with Bob Sylvester of Saint Somewhere, and a deep appreciation for saison and farmhouse ales flourished. A move to the D.C area had Shawn helping to open Fair Winds Brewing Co. in Virginia at that point the idea to have their own place had cemented and needed to come a reality.

Birds Fly South opened in 2016.

In this episode we’ll talk about the brewing process and recipe development with Shawn and front of the house and the taproom with Lindsay all while going deeper into what the brewery wants to be and how it plans to get there.

This Episode is sponsored by:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Lindsay and Shawn Johnson of Birds Fly South
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Ownership, Florida, Saison, Innovation, Bottles, Growth, South Carolina

Ep. 138 - The State of Non-Alcoholic Beer in America

All About Beer — Wed, 25 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In a testament to how quickly the beer industry can change, it’s hard to imagine even just a few years ago that a panel like this would be taking place. But as the beer industry matures, there is a tilt towards health and wellness, the rise of non-alcoholic beer in the craft space can not be ignored.

It shouldn’t be ignored.

What you are about to hear was held in a seminar room at the 2022 Craft Brewers Conference in Minneapolis.

This is an expert panel that is pushing the boundaries of non-alcoholic beer in taste, innovation, and positive public perception.

So you’ll hear from:

· Garrett Oliver the brewmaster of The Brooklyn Brewery, the author of The Brewmaster’s Table, and the Editor-in-Chief of The Oxford Companion to Beer.

· Bill Shufelt the co-founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing Co.

And

· Keith Villa Brewmaster and Co-Founder at Ceria Beverages Company

This audio was captured by Erik Eidem who had a microphone and camera set up in the seminar room. So while there aren’t individual mics, it will hopefully give you the sensation that you were in the room with everyone else.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Pro Brewer
Earlier this year Beer Edge starting working with ProBrewer that to bring original articles to ProBrewer.com twice a week covering issues important to the beer industry and aimed at helping breweries of all sizes understand different facets of the business.

Check out our articles on ProBrewer.com every Tuesday and Thursday and visit the site daily for other original content and to stay connected with the beer industry.

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Garrett Oliver, Bill Shufelt, Keith Villa
Sponsors: Pro Brewer, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Ownership, Non-alcoholic, marijuana, Innovation, education

Ep. 137 - Brian Hunt and Patrick Rue of Moonlight Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 18 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Last week, word got out that Patrick Rue, the founder of The Bruery in Orange County California, and more recently the founder and operator of Erosion Wines in Napa had acquired a 50 percent stake in Moonlight Brewery, a beloved northern California brewery founded 30 years ago by Brian Hunt.

Moonlight is known for its beers like Death & Taxes and Reality Czech and had been half owned by Lagunitas via Heineken for the past six years.

I first learned of the news via Beer by BART, a great site run by Gail Ann Williams and Steve Shapiro. If you’re not already following them on social media, rectify that quickly.

A subsequent press release release from the brewery noted that “Patrick will serve in an advisory capacity and will direct an oak barrel-aging beer program that enhances the integrity and heritage of Moonlight.”

It continued by saying that under the Heineken co-ownership Moonlight "packaging shifted from exclusively draft to additionally offering beers in cans, and both production and distribution have grown all while keeping sales limited to Northern California.

The new ownership strengthens Moonlight’s dedication to remaining locally owned. This will allow for patient growth, greater availability of its coveted beers to its fans and wholesale partners, while maintaining the deliciousness and highest quality for which Moonlight is so well known.”

Press release aside, in this episode we hear from the owners directly.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing Co.
Check out Fancy Papers from Cigar City Brewing. With aromas of freshly cut grass and tangerine along with white wine grape and bread-like aromas, this Hazy IPA has flavors of guava, melon, and lime leaf. Brewed with Strata, Sabro, and Idaho 7 hops to draw in lovers of fruit-forward Hazy IPAs, get some today where you buy beer and learn more at cigar city brewing. com Learn more at Cigar City Brewing.com

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Brian Hunt and Patrick Rue of Moonlight Brewing
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Ownership, California, Collaboration, Innovation, Wine

Ep. 136 - Niko Tonks and Evan Sallee of Fair State Brewing Cooperative

All About Beer — Wed, 11 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"They say that beer brings people together, and that was certainly evident last week in Minneapolis as much of the brewing world gathered for the Craft Brewers Conference and it seems that at some point or another everyone made the trip to Fair State Brewing Cooperative.

I was among them, and had the chance to sit down with co-founders Niko Tonks and Evan Sallee.

From the beginning, as the brewery name suggests, the pair along with other co-founder Matt Hauck, wanted consumers to be involved with the business. Not just funding, but with meaningful feedback.

Fitting that their plan came together at Black Star, another brewery co-op in Austin, and when the doors opened here in 2014 they became the first in Minnesota to follow the model and only the third in the nation.

Now with more than 2,000 members the brewery is hitting a stride. It has been shaped by the pandemic, of course, but the time of COVID has helped Evan and Niko dial in the business, focus more deeply on recipes and really think about the future.

We recorded this in the taproom over a pitcher of pilsner and get into many aspects of the business, and the emerging interest in non-alcoholic beers, including one they had on their taproom menu and that I thoroughly enjoyed."

-John Holl

This Episode is sponsored by:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Niko Tonks and Evan Sallee of Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Ingredients, Pilsner, Collaboration, Innovation, Non-alcoholic beer

Ep. 135 - Austin Jevne of Humble Forager Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 04 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Much of the professional brewing world is focused on Minnesota this week as the annual Craft Brewers Conference is happening, along with the World Beer Cup competition. I thought it would be a good to check in with a brewer in the state – or at least one connected with the state.

Minnesota beer laws are wonky which has led to creative solutions. Austin Jevne the Owner & Head Brewer of Humble Forager, which is contract brewed in Wisconsin as well as Minneapolis, will explain how the brand developed out of an existing brewpub in Rochester, Minnesota.

From finding local ingredients on his travels that inspire new beers, to scaling up from small batches to large ones while not sacrificing flavor or ethos, Austin takes us through his creative process on brewing that now extends to hard seltzer.

He’s also big on collaborations and gives us a curtain raiser on one that is being brewed this week with Other Half Brewery.

Austin sees beer as an adventure and wants every recipe to reflect that sense.And if you’re still brewing small and curious about finding your own local ingredients he has tips for that as well.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing Co.
Jai Alai IPA is a bold, citrusy and balanced India Pale Ale that involves six different hop varietals used generously in a 7.5% ABV beer. Look for notes of orange peel, clementine, and light caramel to share the story and sunshine of Florida with beer lovers across the globe. Learn more at Cigar City Brewing.com

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and visit All About Beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Austin Jevne of Humble Forager
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About Beer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Ingredients, Distribution, Collaboration, Hard Seltzer

Ep. 134 - Em Sauter's New Book: Hooray for Craft Beer!

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"Em Sauter is a cartoonist and visual beer educator who delights readers daily on her website Pints and Panels. She’s worked in breweries and been an advocate for good good beer.

This week she has a new book out – her second – called Hooray for Craft Beer! An Illustrated Guide to Beer, published by Brewers Publications. It’s available where books are sold and you should go buy it.

She takes us readers on a journey through beer history and styles and does so in an engaging way in a book that can be read straight through or just picked up for a few minutes here and there.

While the style of the book and her work might be whimsical, the material is serious and factually accurate. She works hard to make sure what we’re reading in the book not only serves entertainment purposes but also can be used as a study guide or learning tool.

We’ll talk about that, as well as her beer and life pairings, and we’ll meander around the beer world, as we often do when we get together."

-John Holl

This Episode is sponsored by:

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Em Sauter
Sponsors: Cigar City Brewing, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Books, Education, Baseball, Belgium, Life

Ep. 133 Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from John Holl:

"As I’ve mentioned, I’m always on the lookout for new-to-me breweries, especially ones that are bucking the normal trends. Todd DiMatteo of Good Word put Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery on my radar, and I’m thankful.

I’m talking with John and Bonnie Branding, the couple behind the brewery that sits on 30 acres of farmland, about an hour west of Washington, D.C. There they are growing their own grains, including some that haven’t seen the light of day in beer in quite some time. They have herbs and produce that go into the beers, honey for fermenting and flavor, at least three distinct yeast strains all harvested from the land.

The Brandings say the brewery has been a long time in the making. It opened in 2019 and they are Farming for Fermentation. Working with research facilities and other local farms to source all they need and to push the idea of local agriculture in every pint.

They spoke to me from the brewery. Here’s our conversation."

Host: John Holl
Guests: Bonnie and John Branding
Sponsors: The Craft Brewery Cookbook and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Mixed Fermentation, Lagers, Virginia, Festivals, Grain, Water, Hops

Ep. 132 - Dana Henion of Van Henion Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

"Lagers continue to get the love in the craft beer space and this week I’m glad to have Dana Henion on the show. She is the co-founder, co-owner and brewer at Van Henion Brewing, a new operation that opened in a brewery space that was previously occupied by Boneyard Brewing in Bend, Oregon.

She runs the brewery with her husband Mark and long time friend and colleague John Van Duzer. Together they say it’s a combined 65+ years of brewing experience at some of the state’s better known breweries.

This includes Oakshire, Deschutes, Ninkasi, and the aforementioned Boneyard.

Similar to just about everyone else, the last two years have been difficult, but ultimately the pandemic, which led to Boneyard merging with Deschutes and the availability of their production space led to the trio being able to chase their dream and open their own spot.

They say it’ll be a lager brewery, and started brewing and distributing earlier this year, but Henion also says they will introduce other beers from time to time, following a model of balancing consumer demands and wants along with brewer passions.

From building out a taproom and seeing the warning signs of burnout, to how the brewing community has evolved but still seems tight-knit, we cover a lot in a short period of time."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Dana Henion
Sponsors: The Craft Brewery Cookbook and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Mixed Fermentation, Lagers, Oregon, Festivals, IPA

Ep. 131 - Troy Casey of Casey Brewing and Blending

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

By now, you might be familiar with Troy Casey and his beer career. After graduating from the University of California at Davis he took a job with the company then known as MillerCoors, working in their Colorado brewery in the A.C. Coors division. It was a research and development facility where they would test out various recipes, noodle around with new ones and see if anything stuck that could eventually be scaled up to the big production brewery.

It's a brewer’s dream. Great equipment, access to ingredients, and some of the smartest beer science minds at arm’s length. It also allowed for some creative license. While there he got the idea to brew a lambic-style ale and assembled it, barrels it and let it sit, testing it compulsively, until it was ready.

It lit a fire in him and soon enough he and his wife Emily decided to open their own brewery where he could embrace sour and wood, play with fruits and let the style of beer that had captured his heart thrive and grow.

The response was immediate with fans coming from around the country to visit the brewery in Western Colorado and lining up by the hundreds at beer festivals.

As you’ll hear, the brewery has since grown and new styles have joined the mix, but there is still a twinkle in his voice when he talks about the style that started this part of his career.

This Episode is sponsored by:

World Beer Awards
I’m honored to serve as a co-chair of judges for the U.S. portion this year and we’re bringing experienced, fair-minded, and engaged judges to Washington D.C. later on this summer to blind taste beers and to hand out medals. The World Beer Awards ensures that each beer is judged both rigorously and fairly to give it its best chance in the competition. If you’re a professional brewer, Learn more about the competition and categories and sign up to enter at WorldBeerAwards.com.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Troy Casey
Sponsors: World Beer Awards and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Sour, Wood, Climate Change, Festivals, Fruit

This Week in Rauchbier 2022

All About Beer — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

On this episode of This Week in Rauchbier special co-host Erik Lehto talks about home brewing rauchbier and the smoke beer scene in Sweden. Then we're joined by Bill Cherry, the founder and brewmaster of Switchback Brewing in Vermont who shares stories and the inspiration behind the brewery's Flynn on Fire Series. As always, Bart Watson of the Brewers Association joins the show to talk about the smoked beer stats we all look forward to each week. Finally, we have a brewers roundtable to talk about alternative smoked beverages including NA beer and seltzer. Adrian Beck-Oliver and Simon Burhoe of Kit NA Brewing in Portland, Maine are joined by brewery consultant Ethan Cox.

Enjoy these audio smoky delights.

Thanks to Hagen and Bill for the inspiration to do this show. Hear the genesis of This Week in Rauchbier on episode 5 of Drink Beer, Think Beer.

Music for this episode:
NewsSting by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4124-newssting

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hosts: John Holl and Erik Lehto
Guests: Bill Cherry, Adrian Beck-Oliver, Simon Burhoe, Ethan Cox, and Bart Watson.
Tags: beer, craft beer, rauchbier, smoke, April Fool's Day

Ep. 130 - Beer Educator and Master Cicerone Mirella Amato

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

It’s great fun to have Mirella Amato on the show this week. I’ve had the good pleasure of knowing her for years and have enjoyed her writings and keen insight into the proper way to pair beer and food.

Amato is a Master Cicerone, as well as a Doemens Bier Sommelier. She the also the author of Beerology: Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Beer…Even More, which is available where books are sold.

Recently the sensory and craft beer consultant launched a new online course through her website, Beerology. It’s called Mastering Beer and Food Pairing, and on this episode we talk about the course along with opera, current trends and tastes, and finding the right beer to match a mood.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Mirella Amato
Sponsors: World Beer Awards and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Food, IPA, Hazy IPA, Kettle Sours, Pairings, Opera

Ep. 129 - Sam Tierney of Firestone Walker

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

I’m excited to have Sam Tierney on the show this week. He’s been running Firestone Walker’s Propagator in Los Angeles for the six years it’s been open and has unique insight on creating small batches that could one day be scaled, experimenting with ingredients, and finding the sweet spot for drinkers.

He’s a passionate brewer who takes the role seriously and is constantly trying to find ways to improve upon techniques and processes.

As the brewery location nears another anniversary he reflects on how hops have evolved in beer and what it takes to stay fresh but not lose sight of history and tradition.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Jack's Abby
The first stop of 2022 in our Lagers of the World series takes us to Akureyri, Iceland. Our conversations with Einstök Beer led us to brew a Jóla Bock, which is a popular Christmas beer that lives up to the exceptional Christmas spirit in the country. Of course we're a little late for Christmas, but Bocks are still a wildly popular style this time of year and we can't wait for you to try Destination: Iceland

Host: John Holl
Guest: Sam Tierney
Sponsors: Jack's Abby and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, IPA, California, Tradition, Hops, History, Recipe Development

Ep. 128 - Andrew Foss of Human Robot

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl

"A few weeks ago I was in Rochester judging the New York State Beer Competition and on the last day of judging, my pal Lew Bryson walked into the room wearing a shirt that asked: "Got Milktubes?"

It was from Human Robot, a Philadelphia brewery that has leaned in hard on its love of lagers.

When the brewery opened two years ago in the site of the former St. Benjamin brewing, it didn’t get the full splash that it deserved due to the pandemic, but it has slowly built a local and vocal fanbase that stop by for beers and are quick to bend the ear of any beer enthusiast that will listen.

Growth is coming quickly to this brewery, as you’ll hear from Head Brewer Andrew Foss. We spoke after the company opened its second location and Foss will be heading up brewing at both, focusing on lagers, kettle sours, and juicy IPAs."

This Episode is sponsored by:

NZ Hops
NZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Andrew Foss
Sponsors: NZ Hops, ProBrewer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Barrel, New York, Tradition, Patience, History, Recipe Development

Ep. 127 - Micah Krichinsky and Eric Salazar of Strangebird Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from John Holl:

"If you’ve been listening to this show as well as Steal This Beer over the last few weeks there’s been a focus in and around the Rochester, New York area breweries.

Rochester is of course well known for Genesee Beer, but over the last decade has emerged as a craft beer destination, fueled by small breweries who are paying careful attention to recipes, integrating into the local fabric through art and music, and giving chefs a chance to shine in the kitchens.

Among the many bright spots of the city’s beer scene is Strangebird.

It opened in January 2021 inside a sprawling yet solid building that once held a food co-op and immediately impresses with its well designed taproom, barrel aging space, and impactful kitchen.

Micah Krichinsky is a founder and brewer. He’s a student of biochemistry and microbiology and a graduate of the Master Brewer’s Program at the University of California at Davis. His career before Rochester had him at Capitol City Brewing in Washington, D.C. and then later at at Dogfish Head in Delaware, where he spent five years.

Eric Salazar is the brewery’s Director of Wood Aged Beers. His career started back in the 1990s at New Belgium Brewing Co. where, as you’ll hear, he learned to work with barrels and to trust and respect microbes.

Both of the brewers found their way to Rochester by way of their significant others, and are not only putting down family roots in the city but also long-term plans for the brewery and fostering the local beer scene.

They spoke with me from the bar where they were happily popping bottles, and I started off by asking about lessons learned from working at older breweries and the benefit of having nearly full careers before starting something of their own."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guests: Micah Krichinsky & Eric Salazar
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers, ProBrewer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Barrel, New York, Tradition, Patience, History, Recipe Development

Ep. 126 - Great Lakes Brewing Talks Tradition and Trends

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from host John Holl:

"When you think about Great Lakes Brewing, Edmund Fitzgerald Porter likely comes to mind. It’s the flagship beer of a brewery that has helped shape craft beer in America and fostered the career of many in the industry. There's more to the Cleveland, Ohio than that one flagship and the brewery has been working to adapt to changing palates and trends.

For insight on what's been happening at the brewery and what is on the horizon, I’m joined this week by Mark Hunger the brewmaster And Michael Williams, the brand coordinator who works in the brewery’s marketing department.

We’re talking about history and the future, recipe development, flavors, and shifting consumer tastes. I start off by asking Mark, who has been around since almost the beginning, about his title and how to came about."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guests: Mark Hunger & Michael Williams
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers, ProBrewer and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Porter, Pubs, Ohio, Tradition, Holidays, IPA, Lager

Ep. 125 - Jeff Bagby of Bagby Beer Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Brewers tend to get excited when Jeff Bagby is around. As one of the most awarded brewers in the country and a staunch voice for classic styles and well balanced beers, he extolls pleasures of creating lagers and ales that lend to a good time.

After a career that saw him on the brew decks of noted breweries like Stone and Pizza Port, where he was the director of brewing operations, he and his wife opened up Bagby Beer Co. in 2014 in a 8,500 square foot location that is not only home to the brewery but a restaurant, with plenty of areas suited for both meals and long evenings tucked into pints.

In an interview years ago said that when the brewery opened it didn’t even have an IPA on tap, focusing instead on lagers and other ales. Hoppy beers have come into the mix, but he’s still focused on session beers, drinkability, and keeping traditions alive.

As he explains on this episode the pandemic has been brutal to the business. There’s no sugar coating it. From government restrictions and unfulfilled promises, to customer interactions, staffing shortages, rising costs of labor and goods, and the day-to-day worry that comes from owning a small business, he’s been knocked around. A lot.

Bagby walks us through it all and doesn't hold back.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

craft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today at

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jeff Bagby
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, Labor, California, Festivals, COVID-19

Ep. 124 - Other Half Brewing's Felipe Higgins

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

While the announcement a few years back might have surprised some, internally at Other Half the move into a brewery space in New York’s Finger Lakes region, just south of Rochester made sense.

The brewery had done a number of popups in the area and consumer reception was strong. When a brewery sitting on eight acres suddenly closed in the town of Bloomfield the brewery jumped at the chance, foregoing a city location for a more rural one.

This presented the opportunity for the brewery to push deeper into mixed fermentation and gave Felipe Higgins, who had worked previously in the brewery’s Brooklyn location, a chance to move north and focus on beers that deeply interested him as a brewer.

He’s really leaning into the local flora and giving the brewery’s coolship a good workout and between foraging and working with local farmers he’s finding new ingredients to incorporate into beers – many of which have been brewed over the last three years but have yet to be released to the public.

Felipe also talks about the clean program, how the IPAs and other beers being produced differ from the other brewery locations and compliment the overall portfolio.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Felipe Higgins
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, New York, Mixed Fermentation, Coolship, IPA, Farming, Craft Malt

Ep. 123 - Three Weavers, Crowns and Hops, and Rhinegeist Trade Barbs and Tips

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Friendly bets have become popular under the backdrop of the Super Bowl. Mayors of cities that host game-bound teams engage in banter designed to boost tourism, friends take on each other, and small businesses go toe to toe and show off team pride.

Breweries are no different. This year as the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California we welcome on three breweries engaged in such a bet.

The terms of the bet weren’t firmed up before recording this show and slowly get hashed out, if not completely resolved by the end. Spoiler alert: there will be costumes.

