12-27-2015 End of Year Showcase

 

This week we take a look back at the year that was as we drink some new releases that came out in 2015 and cover our top 10 beers for the year and put forth our favorite breweries for 2015.  Lots of great discussion this week!

This weeks beer lineup-

Ska Brewing- Modus Mandarina
Deschutes- EHOP
Boulevard Brewing- Tell Tale Tart
Avery Brewing- Vanilla Bean Stout
Founders Brewing- Project PAM

12-20-2015 CHristmas Special

 

This week we are in the holiday mood with some great Christmas themed beers with a range of styles.  We also get into a bit more homebrewing with Nick Stephan from our good friends at Northern Brewer.  We had a blast this week and certainly enjoyed some world class beers.  Hope everyone has a great holiday this year!

This weeks beer lineup:

Deschutes- Jubelale
Sam Adams- Holiday Porter
Ninkasi- Sleigh'r
Two Roads- Holiday Ale
Hardywood- Christmas Morning

12-13-2015 Weyerbacher Brewing Company

This week we talk with Chris Wilson, brewmaster at the fantastic PA based brewery Weyerbacher Brewing Company. They are making some incredible beers and have built up a strong reputation on the backing of them. This week Chris discusses his path into the brewing industry, the recent expansions at the brewery, and some inspiration behind some of his great beers.... all while we enjoy some of his world class beers.

This weeks beer lineup:

Jesters Choice III Oktoberfest
Tarte Nouveau
Winter Ale
Merry Monks
20th Anniversary
Quad

12-6-2015 NoDa Brewing Company

 

North Carolina has been growing exponentially in the craft beer scene in recent years, but breweries like NoDa laid the groundwork for the current environment.  This week we chat with homebrewer turned pro Chad Henderson about some of the great beers coming out of NoDa and just what it is like to work at a fast growing brewery.

This weeks beer lineup:

CAVU
Hop, Drop 'n Roll
Coco Loco 

11-29-2015 Post Thanksgiving Beer Special

 

Thanksgiving is over, but much of the food remains!  This week we discuss some great beers to have on hand for pairing with many Thanksgiving leftovers and that are also perfect for transitioning into dark, cold winter nights.  We have a wide variety of styles to cover this week, but each is great with food with different flavor profiles to bring to the pairing.


This weeks beer lineup:

Wicked Weed- Montmaretto
Smuttynose Brewing- SmuttLabs Chestnut Saison
Terrapin Beer- Imperial Pumpkin Porter (2014)
Avery Brewing- The Reverend
Trappist Rochefort 10

11-22-15 The Rare Barrel

 

The Rare Barrel has quickly established itself as one of the best sour beer brewery's and this week we chat with co-founder/brewer/blender Jay Goodwin about his path into brewing and making the leap into opening his own brewery and why he made the choice to brew all sour beers.  While the sour beer style is growing in popularity there are still a lot of unknowns about the style and this week we hope to answer many of those questions!

This weeks beer lineup:

Forces Unseen
Home, Sour Home
Map of the Sun
Ensorcelled
Becoming
Impossible Soul

11-15-2015 Funky Buddha Brewery

Funky Buddha Brewery has garnished much praise for their delicious beers in a short time and with a limited distribution chain.  The praise for their beers does not simply come from a lot hype but instead from the well brewed, balanced beers with a strong emphasis on bold flavors with a culinary connection.  John Lin from the brewery joins us this week to discuss first hand what it has been like building this fantastic Florida based brewery up in a very saturated craft beer market.

This weeks beer lineup includes:

Floridian Hefeweizen

Hop Gun IPA

Sweet Potato Casserole

Undefeated Saison

Last Snow

Morning Wood

11-8-2015 Kane Brewing Company

Kane Brewing Company from Ocean, NJ has built up quite the reputation despite only opening their doors in 2011 and after tasting just a small sample o their beers it is easy to see how that happened.  This week we chat with owner Michael Kane about his world class brewery and beers!

Beer lineup from Kane Brewing:

HopLab: Azacca Pale Ale (Not pictured)
Sea Change
Fall Saints
Sunday Brunch
A Night to End All Dawns w/ Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans (2014)
1460

11-1-2015 Broken Goblet Brewing

Pennsylvania has some incredible breweries with more opening constantly and Broken Goblet, despite having only opened their doors in 2014, is making some noise in the scene with their delicious beers!  This week we had a great chat with co-owner Mike LaCouture about what it takes to open a brewery in today's market while we get to enjoy some of their fantastic beers!

This weeks beer lineup:

Steinbeiser's Buried Treasure Cream Ale
Bubba's Tea Bag
Broken Batch Saison
Yin Yang Oatmeal Stout

10-25-2015 Halloween Beer Showcase

Halloween is always a fun time of year for both kids and adults.  This week we are examining some perfect beers for Halloween or any time of the year really!  We had a blast this week all getting back together finally and enjoying some phenomenal beers!


This weeks beer lineup:

Avery Brewing- Mephistapheles
Jacks Abby- Pumpkin Crop Lager
Terrapin- The Walking Dead
Flying Monkeys- Paranormal
Spring House- Braaaiins!

10-18-2015 Burn'Em Brewing

Burn'Em Brewing is a small brewery from Indiana with some big ideas.  First, their incredible artwork is the most eye catching we have ever had on the show and their unique takes on beer cannot go unnoticed either such as their Kreamed Corn cream ale, Cucumber IPA, and Banana IPA.  While we didn't get to chat with their head brewer as planned, we still made the best out of it this week!

This week's beer lineup from Burn'Em:

Kreamed Corn
MCA
Cucke Nukem Cucumber IPA
The Hop Parade
Monkey Business Banana IPA

10-11-2015 Pumpkin Beer Showcase

This week we are diving headfirst into a divisive beer style, Pumpkin beers!  Whether you love them or hate them they are most definitely here to stay and this week we are examining a unique lineup of a wide variety of base styles that incorporate pumpkin and cover a bit of history while we are at it!


This weeks beer lineup:

Two Roads Brewing- Roadsmary's Baby
Boulevard Brewing- Funky Pumpkin
Almanac Beer Co- Pumpkin Sour
Avery Brewing- Rumpkin
Ninkasi Brewing- Pumpkin Sleigh'R
Cigar City- Good Gourd

10-4-2015 Town Hall Brewery

 

Running a brewpub is no easy task, if you don't brew great beer than you're just a restaurant and when you don't have great food than you're just a glorified taproom, but when you have both in check than you have a recipe for success!  Town Hall Brewery has gained a stellar reputation since opening their doors in 1997 and they are still brewing some incredible beer.  This week we talk with brewmaster Mike Hoops to discover just what it takes to make award winning beer in a brewpub setting!

This weeks beer lineup:

Fresh Hop 100

Hope & King Scotch

Grand Cru 

9-27-15 Homebrewing 101 with Northern Brewer

 

This week we are talking all things homebrew with Northern Brewer brewmaster James Jefferson and members of the Wyoming Valley Homebrewers club.  We cover a lot of ground including reeverse engineering beer recipes, putting together beer recipes from scratch, and equipment needed to brew your own beer all while having some fantastic beers, including the Plinian Legacy from Northern Brewer's fantastic line of beer kits!

9-20-15 Anchor Brewing Company

Anchor Brewing Company is one of the craft breweries that initiated the current craft beer movement in the United States.  They are still brewing some of the best craft beers available on the market all featuring a highly drinkable quality.  While brewmaster Mark Carpenter was unable to join us this week to discuss the brewery we instead turn the show more towards a round table discussion on this classic American craft brewery.

This weeks beer lineup:

Brotherhood Steam
Anchor Steam
California Lager
Big Leaf Maple
Double Liberty

9-13-15 Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is one of Virginia's leading brewery's with a diverse and delicious beer portfolio.  Brewery co-founder Eric McKay joins us this week to give some real insight into the inspiration behind the brewery and their phenomenal beers!

This weeks beer lineup from Hardywood:

Pils
Singel
The Great Return
Farmhouse Pumpkin
Trickery

9-6-15 Tree House Brewing Company

 

Tree House Brewing Company has quickly become one of the most sought after breweries in the craft beer industry, but why?  This is a brewery that has earned their reputation with a great backstory that has led them to be where they are today.  Also, a visit to their brewery is highly recommended! 