On the show this week, joining via zoom from their respective breweries are Lynne Weaver, the founder and owner of Three Weavers, a brewery in Inglewood, that, as you’ll hear, was briefly part of Canarchy, the brewery group recently purchased by Monster Beverages. She brought the company back to independence before that deal was closed.

She’s joined by her brewery neighbor Teo Hunter, a co-founder of Crowns and Hops, a brewery that started on social media, gained a grass roots following and has been working hard to bring change to the beer industry through action.

And representing Cincinnati is Matthew Steinke the director of sales at Rhinegeist Brewing, one of the state’s larger breweries and a source of local beer pride.

There are barbs and jabs thrown throughout this show, and they wind up steering the topics, and sharing experiences. We start off with the run up to the game, and Inglewood, which is hosting the game for the biggest night in American sports.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this episode misidentified the Ohio team playing in the Super Bowl. The game-bound team is the Cincinnati Bengals not the Cleveland Browns. The episode has been updated.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Lynne Weaver, Teo Hunter, and Matthew Steinke
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, California, Ohio, Football, Super Bowl, Hops, Business, Diversity and Inclusion, Tigger

Ep. 122 - Julian Shrago of Beachwood Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Julian Shrago is the co-founder and brewmaster of Beachwood Brewing, which already boasts several locations in Southern California with more on the way.

He’s a thoughtful brewer, who takes big ideas and brings them down to a manageable level that are executed well and in my interactions with him over the years, at festivals, at the brewery, and just in the wild, I’m always struck by his thoughtful nature and his commitment to small brewers, traditional styles, and education.

On the show this week Shrago joins me from the brewery where we talk about the evolution and importance of West Coast IPAs, conveying the importance of being a small brewer to the world at large, musical influence, and how to best manage growth.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Stomp Stickers
Stomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code CRAFTBEER15 for 15% off your first order.

NZ Hops
NZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Julian Shrago
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, California, IPA, Barrels, Lager, Growth, Independence

Ep. 121 - Jenny Pfafflin of Dovetail Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Jenny Pfafflin is the marketing and creative manager at Dovetail Brewery in Chicago. She’s also one of the four brewers on staff. That means she gets to spend her days talking about, thinking about, making, and drinking some of the most traditional and flavorful beers made in the U.S. today.

Dovetail is no stranger to this show. Episode Five featured Hagen Dost and Bill Wesselink the co-founders of the brewery, and gave birth to This Week in Rauchbier.

If you follow Dovetail on social media it is Pfafflin and her passion for brining forth a realistic drinking experience in a digital format.

Before Dovetail, she was an exam manager at the Cicerone Certification program, and is even an Advanced Cicerone herself.

Working at Dovetail Pfafflin can really explore her love of tradition, the beer industry and beer service, all things we talk about during the course of this episode. But we start off by going all the way back to the beginning.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jenny Pfafflin
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Bars, COVID-19, Chicago, Lager, Helles, Travel, Tradition, The Simpsons, Glassware Kölsch

Ep. 120 - Jean-Claude Tetreault of Trillium Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 06:10:00 -0500

For a brewery less than a decade old, it’s been a hell of a ride for Trillium in Massachusetts. Starting in a small cramped space near Boston’s waterfront, to now boasting a growing roster of locations including restaurants and a farm, the brewery has been celebrated and scrutinized but always focused.

This is most apparent in the beers themselves. Sure, there are hazy IPAs and big imperial stouts but also beers that celebrate agriculture, or play with ingredients like wine grapes and honey.

So that he did a spontaneous blend, in the Belgian tradition shouldn’t be a surprise. That they are elegant and fun to drink shouldn’t be a surprise either.

These beers, as all of the growth, is deliberate and is a push towards a goal that has been coming more and more into focus over the years.

Beers aside, J.C. Tetreault who founded the brewery with his wife Ester, has also been trying to build a better beer community and culture, even recently hosting a symposium on best practices to eliminate the sexist undertones and overtones that have been in and around the beer space.

On this episode he talks about all of that and more.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: J.C. Tetreault
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Bars, COVID-19, Florida, Belgium, Food, Culinary Beers, Special Ingredients

Ep. 119 - Kevin Abbott of Barrel of Monks

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Before he started in the brewing industry Kevin Abbott was a wine steward. His time in restaurants helped form his idea behind food and beverage – something that exists to this day. He started as a homebrewer and then jumped into the deep end of the pool, starting as the head brewer for Funky Buddha in Florida back when they were launching into brewpub operations.

He stayed there for nearly four years and then moved to Due South Brewing before becoming a Partner and Head Brewer at Barrel of Monks in 2015. Since then he’s become the director of operations. Abbott oversees most aspects of the brewery including production, distribution and the tap room and this episode covers it all.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Kevin Abbott of Barrel of Monks
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Bars, COVID-19, Florida, Belgium, Food, Culinary Beers, Special Ingredients

Ep. 118 - The World Atlas of Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

A lot of experiences are lost in the digital age. We get so accustomed to seeing places virtually on a screen, or reading pieces built for short bursts that when a book like the World Atlas of Beer comes along we all should take notice.

This 3rd edition is completely revised and authors Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont take us on a tour of the world through its beer culture. This isn’t a travel book per se, but an examination of what each country has created in the brewing space, what it aspires to be, and what we can expect or look to appreciate when we visit for ourselves.

The authors are proper writers and travelers and their collective knowledge, inquisitive nature, and discerning palates are evident in each page.

Now, about the authors:

Tim Webb spent six years on the board of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) where he ran Britain's national beer festival and co-founded CAMRA's publishing company. He has written Good Beer Guide Belgium continuously since 1992 and has won awards for beer writing in four countries.

Stephen Beaumont is the author or co-author of ten additional books about beer, including The Beer & Food Companion, and two editions of The Pocket Beer Book, and a contributor to many others. He’s hosted tastings, dinners, and educational events around the globe.

Get a copy of this book. The World Atlas of Beer should be in your collection and well thumbed through before you put it up on a shelf for later reference. What makes this book special is not just the country entries, but the included maps, the sidebars, photos and graphics. Digital can’t compete with that on this scope, and getting lost in the pages for a while is a great vacation for the brain as you plot out your next real trip for beer.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Bars, COVID-19, Travel, South America, France, Canada, United Kingdom, Belgium

Ep. 117 - The State of Bars with Chris Black, Michael Roper, and Polly Watts 2021

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from John Holl:

"A lot of us had high hopes for 2021 and getting back into normalcy, old routines, and sitting down on familiar barstools.

It didn’t turn out as we’d hoped.

Again, over the course of this past year, I’ve talked with a lot of brewery owners and brewers about how COVID-19 has impacted them and changed the brewing industry, but like we did at this time last year, I want to talk about bars and what the pandemic has done to them.

Once again on the show I’m honored to be joined by three of the very best in the country:

Polly Watts of the Avenue Pub in New Orleans, Michael Roper of Hop Leaf in Chicago, and Chris Black of Falling Rock Tap House in Denver.

Black, of course, closed the Falling Rock earlier this summer, a huge loss for beer in America. With a few months of hindsight he offers up thoughts on what nearly 25 years in business did to him and how he’ll move forward."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Chris Black, Michael Roper, Polly Watts
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Bars, COVID-19, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans

Ep. 116 - Reflections on Beer in 2021

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

For the second year in a row, as we end a year amid a pandemic, there continues to be innovation and uncertainty in the beer space. To reflect on it all host John Holl gathered some of his friends and fellow writers to talk about the year that was and what might be coming over the horizon of 2022.

Guests this week are:

- Christopher Shepard the senior editor of Craft Brew News, published by Beer Marketers Insights;

- Freelance writer Carla Jean Lauter;

- Matt Kirkegaard, the founder and editor of Australia Brews News;

- Andy Crouch, the publisher of Beer Edge, and the host of the beer edge podcast.

We hoped to have Melissa Cole back with us this year, but she was unable to make it. Still she has a new book out – The Ultimate Book of Craft Beer. We encourage you to find it and buy a copy where books are sold.

The groups talks a little business, has a little fun, and takes a walk through the green door.

Get a beer, get comfortable, and let’s have some fun.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Andy Crouch, Matt Kirkegaard, Carla Jean Lauter, Christopher Shepard
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, Rauchbier, IPA, Non-Alcoholic, Brave Noise, Mergers, Sales, Cans, Bottles, Christmas

Ep. 115 - Daniel Carey of New Glarus Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

A lot of ink has been spilled writing about Spotted Cow, the behemoth flagship of New Glarus Brewing Co., but there are a good number of beers that the brewery puts out each year, including seasonals and one offs that go beyond the bovine.

It’s the limited edition beers that often capture the interest and attention of beer fans – if they can get them. Recently New Glarus released two small batch beers, both boasting chocolate as an ingredient. A Blueberry Chocolate Stout and a Mocha Berry Bock are delightful in their own ways, never neglecting the base beer and teasing out the chocolate with each sip.

To find out more about these beers and working with special ingredients we reached out to Daniel Carey. He’s the co-founder and brewer at New Glarus Brewing Co. He and wife Deborah Carey founded the brewery in 1993 and have been there every step of the way as it has grown and thrived all while staying in the confines of Wisconsin. Daniel had a long career in beer before starting his own brewery, and he talks about his love of certain styles, customer feedback that is sometimes slings and arrows and sometimes loyal pride and praise.

If you follow beer news you might know that the brewery is also in the midst of a lawsuit and countersuit. Since that is ongoing it’s not something the brewery said it was able to publicly discuss.

So, for this show we’re sticking with flavor and process.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Daniel Carey of New Glarus Brewing Co.
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, Rauchbier, Pilsner, IPA, Chocolate, Fruit, Spotted Cow, Wisconsin

Ep. 114 - Brewers Talk About the Best of the Year

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from Host John Holl:

"Wine Enthusiast Magazine released its Top 50 Beers of the Year list earlier this week. I’m the contributing editor for beer in those pages, and you should give it a look if you haven’t already. In thinking about the list and all the beers I was lucky enough to taste on the blind panels this year I wanted to bring together some brewing industry folks – those who are on the list - for a chat about the year that was and where they see the current state of beer.

The panel includes:

- Lisa Allen, the head brewer of Heater Allen Brewing

- Jude La Rose of Hop Butcher for the World

- Matthew Steinberg of Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing

- Cambria Griffith of Radiant Beer Co.

This quickly turned into a fun back and forth between them, sharing stories about shared experiences and unique challenges, and a shared fondness of baked goods.

Thanks for listening."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Stomp Stickers
Stomp Stickers is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code DRINKBEER15 for 15% off your first order.

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Lisa Allen, Cambria Griffith, Jude La Rose, Matthew Steinberg
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, IPA, Coffee Cake, Adjuncts, Taprooms, Marketing, Distribution, Customer Experience, Brave Noise

Ep. 113 - Sam Riggins of Cosmic Eye Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Sam Riggins is making the most out of his brewery. Cosmic Eye Brewery is his long running vision of a brewing operation that he could call home. Starting as a home brewer and then working for Nebraska Brewing Co., he and his wife started the Lincoln, Nebraska based brewery about four years ago, envisioning it as a local taproom that could also make beer to for the local market.

The pandemic, of course, has complicated things. But a stick-to-it-ness and a desire to make beer that doesn’t follow hype trends, tastes like the beer he wants to drink and is proud to serve, and helps bring new drinkers into the fold has him happy and moving forward.

That he is brewing without fuss doesn’t mean he is against experimentation. He’s thoughtful and creative when putting recipes together, sometimes relying on the “less is more” approach, especially when it comes to IPA.

As you’ll hear, it has helped him grow a customer base and forge deeper connections with beer drinkers.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Sam Riggins
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, Music, Homebrewing, Collaboration, Nebraska

Ep. 112 - Chefs Talk About Beer Pairings and Perfect Menus

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Notes from Host John Holl:

A well conceived and executed beer dinner is a wonderful thing. It is a combination of a chef's creativity and a brewer's best efforts coming together on one table. It is best paired with companions that are enthusiastic about flavor and exploration.

One of the best beer dinners I’ve ever attended was at The Ruck, a great beer bar in Troy, New York. The chef at the time Rachel Mabb outdid herself course after course pairing with, and occasionally cooking with Allagash beer.

She’s since left the restaurant and is now teaching culinary students at nearby Union College. It’s a great pleasure to have her on the show today.

The same is true for Heather Hutton. She’s the pastry chef at Edmund’s Oast in South Carolina. I’ve been working on a new cookbook about beer and food pairing, and Heather was kind enough to share a recipe for a Tres Leche cake that just blew everyone away during the testing and writing phase of the project. Baking and beer are a lot alike and she has great insight.

And Brandon Plyler is the brewery’s Advanced Cicerone and is doing a little bit of everything these days. He has keen insight into pairings, service, and has a respect for the classics are often overlooked.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Rachel Maab, Heather Hutton, Brandon Plyler
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Food, IPA, Hops, Lager, Saison, Thanksgiving

Ep. 111 - Matt Manthe of Odd Breed Wild Ales

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Inspired by Belgium and its beers, Matt Manthe has a strong respect for wild microbes, spontaneous ales, and the results that come from letting cultures express themselves. His professional brewing career and studies have taken him from South Carolina, to Berlin and now to Florida, where he did the work of shift and head brewing making clean beers for thirsty customers.

Behind the scenes and at home he was experimenting with his own house strain, and thinking about long and wood aged ales.

You’d expect nothing less from a brewer who has a degree in microbiology.

Odd Breed Wild Ales opened in 2017 and is the expression of Manthe and the beers he wants to make, the ones that come from an idea that often has to wait for months or years for a formal debut. From whole cone hops to locally sourced whole fruit, to wild lagers he has deep thoughts on it all.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Matt Manthe of Odd Breed Wild Ales
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Fruit, Lager, Local, IPA, Spontaneous, Hops, Wood, Ken Grossman

Ep. 110 - Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from host John Holl:

"You’ll hear how I first met Sean Lilly Wilson a little later in the show, but what I didn’t know back then and what I’ve come to experience over the course of nearly a decade, is his commitment to food, drink, hospitality, creativity, culture, and community.

Outside of Fullsteam, the brewery he launched in 2010, much of the growth of North Carolina as a premiere beer state has to do with the efforts he mounted – with a dedicated group of others – to change the then byzantine beer laws and restrictions.

It was an effort called Pop the Cap, and its impact is still felt today. His efforts haven’t stopped with the laws, but have moved onto the land. Through the brewery, work within the state guild, and conversation with other brewing professionals he wants to help southern agriculture grow and thrive. He’s called it "plow to pint" and the beers he and the brewing team have produced bear the fruit of that hard work.

Nationally, he’s been recognized four times by the James Beard Foundation as a semi-finalist in the outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer category. Personally, he’s a nice guy to talk to. He’s thoughtful and earnest and an incredibly hard worker.

At the brewery he goes by CEO – Chief Executive Optimist – and works to bring forward thinking to both the original brewery in Durham as well as a new location – which opened on the day this was recorded, a day before it first aired. It will focus on pizza and beer pairings, something that might sound simple, but is actually a tightrope walk.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam Brewery
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Farming, Pilsner, Local, IPA, Food, Laws

Ep. 109 - Alan Sprints of Hair of the Dog

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Alan Sprints wanted to be a chef, but the hours were going to be terrible and he wanted to raise a family, so he went into brewing instead. That was to the great benefit to all of us because his dedication to styles that were not mainstream, or even sessionable meant the creation of building blocks that the entire US craft industry stands on today.

From the early days of Oregon craft beer, to brewing beers that are meant to be cellared, to legacy and beyond, his perspective is unparalleled and he does not hold back in this wide-ranging conversation.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Alan Sprints
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Rauchbier, Strong Ale, Oregon, Trains, Food, Legacy

Ep. 108 - Jeff Alworth, author of The Beer Bible

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from Host John Holl:

I met Jeff Alworth in the comments section of his blog, Beervana. A decade ago I had written an article for a newspaper and Alworth had thoughts and took the piece to task. He was wrong, of course, so like any keyboard warrior, I logged on and defended my digital honor. We became friends shortly after.

If you are interested in beer, you likely know Alworth. He’s internationally respected writer and authority on beer. He has a deep respect for beer styles, history, tradition, and craftsmanship.

The first addition of the beer bible has sold over 125,000 copies and the second edition, according to workman, the publisher is “the most comprehensive guide to the world of beer, with everything you need to know about what to drink, where, when and why.”

Alworth is author of the Beervana Blog, the The Widmer Way (Ooligan), The Secrets of Master Brewers (Storey), and Cider Made Simple. He is co-host of the Beervana Podcast. Alworth hails from Portland, Oregon and as he began national book tour to support the new book he spent a few days in New Jersey, staying at my house. You should check out the podcasts he did with Steal This Beer as well as Beer Massif at two book signings for additional context.

With this go around, recorded in my backyard- neighbor’s leaf blowers and all – I tried to cover new ground, but mostly just wound up having an enjoyable chat with an old friend."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jeff Alworth
Sponsors: NZ Hops and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Books, IPA, Cask Ale, Brown Ale, Travel, Autumn

Ep. 107 - Pete Halupka of Harvest Roots Ferments

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl:

"If you’re a regular listener of this show you might recall that a few weeks back I was in Nashville for Funk Fest, an event put on by Yazoo Brewing and Embrace the Funk. I participated in a few live discussions with brewers and spent a delightful 45 minutes with Pete Halupka the co-founder and head brewer of Harvest Roots Ferments in Alabama. I wish we had recorded it.

So, in an effort to recreate the magic, he’s here this week via zoom talking about fermentation and building his kombucha program. From breaking it down and dispelling myths, he’s thoughtful and methodical about his approach and has seen the company grow and bring new fans into the fermented fold."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Pete Halupka of Harvest Roots Ferments
Sponsors: NZ Hops and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Kombucha, Fermenting, Farming, Process

Ep. 106 - Bess Dougherty of Ratio Beerworks

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Bess Dougherty has one of the best social media accounts in the beer space these days, mostly because it doesn’t largely focus on beer. With her Carhartt overalls, she’s been using the front pocket to hold snacks. From cookies and chips, to ice cream bars and tater tots, the snack pocket is a quirky escape from reality that celebrates between meal noshes.

Bess has been brewing for a decade now, starting off at Wynkoop, the venerable Denver Brewery, before moving on to a head brewer position at the Grateful Gnome, and then landing amid the pandemic at Ratio Beerworks.

There, she’s part of a brewing team that regularly rotates jobs, it’s not just days in the brewdeck or in the cellar, and she spoke to the show last week she had just finished keg washing and was sitting on the brewery’s patio with a Mexican lager.

Earlier this year the brewery took gold for the Golden/Blonde ale category at the Great American Beer Festival, a style that isn’t often thought of these days but remains important to craft beer history and education.

Coming off the high of a big win, Bess says she quickly had to fight back against the pervasive misogyny that exists in parts of the beer industry. She’s been vocal and active in the fight to bring equality and better understanding to fellow professionals and consumers alike.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Novozymes
The best brewmasters are obsessed with creating a high quality, consistent product. That means reducing mash viscosity for better wort separation and increasing brewhouse efficiency. UltraFlo Max® from Novozymes helps you achieve both. It is time to Brew With Enzymes! Increase your brewhouse efficiency and achieve faster filtration today with UltraFlo Max®. Order a free sample today at www.brewingwithenzymes.com/beeredge.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Bess Dougherty of Ratio Beerworks
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Novozymes and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Kegs, Mexican Lager, Blonde Ale, Barrels, Diversity, Snacks

Ep. 105 - Brady Duncan and Ryan Belvins of MadTree Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode recorded in Nashville, Tennessee during the Yazoo Brewing Funk Fest Brady Duncan, a co-founder and Ryan Blevins, the head brewer, of MadTree Brewing share thoughts on IPA and lager, and the fun and hard work that comes with day-to-day operations.

The brewery has come a long way since Duncan and his other homebrew-minded founders went pro. Fueled by the growth of their IPA, but with a passion for lagers and crazy experimentation - that’s where the “mad” comes in - they are constantly turning out new beers and trying to push within and beyond established styles.

The "tree" stems from their environmental commitment. They walk the walk with giving back, not only being part of the 1% for the Planet initiative, but by making volunteerism part of employment, and thinking about ways they can lower the brewery's carbon footprint and be better stewards of the earth.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Briess
Briess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent. Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Brady Duncan and Ryan Belvins
Sponsors: Briess, NZ Hops, Jack's Abby, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, IPA, Lager, Ohio, Ownership, Environment

Ep. 104 - Brad Clark of Private Press Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Private Press is the newest chapter in Brad Clark’s brewing career. In 2005, fresh out of Siebel he co-founded Jackie O’s a Pub and Brewery in Athens, Ohio, working as the brewer and rising in the job titles as the company grew from a few hundred barrels a year to more than 10,000 annually. Along the way his recipes were lauded, racked up awards, and inspired a new generation of brewers who came up behind him.

And then in 2019 he announced that he was leaving. He was moving west to be closer to his partner and would be starting a smaller brewing operation – Private Press.

Two years in and he’s making 100 barrels of beer a year, which go to members who signed up to take a chance on his stouts and barleywines. There are only 700 spots available.

No taproom. No distribution. Just him, with the occasional help, and the barrels and stainless steel.

There are benefits to going small, he says, and a change of scenery and a change in life – namely fitness and mental health clarity – have led to the creation of at least one new style, the Munichwine, which his members will be able to taste next week for the first time.

The beers are purposeful and are more than just a liquid. They are crafted to tell a story, and an expression of a brewer who wants to make big boozy beers for adults, not candy adjunct ales.

It shows in the taste and in a career that has honored the past, but is continually looking forward.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Brad Clark of Private Press Brewing
Sponsors: Briess, NZ Hops, Jack's Abby, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Stout, Barleywine, Munich Wine Ownership, Brewing, Business, Barrels, Wood, California

Ep. 103 - Brett VanderKamp of New Holland Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

New Holland Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 and over the years it has evolved from a small brewpub to one of the country’s largest craft brewers, all on the back of a bourbon barrel imperial stout – a pretty amazing feat.

Brett VanderKamp was a co-founder of the brewery and now sits in the CEO role. He's learned a lot along the way, some good and some bad, and has tried to use the brewery as a platform for good in the community where New Holland is based and around Michigan. In this wide ranging conversation about business, and passion, mistakes, and successes we start at the beginning and those early days when the brewery started.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Jack's Abby
For the next stop in our Lagers of the World series, we headed to Japan and worked with Numazu's Baird Brewing Co. to brew a rice lager with yuzu, green tea, and hopped with Sorachi Ace.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Brett VanderKamp of New Holland Brewing
Sponsors: Briess, NZ Hops, Jack's Abby, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Stout, IPA, Ownership, Brewing, Business, Politics, Charity

Ep. 102 - Phil Wymore of Perennial Artisan Ales

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl:

Back in my traveling days, I was always happy to run into Phil Wymore. I’ve always found the co-founder of Perennial Artisan Ales to be affable, interesting, and tuned into flavor.

Since Perrenial was founded its grown in size and prestige, turning out a variety of beers, notably imperial stouts, but also crisp pilsners. For Wymore, the desire to own a business and to create and sell something that housed his creativity has been with him since a very young age.

Having a business means moving forward and trying to make a good life but to also scratch the itch of innovation and soothe that inner voice that is always pushing for more.

So, while many folks sat around binging Nextflix during the pandemic, Wymore went back to his roots in the kitchen, started messing around, and recently launched a new business, Passenger Foods.

Here’s our conversation."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Phil Wymore of Perennial Artisan Ales
Sponsors: Briess, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Condiments, Ownership, Brewing, Ales, Lager, Business

Ep. 101 - Caleb Michalke of Sugar Creek Malt

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Corn gets beat up in beer circles.

That’s thanks to years of it being maligned by craft brewers who saw it as an adjunct ingredient that didn’t bring a lot to the conversation or messed with “purity.”

Corn is dynamic. Flavorful. Impactful in a beer recipe and should be celebrated.

That’s why in Indiana, a state known for corn production, there are rows and rows being grown annually by Caleb Michalke.

He’s the owner, maltster, and farmer of Sugar Creek Malt Co. The farm come up in our conversations quite a bit so it made sense to dial him up.

Small breweries are into what Michalke is doing. And after you listen to this episode, you’ll hear why.

Yes, Rauchbier fans we are talking about smoked beer during the show, but there is more to Sugar Creek than their smoked malt program. The products are historical and forward thinking. The farm It’s the constant worry of a grower and that undefinable urge to push forward anyway.

From talking about harvesting malt that hasn’t been grown since World War II and is now destined for lagers, to building his own brewery, and how malt is OK being the bass player in the beer band, Michalke is the cartographer of the roadmap of his business as he drives.

This Episode is sponsored by:

New Holland Brewing Co.
Dragon's Milk White from New Holland Brewing Company reimagines what a stout can be. Your vessel will be filled with the color of gold, and yet there is more to this white stout than meets the eye. Aged in bourbon barrels, Dragon’s Milk White is smooth and velvety, abounding with notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla to present classic stout flavors in a delicious new way, all in a session-able 6% ABV package. Find Dragon's Milk White near you at dragonsmilk.com

Host: John Holl
Guest: Caleb Michalke of Sugar Creek Malt
Sponsors: Briess, New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Malt, Ownership, Brewing, Corn, Farming, History, Lager

Ep. 100 - Day Bracey of the Barrel and Flow Festival

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Day Bracey wants to empower the Black community through the beer industry. This is a year-round goal and the podcaster, comedian, and festival organizer does that every day all day. But next week in Pittsburgh he is hosting the Barrel and Flow Festival and will be able to put the goal front and center.

It’s the continuation of the Fresh Fest, which he founded with business partner and podcast co-host Ed Bailey and rebranded for a new year after some issues with the name and a chance in another business relationship.

There is a lot of talk about diversity in the craft beer space. But talk is just that. Action is what is needed. After countless brewery visits and conversations Day has a pretty good idea on what needs to be done to bring meaningful change to the space.

On this episode of "Drink Beer, Think Beer" he’ll share his thoughts on the subject and the industry and he also talks about how the festival is coming together how it aims to create a welcoming space – something that some other festivals don’t always offer.

This was recorded over zoom, and there were a few weak signal moments. Don't adjust your dial.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Day Bracey of the Barrel and Flow Festival
Sponsors: New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Pennsylvania, Ownership, Brewing, Festivals, Diversity

Ep. 99 - Cody Martin of Martin House Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

If you were scrolling through beer-tinted social media this week, you likely saw the color purple. Martin House Brewing in Texas announced its latest beer: Grape Punch Pickle Beer. It's a riff off of their extremely popular Best Maid Pickle ale.

Cody Martin co-founded the brewery with two friends nearly a decade ago, and as he explains on the show, had plans for a saison to be the company's flagship. That didn't work out.

He’s an experimental brewer and is happy to try different ingredients in different ways to see where they land in a beer. In the last few years the brewery has gotten notoriety for making a beer that tastes like wing sauce and another that tasted like ranch dressing. There's also been a breakfast cereal beer and an upcoming one with haggis.

However, it is the pickle beer, made in collaboration with Best Maid, a local company, that has paved the road to success and made the brewery famous. It's now the brewery's flagship is found at grocery and other stores around Fort Worth. Special variations like the purple version, come out now and again.

During the show, Cody talks about recipe development and how these beers come together. He also offers up a simple recipe for you to make Koolickles at home.

This Episode is sponsored by:

New Holland Brewing Co.
20 years ago, New Holland Brewing Company embarked on a journey into the unknown, brewing the first batch of Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout. What started as a single barrel in the back of the brewery has transformed into the best-selling American-made stout today. Pairing rich notes of chocolate and coffee from roasted malts with deep tones of vanilla and oak from its time in bourbon barrels, each bottle of Dragon's Milk is a delicious adventure waiting to be opened. Find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Cody Martin of Martin House Brewing
Sponsors: New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Pickles, Gose, Saison, Texas, Purple,

Ep. 98 - Becky Ryman of Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl:

"Four years ago I was working on the Drink Beer, Think Beer book and needed some quiet time away. I decamped to my wife’s family house in the Pocono mountains in Pennsylvania. As I was pulling out of the grocery store, stocked with supplies, I saw a newly constructed building where an Arby’s had once stood, and through the windows it was clear fermenters were standing tall.

Hopeful and intrigued I soon found out it was the soon-to-open Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. and was introduced to Becky Ryman. She founded the brewery with her brother and in the last four years has grown the business, serving an area that was underserved, and focused on being a good employer that puts the ideals of craft beer first.

Recently I was back up in the area again for a few days of downtime. I sat in the brewery’s fenced in patio with Becky earlier this week. It was Sunday morning and brunch service had just begun. We talk about worry and success, difficulties ahead, and why beer – not seltzer – is still the focus.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Becky Ryman of Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Sponsors: New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Poconos, Seltzer, Growth, Lager, Pale Ale, Rauchbier

Ep. 97 - Kyle Kohlmorgen of Wellspent Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Brewery owners will often say that running their business is like being on a roller coaster. Strap in as Kyle Kohlmorgen of Wellspent Brewing shares his experience.

“It’s been short, and expensive, but fun at least. I made a TON of mistakes, and my business sense continues to be poor, so I'm glad Wellspent is in better hands, ownership-wise," he says. "When I was the "Brewer/Owner", I wasn't doing a great job at either. I'm happier as a brewer.”

That’s this episode in a nutshell and Kohlmorgen doesn't hold back on the highs and lows, uncertainties and successes, and how help came from within his walls.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Lawson's Finest Liquids
The brewery is guided by five pillars – Excellence, Authenticity, Fun, Community and Innovation. These values are represented in their product quality, work culture, guest experience and charitable giving. The SIP, their Social Impact Program, is the Lawson’s Finest way of building impactful connections and strengthening our communities while creating memorable experiences.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Kyle Kohlmorgen of Wellspent Brewing
Sponsors: New Holland , Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Missouri, Ownership, Lagers, IPA, Brewing

Ep. 96 - Ben Love of Gigantic Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from John Holl:

"By the time you’re hearing this, I’ll be at the Jersey Shore, unplugged and drinking cream ale. It’s a long-planned vacation but as I got ready for some days away I had a sense of senioritis kick in.

I knew I needed to get a show done, but my brain was also mushy from deadlines and life. When an email from Ben Love popped up in my email, I knew I had found a solution.

I’ve known Ben for years. I’ve been to the brewery he co-founded with Van Having several times, and even spent some time – as you’ll hear – with him in New Zealand when he poured at the Beervana Festival and I spoke at the country’s black tie brewers gathering.

Ben is a brewer who likes to tease out flavors and look for the unexpected. He also has a traditionalist streak in him and all of it shows in the beer.

He’s also a world class conversationalist and I knew that having him on the show would be an easy layup as I head into a holiday. Is it lazy? Maybe. But, it’s still entertaining and informative for you, because I’d never sacrifice on that."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Ben Love of Gigantic Brewing
Sponsors: New Holland , Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Mt. Hood Hops, Kölsch, Nose Tickles, Barrels, Dry Hopping, Recycling

Ep. 95 - Max Borgardt of Eagle Park Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Over the last few weeks a few IPAs have popped up here at the home broadcast studio that all had the same label reading “Things We Don’t Say." It was soon revealed to be a collaboration beer between Eagle Park Brewing and the Hope for the Day Foundation that was offered to breweries around the world. It’s designed to talk about mental health in and around the beer space – and that includes the drinkers as well.

You’ve heard of Hope for the Day on this show before, notably when Drew Fox of 18th Street Brewing was on the show a few months ago.

Max Borgardt is the guest this week. He and his brothers had a choice, he says, either become musicians or brewers. They choose wisely, even if they are still heavily involved in music. As the brewery has grown in the last few years they’ve played to their strengths, IPA, a light beer aimed at non-craft drinkers, and hard seltzer smoothies. It has helped the brewery gain recognition, not only in their state but beyond its borders.

It seems like every conversation is going to be about COVID-19 at some point, because it’s just ever present on the mind.

Get vaccinated.

When we recorded this in July the CDC had not yet updated guidance, and so host John Holl started off by talking about how things were opening up and how the brewery was getting back into the swing of things with sales and planning for the grand re-opening of their new taproom, which barely had time for a proper first grand opening.

Max spoke to the show over Zoom from the brewery in Muskego.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Briess
Briess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers. They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent. Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Max Borgardt of Eagle Park Brewing
Sponsors: Briess, Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Seltzer Smoothies, Wisconsin, News, Mental Health, COVID-19, Beer Sales, IPA, Light Lager

Ep. 94 - Kolin Krokis of Rural Routes Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from John Holl:
"If you’ve been listening for long enough, now and again I’ll ask for guest suggestions. Sometimes I get letters and usually those are good suggestions that lead to lively conversations.

This is one of those shows. My friend Don Tse, the writer and pun aficionado, who has also been a guest on this show reached out recently to introduce Kolin Krokis. I’m glad he did.

Kolin started out as a chemistry student who soon developed a fondness for beer and began a career in brewing that led to brewing school in Germany and a bevy of jobs, including a stint as the first full-time brewer at Brew Dog.

He and his family has traveled the world doing various brewing jobs, picking up techniques from hands on experience along the way. He believes in no compromise and as you will hear that hasn’t always made things easy, but he’s a brewer with few regrets because of it.

These days he is brewing at Rural Routes Brewing in Alberta, where they pride themselves on food pairings, full pours, and hospitality. This classically trained brewer has even learned to love and embrace a recipe that has become a fan favorite: a Piña Colada Milkshake IPA."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Kolin Krokis of Rural Routes Brewing
Sponsors: Briess, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Malt, Canada, Brew Dog, Czech Pilsener, Milkshake IPA.

Ep. 93 - Laurie Porter of Smog City Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 16:19:35 -0400

Show notes from John Holl:

As we’ve talked about on the show in the past, there are serious conversations and allegations happening in the beer industry, specifically, these days, around the treatment of women. Sadly, many of these stories are not new, but a lot of them have not been publicly talked about, until a few weeks ago when women started sharing their stories on social media.

There’s been a lot of talk, hopefully a lot of listening, some changes, and work towards meaningful action.

Laurie Porter is my guest this week. She’s the co-founder of Smog City, a brewery with several locations in Southern California that has helped shaped the Los Angeles Beer Scene over the last decade. She's on brewing industry advisory boards and guilds, and has focused, in her words, on every aspect of her company except the brewing.

But this week Smog City is set to release Total Boss, a red IPA made by the women of the brewery to spark a conversation about misogyny, sexism, assault, and more happening in the beer space.

Porter has spent a lot of time thinking about this and from the brewery’s beginning has tried to focus efforts to make Smog City a safe place and one where people are happy to work and feel like they can do their jobs without fear.

Still, these last few weeks have gotten her thinking about where things are, where they were, and where they can be."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Laurie Porter of Smog City
Sponsors: Briess, Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Red IPA, Los Angeles, News, Action, COVID-19, Women, Employment

Ep. 92 - Zack Adams of Fox Farm Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Zack Adams was invited onto the podcast this week to talk about his Grodziskie, a 3.2% smoked ale that he brewed with help and guidance from Live Oak Brewing, and a beer that utilizes specialty smoked malt from a local farm. Before all that, however, we spend time talking about how his taproom has evolved and adapted since COVID-19 began.

Adams, the owner and brewer of Fox Farm Brewery in Salem, Connecticut also fills us in on the brewery's spontaneous beer program and the developing house culture that will have a prominent place in the tasting experience.

Recorded via zoom just after the 2021 4th of July holiday weekend, Adams opens up on inspiration and making beers that appeal to his palate and how he brings drinkers along for the journey.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Zack Adams of Fox Farm Brewery
Sponsors: Briess, Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Spontaneous Ale, Rauchbier, Hospitality, Travel

Ep. 91 - Ryan Kilpatrick of Fiction Beer Company

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Ryan Kilpatrick's Fiction Beer Company was part of the third wave of craft breweries that opened in the U.S coming up on a decade ago. He’ll tell the story of the brewery in a minute, but in my visits to his place in the past I’ve been struck with the comfortable feeling, the diverse tap list, and the general engagement of the staff.

That usually comes from ownership, so in this podcast, recorded over zoom, we talk about how to retain employees, how they approach recipe development, and some of the recent collaborations he’s done. It’s wide ranging, and like a good book takes some twists and turns.

This Episode is sponsored by:

NZ Hops
Harvest has officially ended in New Zealand and there are exciting hops to choose from, including Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, Riwaka, and the newest hop in the lineup, Nectaron®. The white wine, stone fruit, and tropical fruit notes layered with pine, citrus, and herbal notes offer a range of flavors unlike any growing region in the world. Learn more about what they can do for your beers by visiting nzhops.co.nz or finding NZ Hops on social media.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Ryan Kilpatrick of Fiction Beer Company
Sponsors: NZ Hops, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Denver, Falling Rock, Coffee, IPA, Collaborations, Pride, Books

Ep. 90 - Latiesha Cook of Beer Kulture

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from John Holl:

"I’m really excited to have Latisha Cook on the show this week. I’ve had the occasion to talk with her in the past and her passion for beer, for sparking conversation, collaborations, and a drive for a more inclusive beer industry and community is infectious.

We’ve talked about the need for diversity and diverse perspectives on the show before and Cook has been at the forefront of several initiatives for several years now. The latest way Beer Kulture is advancing opportunity is through the Sparks Foundation. It will be giving four $5,000 grants to four deserving black men per year, she says.

“The intent is for these grants to give a boost to Black men so they can launch their visions,” Cook said when announcing the initiative. “But it also goes beyond that to help these men build a family legacy. Generational wealth isn’t seen as often in the Black community the way it is in other communities. If access to traditional funding is a problem, it’s hard to create something that can extend beyond one person’s lifetime. Hopefully these grants help Black men begin to create legacies that endure for generations.”

In this episode we talk about the foundation and opportunities, generational wealth, and all the other things Beer Kulture has going on, but first, because not everyone is familiar with the organization, I started off by asking her to give a little background on how the organization started."

For more information on the Sparks Foundation, or to apply for a grant, visit https://www.beerkulture.com/sparksfoundation. Applications will go live June 1st and remain open until July 16th. Beer Kulture will announce the first grantee on August 1st.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Latiesha Cook of Beer Kulture
Sponsors: NZ Hops, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Education, Diversity, Beer Kulture,

Ep. 89 - Joel Stickrod of Barrique Brewing & Blending

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

There is a lot happening with Joel Stickrod of Barrique Brewing & Blending these days. He's moved from a modest barrel-storage space into his own taproom in the heart of Nashville and is bringing his beer vision to the people. Originally the brewery was focused on wild ales, usually blended, often fruited, and those remain on offer.

The new space has allowed him to branch out in to lagers and pub ales done in his style and he has plans on the horizon.

In this conversation, recorded over the phone in June 2021, he talks about his journey and house culture, shares his thoughts on blending, his passion for historical styles and local ingredients. There might also be a celebrity stopping by his brewery one of these days. Tune in and find out.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Jack's Abby Craft Lagers
For our next stop on the Lagers of the World tour, we went down under to discuss lagers with Johnny Latta from NOMAD Brewing. We learned a lot about how the climate is a huge influence on what they brew and drink especially when it comes to indigenous crops. So that’s where we honed in to make this beer. We hope you enjoy this one of a kind lager inspired by culture and conversation.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Joel Stickrod of Barrique Brewing & Blending
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Jack's Abby Craft Lagers, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Nashville, Wild Ale, History, Lager, Pub Ale, Fruit

Ep. 88 - Lee Lord of Narragansett Brewing Company

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Narragansett is a brewery that has been around since the late 1800s. It was a revered New England lager brand that, after prohibition went on the wain, and eventually closed down. It was revived about 15 years ago by a group of passionate investors, and has seen such tremendous growth since its rebirth that it is now in the top 30 of craft breweries in the United States.

The growth was largely built on the backs of contract production brewing for lager, a coffee stout, shandies, and a few other styles. Over the last few weeks the brewery has opened its first permanent location, that will serve as a Narragansett gathering place and a brewery to showcase innovation.

At the helm of the brewdeck is Lee Lord, she’s been in New England brewing for her entire career, working for storied and well-established brands like Cambridge Brewing Co. (where she brewed at Mystic Brewing Co.), Smuttynose, and the since shuttered Watch City.

There’s an allure to working for well established brands where a culture is already in place, she says, but a challenge that comes with working on a brand new system and being tasked with moving a brewery forward while new history is being written.

She spoke to the podcast via phone in Rhode Island about her career and the last few weeks of getting the system dialed in and beer ready for the people.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Lee Lord of Narragansett Brewing Company
Sponsors: NZ Hops, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Rhode Island, Cream Ale, History, Lager, Gruit

Ep. 87 - Charles Finkel of Pike Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Any beer lover that has been to Seattle over the last three decades has likely stopped into The Pike Brewing Company. Near the iconic market of the same name, the brewery was founded by Charles and Rose Ann Finkel in 1989.