This weeks beer lineup:

Eureka with Nelson Sauvin

Lights On

MA

Julius 

Double Shot with Sumatra Mandheling

8-30-15 DC Brau Brewing Company

 

DC Brau Brewing Company cofounders Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock joined us this week to discuss what it takes to open a craft brewery in the DC region, crafting phenomenal beers, and what a strong DIY ethic can bring you in the craft beer world. Plus we enjoy some of their absolutely fantastic beers!

This weeks beer lineup includes:

Brau Pils

The Public

On the Wings of Armageddon

Penn Quarter Porter

8-23-2015 Coronado Brewing Company

 

Coronado Brewing Company head brewer Ryan Brooks joins us this week to discuss some of his phenomenal beers and just how quickly he was able to rise to the position of head brewer.  Ryan is the definition of a hard worker and is also very knowledgeable.  A lot of great IPA chat this week along with our first pumpkin beer of the season!

This weeks beer lineup:

Mermaid's Red

Islander IPA

Idiot IPA

19th Anniversary Imperial IPA

Punk'In Drublic

Old Scallwag Oak Brandy Barrel Aged

8-16-15 Carton Brewing Company

 

Augie Carton, co-founder of Carton Brewing Company, joins us this week as we discuss his world class brewery and beers.  Augie has a passion that reaches far beyond just great beers and encompasses all things gastronomical and that passion shines through in his beers.  This is a great interview filled with a lot of brewing insight into what it takes to brew world class beer.

This weeks beer lineup:

Digger

Boat

077XX

BDG

Tharsis

GORP

Epitome

Regular Coffee

8-9-2015 Belgium Comes to Cooperstown

 

This week Derek is on the road reporting back to us just what it was like to attend the fantastic Belgium Comes to Cooperstown festival that occurs at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY every year.  While he is gone we are enjoying some phenomenal beers for attending breweries.

This weeks beer lineup:

Boulevard Brewing- Tank 7

Brewery Ommegang- Belgian Independence Day (2015)

Boulevard Brewing- The Sixth Glass

Brewery Ommegang- Three Pilosophers

Firestone Walker- Helldorado

8-2-2015 Southern Tier Brewing Company

Southern Tier Brewing Company brewmaster Dustin Hazer joins us this week to discuss the happenings at the brewery including some new beers.  We dive into his personal brewing history, what it takes to brew a great Black IPA, and even the early release of pumpkin beers.

This weeks beer lineup from Southern Tier:

Live

Harvest

2XIBA

2XIPA

Grand Arbor

7-26-15 Ska Brewing Company

 

Ska Brewing Company from Durango, CO joins us today as we talk with brewmaster Thomas Larsen about the brewery and beers.  Some delicious beers are consumed, great conversation had, and even some select musical choices made...so in other words... another great show!

Beer lineup from Ska Brewing Company:

Mexican Logger

True Blonde Ale

Rudie Session IPA

Modus Hoperandi

Estival Cream Stout

July 19, 2015 Heretic Brewing Company

 

This week Heretic Brewing Company owner and homebrew legend Jamil Zainasheff joins us to discuss his world class brewery and beers and his transition from homebrewer to probrewer and the passion that drives him.

This weeks beer lineup from Heretic:

Grammarye Pale Ale

Evil Twin Red IPA

Evil Cousin Double IPA

Shallow Grave Porter

Chocolate Hazelnut Porter

Torment 

July 12, 2015- 21st Amendment Brewery

Shaun Sully O'Sullivan joins us again this week to discus all the happenings at the new brewery along with the tweet heard round the internet as Budweiser recently took aim at Watermelon Wheat Beers.

July 5, 2015- Two Roads Brewing Company

 

Two Roads Brewing Company brewmaster Phil Markowski joins us this week to discuss the world class brewery. We have A LOT of beer to cover this week and here's a hint... it's all delicious!

Beer lineup:

Ol' Factory Pils

No Limits Hefeweizen

Workers Comp Saison

Lil Heaven Session IPA

Road 2 Ruin

Road 2 Rouen

Igor's Dream

June 28, 2015- Beers of Summer

June 21, 2015 Oskar Blues Brewery

Brewmaster Tim Matthews from Oskar Blues Brewery joins us this week to discuss their world class beers, some personal brewing history, the continuously expanding Colorado and North Carolina breweries, and Arsenal soccer.  Tim was a great interview and we all had a blast, hope to enjoy!