Part brewery, part pub, part museum, this welcoming spot has worked tirelessly to deliver on quality and flavorful pints and pushing forward a local experience.

Charles and Rose Ann helped shape the way beer is perceived herein the United states, starting with their import company, Merchant Du Vin in the 1970s.

The company has been through a lot in its 30 plus years, and while looking forward, Charles also uses history as a guide. In this interview, recorded over zoom, he talks about the evolution of the brewery, how he approaches beer and food pairings, the importance of local, and shares insight into being an owner, and what the future holds for this iconic brand.

Covid impacted the brewery, of course, and this episode starts there, but this year also was his first without Rose Ann, who died nearly a year ago. The two were inseparatable and a constant presence, side by side at the brewery, at tastings, events, conferences and more. Her presence is felt in his words in his conversation.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Athletic Brewing Co.
At Athletic Brewing Company their innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting craft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today at athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six-packs or more.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Charles Finkel of Pike Brewing.
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing Co., The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Seattle, Pale Ale, History, Stout, Museum, Writing, Food, Legacy

Ep. 86 - Laura Dierks of Interboro Spirits & Ales

All About Beer — Wed, 26 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

As mentioned briefly last week, Brienne Allen of Notch Brewing has been sharing stories of women in the beer industry. So far hundreds of women have come forward with stories of abuse, harassment, and worse by men in and around the brewing industry.

Among the news and the announcement was a statement from Laura Dierks the founder of Interboro Spirits & Ales in Brooklyn, New York. In a signed note she said the brewery was postponing their upcoming Pils City festival because two breweries that have come under fire had been invited to participate.

“We cannot stand aside when some colleagues are physically or emotionally unsafe, feel unsafe or not respected for their intellectual contributions in our community, regardless of who they are externally," she wrote.

Dierks and Jesse Furguson founded the brewery in 2016, and have turned into one of the most respected and inventive breweries in New York. Known for their beers, the company’s spirits program is also known for great recipes as well, including a canned gin and tonic cocktail. A whisky will soon be released.

Dierks has been speaking out on social media about the treatment of women in the industry. This is a difficult subject that can’t be ignored and she offers up her own experiences and how the brewery is looking to be a leader in the space going forward.

She spoke to the show via Zoom from Brooklyn.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Laura Dierks of Interboro Spirits & Ales
Sponsors: Briess Malt and Ingredient Co., NZ Hops, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, New York, Harassment, Women, Craft Beer, Assault, Pilsner

Ep. 85 - Emily Vides and Mike Patterson of Small Change Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 19 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Mike Patterson and Emily Vides are the couple behind of Small Change brewing in Massachusetts. The contract brewery turned three earlier this month and in the time it has been distributing beer it has gained a strong reputation for reliable and flavorful ales, including styles that are often overlooked, like milds.

It's a story of a homebrewer who went pro, but also of collaboration, artistic expression, communication, music, and harmony. From navigating the pandemic and customer interaction over zoom, to thinking about how can labels are really like album cover art, spend some time with this Massachusetts-based brewery that is doing its part to add to the beer industry.

This Episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Emily Vides and Mike Patterson of Small Change Brewing
Sponsors: Briess Malt and Ingredient Co., NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing Co., The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Contract Brewing, Mild, Pale Ale, Massachusetts, Art, Music

Ep. 84- Michael Karnowski of Zebulon Artisan Ales

All About Beer — Wed, 12 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Notes from host John Holl:

"A few weeks ago I headed down to Asheville, North Carolina for a few days to help out with photography on a new book I’ve been working on. I didn’t have a lot of time for social or other visits, but I made it a point to make my first stop in the state at Zebulon Artisan Ales.

Mike Karnowski is the man in and behind the brewery, it’s a small haven he started after a career brewing for others, and that started out running a homebrewing shop. Here at the brewery he does things his way, but also with historical accuracy and reverence.

Over the years he’s worked with beer historians to release period-accurate beers that really offer a snapshot in time and reveal long forgotten flavors and how beer has evolved.

A few weeks ago on the show with Em Sauter and Don Tse we were talking about date coding beer styles, and that’s something Mike is doing. You’ll even had a chance to try them for yourself soon enough.

We sat down at his taproom bar on a day when he’s usually closed. It was a brew day, and he’d already been at it for hours."

This Episode is sponsored by:

Briess
Briess is the original craft maltster, and currently offers the broadest product line in the industry. Briess’ barley is grown in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming and Montana, where warm days, cool nights, and floodwater irrigation yield some of the highest quality barley in the U.S.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Michael Karnowski of Zebulon Artisan Ales
Sponsors: Briess Malt and Ingredient Co., NZ Hops, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Bottles, History, IPA, North Carolina

Ep. 83 - John Parks of Zillicoah Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 05 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This week on the show the head brewer, co-founder, and co-owner of Zillicoah Brewing in North Carolina talks about lagers, homebrewing and how the brewery survived COVID-19.

John Parks talks about brewing the kind of beer he likes to drink, how the brewery fits into the greater Asheville brewing scene, and their transition into bottles.

This episode was recorded on location.

Briess
Briess is the original craft maltster, and currently offers the broadest product line in the industry. Briess’ barley is grown in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming and Montana, where warm days, cool nights, and floodwater irrigation yield some of the highest quality barley in the U.S.

NZ Hops
In a little country far down in the Pacific, you’ll find a cooperative of Master Growers, whose legend and cultivars have been crafted for over 150 years, with creativity and passion, to produce some of the world’s finest hops.

This is NZ Hops. The industry originated in 1843 not long after the early settlers arrived from England. Years of partnership with a dedicated hop breeding program, and farming knowledge handed down through the generations, sees the current day Master Growers proudly providing 18 unique New Zealand hop varieties to the world.

Host: John Holl
Guest: John Parks
Sponsors: Briess Malt and Ingredient Co., NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing Co., The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Bottles, Lager, Covid-19, Barrels, North Carolina

Ep. 82 - Em Sauter and Don Tse

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Should beer styles be date coded?

What did Europeans of the 1800s really dress like?

Is there an excellent whisky we should be drinking?

This week host John Holl finished the first draft of a manuscript for his next book and his mental state is... fried. So, he called up two friends to help get back into the world. Em Sauter of Pints and Panels and Don Tse, a malt enthusiast, Zoom into the show for support, laughs, and to tackle the important questions in beer today.

This episode is sponsored by:

Source Brewing Co.
Source Brewing is looking to award a diversity and inclusion scholarship to a candidate from a diverse background who may otherwise underrepresented in the craft brewing industry. The recipient of the scholarship will have the opportunity to take the Siebel Concise Course in Brewing Technology and possibly receive a paid internship at the brewery. Send an email expressing your interest in the scholarship to Info@sourcebrewing.com or to seek additional information.

NZ Hops
In a little country far down in the Pacific, you’ll find a cooperative of Master Growers, whose legend and cultivars have been crafted for over 150 years, with creativity and passion, to produce some of the world’s finest hops.

This is NZ Hops. The industry originated in 1843 not long after the early settlers arrived from England. Years of partnership with a dedicated hop breeding programme, and farming knowledge handed down through the generations, sees the current day Master Growers proudly providing 18 unique New Zealand hop varieties to the world.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Em Sauter and Don Tse
Sponsors: NZ Hops, Source Brewing, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, Pale Ale, Pilsner, Glassware, Beer Garden, COVID-19, Canada, Books, Art

Ep. 81 - Geoffrey Barker & Andrew Pogue of Fair Isle Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl:

"There are some remarkable beers coming out of Fair Isle in Seattle, delightful farmhouse inspired ales that play heavy into culinary inspiration, time in wood or stainless, and a house culture that brings some wonderful characteristics to each beer.

Andrew Pogue and Geoffrey Barker co-founded the brewery a few years ago and have worked to bring some of the niche beers that speak to them as drinkers, creators, and artists, to the local beer scene. Judging by the following they’ve amassed, I’d say it’s working.

In many of their creations there is a deft use of local fruits or foraged ingredients. They rely on specialty malts from artisanal farms, and an in-house and creative streak to bring familiar yet distinct flavors to each bottle.

Because there are three of us we recorded over zoom, so there’s the usual technology bothers that come up now and again. Apologies.

Bonus: be listening for a smoky beer shower."

This episode is sponsored by:

Rare Beer Club
Unlike any other beer club, The Rare Beer Club often works with breweries like Lost Abbey, The Bruery, and American Solera to create craft beers made exclusively for members. They also bring in hard to find and exclusively imported selections such as Fantome’s Magic Ghost and Westvleteren XII. Their Personalized shipment program allow members to customize each shipment and skip beers you don’t want to get. Get 50% off your first shipment when you sign up for an open-ended ongoing membership at beermonthclub.com and use promo code: DrinkRareBeer. (2 shipment minimum).

Host: John Holl
Guests: Geoffrey Barker & Andrew Pogue
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing Co., NZ Hops, The Rare Beer Club The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Saison, Farmhouse, Fruit, Barrels,

Ep. 80 - Sean Burke of ForeLand Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

From the time he started as a professional brewer Sean Burke has been on the brewing deck spearheading some of Portland Oregon’s best and exciting breweries, including The Commons and Von Ebert Brewing Co.

He made headlines last summer when he announced that he was heading out to open his own brewery, in McMinnville, Oregon that would eventually become known as ForeLand Beer. It opened in the pandemic but Burke has used his experience to guide the business and his team. He sees a little bit of hope on the horizon for this brewery that has repeatedly had to adapt before its doors even opened.

This episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Sean Burke of ForeLand Beer
Sponsors: NZ Hops, The Rare Beer Club, Source Brewing, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, Pale Ale, Pilsner, Glassware, Beer Garden, COVID-19

Ep. 79 - Ryan Wibby of Wibby Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Ryan Wibby has a passion for traditional lagers but also likes to play around in the space. Since launching Wibby Brewing Co. he has racked up medals, awards, and some top notch reviews. His vienna lager, for example, recently scored 100 points in a blind review panel from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Like so many small brewers he has worries but excitement about the future. He is always trying to find new ways to reach customers. From lagers with cacao nibs, to making shandies and seltzers, it is clear he is a brewer who is enjoying his days and grateful for the customers downing the pints.

This episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Ryan Wibby of Wibby Brewing Co.
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing Co., NZ Hops, The Rare Beer Club The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, Shandy, Colorado, Pilsner, Expansion, History, Pools, Beer garden, COVID-19

This Week in Rauchbier 2021

All About Beer — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to This Week in Rauchbier for April 1, 2021.

Hagan and Bill of Dovetail Brewing in Chicago are off again this week, but joining John Holl is a bevy of rauchbier guests that will warm your hearts and soul, just like properly kilned malt.

Lisa Allen of Heater Allen Brewing in Oregon is here to talk about all things rauchbier.

Franziska Weyermann of Weyermann Specialty Malts tells us about the family business and what is on the horizon for smoked malt.

Jack Hendler of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers in Massachusetts answers letters from the smoked malt mailbag

and, as always, Bart Watson of the Brewers Association will be joining us to talk about the smoked beer stats we all look forward to each week.

Thanks to Hagen and Bill for the inspiration to do this show. Hear the genesis on episode 5 of Drink Beer, Think Beer.

Music for this episode:
NewsSting by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4124-newssting

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by the Barke® line of Weyermann Specialty Malts. Barke once enjoyed the highest reputation among German brewers and was once the most common barley variety. Weyermann believes in Barke®, as an all-time great in the history of barley varieties, with its unique qualities especially for artisanal beers, it will continue to have a home in the portfolio of Weyermann® specialty malts for years to come. Available as Barke® Pilsner malt, Barke® Vienna malt, and Barke® Munich malt. Go to bsgcraftbrewing.com to learn more, or call 1-800-374-2739.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Lisa Allen, Jack Hendler, Franziska Weyermann, and Bart Watson.
Tags: beer, craft beer, rauchbier, smoke, April Fool's Day

Ep. 78 - Bill Oakley Talks About Comedy, Beer, and Fast Food

All About Beer — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl:

Season eight of The Simpsons introduced us to Cecil Underdunk Terwilliger, the younger brother of Sideshow Bob. Our guest this week is Bill Oakley, who among many other things that we’ll tell you about, was the show runner for that season - as well as season 7 – of the long running animated series.

So, it seemed fitting to have my younger, but taller, brother on the show. Especially since he is the one who first put Oakley on my radar. On Oakley's Instagram page - @ That Bill Oakley – he chronicles the fast pace, high-caloric, sometimes gimmicky, often tasty, and modern Americana that is fast food. He regularly posts videos of himself outside of familiar spots like Popeyes, Burger King, McDonalds, KFC, and more giving reviews of their latest offerings, or reviewing “hacks” sent in by viewers.

Like so many of the great comedy writers of his generation he went to Harvard where he worked on the Harvard Lampoon. In 1992 he joined the staff of the Simpsons where he wrote or contributed to many of the episodes that are considered golden classics to this day. He and his writing partner Josh Weinstein won three emmy awards for their work.

They became show runners and executive producers of the show for seasons seven and eight. You may remember some of them: “The Itchy, Scratchy, and Poochie show” “22 Short Films about Springfield” “Radioactive Man” and “Homer’s Enemy” After leaving the show he and Weinstein created Mission Hill, an animated series that appeared on the then WB network. They also then consulted on Futurama and other projects.

Oakley began writing and then became a co-executive producer for Portlandia, co-writing every episode on the 3rd season. We’ll talk about comedy, and writing, and will try hard not to geek out too much but this is a conversation about fast food, and the intersection with beer – there are a lot actually aside from bad decisions made after too many pints at the bar."

This episode is sponsored by:

Hosts: John Holl, Tom Holl
Guest: Bill Oakley
Sponsors: NZ Hops, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, IPA, Fast Food, Maryland, The Simpsons, Steamed Hams, Comedy, Oregon

Ep. 77 - Paul Kavulak of Nebraska Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

His brewery survived the Great Recession and will do the same with the COVID-19 pandemic, and Paul Kavulak is constantly thinking of new ways to innovate, keep the business running smoothly, and finding the right people for the right jobs.

In this episode of Drink Beer, Think Beer he shares stories from his homebrewing days, and the early days of the brewery that laid the foundation to what the company is today and can be in the future. It's a family affair, with his children in the brewhouse and front office, taking on key roles to help this brewery, known for barrel-aged offerings as well as a traditional core line up, focused on quality and community.

From opening up the cellar to offer up rare beers to ease the monotony of endless pandemic days, to the struggles of making a "hazy" IPA that keeps pouring clear, Kavulak is a voice of experience, good humor, and remains a fan of beer.

This episode is sponsored by:

Host: John Holl
Guest: Paul Kavulak of Nebraska Brewing Co.
Sponsors: Athletic Brewing Co., NZ Hops, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, IPA, Nebraska, Iowa, Barrel-Aged, Pilsner, Expansion, History, Education, Pale Ale, COVID-19

Ep. 76 - Davin and Kellan Bartosch of Wise Acre Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Meet Davin and Kellan Bartosch the brothers behind Wise Acre Brewing Co. in Memphis.

From talking about their high school beer hi-jinx to how a drive to find joy in education helped them start this fast-growing brewery. Family plays a big role in this brewery's direction and there are lessons to be learned on relying on those you love and trust.

Wise Acre has helped define and grow Memphis' beer scene and now the brothers have their eye on expansion into new states, including Colorado. Pushing traditional styles with their own flair, Wise Acre makes the case that brewers can still have fun, and customers still want to drink, lagers and ales that taste like lagers and ales.

This episode is part therapy session, part walk down memory lane, and all about family.

This episode is sponsored by:

Bolide Communications
We are seasoned marketing professionals who have worked with some of the most respected brands in the world.

We jump in deep, roll up our sleeves and do the work ourselves. With our depth of expertise, we know how to get results that matter – and no junior staff who are learning on your dime.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Davin and Kellan Bartosch
Sponsor: Bolide Communications, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, IPA, Tennessee, Hops, Pilsner, Expansion, History, Education

Ep. 75 - Jennifer Talley

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from host John Holl:

"Jennifer Talley is a brewer’s brewer. I can’t count the times over the years of covering beer that her name has come up, often in awe and always in excitement, when brewers talk about who they admire in the industry.

Still, I never had the chance to interview her or have pints out in the world. When a press release from Firestone Walker arrived in my inbox this week promoting an IPA that Talley brewed with Matt Brynildson, I wanted to remedy that situation and she graciously agreed to come on the show.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Utah, the same state where she spent more than 20 years at the brewmaster and director of research and development for Squatters Brewery and Salt Lake Brewing Co.

She’s a graduate of the Siebel Institute, where she met Matthew Brynildson, and was part of a pretty epic graduating class. Throughout her career she’s brewed for the Craft Brew Alliance, Russian River, Auburn Ale House and more.

With nearly two dozen medals at both the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival. She’s also the author of Session Beers from Brewers Publications. She’s currently on the board of the Brewers Association on the Pub Breweries committee and in 2011 she was awarded the Russell Schehrer Award for Innovation in Craft Brewing

She’s been described as a force of positive energy, one of the coolest people in the industry, and in an email before this conversation, Brynildson simply called her a 'trip'.

She spoke to me from California and I started off by asking about the style she wish got a little more respect by brewers and drinkers alike"

This episode is sponsored by:

Bolide Communications
We are seasoned marketing professionals who have worked with some of the most respected brands in the world.

We jump in deep, roll up our sleeves and do the work ourselves. With our depth of expertise, we know how to get results that matter – and no junior staff who are learning on your dime.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jennifer Talley
Sponsor: Bolide Communications, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, IPA, California, Utah, Hops, Pilsner, Collaboration Beers

Ep. 74 - Max Shafer of Roadhouse Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from host John Holl:

"I’m excited to have Max Shafer on the show today. In my line of work there are breweries that pop up from time to time, that make a serious impression in the glass and then, when you dig a little deeper, also have a cool story to tell.

That’s Roadhouse Brewing for me these days. They brewery began popping up in tastings, on social media, and in my email over the last few years and the more I read about it, the more interested I became. Max is the head brewer there and he’s leading a team that is trying to balance the needs of locals as well as the tourists that flock to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to experience the great outdoors.

He’s familiar with the area, having cut his teeth at Grand Teton Brewing in Idaho, just a short drive away. If it’s brewing with local hops, tweaking recipes to make things a little better, or letting his brewers go wild, the beer work of this growing brewery is never ending."

This episode is sponsored by:

Jack's Abby Craft Lagers
Lagers of the World is the result of our desire to expand our knowledge of lagers beyond our own community, culture, and traditions. What is the state of craft beer and craft lager in other countries? What styles and flavors are important to their beer culture? What brewing techniques do they employ? Our goal is to partner with other craft breweries across the globe, collaborate, and share what we learned with you in the format we do best: LAGER!

Bolide Communications
We are seasoned marketing professionals who have worked with some of the most respected brands in the world.

We jump in deep, roll up our sleeves and do the work ourselves. With our depth of expertise, we know how to get results that matter – and no junior staff who are learning on your dime.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Max Shafer of Roadhouse Brewing
Sponsor: Jack's Abby Craft Lagers, Bolide Communications, The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, IPA, Wyoming, Idaho, Hops, Pilsner, Collaboration Beers

Ep. 73 - Shyla Sheppard of Bow and Arrow Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Shyla Sheppard is our guest this week and she is the founder, president and co-founder of Bow and Arrow Brewing Co. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The brewery just celebrated its 5th anniversary under the same circumstances that we’ve all been under over the last year, but they had some fun with it. Rather than letting the pandemic get them down, they are adapting quick and planning for the future.

Before Sheppard got into the beer industry she worked in finance, helping entrepreneurs establish loans that would help fund their dreams. In her words, she wanted to follow them, and do what she loved, and beer was the path forward.

The brewery makes the most of the area that it is in and draws from family history, especially from her partner Missy Begay, who is the brewery’s creative director. The beers are put together by Ted O’Hanlan, who worked at breweries in Wyoming before going to the Southwest.

From native ingredients, to business strategies, and a look towards the future, Sheppard offers up unparalleled insight.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Shyla Sheppard of Bow and Arrow Brewing Co.
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, New Mexico, Finance, Growth, Special Ingredients

Ep. 72 - Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

A few weeks ago Vinnie Cilurzo the co-founder of Russian River Brewing Co. was on Steal This Beer and amid the hop soaked fun, he mentioned how the two breweries in the Russian River family – the pub in Santa Rosa, California and the new one in nearby Windsor – talk between each other to dial in recipes and make sure there is a united front.

This is a normal practice for brewers with multiple locations, but when it comes to beers are revered as STS Pilsner and Pliny the Elder, it is easy to be intrigued. During that podcast the conversation did not dive too deep, so over the course of the last few weeks John Holl reached out to Cilurzo over email and the two discussed brewing processes and how having a newer brewery with all the bells and whistles has changed long-standing recipes.

Eventually the two just decided it would be smart to just record a podcast about it, and here we are.

In fact, this show would have happened sooner but Cilurzo was tied up with the 2021 launch of Pliny the Younger, the triple IPA that is released once per year to great acclaim and long lines. Because of the pandemic the sales were moved into bottles and online and it was a learning experience for the brewery – especially with how many people wanted a chance to drink (or maybe trade) bottles of their own.

So, that’s where this conversations starts with Holl asking Cilurzo about Younger Day and the aftermath.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Co.
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Hops, Lager, California, Pliny the Elder, Wine, Agriculture, Beer Quality

Ep. 71 - Daniel Kleban of Maine Beer Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from host John Holl:

"On every bottle of Maine Beer there are three words: Do What’s Right. This is an easy phrase to say, but incredibly hard to practice. It can’t just be a marketing slogan or something cooked up in a board room, slapped on a label and then forgotten. It has to mean something and what is right isn’t always the same thing for everyone, and so the person spearheading that initiative has to believe it, to practice it, and to have other believe it and practice it.

Dan Kleban is my guest today. He and his brother co-founded Maine Beer Co. with the idea to make the beers that resonated with them, to be good stewards of the community and industry and to do what was right – even if not popular, easy, or inexpensive.

We spend some time talking about how his brewery became part of the 1 percent for the planet initiative and how it has helped guide the brewery and give employees a sense of pride. We’ll talk bottles, hops, and tourism as well. But I wanted to start off by going back in time with Dan to what started him on this beer journey and we’ll eventually circle back to how that can apply to the next generation of brewers.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Dan Kleban of Maine Beer Co.
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Maine, Hops, IPA, Pale Ale, Charity, Stout.

Ep. 70 - Super Bowl Brewery Bets

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

It's Super Bowl week in America and the attention of the sports world has turned to Tampa, Florida where the hometown team, the Buccaneers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs. For breweries the annual big game has become a chance for some city-to-city rivalries that play out in collaboration beers, tap takeovers, and more, with the brewery from the winning city often getting the better end of the deal, but in reality there are no losers.

This show is in two segments. The first features Khristopher Johnson of Green Bench Brewing in Florida and Nick Mader of Alma Mader Brewery in Missouri. They talk about their bets, their cities, and how they are looking to further their beer making through education.

Our second segment features Karlton Graham of KC Bier Co. in Missouri and Sean Sasscer of Cigar City Brewery talking about brewing outside of their comfort zones, what it's like brewing in cities that want to celebrate but are limited to the pandemic, and post-COVID-19 plans.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Khristopher Johnson, Nick Mater, Karlton Graham, and Sean Sasscer
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, Florida, IPA, Collaboration Beers, Kansas City, Tampa, Missouri

Ep. 69 - Drew Fox of 18th Street Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

A decade ago Drew Fox decided to take his homebrewing hobby to the next level and went pro. Since then, as founder and president of 18th Street Brewery in Gary, Indiana, he’s grown the business into multiple locations, into bigger brewing systems and has traveled the country and the world working on collaboration beers and being a force of good will to the beer industry.

From recipe evolution and creation, to what he is choosing to focus on to help the brewery grow in a meaningful way, he gets into it all in this wide-ranging interview.

As a suicide survivor he is also speaking up on the importance of taking about and addressing mental health. His words and perspective are something everyone should listen to.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Drew Fox of 18th Street Brewery
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, Indiana, IPA, Collaboration Beers, Mental Health, Charity. Sour Ales,

Ep. 68 - Matt Wilson of Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Some thoughts on this episode from host John Holl:

"When I first started drinking beer, one of the breweries that opened my eyes and palate to flavor was Magic Hat. Thanks to its Number 9, the beer was a fruity pale ale with whimsical labels, clever facts and saying under the bottle cap, and at a price point that didn’t make my budget scream.

Of course a lot has changed in 20 years and that brewery doesn’t dominate the conversation or even register too much for folks anymore. So, last year, I wasn’t too surprised when the corporate parent company of Magic Hat announced that it would be winding down operations and moving production to upstate New York.

The brewery, in South Burlington, however, would remain online and Zero Gravity, a popular Vermont brewery, founded in 2004, would be taking over the space.

I had only passing memories of Zero Gravity, having visited once or twice, but not for at least five years. Taking over a well-known spot with a lot of capacity was intriguing and I meant to reach out earlier. But, you know, the pandemic got in the way.

So just after the start of this new year I was able to call and talk with Matt Wilson the CEO and co-founder of the brewery.

In a state that knows and celebrates its IPA, Zero Gravity – which of course makes hop forward ales – has put a lot of focus on lagers. It also takes sustainability and growth seriously and is looking to the non-alcoholic space as well.

We get into it quick and he shares insights on what the future holds for Zero Gravity."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Matt Wilson of Zero Gravity
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, Vermont, IPA, Magic Hat, Non-alcoholic beer, sustainability, charity

Ep. 67 - Jake Miller of Heirloom Rustic Ales

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Before launching Heirloom Rustic Ales in Tulsa, Oklahoma a few years ago Jake Miller cut his teeth at breweries like Prairie Artisan Ales, Wolves and People, and Saint Somewhere. Along the way he picked up different brewing techniques and a sense for the aesthetics that make for a good brewery and channeled it into his own place.

Today he's determined to follow a brewing path that excites him and is interesting. This means ditching his mixed fermentation program and putting a lot of focus on lagers. From avoiding burn out in the brewing industry, to offering up a customer experience that is an extension of his colleagues, Miller talks about what he hopes to achieve as a brewer in the modern age.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jake Miller of Heirloom Rustic Ales
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lager, Tulsa, Mixed Fermentation, Brewing

Ep. 66 - Lisa and Brandon Boldt of Primitive Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Lisa and Brandon Boldt are the owners of Primitive Beer in Colorado.

They bill themselves as Colorado's first exclusively spontaneous, barrel-fermented beer blendery. And in a state that has claimed its fair share of firsts, that’s a pretty big deal, especially after you taste their beer. You kinda wonder why we had to wait so long.

When they opened their doors in 2018 the made a splash on the local scene for their Méthode Traditionnelle ales, as well as the packaging – maybe you’ve seen their beer in a box. But even their bottled offerings are starting to pop up around the country and would certainly be coveted at bottle shares – if those were still a thing.

And one to look out for is a collaboration they did with Beer Kulture, called Peach On A Beach. It’s a blend of two and three-year aged spontaneous beer matured on Colorado-grown Allstar Peaches and Tahitian-grown vanilla beans in two freshly emptied Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels.

Get ready to listen in. Here come the Lambic Police.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Lisa and Brandon Boldt of Primitive Beer
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Lambic, Gueuze, Colorado, Tradition, Beer in a box

Ep. 65 - The State of Bars with Polly Watts, Michael Roper, and Chris Black

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from host John Holl:

“I’ve been thinking a lot about pints and specifically what I missed as I spent time at home and away from normal beer related things in 2020. I’ve really missed draft beer. I’ve missed settling into favorite tables or stools at familiar bars, scanning a list and ordering something new and exciting or flavorful and reliable.

Over the course of this past year, I’ve talked with a lot of brewery owners and brewers about how COVID-19 has impacted them and changed the brewing industry, but today I want to talk about bars and what the pandemic has done to them.

As I got to writing this there was an article in the Wall Street Journal that chronicled the plight of bars and restaurants across the country amid restrictions and shutdowns.

There was one quote in particular that stuck out to me, from Aaron Gregory Smith, the executive director of the United States’ Bartender’s guild:

"This is the worst crisis to hit the industry since Prohibition," he said.

Like you, I miss travel and I miss going to bars that feel familiar even if I visit only once or twice a year or every few years. A good feeling and well-appointed bar is an extension of the publican and today on the show I’m honored to be joined by three of the very best in the country:

Polly Watts of the Avenue Pub in New Orleans, Michael Roper of Hop Leaf in Chicago, and Chris Black of Falling Rock Tap House in Denver.

All three are thoughtful, passionate, and knowledgeable and each have been kicked while down this year but are doing their best to stick it out.

We spoke shortly before Christmas, with Chris in Denver, Michael in Chicago and Polly in London, where she was visiting her daughter. I had some questions in mind before we started, but quickly realized that since all three were friends and had a lot on their minds and so I just hit record and let them at it.”

Host: John Holl
Guest: Chris Black, Michael Roper, Polly Watts
Sponsor: The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Bars, Craft Beer, Travel, Kegs, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, Staffing, 2021

Ep. 64 - A Holiday Roundtable featuring Melissa Cole, Christopher Shepard, and Greg Avola

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from Host John Holl:

"As this year limps to a close I was thinking of what usually brings me joy in and around the beer space and It’s getting together with good friends over pints for general business chat as well as a proper bullshit session.

Since we can’t get together in I thought that this could be a good format to bring together some of my favorite people for a chat about the year that was and to share some stories.

So on the show this week is author Melissa Cole, her new book is called “The Little Book of Lager” and it’s available now where books are sold.

Christopher Shepard is the senior editor of Craft Brew News, published by Beer Marketers Insights.

And Greg Avola is one of the founders of Untapped.

I wanted to talk a little business, have a little fun, and generally see where their heads were as this year comes to a close.
So, get a beer, get comfortable and let’s have some fun."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Melissa Cole, Christopher Shepard, and Greg Avola
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, Untappd, Lager, London, Hard Seltzer, Trends, Glassware,

This episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing
Maduro Brown Ale: Among the darkest colored and most complex cigars made in Tampa’s Ybor City is the maduro, made with an overripe wrapper and exhibiting chocolatey and earthy flavors. We draw inspiration from these sophisticated cigars and from Tampa’s cigar-making history with Maduro Brown Ale, a Northern English Brown Ale brewed with flaked oats. Full in body and silky on the palate, Maduro Brown Ale’s chocolate and espresso notes are rounded out by toffee-like qualities and a light woody hop presence. Enjoy Maduro Brown Ale with chicharrones, ropa vieja, or a fine hand-rolled cigar.

Ep. 63 - Mitch Steele of New Realm Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Mitch Steele is a brewmaster that everyone looks up to. He’s had a storied career in beer, worked at prominent breweries, developed some of the beers we all still know and drink today, today he is the brewmaster at New Realm Brewing, a company he helped found that operates a brewery in Georgia and one in Virginia.

He is a teacher that many in the brewing industry turn to for advice and inspiration, but Mitch – he’s earned his place in the first name club of brewers – is still very much a student. He’s curious, a relentless tinkerer, and on the hunt for new flavors, new ideas, and ways to make his beers the very best they can be.

There’s a lot to learn from him and he always seems happy to share.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Mitch Steele of New Realm Brewing
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, California, Stone, IPA, Experimental Brewing, Stout, Georgia, Virginia, New Realm, Tripel, Quad, Hazy IPA

This episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing
Fancy Papers IPA: Just as handsome designs printed on fancy papers and applied to cigar boxes are used to entice cigar lovers, we use Strata, Sabro, and Idaho 7 hops to draw in lovers of fruit-forward Hazy IPAs.

Ep. 62- Laura Ulrich of Stone Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Laura Ulrich is the small batch brewer at Stone Brewing Co. and is our guest today.

Yes, Stone Brewing is one of the larger craft breweries in America, and has succeeded over the years with in-your-face marketing and a fondness for West Coast IPA. But like most breweries their size, there is a smaller component, experimental batches that might one day become larger releases, but that serve the pubs or speciality accounts.

What’s it like, warts and all, to have a job where the beer carries a familiar brand name, but the liquid might not be what some customers expect? We’ll get into it.

Then we’re talking about Pink Boots, where Laura serves as president of the organization. From how she came be involved from the start, to its evolution, and where she would like to see it go.

Education is key to elevating the whole segment, something the organization has put front and center.

Get a beer and listen along. This is a fun conversation.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Laura Ulrich of Stone Brewing
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, California, Stone, IPA, Experimental Brewing, Stout, Pink Boots Society

This episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing
Central to Mayan mythology is the story of twin brothers named Xbalanque and Hunahpu, the Hero Twins. After the Twins’ father was murdered by evil deities from Xibalba, his corpse became a cacao tree that spawned our two Heroes. Epic adventures followed, culminating in a journey to Xibalba to avenge their father’s death. Vanquishing their enemies handily, the Heroes then ascended unto the heavens where they became the sun and the moon

Ep. 61 - Hugh Sisson of Heavy Seas Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from host John Holl:

"I’m both excited and bummed to have Hugh Sisson, the founder of Heavy Seas beer on the show today. Excited because Hugh is a thoughtful, engaging, and dynamic figure in beer who has worked tirelessly to foster and grow an industry and has been a mentor for many. Bummed because I had hoped to do this interview in person.

But, you know, Covid. It’s likely better to be apart because if I was at the brewery I’d likely have one too many pints of IPA.

He’s been in beer a lot longer than most, with Heavy Seas and a brewpub, named Sissons before that. He and his dad successfully worked to get state legislation changed to make professional brewing easier in Maryland, and he continues to stay involved and be an advocate for an industry he cares deeply about.

This week the brewery, officially licensed as Clipper City, but going under the Heavy Seas name turns 25. It’s an odd year to have a milestone birthday but the brewery is continuing its tradition of releasing a big, boozy monster of an ale – and we’ll talk about that.

Hugh is also looking forward to reopening the taproom when it’s safe to do so.

A few years back when I was on a book tour I did a signing at Heavy Seas for a few hours and watched as happy patrons came in for pints and a tour. Hugh led several of these tours himself and would start off with a very specific reading.

Since he hasn’t had an audience for a while, I thought it would be good to let him stretch those muscles. Let us pray."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Hugh Sisson of Heavy Seas Brewing
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, wine, brewpubs, distribution, Maryland, Baltimore, IPA, Cask Ale

This episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing
The world needs heroes, and in our home state of Florida only a very special hero will do. A hero with a shark tooth around his neck, a Grim Reaper tattoo on his arm, and a rap sheet longer than his mama’s mustache. A hero who’s forgotten more about amateur taxidermy and alligator rasslin’ than you’ll ever know. What better way to pay tribute to our beloved Florida Man than with a big ol’ Double India Pale Ale brewed with a nearly-criminal amount of hops and a moderate bitterness that just about matches Florida Man’s general disposition. This hopped-up whopper of a beer is big in character and guaranteed to sear itself into your memory, just like “the world’s worst superhero,” Florida Man.

Ep. 60 - Hutch Kugeman of the Culinary Institute of America

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Thanksgiving is going to be different this year here in the United States but for many of us, smaller crowd sizes does not mean different foods or different beers.

This week we talk with Hutch Kugeman of the Culinary Institute of America on how to plan out beer and food pairings, what to think about if you’re thinking about a cooking education, and the current state of the hospitality industry.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Hutch Kugeman of the Culinary Institute of America
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, food pairings, New York, supporting local, education

This episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing
Tropical and bright with a full palate of flavor and a potency designed with moderation in mind, Jai Low IPA lowers the intensity of a typical India Pale Ale while maintaining the highest quality and hop flavor possible. All the qualities found in the finest IPAs, including citrus aromas and flavors, bread-like maltiness and a moderate, snappy bitterness are found, making this beer a deceptively tempered addition to Cigar City Brewing’s line-up of hop-forward creations.

Ep. 59 - Tom Troncone of Muckraker Beermaker

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Show notes from host John Holl:

"I’ve known Tom Troncone since before I was writing about beer. We were competing reporters at newspapers in the New York Metro area. The nature of our jobs, covering crime and breaking news, often meant that we would be hanging out at crime scenes in the middle of the night. We were always friendly, but we’d work to beat each other’s brains out in the paper the following day.

When I started writing about beer I discovered that Tom was a homebrewer as well as a big beer fan. He knew all the whales and where to find them, and was at all of the important releases, and bottle shares.

All along he was harboring the idea of opening his own brewery, and finally decided that it was time to leave journalism behind and open his own brewery, Muckraker, based in the northern part of New Jersey where he can focus on spontaneous beers from his coolship, local ingredients, and barrel aging.

It occurred to me that this kind of brewing was just right for an old ink stained wretch like Tom. As reporters we don’t dictate the news, but simply follow the story where it goes. It makes sense to understand the beat you’re covering so you can have context, but you just have to let events unfold.

Spontaneous ales are like that. Nature, not a recipe dictates the way."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Tom Troncone of Muckraker Beermaker
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, spontaneous ales, Belgium, New Jersey, hard seltzer

This episode is sponsored by:

Cigar City Brewing
Native to the Basque region of Spain, the game of Jai Alai involves players launching a ball from a curved mitt called a cesta in an attempt to outsmart and outmaneuver their opponents on a court called a fronton. Native to Tampa, Florida, Jai Alai IPA is a bold, citrusy and balanced India Pale Ale that involves six different hop varietals used generously in a 7.5% ABV beer. While the number of frontons in our home state of Florida has dropped since the sport’s peak in the mid-1980’s, Cigar City Brewing pays homage to the sport and the dedicated players and patrons who keep this Florida tradition alive with its flagship ale. Look for notes of orange peel, clementine and light caramel to share the story and sunshine of Florida with beer lovers across the globe.

Ep. 58 - J.C. Tetreault of Trillium Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This week, as Drink Beer, Think Beer celebrates its one year anniversary, we’re glad to welcome J.C. Tetreault of Trillium Brewing Co. to the show.

Tetreault has packed a lot into the eight years his brewery has been open.

He’s helped establish beer styles, he’s had tremendous growth, has been the subject of intense scrutiny where he’s had to defend the brewery and its reputation, and throughout it all he’s been tinkering, and making moves, adapting, and trying to keep his thoughts on his passions and what brought him to beer in the first place.

One year ago the show was in Belgium, in a barrel cellar talking about foam. So we wanted to come back to that word along with some other F-words with Tetreault. That includes fans, festivals, and the future.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jean-Claude Tetreault of Trillium Brewing
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, IPA, Massachusetts, Agriculture, Saison, Foam, Beer Festivals

Ep. 57 - Jason Pellett of Orpheus Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Orpheus Brewing in Atlanta is the fun, familiar story of a home brewer who wanted to go pro and did. Head brewer and CEO Jason Pellett has a background in music but fell in love with beer making and wanted to bring something special to his city when he and partners opened up the brewery seven years ago.

He’s seen the brewery evolve over time and while he has come to embrace some traditions, and holds some things sacred he is also not afraid to mix things up in either of his roles. This means pushing the envelope of flavor but also making sure the bones of the business are solid.

Among its recent initiatives is a leadership diversity program that is underway to bring the beer industry along with the times and to make sure the brewery is doing its part.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jason Pellett of Orpheus Brewing
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, IPA, Atlanta, Coolship, Saison, Brewing Diversity

Ep. 56 - Jeremy Marshall of Lagunitas Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl:
"Despite being one of the largest breweries in the country, I hadn’t given Lagunitas much of a thought in recent years. I’d of course see its IPA on tap at bars, back when I went to bars, and its familiar glass bottles on shelves. It was there, I was happy to see it, but usually ordered something else.

A lot of people are drinking the beer, sure, but as the beer landscape and conversation has shifted to local, some of the middle tier breweries that we’ve long known and just kind of taken for granted have been making big moves. So when the new press representative for the brewery, which has been wholly owned by Heineken for the last three years, reached out I thought it would be smart to check in and see where the brewery is at and where it’s looking to go.

Jeremy Marshall, the brewmaster, has been with the company for most of his brewing career and has seen the company grow from its once modest Petaluma, California home-base to Chicago, to overseas, and a small brewery in Seattle. Under this watch the brewery has grown from 21,000 hectoliters to over 1,000,000 hectoliters under his supervision. They are Dutch, so they use hectoliters, not barrels in their reporting.

Because of his longevity he’s seen the brewery mature over the years, from the days of being shut down by the Feds because of a joint to now looking into the non-alcoholic beer space. Of course, marijuana is still part of the culture of the company, and its infused cannabis beverages are growing in popularity but you will hear why he doesn't think a full THC and alcohol hybrid is part of a likely future.