This weeks beer lineup from Oskar Blues:

Mama's Little Yella Pils
Pinner Throwback IPA
Dale's Pale ALe
Old Chub
Barrel Aged G'Knight

June 14, 2015 Founders Brewing Company

Founders Brewing Company needs no introduction.  Their beers have been much sought after and highly acclaimed for a number of years now, but how did they get there?  This week co-founder Dave Engbers joins us to discuss a bit of the brewery's past and huge future.  We also drink many of their great beers including one of the most desired beers in the world, KBS!

June 7, 2015- DuClaw Brewing Company

Many craft beer lovers know DuClaw Brewing Company from their much loved Sweet Baby Jesus! Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter, but there is so much more to this stellar brewery.  This week owner Dave Benfield and brewmaster Jim Wagner both join us to discuss the history and ethos of the brewery and dive into a few of their unique, and very tasty, beers.

May 31, 2015- Jack's Abby Brewing

Jacks's Abby Brewing Company from Framingham, MA has been making quite the name for themselves by exclusively brewing lagers and pushing the style to new limits.   Brewery co-owner and brewer Jack Hendler joins us this week to discuss the brewery and their phenomenal beers!

Lagunitas Brewing Company- May 24, 2015

Lagunitas Brewing Company is back this week!  We had such a blast with owner Tony Magee last time that we just knew we had to have them back, not to mention that we wanted more Lagunitas beer!  Today we are talking all things beer related with head brewery Jeremy Marshall!  This is a homebrewer's dream show as we dive deep into the love and care that goes into Lagunitas beers!

Ballast Point Brewing Company- May 17, 2015

Ballast Point is yet another brewery that needs no introduction to craft beer lovers.  Many of their beers top the lists of craft beer drinkers worldwide.  Head brewer Yuseff Cherney was scheduled to join us on today's show, but due to international traveling it didn't happen, but on the plus side we really dove deep into these beers and have already rescheduled with Yuseff for a future show... so more Ballast Point on the way!!

Surly Brewing Company- May 10, 2015

 

Surly Brewing Company has been a much sought after brewery for a number of years now brewing some of the most delicious beers that you can find.  This week we talk with owner Omar Ansari about the history and struggles of the brewery as well as the changing of the laws they had to go through to move the brewery to the next step!  Metal is also a frequent topic due to brewmasters Todd Haug's love for the genre.

Smuttynose Brewing Company- May 3, 2015

 

Smuttynose Brewing Company is a long standing pillar  in the craft beer community.  Many of their beers were ones that introduced drinkers to the joys of craft beers.  On today's show we are joined by brewmaster David Yarrington to discuss the history and future of the brewery as well as their fantastic beers.  We also cover the joys of malt liquor!

Wicked Weed Brewing- April 26, 2015

 

We are back!!  After a short break as we transitioned to our new home on WILK we are back and kicking it off with a fantastic brewery Wicked Weed Brewing from Asheville, NC.  We discuss the brewery's history and world class sour beers with cellar manager Rich Kilcullen. 

Kane Brewing Company- April 4, 2015

 

Kane Brewing Company from NJ is a true rising star in the craft beer community.  Though available only in NJ their beers are worth the drive with many available only on draft as well, but no matter how you get them... GET THEM!!  Michael Kane joined us on the phone... several times, but due to issues in studio the interview was cut short, but thankfully for us we are scheduled to do a great follow up and discuss even more of their beers!  Get a head-start though with this episodes to hear about some of their award winning beers!

Heavy Seas Beer- March 28, 2015

Heavy Seas Beer has a wide portfolio of delicious beers that grows larger each year and this weeks guests is head brewer Chris Leonard.  The man knows his beers and proves it with each bottle, definitely a great show to check out if you are a fan of IPA's!

Cigar City- March 21, 2015

 

Cigar City is a brewery with an incredible reputation for brewing a wide array of world class beers and today we get to talk with the man behind them all, brewmaster Wayne Wambles joins us today to discuss these great beers!