He spoke to the show from the brewery in California."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jeremy Marshall of Lagunitas Brewing Co.
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, IPA, non-alcoholic beer, cannabis, California, Chicago,

Ep. 55 - Anna Jobe of Night Shift Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

On this show we like to get into the mind of a brewer and find out where their daydreams and creativity take them and how that ultimately winds up in our glasses. This week host John Holl is talking with Anna Jobe the innovation brewer at Night Shift in Massachusetts on how she approaches new styles, how she determines what works and what doesn't, and how she is looking for new avenues in cider, wine, and seltzer because so many of us aren’t just drinking beer exclusively anymore more.

Anna is also an active member of Pink Boots and we dive into the importance of education in the beer industry not only for professionals but drinkers as well. People find their way to beer in all manner of ways and Anna talks about how she left one career in pursuit of fermentation and what she learned over the years and how working at Night Shift has been a true collaborative environment, something more breweries should practice.

She spoke to the show from the brewery in Massachusetts.

Ep. 54 - Mike Kraai of Drowned Lands Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

There is good news in beer these days. Despite all the harm that COVID-19 is doing, there are businesses that are forging ahead and opening to the public. This week on the show we are talking with Mike Kraai of Drowned Lands Brewery in New York.

The brewery has been making beer for a year now, but only opened its tasting room five weeks ago.

The space is massive, suited for drinking apart during a pandemic. The 15,000 square-foot space sits on three acres, with a large lawn, ample patio, and even a second floor event space. Kraai isn’t shy about talking about the nearly $3 million he spent on the renovations to the century-old building that was once a reform school and later minimum security prison.

With a view of the Appalachian mountains, in dedicated farm country, he wants the beers to be a reflection of place, and is trying to make the most out of his New York state farm brewery license, all while playing with traditions.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Mike Kraai
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, lager, oak, IPA, Homebrewing, nanobrewery, wood, saison, New York

Ep. 53 - Tomme Arthur of The Lost Abbey

All About Beer — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Joining us on the phone this week is Tomme Arthur of the Lost Abbey. In the roughly 15 years that the brewery has been open it has largely focused on Belgian-inspired ales that have helped shape the course of beer in America today.

Over the last months of COVID-19 he has had to look at his business model and find new ways to keep the lights on. This has been through new releases that include spritzy ales, pilsners, and a soon to be released hard tea.

Tomme has long talked about the importance of innovation in the beer space and is hoping that fellow brewers are using this time to forge their own path. He also wants drinkers to seek out new flavors.

He recently had the chance to taste what is happening in America right now. He spoke to the show from his brewery in Southern California, but just recently returned from Colorado where he was a judge at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival and shares some insights.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Tomme Arthur
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, IPA, Hops, California, Innovation, Non-alcoholic beers,

Ep. 52 - Justin Stambaugh of Stave & Nail Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Justin Stambaugh started homebrewing a decade ago and quickly decided he wanted to pursue a professional career in beer. It wasn’t as easy as he had hoped but eventually he got an internship at Rip Current Brewing Co. in 2012 where he rose though the ranks, became a brewer, and even helped start that brewery’s sour program.

Eventually he decided that it was time to open his own place and didn’t even have to look too far. His new Brewery, Stave & Nail is located in the same building as Rip Current.

Justin spoke to the show from southern California.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Justin Stambaugh
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, IPA, Sours, California, Homebrewing, San Diego, Tacos, Tequila

Ep. 51 - Zach Beckwith of Bend Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

This is a special time of year on the beer calendar. It's fresh hop beer season and if you live in the Pacific Northwest you are likely enjoying pints of vibrantly hoppy ales. The rest of us are just dreaming of what could be.

Hard to define, difficult to describe, and a revelation each time, fresh hop beers are best experienced in person where the beers were made.

Zach Beckwith, the head brewer of Bend Brewing Co. has some thoughts on fresh hops and what is being done right, what could be better, and how we should approach each glass. He recently penned a column for Jeff Alworth's Beervana Blog, but goes into deeper details here.

He spoke to the show from the brewery in Bend, Oregon.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Zach Beckwith
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, IPA, Hops, Fresh Hops, Farming, Recipe Development, Oregon, Ales,

Ep. 50 - Nile Zacherle of Mad Fritz Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

There is a lot going on out West right now, some of it good – like the hop harvest – and a lot of it bad, like the fires that are raging out of control. Napa Valley is often in the news when it comes to fires in California and while it is known for wine, there is also beer to be found.

Nile Zacherle of Mad Fritz Beer straddles both worlds. He is both a wine maker and a brewer and is thoughtful about both. What might be most enjoyable about his beers is that they live inside of specific style but still never fully let that define them.

This is thanks, in part, to his approach. He brews small, he brews with local ingredients whenever possible, and isn’t afraid to let the beer follow its own direction. It’s like a trust exercise.

He’s been busy during COVID-19 while the current batch of fires is not an immediate threat, the smell of smoke in the air is a reminder that there is always a worry. And so that’s where the show starts, with the worry that comes with being in a place that could be impacted.

Nile spoke to host John Holl from the brewery in California.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Nile Zacherle
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Lager, California, Wine, Napa Valley

Ep. 49 - Brienne Allan of Notch Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Show notes from host John Holl:

"I love a good conversation over beer and these days it’s hard to do it in person, but it is alive online. One person I can always count on to get the brain cells working and to challenge the notions of beer is Brienne Allan, the production manager at Notch Brewing, in Salem Massachusetts.

She’s worked at the brewery for three years and handles a variety of roles and has been instrumental in getting some of the more beloved and esoteric lager projects off the ground an into production. She’s got a love of historical tradition of styles, technical knowledge, and worldly travels and revived the Pink Boots Society chapter in Massachusetts a few years back.

We get into all that and more in this conversation that bounced around topics quickly. She spoke to me from Notch, and I wanted to start off on a positive note."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Brienne Allan
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Lager, Pink Boots Society, Massachusetts

Ep. 48 - Alex Lovinggood of Barn Town Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Alex Lovinggood of Barn Town Brewing has been in the beer business for less than a decade but has made a lasting impact wherever he has gone. He was a teacher and a bartender before he got into brewing. He started like so many others, as a volunteer washing kegs and learning the trade from time spent in various hands on experiences.

He worked at Temperance Brewing, Atlas (when it was called that), and later Brickstone, all in Illinois. He has been a major force behind The Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer and worked to help grow and shape the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild.

Last November he moved a little bit west to Barn Town Brewing in West Des Moines, Iowa where he is now a brewer.

In this episode he talks about IPA, new styles of beer, food influences, festivals, and more.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Alex Lovinggood
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Pastry Sour, Hazy IPA, IPA, Iowa, Illinois

Ep. 47 - Jennifer Yuengling of D.G. Yuengling & Son Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

D.G. Yuengling & Son is the country’s oldest operating brewery, going back 191 years now.

It survived major events over the course of 6 generations, most notably Prohibition, and really hit its stride in the mid-1980s when Dick Yuengling Jr. purchased the brewery from his father and began making Yuengling Lager, which is the company’s flagship beer and accounts for 80% of overall volume.

As the brewery, often referred to as just the family last name, looks to its sixth generation it is Jennifer Yuengling, the Vice President of Operations, and her three sisters who are poised to take over the brand and continue the family tradition.

To stay competitive in a crowded beer marketplace she says innovation is key. The brewery has continued to release new brands and find new partnerships to stay top of mind with its customers across 22 states. Yuengling is also the country’s largest craft brewery, as designated by the Brewers Association, but Jennifer is more interested in using the word independent, something the whole company is proud of being, she says.

Jennifer spoke to the show from the brewery in Pennsylvania.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jennifer Yuengling
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Lager, Hershey, Yuengling, Florida, Pennsylvania

Ep. 46 - Christopher Meyers of Crane Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

From host John Holl: "Every once in a while a beer comes your way from an unfamiliar brewery and just blows you away. It’s one of the great things about having so many breweries in the country these days – there is a lot to discover.

A few months back I had a slew of beers from Crane Brewing Co. in Raytown, Missouri. The gose and Berliner Weiss were subtle, flavorful, mixed with all kinds of ingredients and layered with nuance that made me want to know more about where they came from.

So I called up Christopher Meyers, a co-founder of the brewery to talk about process, working with local farms, and their concept of 'tradition, evolving.'

He spoke to me from the brewery in Missouri."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Christopher Meyers
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Missouri, Lager, Fruit, Berliner Weisse, Gose, COVID-19

Ep. 45 - Ethan Cox of Community Beer Works

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

It really is a small world. Before Covid-19 sent us all into lockdown John Holl received an email from a listener who encouraged him to book Ethan Cox of Community Beer Works in Buffalo on the show.

Alex wrote in saying that “Ethan is a big part of the craft beer culture here in Buffalo and helped take a plucky little nanobrewery and turn it into a place that represents the neighborhood and the city that is very much on a hidden gem.”

So John did some digging and found out that Ethan is also a tireless advocate for New York Beer and the efforts that its guild is pushing to make it easier for breweries to do business, and the co-author of Buffalo Beer: The History of Brewing in the Nickel City published by History Press.

And it turns out, Ethan's sister lives in the same small town as John. So Ethan made the trip down to New Jersey ostensibly to see his sister, but managed to sneak away, douse himself in hand sanitizer, and share some beers in the back yard.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Ethan Cox
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, New York, Pilsner, Fruit, Community, Buffalo, IPA, Pale Ale, Football, Travel, Barleywine

Ep. 44 - Garrett Oliver of the Brooklyn Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Most people know Garrett Oliver as the globe trotting brewmaster of the Brooklyn brewery, but he is also an accomplished author, educator, and thought leader in the brewing space. His latest project is one that we can all get behind and support, it’s a foundation named after the late Michael Jackson, the writer.

Its mission is funding technical education and career advancement for black, indigenous, and people of color in the brewing and distilling industries.

This interview was originally recorded for an article that host John Holl was writing for Wine Enthusiast Magazine, but there was so much more in the talk that could ever make it onto the page that we’re sharing a slightly edited version of the conversation with you today.

Garrett spoke to the show from Brooklyn.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Garrett Oliver
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Michael Jackson, Diversity, Fundraising, Quality Control

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 43 - Lisa Allen of Heater Allen Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

This week's guest is Lisa Allen. She’s the head brewer of Heater Allen, the brewery her father started in 2007.

He lived the classic story of a homebrewer that went pro and decided to make the beers he wanted to drink. In a hoppy landscape his beers stood out in Oregon, even if you couldn’t get them too far from the brewery itself.

Lisa says she was fascinated by fermentation and brewing science from a young age but didn’t plan on joining her father’s business. Instead she went into wine making. But, as fate would have it, she would enter the brew house to help out when her father needed to recuperate from surgery a few years back and and she hasn’t left.

It has been to the great benefit of us all.

She spoke to me from the brewery in McMinnville, Oregon.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Lisa Allen
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Oregon, COVID-19, Pilsner, Hops

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 42 - Kim Sturdavant of Pacifica Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Remember the Brut IPA? It was, for a shining moment, seemingly the hottest beer style in the country and then it went away.

The brewer credited with the style is Kim Sturdavant and he is our guest on the show today. From its origins, to its evolution ,and eventual death we cover the life cycle of a style.

What does the future hold for the style? Well, Sturdavant who is working at Pacifica Brewing does not currently have one on his board. So, that has to mean something.

Sturdavant spoke to the show from California.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Kim Sturdavant
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, California, COVID-19, Helles, Brut IPA, Styles, San Francisco

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Bonus: Drinks Adventures with DJ McCready

All About Beer — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 06:41:24 -0400

This is a special bonus episode on the channel featuring the Drinks Adventures podcast.
A note from host James Atkinson:

"I drove west of Sydney to the Blue Mountains where I visited Mountain Culture Brewing Company, a new brewpub founded by husband and wife team DJ and Harriet McCready. American-born DJ McCready exploded onto the Australian brewing scene at the inaugural Craft Beer Awards, now known as The Indies, in 2014.

At the time DJ was brewing with a little known start-up from Sydney's northern beaches, Modus Operandi Brewing Company, where he created beers such as Former Tenant Red IPA, which won Champion Australian Beer at the awards that year and is still picking up gongs today. In fact, it was named Champion IPA at The Indies earlier in 2019.

Now with their new brewing company Mountain Culture in a heritage building in the centre of Katoomba, DJ and Harriet have built a fantastic brewpub that is already being embraced by the locals.

And as you would expect from a brewer of his calibre, the beers DJ is making up there are outstanding.

We began our chat by returning to that night in 2014 when the Australian brewing industry fast became very familiar with the name DJ McCready."

Learn more about DJ and read a transcript of the interview here.

Ep. 41 - Author and Pub Enthusiast Pete Brown

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

If you are interested in the subject of beer, it’s likely that you’ve already heard of Pete Brown and have read his words. He is the author of nine books on not only beer but cider and food as well.

His prose effortlessly brings readers along on journeys whether is walking through orchards, sitting at the PUB, or traversing oceans with IPA.

His latest book, Craft: An Argument was written and published during the COVID-19 lockdown and has just been released.

Brown joined the show via Zoom from London.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Pete Brown
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, London, COVID-19, Diversity, Writing, Pubs, ESB, Fullers, Lager, Ale

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 40 - Averie Swanson of Keeping Together

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

If you are a fan of this show, you are likely a fan of beer in general, and you have likely already heard of Averie Swanson.

She's had one of the more storied careers in beer thus far. Going from a volunteer at Jester King in Austin to its head brewer in just four years but new challenges awaited her, and so she moved north to Chicago last year where she started Keeping Together, a brewery that is focusing on mixed culture, rustic, Belgian-inspired beers.

We cover a lot of ground in this interview, recorded just before the 4th of July holiday weekend. She spoke to me from Chicago about brewing philosophy, ingredients, and the changing nature of beer.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Averie Swanson of Keeping Together (Photo provided by the brewery)
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Chicago, COVID-19, Diversity, Taprooms, Wood, Table Beer, Half Acre, Jester King, Texas

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 39 - Chase Healey of American Solera

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

You might be surprised to hear what Chase Healey and his team were brewing up on a recent Wednesday morning when John Holl called down to the brewery. Healey founded American Solera as a wood project that would let time and microbes do their thing followed by some expert blending.

But the beer industry has changed in the years since Healy opened up his location in Tulsa, Oklahoma and so the brewery has changed and adapted. This means a lot of pilsners, IPAs, and even some of the stouts that he was previously known for.

His city has changed as well. Alcohol laws were loosened a few years ago and now the state is trying to catch up - beer wise - with the rest of the country and managing quite well. Healey talks about moving to a new location with brewers as neighbors and customers eager to find out what's next.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Chase Healey of American Solera
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Oklahoma, COVID-19, Hard Seltzer, Taprooms, Wood, Stouts

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 38 - Libby Crider of 2nd Shift Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Since founding 2nd Shift Brewing in Missouri a decade ago, Libby and Steve Crider have been through a lot of growth, a full brewery move, and the start of their family. Throughout it all, Libby Crider has worked to become an engaged business owner without compromising personal beliefs.

Like so many breweries in the country COVID-19 plunged the brewery into “chaos” but as summer begins, the brewery in St. Louis is looking to welcome back patrons and to keep fighting on.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Libby Crider of 2nd Shift Brewing
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Missouri, COVID-19, Twitter, Taprooms

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 37 - Geoff and Marcy Larson of Alaskan Brewing Company

All About Beer — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

With over 8,000 breweries in the country it can be easy to overlook the early pioneers, regardless of how big they are and how ubiquitous their beers are. So, when a bottle of Alaskan Amber showed up unexpectedly at host John Holl's house recently he wanted to catch up with the brewery's founders.

From talking about the early days of sourcing ingredients for historical recipes to beers that they hoped would take off but did not, Geoff and Marcy Larson talk about their brewery, what brought them to Alaska, and how it has grown over the years.

There has obviously been changes to the way the brewery operates in light of COVID-19 and in the wake of recent social justice movements. Geoff Larson talks about his upbringing, before beer, and how it shaped his company's response.

And finally we get into smoked beers and how they are under appreciated and how difficult it can be to do historical research into the style.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Geoff and Marcy Larson of Alaskan Brewing
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Alaska, Amber Ale, IPA, Smoked Beer, History

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 36- Marcus Baskerville of Weathered Souls

All About Beer — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

An introduction to craft beer by his brother and cousin led Marcus Baskerville to begin homebrewing and eventually start his own brewery. At Weathered Souls Brewing in San Antonio, he is making beers that inspire him and since opening has worked to change the city's beer culture.

Over the last two weeks, as the country has reacted to the murder of George Floyd and the rekindling of the Black Lives Matter movement, Baskerville launched the Black is Beautiful Beer initiative. He released an imperial stout recipe and is asking that breweries that choose to brew and release their own version donate the proceeds to "local foundations that support police brutality reform and legal defenses for those who have been wronged."

The response has been overwhelming with several hundred brewers already signed up.

In this episode we talk about his beginnings in beer, the initiative, and the first steps breweries and drinkers can take towards a more inclusive industry and drinking community.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Marcus Baskerville of Weathered Souls Brewing
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, California, Texas, West Coast IPA, Stout, Black Lives Matter

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 35 - Chris Enegren of Enegren Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400

We're a few days late for Lager Appreciation Month, but are firm believers that well-crafted pilsners and lagers are deserving of attention no matter what the calendar says. For nearly a decade now Chris Enegren has been making lagers in the German tradition at a brewery that bares his family name.

When Enegren Brewing launched in Southern California that area was, and still is, populated with hoppy IPA fans. Making a go of being a lager brewery was not easy, but a "laser-like focus" and a strong desire to follow passion over profits helped establish the brewery as a respected and sought after beer maker.

From collaborations under the American Reinheitsgebot program, to a passion for smoked beers, and never giving up on an alt bier, Enegren talks about his journey from homebrewing to the pros, and while the hard path to success has been worth every step.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Chris Enegren of Enegren Brewing
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, California, lager, pilsner, alt, hops, Los Angeles, Reinheitsgebot, rauchbier

This episode is sponsored by:

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

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Ep. 34 - Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King

All About Beer — Wed, 27 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

A note from host John Holl:

The last time I was in Austin was 2015 and after a long few days of drinking beer, doing interviews, and generally getting my fill of the city, I intentionally carved out some hours on my last day there, before my flight home to visit with Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King. I wanted to leave on a high note, and that visit did not disappoint.

The brewery is the stuff of legend by many drinkers and was driven to heights of popularity thanks to the wild and spontaneous beer that Stuffings and his brewers have produced through the years.

And as good as the beers are, it is also an idyllic place to visit, like I experienced five years ago when I arrived mid-morning and spent a few hours talking with Stuffings, pulling nails, and tasting through whatever he deemed ready to drink. It was quiet and peaceful and the space lent itself to conversation. We got so carried away that I almost missed my fight home. Would have been worth it.

The brewery is quiet these days. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the brewery has largely been closed, but, as you will hear it is getting ready to re open. When it does things will look and feel different. And maybe that’s in line with all that is going on with the brewery as it heads into a new phase.

Stuffings has released a pilsner: yes, a clean ferment beer. He is candid about why and it signals a mature attitude of a brewery that has always valued maturation. There’s a wine program in the works, and a renewed sense of experimentation, thanks to a little down time, but also because of the kitchen operating at the brewery.

Stuffings explains it all while talking to me from the brewery in Texas. But, I started off by asking him what we can all expect when we visit the brewery once he reopens.

I hope you enjoy the conversation."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Texas, Experimental Brewing, Austin, wild ale, spontaneous fermentation, Special Ingredients, and pilsner.

This episode is sponsored by:

CODO Design, a craft beer branding firm and authors of the new book, Craft Beer, Rebranded.

Craft Beer, Rebranded (and its companion workbook) are a step-by-step guide to mapping out a successful strategy for rebranding your brewery. Based on CODO’s decade of brewery branding experience, this two-book bundle will help you weigh your brand equity, develop your brand strategy and breathe new life into your brand. Whether your brewery is 3 years old or 30, Craft Beer, Rebranded is your guide to attracting new audiences, selling more beer and positioning your brand for the long haul. Learn more and buy your copy today at CraftBeerRebranded.com

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Ep. 33 - John Harris of Ecliptic Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

A note from host John Holl
"Because of my job I occasionally get some beer sent to the house for review. It’s a charmed life, really. More so when a beer stands out among the crowd and I can be transported by a sip to a place just beyond my current field of view.

This happened over the weekend as I had a socially distanced driveway beer with some friends. After an afternoon of yard work I opened a can of Vega IPA from Ecliptic Brewing. John Harris founded the brewery six years ago after a career spent at iconic Oregon breweries.

He was at McMenamins, he was the founding brewmaster at Deschutes, and did a regatta-length shift at Full Sail.

But Ecliptic is the fusing of a hobby he has held since childhood – astronomy – and a passion career he’s had since… well. For a long time.

The VEGA IPA is the sixth in a series but the first Harris has put into 16-ounce cans. He calls it an "experimental hop playground for our curious and creative brewers to continuously source new and unique hops. Exploring the boundaries of the IPA style, the result is a fresh and distinctly different IPA with each new release. Vega IPA #6 features Vic Secret, Strata, Galaxy, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops.”

And it just blew me away with subtle soft fruit notes, like strawberry and pineapple, even some kiwi. It was juicy but had a touch of bitterness on the finish that just snapped the palate into attention.

After drinking the beer, I resolved to call Harris and asked him to be on the show. He gracefully agreed and joined me on the phone from Portland, Oregon.

We talk about recipe development, collaborations, how COVID-19 is impacting his life and business but I wanted to start out by asking him about fusing two passions into a single business and what that means for authentic when it comes to a brewery.

I hope you enjoy the conversation."

Host: John Holl
Guest: John Harris of Ecliptic Brewing
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Oregon, Experimental Brewing, Full Sail, IPA, Pale Ale, Special Ingredients, and Deschutes.

This episode is sponsored by:

New Holland Brewing

Dragon's Milk began as a single barrel experiment almost 20 years ago at New Holland Brewing Company, and has since grown to become the best-selling American made stout. Aged for at least 90 days in bourbon barrels, rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and vanilla make for a deliciously smooth and drinkable brew. Whether it's sitting by a bonfire, or virtually toasting over Zoom, share a legend with Dragon's Milk today. Learn More at DragonsMilk.com

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Ep. 32 - Sean Lawson of Lawson's Finest Liquids

All About Beer — Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

A few words from host John Holl:

"Our guest this week is Sean Lawson of Lawson's Finest Liquids.

There are some beers that just stand out among the others. It’s not all marketing, because those beers that are all flash and no substance don’t seem to last too long in the craft beer space.

So the beers that can capture the imagination and get us standing in lines, or having friends mule some back home, are ones that usually have some oomph behind them. It’s not easy and there aren’t many of these beers, but one brewery that has seemed to capture all the attributes well is Lawson’s Finest Liquids.

Sean Lawson, now the CEO and founding brewer of the brewery that bears his name, is known for making hoppy beers and he does them well. But he also experiments with native ingredients, and has the mentality of a scientist and architect when it comes to creating a new beer.

He’s a fellow Jersey guy who found his way up north and started the brewery at his house years ago, getting drinkers excited for drops in his adopted home state of Vermont. From there he expanded and started contract brewing at Two Roads Brewing Company in Connecticut before launching his very own commercially accessible brewery and taproom about a year ago. And because it helps track the evolution of the brewery, that’s where I started with him."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Sean Lawson of Lawson's Finest Liquids
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Vermont, Homebrewing, New Jersey, IPA, Pale Ale, Special Ingredients, and taprooms.

This episode is sponsored by:

New Holland Brewing

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

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Ep. 31 - Marika Josephson of Scratch Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Spring is a time of growth, change, and an opportunity to get back into nature. Because of COVID-19 related restrictions, it might be tough to get fully out to nature, but for those with yards and local parks or forests, there's a chance to plant gardens of our own or get out and see the budding plants and trees.

From host John Holl:

"We moved into a new house last year and I have a proper yard for the first time in a long time, so I’ve been thinking a lot about planting. I’m going to start out easy with some of the more common vegetables and herbs, like tomato, basil and hot peppers. And if we get a decent harvest I will jar up some pasta sauce, make some hot sauce, and dry out the rest of the herbs.

I’ve also been baking a bunch over the last few weeks of COVID-19. I haven’t gone down the sourdough starter hole... yet. But, I’m working towards that.

In thinking about food that comes from the ground and real bread that takes time, plus, drinking a lot of beer, I thought of Scratch Brewing in Ava, Illinois. So, I called up Marika Josephson one of the founders to talk about foraging, brewing with local ingredients, and reviving some long-forgotten processes to make some of the more interesting beers in America today.

Scratch Brewing Company is a farmhouse brewery located five miles from the Shawnee National Forest in Ava, Illinois. It is owned by Josephson and Aaron Kleidon and focuses on styles brewed with home grown and locally farmed and foraged ingredients. The brewery has an ever rotating selection of styles enhanced by the innovative addition of local ingredients, such as nettle, elderberry, ginger, dandelion, maple sap, hickory, lavender, juniper, and chanterelle mushrooms, according to its website.

Scratch Brewing is big on showcasing the 'terroir' of southern Illinois. And that is highlighted in their restaurant on site as well.

As drinkers, we often get caught up in styles and the samey flavors that come with IPA or certain hop combinations, that beers like the ones Scratch produces are refreshing and can really open up the mind to what is possible in brewing, even if It comes from our own back yard."

May is here. What better time to think about growth than right now.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Marika Josephson of Scratch Brewing Co.
Tags: Beer, Scratch Brewing, Craft Beer, nature, foraged beer, dandelion, mushrooms, herbs, wood, small batch beer, Illinois beer

This episode is sponsored by:

New Holland Brewing

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

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Ep. 30 - Mitch Ermatinger of Speciation Artisan Ales

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

A note from John Holl about this week's episode:

"The weather is starting to change for the better here in the northeast and as I look out of the window of the home office I can see the leaves on the trees grow faster by the day, spilling out vibrant green. The neighbors have a bright pink flowering bush across the street, and the birds have returned to the feeder.

While it’s been raining a lot, my thoughts have drifted to the first good day when I can sit outside and open a bottle of beer and just relax, and in that scenario I’ve been thinking about mixed fermentation.

Beers from nature are great when they can be enjoyed in nature, even if it’s just a back yard.

When it comes to finding out what is happening in the world of spontaneous or natural beer, Mitch Ermatinger is who I like to call.

He got started in beer working at a homebrewing supply store in his home town of Grand Rapids Michigan before heading west to Denver where he worked for Black Project, way back when it was known as Former Future.

Inspired by the process, he moved back home and in 2017 opened Speciation Artisan Ales, where he first started on mixed fermentation beers, and then moved into natural wines, and his own twist on hard seltzers.

I’ve known Mitch for a few years now, often seeing him at festivals around the country. Knowing that it might be a while before we’re both in the same place again, I settled for calling him up.

Turns out we’re in a similar situation. We both have young kids, so the best time to talk was during their nap time, which conveniently synced up.

We cover a lot in a short period of time, but I started by asking him on his take of where mixed fermentation brewing in America stands right now.

I hope you enjoy the conversation."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Mitch Ermatinger of Speciation Artisan Ales
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Natural Wine, Michigan, Grand Rapids, Hard Seltzer, Mixed Fermentation, Spontaneous

This episode is sponsored by:

New Holland Brewing

Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals

Help support journalism covering the beer industry by subscribing to the twice weekly newsletter. Learn more at our revamped website.

Ep. 29 - Ethan Tripp of Fermentery Form

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Ethan Tripp was a homebrewer before he went pro, but from an early point in his career he decided that he was going to take his time both with opening his own place (with friends, of course) and the beers he wanted to make.

He wants to make deliberate beers that are rooted in tradition but also isn’t afraid of trying new things or using different ingredients to see how they develop. Time seems to move slowly here at Fermentery Form and that’s by design. Tripp has had to learn patience, and that’s something regular fans of his beer have had to practice as well, since not everything is always available when they might want it.

Host John Holl visited the Philadelphia barrel room in late February 2020 and recorded in the blendery’s tiny tasting room well before the world went into isolation. Tripp opened some beers that are dear to his heart and also showcase the real talent he has for creating something special inside a green bottle.

It’s not a brewery. That’s important to note.

So what is it, you might ask? Holl wondered the same thing and that’s where the conversation started.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Ethan Tripp, Fermentery Form
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Belgium, Philadelphia, Bottle Openers, Green Glass, Tradition.

This episode is sponsored by:

New Holland Brewing

SweetWater Brewing

SweetWater has been independently brewing tasty brews in the heart of Atlanta since 1997. Next time you’re stocking up on essentials, grab a six or 12 pack of the always fresh, always heady OG SweetWater IPA – “the one in the yellow pack” lays down hints of grapefruit and pine on the palate, with a clean and bright finish….it’s the go-to brew you order without having to look at the menu.

Need something easy drinking? Reach for the classic 420 Extra Pale Ale, tried, tested and true – a tasty west coast style extra pale ale with a stimulating hop character and finishes with nice, clean crisp taste. The world might be on fire but you can’t go wrong with a couple craft OG’s from SweetWater.
Hit up their beer finder at sweetwaterbrew.com/find

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Ep. 28 - Pete Slosberg of Pete's Wicked

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

A note from host John Holl:

I’ve been sitting on this interview for a few months now. It features Pete Slosberg, the co-founder of Pete’s Wicked, a brewery and brand that helped shape the course of craft beer as we know it today.

In an industry that would become known for a lot of big personalities and members of the first name club, Pete was a trailblazer. His Pete’s Wicked Brand was on the radio, in advertisements and thanks to beer recipes that delivered on flavor as well as lifestyle, he led legions of fans into craft.

Then it was gone.

This conversation was recorded towards the end of 2019 in Belgium while we both were judging the Brussels Beer Challenge and Pete leads me through the founding of the brewery, the early days, the big plans that never happened, and the eventual sale of the company.

Towards the end he offers up his insight on what to do when something ends.

It seems apt for a lot of breweries these days that are facing hardships like never before. Sometimes things end. Sometimes it’s out of your control, sometimes it’s a hard decision that has to come personally.

No matter the case, Pete, who now works with small companies, has some advice for anyone who runs a brewery. And for us fans, I think his words help us understand how the beer industry works and lets us walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.

Everything starts at the beginning, so that’s where I started with him, early on a Sunday morning in a tiny hotel room at an even smaller table."

Host: John Holl
Guest: Pete Slosberg
Tags: Beer, Craft Beer, Business, Chocolate, Belgium, Travel, South America,

Ep. 27 - Karen Hertz & Brian Kulbacki on the State of Gluten Free Beer

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

The interview for this week's episode was recorded only about a month ago, but it was a simpler time.
At the regular table at the (now temporarily closed) Blind Tiger Ale House in New York City host John Holl sat down with two brewers and owners of breweries specializing in gluten free beer.

Karen Hertz, the owner of Holidaily Brewing Company in Colorado was in the city for a women in beer event hosted by the Brewers Association. Holidaily is a dedicated gluten free brewery that has been working to change the perception of what gluten free means in beer.

Now most long time beer drinkers can tell you all about the good, bad, and strange of gluten free beers. A decade ago, it was the sorghum ales made by the big breweries, and then we started to see others, like Omission, part of the Craft Brew Alliance, make inroads. Other breweries, like Dogfish Head, tried making them with honey and there were other attempts along the way.

Some drink gluten free beer because of dietary sensitivities or lifestyle choices. Others just because they enjoy it. Overall the nature of gluten free beer has changed in the last several years and there are a handful of breweries that are working hard to change past perceptions and to bring these beers into the mainstream consciousness of all drinkers.

We decided to get check on the current state of gluten free beers, so with Hertz in town, Drink Beer, Think Beer asked Brian Kulbacki of Departed Soles in Jersey City to cross the Hudson River and join us at that corner table at the Tiger so they could both share perspective, give insight to how their breweries operate, and how they approach recipe development.

The conversation starts in broad terms and narrows in from there. We hope you leave the end of this show a better informed drinker, we sure did.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Karen Hertz and Brian Kulbacki
Tags: beer, craft beer, New Jersey, gluten free beers, Holidaily Brewing Company, Departed Soles

Ep. 26 - This Week in Rauchbier

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

If this episode of This Week in Rauchbier sounds a little different this week it is because we’re not at our normal smokey studio inside of Dovetail Brewing in Chicago. The Coronavirus has us all spread out and bunkered down. Hagan and Bill are off this week, rooting through their beer cellars no doubt looking for some ruby hued ashy delights.

But that’s not going to stop us from having a bang up of a show.

Bart Watson of the Brewers Association will be joining us to talk about the smoked beer stats we all look forward to each week.

A new writer by the name of Lew Bryson will tell us all about his books regarding whisky and how there are even some kinds that incorporate smoke flavor into their recipes.

And long time favorite guest and co-author of the world-wide best selling book Smoked Beers – Ray Daniels - will get on the phone with us for a reminder on the history and importance of rauchbiers.

But first, because so many people have been asking us to have him on as a guest to give his take on smoked beers, we decided a pandemic was the right time to do it. For this week’s “Why I love Rauchbier” Segment we invited noted beer villain and Twitter enthusiast Andrew Crouch, Esq. to record a radio essay.

Our thanks to Hagen and Bill for the inspiration to do this show. Hear the genesis on episode 5 of Drink Beer, Think Beer.

Music for this episode:
NewsSting by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4124-newssting

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Host: John Holl
Guests: Andy Crouch, Bart Watson, Ray Daniels, Lew Bryson
Tags: beer, craft beer, rauchbier, smoke, April Fool's Day

Ep. 25 - Preston Theony and Luke Wortendyke of Wren House Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

In an effort to bring some normalcy to this crazy world and to give you a respite from all of the COVID-19 news, we're bringing back the regular format of the show. This week is a conversation with Preston Theony and Luke Wortendyke of Wren House Brewing recorded in early February in Phoenix.

Theony is a co-founder and head brewer and Wortendyke is the lead brewer and, as you'll hear, making beers with a local focus is a big thing at the brewery. They care about finding the terroir of Arizona and translating that into a glass. This means brewing with everything from local produce to working with a nearby maltster. For a state with a still growing beer culture this brings a real sense of place to the beers.

The conversation ping pongs around to talk about IPAs and their fondness for big beers, including a ridiculous beer that they made for the Arizona Strong Beer Festival. But gimmicks aside, the brewery also wants their taproom to be a welcoming space. It's not your typical warehouse location and they have worked to create an environment that fosters a sense of peace and encourages conversation.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Preston Theony and Luke Wortendyke
Tags: beer, craft beer, Arizona, Craft Malts, IPA, hops, customers, taprooms

Ep. 24 - Patrick Rue of the Bruery

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Unless you live under a rock and this podcast is the only way you get your news, you know that we’re in the middle of a global pandemic for the COVID-19 virus.

Seems like not too long ago there were memes about Corona bottles wearing surgical masks and now we’re being asked to isolate at home. It’s a real threat that has come to our states and towns and it’s having a huge impact on the brewing industry.

Breweries are being shut down and prohibited from operating their taprooms. Some are offering to go options to help bring some money in from the lost business. Others have already laid off or furloughed employees.

Conferences like the annual Craft Brewers Conference and bi-annual World Beer Cup have been called off for this year. Festivals like Hunahpu's were canceled.

It’s going to get worse.

As the economy suffers and more virus cases come to light, breweries could stay closed for weeks, months, or forever.

The news is moving fast so it seemed odd to do just a regular show this week, so we are switching it up.

Host John Holl has been talking with brewers from around the country as part of the Beer Edge coverage and has recorded a few of the interviews.

This episode starts with Patrick Rue from The Bruery.

Then Andy Crouch chimes in with an interview he did with attorney Michael Boyer.

After that the show heads down south to talk with Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam Brewery and then wraps up welcoming back Andy so he and John can talk about what we have planned going forward – not only for this show but for Beer Edge coverage in general.

Host: John Holl
Guests: Patrick Rue, Andy Crouch, Sean Lilly Wilson, and Michael Boyer
Tags: beer, craft beer, legal, COVID-19, California, North Carolina, News

Ep. 23 - Ting Su of Eagle Rock Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

What was the beer scene like in Los Angeles when Ting Su opened up Eagle Rock Brewery with her husband and father-in-law a decade ago?

She describes it as non-existent and an uphill climb to get customers to try small batch beer made-in house. Like so many others, they found that the success came through education and that has been a key hallmark to the brewery’s growth and expansion.

By breaking down beer flavors, explaining ingredients, and giving patrons – especially women – a place to come and learn without pretense.

This is done through a monthly women’s forum where no matter the level of beer comfort all are welcome to come on the third Wednesday of the month to learn more about the combination of water, grain, hops, and yeast.

In this conversation, recorded at New York’s Blind Tiger Ale House, Su talks about the role and importance of education and inclusivity, how the brewery approaches growth, and lessons learned over the last decade.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Ting Su of Eagle Rock Brewery
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, education, Los Angeles, Restaurants, IPA, bombers, cans, women,
Advertising: Ryan Newhouse, Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 22 - Jason Perkins of Allagash Brewing Company

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0500

What is a brewery made of? What's in its soul?

For many breweries in the United States, the answer seems to be hops. That's an understandable response given the rise of the craft beer movement on the backs of lupulin.

At Allagash Brewing in Portland, Maine, the brewmaster, Jason Perkins, believes in yeast. That makes sense given the brewery's growth and popularity on the back of its White Ale. That beer has become an American classic, serving as a gateway for many into craft beer.

In this conversation, recorded at Allagash, Perkins talks about how the brewery looks at innovation, considers ingredients, and runs trials to find out which beers will join White representing the company to the public.

Perkins' role with the brewery has grown over the years and he talks about that evolution and just what it means to be the brewmaster of one of the country's larger and certainly more beloved breweries.

For those looking for insights into the soul of Allagash, you've come to the right place.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Jason Perkins of Allagash Brewing
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, Maine, White Ale, spontaneous, coolship, yeast, brewmaster, sustainability, Portland, tradition, spices, hops,
Advertising: Ryan Newhouse, Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 21 - Rudi Ghequire of Rodenbach and Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head

All About Beer — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Collaboration beers are a fun exercise. They usually allow two breweries to get out of their comfort zones and try to create something that will create a buzz among drinkers.

Two of the world’s better known breweries got together more than two years ago to start talking about a collaboration and the result has just been released.

It’s called Vibrant P’Ocean, a 4.7% ABV blended sour ale created by Rodenbach, the famed Belgian brewer and blender, and Dogfish Head, a brewery that has long been at the forefront of brewing creativity.

Host John Holl sat down recently with Ghequire and Calagione to talk about their collaboration, how they approached the beer, the result, and what beers like this mean for the industry overall. What it revealed was an approach beyond just using the strengths of the breweries but also creating something that will appeal to today's drinkers while not doing harm to beers that each already have on the shelves.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guests: Rudi Ghequire and Sam Calagione
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, collaboration, Dogfish Head, Rodenbach, sour ale, Belgian style, history, salt, elderberry

Ep. 20 - Jeremy Danner of 4 Hands Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

If you've spent even just a casual amount of time on Beer Twitter, you’ve come across Jeremy Danner. He's the passionate, outspoken, and thoughtful guy with an unending amount of Kansas City pride, a great love of family, and a near-constant live stream of beer.

He was the public face of Boulevard Brewing up until a few months ago when he was suddenly let go from the company. Now, people come and go from places all the time, but because he was such a visible part of that brewery in his role as ambassador brewer, the news sent waves through the industry.

He quickly bounced back and is now an on-premise account manager for 4 Hands Brewing Company as well as a brand ambassador.

In this conversation, recorded at the Big Beers, Belgians, and Barleywine Festival, host John Holl gets into what it means to have your personal identity wrapped up in a brewery you don’t have ownership in, and what happens when it's suddenly taken away. We get into what works and what doesn’t on social media – something we could all use a refresher on.

Then it's a transition into how Danner's new role in sales has helped round out his beer education and what we all can learn from that.

But first, Holl wanted to know how Danner first came to beer. Turns out, just like so many of us, it came through a friend.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Jeremy Danner of 4 Hands Brewing Company
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, Kansas City, Missouri, Colorado, corks, IPA, Boulevard, Big Beers, Sales, Marketing, hoodies
Advertising: Ryan Newhouse, Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 19 - Chase Saraiva of Arizona Wilderness

All About Beer — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

John Holl recently headed to Phoenix to check in on the beer scene. It was the 20th anniversary of the Arizona Strong Beer Festival and the 10th anniversary of Arizona Beer Week. The beer scene has really grown in the last several years but seems to be largely self contained with most brewers staying within the borders. Of course there are a few exceptions to that, including the now Anheuser-Busch InBev owned Four Peaks Brewing Co.

For the beer lovers, the beer traders, and those who like to stay on top of the buzz, perhaps there is no better known brewery in the state than Arizona Wilderness.

It started off small when it was founded in 2013 but soon found its business plan and popularity supercharged when it won big in the annual Rate Beer awards. From there, its popularity and foot print grew.

Holl sat down with Chase Saraiva, the head brewer, who joined the brewery a few years ago after deciding against a career in dentistry. He started off in Pittsburgh, came to the southwest and landed a job with San Tan, another local brewery, and then joined up with Arizona Wilderness.

Right now the brewery has its original brewpub, an offsite barrel and foudre facility called the woodnote cellar, and a downtown Phoenix taproom. The brewery celebrates all things wild and nature focused and many of the beers reflect that but there’s also a great deal of clean beer in house. That’s something Saraiva is passionate about.

But Holl started out by talking about those early days, the increased notoriety and the pressure that comes with customer expectations, and the way that he and the team manage it all.

Enjoy the conversation.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Chase Saraiva of Arizona Wilderness
Tags: beer, craft beer, Arizona, Phoenix, lager, wild, fruit, coolship, citrus, brewpub
Advertising: Ryan Newhouse, Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 18 - Megan Parisi of Samuel Adams

All About Beer — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

There's an awful lot of fun that can happen with brewing on a small batch system. And when you have the resources of one of the country’s biggest brewing companies behind you, the possibilities are limitless.

That’s the situation this week’s guest enjoys. Megan Parisi has been with the Boston Beer Company for several years now, specifically working at the company’s Samuel Adams Boston brewery in Jamaica Plain. While heading up the small brewery there, she was able to experiment and do research and development on all manners of styles including some that wound up getting a full commercial release, including the brewery’s New England IPA.

When it came time for Boston Beer to open its new brewery and taproom in Faneuil Hall, Parisi was the obvious brewer for the job. She has had experiencing opening up breweries from the ground up, including Bluejacket in Washington, D.C., Wormtown Brewing in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Sam Adams new, smaller, Cincinnati facility.

In this interview, Parisi and host John Holl talk about recipe development, brewing in front of the public, the value of beer education, and the relationship between beer and art.

The interview was recorded at the new brewery and taproom, just hours before it officially opened to the public. And since it’s not only a fully functional brewery but also a really wonderful showpiece, Holl started off by asking Parisi about the specific specs of the brewery.

Enjoy the Conversation.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guests: Megan Parisi of Samuel Adams
Sponsor: Craft Beer Cellar
Tags: beer, craft beer, Boston, Massachusetts, lager, IPA, wit, traditional brewing, art, hops, malt, Sam Adams.
Advertising: Ryan Newhouse, Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 17 - Brandon Jones of Embrace the Funk

All About Beer — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This week the show is back in Nashville with our guest Brandon Jones of Embrace the Funk.

Jones is one of the more thoughtful brewers in the country. Maybe this is because he spent years working in newsrooms as a journalist. He has an ability to look at all angles of something, in this case beer, along with a clear and easy way of sharing information. That's just two of the reasons he is so respected as a wild and sour beer maker in the United States and beyond.

In this interview, recorded at the Yazoo Brewing Company on New Year's Day, he gets into what it means to be a sour beer, the education that goes into helping customers better understand and appreciate the style, and even changing the perception of what it can be.

Jones also talks about the upcoming Funk Fest, a gathering that he created that brings together some of the best brewers in the country for an intimate afternoon to try some of the best spontaneous and, well, funky beers available.

He even invited Beer Edge to work on the educational content that will be presented that day. So mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2nd in Nashville for Funk Fest. Tickets will go fast, so claim yours today.

As the conversation started, host John Holl wanted to try and understand the world of sour beers a little more, so he posed the question to Jones, a proper newsman, on how words and descriptions can steer us towards a deeper appreciation.

Here’s the conversation.

Ep. 16 - Ashleigh Carter and Bill Eye of Bierstadt Lagerhaus

All About Beer — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Here's a note on this episode from host John Holl:

"I love lagers, especially well made ones. I haven’t been shy about my bias for crisp, malt forward, slightly spicy hopped lagers and pilsners in the past and one of my favorite places to imbibe them is at the Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver.

Tradition is the rule of the house at the brewery, just down the road from Coors Field. Ashleigh Carter and Bill Eye, the owners and brewers spent a career brewing the beers that other people wanted, so when they opened their doors a few years ago they decided to focus on what they wanted to drink: traditional lagers.

That can be a tough sell for some beer consumers who walk into a brewery and expect to get an IPA or a stout or something from a barrel. For others it is nice to walk in and know you can get a mug of Helles or a Slow Pour Pilsner. There are seasonal lagers that show up a few times a year and some collaborations as well, and those can verge into the hoppier territory, but still never really break the IBU scale.

I visit the brewery whenever I’m in Denver and during big events like the Craft Brewers Conference or Great American Beer Festival it’s not unusual to see brewers from around the country lining up for lagers. Most will, at some point, shake their head in disbelief that a small brewery can survive on just lagers and others will wistfully say they wish they could do something similar.

For Carter and Eye there’s no other way, and in this conversation recorded at their brewery in early January 2020 they are open to saying that it’s this path or nothing. They don’t want to go back to working at a brewery that doesn’t match their passion."

This episode, by the way, is about as long as ten rounds of Slow Pour Pils.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guests: Ashleigh Carter & Bill Eye of Bierstadt Lagerhaus
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, Denver, Colorado, lager, pilsner, slow pour, traditional brewing, Germany, hops, malt, baubles.
Advertising: Ryan Newhouse, Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 15 - Matt Lincecum of Fremont Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:05:00 -0500

When it opened a decade ago, Fremont Brewing was the sixth brewery in Seattle. The scene has changed tremendously since then and the brewery has grown from a small operation to one with over 100 employees producing around 55,000 barrels per year.

What hasn’t changed, says owner Matt Lincecum, is a commitment to sustainability.

Now, sustainability is a word that is used a lot in the brewing industry. People talk about their initiatives and best intentions for a greener planet, but it becomes harder and harder to do and practice as a business grows.

So, for Lincecum, who has worked as an attorney, community activist, and environmentalist, it is important to keep a laser-like focus on the brewery’s goals and objectives.

Host John Holl got together with Lincecum during the recent Big Beers, Belgians, and Barleywines festival to talk about growth, the brewery’s barrel aged program which includes gems like Rusty Nail, and the frustration, promise, and benefits of organic ingredients in beer.

The brewery has a saying, “because beer matters,” and so that’s where Holl wanted to start the conversation. Here it is.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Matt Lincecum, owner of Fremont Brewing
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, Seattle, Washington, earth, pale ale, organic, cans, barrels, environmental impacts, climate change, farming, hops, wet hopped, imperial stout.
Advertising: Ryan Newhouse, Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 14 - Linus Hall of Yazoo Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Nashville is a great city for drinking, from the bars along Broadway to the clubs on Music Row. But the beer has not always been local. That has changed over the last 20 years, and while it was not the first, Yazoo Brewing was one of the city’s early craft breweries and been a force for positive beer change in the music city where long neck bottles of Bud reigned supreme. And of course that beer is still king, but there is choice like never before and Yazoo is a big part of that.

This week's guest is Linus Hall, who founded the brewery in 2003. The brewery has grown as the city has grown and it is now in its third location. It’s on the outskirts of town, a drive away from the raucous parties and vacationers that populate downtown, which allows the taproom to once again serve locals, something Hall cares deeply about.

The brewery has added a canning line, and have additional plans to expand the property to bring the Embrace the Funk program headed by Brandon Jones to the campus. On this episode, recorded at the brewery on New Years Eve, we talk about real estate, brewery growth, consumer expectations, and why you shouldn’t drink on New York City subway platforms.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Linus Hall, owner of Yazoo Brewing.
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, Nashville, Tennessee, pale ale, lager, cans, New York, Brooklyn Brewery, bottles,
Advertising: Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 13 - Bill Shufelt of Athletic Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to a new year and a new episode of Drink Beer, Think Beer. The first month has become known as Dry January by a certain segment of drinkers. The excess of the end-of-year holidays and new year resolutions that have people thinking healthier thoughts has played into this cultural movement where people decide to give up booze – or go dry for the first whole month of the year.

So, I thought it fitting to sit down with Bill Shufelt of Athletic Brewing Co. He founded the company after he gave up beer and drinking but still wanted the experience of knocking back a cold one.

His brewery is based in Stratford, Connecticut just a short distance from Two Roads Brewing. Athletic is part of a new wave of non-alcoholic breweries that have opened across north America in recent years, riding the trend of healthier drinking or drinking less.

This is something that younger drinkers, the Millennials are doing, along with Boomers. The word “occasion” is often used when talking about when people consume non-alcoholic drinks and it can be everything from office happy hours to back yard barbecues.

The non-alcoholic category is still small in the US. Like, almost non-existent small. But consider Europe where the NA category is about 10 percent of beer sales. So, there’s room to grow.

In this interview, recorded in New York City at the Arts and Craft Bar, Shufelt talks with host John Holl about some of the challenges to get his beer to market and into the hands of interested drinkers. He’s reluctant to talk about how the company actually makes the liquid and prefers to stick to marketing pitches.

But he is in a driver's seat on the road to the non-alcoholic beer revolution, and Holl started by asking him to set the scene of where things stand as we all start off a new decade.

Here’s their conversation.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Bill Shufelt of Athletic Brewing Co.
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, non-alcoholic, gose, IPA, pale ale, stout, Connecticut
Advertising: Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 12 - Maureen Ogle, author of Ambitious Brew

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 03:05:00 -0500

A note from Drink Beer, Think Beer host John Holl:

We’re releasing this episode as a special Christmas Day bonus show. A gift to you. My guest today is Maureen Ogle, the author of several books including In Meat We Trust: An Unexpected History of Carnivore America and Ambitious Brew: A History of American Beer. There is a Revised Edition that is now available and you should use those holiday gift cards and return credits to get yourself a copy.

In this conversation, recorded in Denver during the Great American Beer Festival, we cover a lot of ground, including her next project – another beer book – that might interest those of you who got a kick out of my previous show with Jace Marti.

There’s a lot to learn from Maureen’s research and while we all might be focused – especially headed into a new decade – on the future - the lessons of the past are important.

Since we’re both writers, there’s a lot of talk about that particular craft and I try to gain a little more insight on what Maureen learned as a historian diving into beer. That’s where we start.

Here’s our conversation.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Maureen Ogle, author of Ambitious Brew
Tags: beer, craft beer, history, meat, New Albion, Sierra Nevada, All About Beer, books, writing,

Ep. 11 - Jace Marti of Schell's Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

This week our guest on Drink Beer, Think Beer is Jace Marti, the assistant brewmaster at the August Schell Brewing Company in Minnesota.

Beer has always been the family business, but rather than follow the status quo, Jace is working to bring the brewery into new arenas, notably wild and wood aged beers through the Starkeller Brewery Noble Star collection.

Thanks to some long forgotten equipment – namely foudres – in the brewery’s New Ulm facility that were refurbished and moved to a separate location in town, the brewery that has long been known for bocks and adjunct lagers is now gaining acclaim for vibrant ales with fruit additions and great depth.

Bringing change to a brewery that has been around for 160 years isn’t easy – both for the company itself and for customer perception, but adaptation is key to survival and growth these days, something Jace knows well.

As the brewery prepares to transition leadership to a new generation of the family, Jace sat down with host John Holl in Denver just before the Great American Beer Festival to talk about what comes next.

While it may seem like an obvious question, Holl wanted an answer, so he started off asking this 6th generation brewer if his destiny was sealed even before he could walk.

Here’s their conversation.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Jace Marti, August Schell Brewing Company
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, lager, wood aged, Minnesota, tradition, peacocks, fruited beer, generations,
Advertising: Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 10 - Augie Carton of Carton Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

This particular episode has been a long time in the making.

Despite co-hosting a show with Augie Carton for the last four years, John Holl hasn't really had a chance to sit down with him one-on-one for an interview. It's something Holl has wanted to do, and judging by the emails and social media pings from listeners of Steal This Beer, the podcast they co-host, it’s something many others wanted as well.

Holl sat down with Carton, the co-founder of Carton Brewing at his house on a recent Saturday morning. They drank some champagne and some of the beers Carton has been working on. They talked about building out recipes, fine dining influences on his brewing career, and how observing interactions, tastings, and general curiosity from his father, mother, and their friends laid the ground work on what he is trying to accomplish today.

Each week on our show Holl sees Carton tease out flavors from beers that are poured blind, and while the brewer is always confidant and occasionally wrong, he does manage to bring some nuance to the forefront most of the time.

So, that's where the conversation begins: on flavor.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Augie Carton of Carton Brewing Co.
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, quad, DDH, fine dining, Star Wars, Blue Milk, barrel-aged, growth, sales, marketing, New Jersey
Advertising: Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 9 - Lauren Woods Limbach of New Belgium Brewing Co.

All About Beer — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

It has been a busy year for beer. Thanks to increased pressure to perform thanks to nearly 8,000 breweries operating in the country, a consumer base that is constantly looking for the next interesting thing, and an increased focus on local taprooms.

Lauren Woods Limbach, the wood cellar director and blender, at New Belgium Brewing Co. has been with the company for 22 years and has seen the changes to the industry first hand along with changes to New Belgium’s ownership, including the recent, pending, sale to Kirin-owned Lion Little World Beverages.

On this episode of Drink Beer, Think Beer, Limbach talks with host John Holl about the sale but then shifts into wood and sour beer production where she is one of the country’s foremost authorities on the style.

But, how do you classify the style and what separates a truly good representation from a mediocre one? Limbach shares some guidance and tips on how we can all be better educated when it comes to what we’re tasting.

The pair caught up at New York’s Blind Tiger Ale House in early December, just two weeks after Lion announced that it would be adding New Belgium to its portfolio, which includes brands like Four Roses Bourbon.

She was in town to talk about the brewery’s 2020 beer portfolio and even shares some release news on this show for the first time.

Limbach and Holl cover a lot of ground over pints of pilsners and imperial stouts. Here’s their conversation.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Lauren Woods Limbach of New Belgium Brewing Co.
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, Colorado, craft beer, sour ale, homebrewing, wood-aged beer, kriek, independence, growth, ESOP, sales, marketing, Kim Jordan
Advertising: Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 8 - Cesar Marron of Sketchbook Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Evanston Illinois is just north of Chicago and plays a big role in the temperance movement that swept the country a century ago. Frances Willard, the president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union once lived here. After Prohibition the city decided to remain dry and did so until the 1970s and it wasn’t until 1984 that liquor stores were allowed in town.

So, host John Holl was more than a little tickled when he sat down at Sketchbook Brewing in Evanston with founder Cesar Marron to have a pint. The city has come a long way over the last few decades and this brewery is now firmly part of the fabric. So much so that Sketchbook is currently undergoing an expansion.

Holl first got to know Marron a few years ago when they were both judges at the Sam Adams Longshot competition, a contest Marron had won just a few years earlier. In this conversation, recorded at the Sketchbook tap room on an autumn afternoon they talked about juggling two careers and family, the tightrope walk that is distribution, and the thought and timing that goes into releasing specialty batches.

Holl started off by asking Marron about his origin story and how he found his way into homebrewing and eventually going pro. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Please subscribe and leave a review to help other listeners find the show.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Cesar Marron of Sketchbook Brewing
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, Illinois, craft beer, Prohibition, homebrewing, Evanston, IPA, distribution, growth
Advertising: Ryan@beeredge.com

Ep. 7 - Chad Henderson of NoDa Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

This week John Holl is joined by Chad Henderson and Charles Willett of NoDa Brewing. We got together a few weeks back during the Great American Beer Festival in the basement of famed Beer Bar Falling Rock.

Chad goes by head brewer and co-owner and Willet is the brewery’s controller.

In thinking about this episode, Holl says he's "always struck, when talking with brewers, about how the littlest thing can happen and change the trajectory of a life, often to the benefit of us drinkers as well.

On this episode, we talked about how changes in the law in North Carolina a few years back helped pave the way for the brewery, and how a simple conversation at a the Denver Rare Beer Tasting event helped Chad peruse his dream of brewing.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guests: Chad Henderson and Charles Willett of NoDa Brewing
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, craft beer, beer laws, politics, North Carolina, community action

Ep. 6 - Samantha Lee and Stephen Bossu of Hopewell Brewing

All About Beer — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500

Since the 2016 presidential election, politics has dominated the national conversation and it’s not always polite. Businesses of all sizes have struggled to maintain the right tone when talking about their political beliefs, if they do it at all, for fear of alienating customers.

So when John Holl sat down with Samantha Lee and Stephen Bossu of Hopewell Brewing a few weeks ago, he was surprised at how candid they were about politics and their beliefs. But, it became clear pretty quickly that their beliefs, backgrounds, and passions are what make Hopewell the brewery it is.

And don’t worry. They talk about the beer as well.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guests: Samantha Lee and Stephen Bossu of Hopewell Brewing
Sponsor: Cigar City Brewing
Tags: beer, Illinois, craft beer, lager, politics, natural wine, Chicago, community action

Ep. 5 - Bill Wesselink and Hagen Dost of Dovetail Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 09:02:00 -0500

Strap in folks, because this week it’s Hagen Dost and Bill Wesselink of Chicago’s Dovetail Brewery. There are no secrets in the brewhouse and the pair who met in brewing school and opened up a house of lager in Chicago a few years ago are ready to discuss it all. From how they brew a rauchbier to the equipment they have acquired from around the world to how they approach creating a recipe from the water up, the duo go deep on brewing passion.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Hagen Dost and Bill Wesselink, Dovetail Brewery
Sponsor: Deschutes Brewery
Tags: beer, Illinois, craft beer, lager, rauchbier, kriek, Chicago, brewing education

Ep. 4 - Evan Watson of Plan Bee Farm Brewery

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 08:55:00 -0500

Evan Watson is a farmer, brewer, musician, athlete, and all around thoughtful guy. When host John Holl showed up at the Plan Bee Farm Brewery in New York’s Hudson Valley a few weeks back, Watson was holding an axe in one hand and a magnum bottle of barn beer in the other. After sabering open the bottle, and pouring two glasses, Watson showed off the farm, including acres of heirloom corn he is growing and that will go into his beers. Watson talks about inspiration, music, and how he is still trying to figure out his place in the brewing industry all while staying true to his art.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Evan Watson, Plan Bee Farm Brewery
Sponsors: Tavour and Deschutes Brewery
Tags: New York, craft beer, lager, farming, music, hops, bees, honey, coolship

Ep. 3 - Garrett Marrero of Maui Brewing Company

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 07:40:00 -0500

What’s in a title? For Garrett Marrero, the CEO of Maui Brewing Company it’s the latest in an evolution of his company that started off as a small brewpub and now is a major beverage company making not just beer but coffee, spirits, and hard seltzer. Recorded at the Falling Rock Tap House during the Great American Beer Festival, Marrero talks about his early days in brewing, his push towards sustainable technology, and the importance of being local on Hawaii.

Although beer is central to the company’s success, he is also open about embracing other beverages for the sake of diversity and to grow his company. There are hard lessons to be learned as the owner of a company and anyone thinking about jumping into the beer industry should give this a listen.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Garrett Marrero, Maui Brewing Company
Sponsor: Deschutes Brewery
Tags: beer, Hawaii, craft beer, lager, hops, hard seltzer, green technology

Ep. 2 - Carol Stoudt of Stoudts Brewing Company

All About Beer — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 07:30:00 -0500

Carol Stoudt was the first female brewmaster in the United States following Prohibition and for the last thirty years has been at the helm of her Pennsylvania brewery turning out authentic lagers and experimenting with ales. In this episode of the Drink Beer, Think Beer podcast, Stoudt talks about the changing landscape of the craft beer industry and how it has helped the brewery to be more nimble and to experiment in ways that seemed impossible when she first started.

From brewing on a pilot system with new generation hops to worrying about bar accounts and the competition, Stoudt opens up and offers perspective on how one legacy craft brewery continues to push forward.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Carol Stoudt, Stoudts Brewing Company
Sponsor: Deschutes Brewery
Tags: beer, Pennsylvania, craft beer, Lager, hops, Reinheitsgebot

Ep. 1 - Matt Brynildson of Firestone Walker Brewing Company

All About Beer — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 20:42:00 -0500

Matt Brynildson is the Brewmaster of the Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, California and in this premiere episode of Drink Beer, Think Beer all he wants to do is talk about foam. It makes sense, actually. He is currently spending a year in Belgium as part of a “beer sabbatical” where he is learning from fellow brewers in the Duvel Moortgat family. Sitting in a barrel room at De Koninck in Antwerp being lulled by the songs of Barry White, Brynildson talks about his brewing philosophy and how it has evolved over a career that started in a hop lab, took him to Goose Island in Chicago, and eventually out west where his beer regularly racks up awards.

Hosted By: John Holl
Guest: Matt Brynildson, Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Sponsor: Deschutes Brewery
Tags: beer, California, craft beer, Belgium, foam, hops