Champion Brewing Company- March 14, 2015

 

A special treat this week with the incredible up and coming Champion Brewing Company from VA.  not only is owner Hunter Smith a great brewer with some incredible collaborations with punk legends such as NOFX, but he is also a former college buddy of our own Derek!  Give it a listen, loads of information covered in this episode!

Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company- March 7, 2015

The great Pennsylvania brewery Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company is discussed this week with brewmaster and co-founder Jeremy Myers.  The portfolio for this brewery is one that many breweries aspire to have which is very impressive since they first opened their doors in 2010!

Terrapin Beer Company- February 28, 2015

 

You may have seen his name scribbled on the side of many of Terrapin's world class beers but today owner and brewer Spike joins us to discuss the history of the brewery, the future of craft beer, and how to grow a business in a saturated craft beer landscape 

Odell Brewing Company- February 21, 2015

 

Odell Brewing Company discussed with owner Doug Odell including the great brewery ethos, distribution, and  overall manner in which they see themselves fitting into the craft beer market.

Firestone Walker Brewing February 14, 2015

 

Round 2 for Firestone Walker with brewmaster Matt Brynildson discussing their world class beers and brewing process!

Anderson Valley Brewing Company- February 7, 2015

Great chat with owner Trey White about the history of the brewery, the delicious beers, and a unique language!

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales- January 31, 2015

 

Great beers and a great chat with owner Ron Jeffries!

Ninkasi Brewing- January 24, 2015

Unfortunately due to a technical glitch we were not able to get a copy of this show for our podcast listeners.  However, the beers are all fantastic and all are absolute must try beers!  Sorry for podcast listeners if you missed the live broadcast!  Sometimes we suck!

January 17, 2015

This week we are examining the fantastic Sixpoint Brewery from New York with owner Shane Welch.  Lots of great beer and lots to discuss about this great brewery and their great beers... plus we are one of the first to try their brand new Beast Mode!


This weeks beer lineup from Sixpoint includes:


The Crisp: A fantastic German pilsner that is best described by its name crisp!  It is extremely refreshing and proof that a good pilsner is enjoyable any time of the year.

Beast Mode:  This brand new beer is a traditional take on the classic porter.  Traditional porters were much lighter in color and mouthfeel then their current counterparts and Sixpoint decided to take the clssic route with phenomenal results.  Delicious roaste malts flavors balanced with hints of hops proves that great beer never goes out of style!

Bengali: A fantastic IPA with wonderful hop aroma and taste blanaced against a sweet malt bill that makes this an IPA that you never want to put down!

Hi-Res:  This extremely beefed up 10.5% DIPA has hops in spades with a malt backbone to hold it up.  A definite sipper that is perfect for all hopheads!

January 10, 2015 Show

This week we are joined by the wonderful Mr. Jim Koch from the incredible Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams) to discuss some of their best beers available today.  Jim is a wealth of knowledge whom has seen firsthand the craft beer industry grow to where it is today.  We all owe Jim a debt of gratitude for helping to pave the way for many of the wonderful craft beers that we enjoy today.


This weeks beer lineup from Sam Adams:

Double Bock:  A rich malty beefed up Bock beer with notes of toffee and caramel and a 9.5% ABV that is completely hidden.  A must try beer!

Thirteenth Hour: A Belgian stout with strong notes of cocoa, vanilla, and Belgian yeast.  While drinking more like a Belgian Dark Strong, it is still a wonderful beer to enjoy!

Tetravis:  This Belgian Quad recently won gold at the GABF and after one sip it is easy to see why!  A rich Quad that drinks perfect fresh and doesnt require any aging.

American Kriek:  A wonderful cherry infused beer that has hints of sour, but is not as overwhelming as some sours can become and instead is a perfect beer to introduce drinkers to the sour beer style.

Utopias:  A beer with a huge reputation and a huge ABV. that ranges from 22% - 28% an extremely complex beer that drinks like a fine cognac.  It may be a bit pricey for casual beer drinkers but it is worth every penny!

January 3, 2015 Show

Our first show of 2015 and we start the year off right as we drink and discuss the world class Allagash Brewing Company with brewmaster Jason Perkins!  Allagash has a stellar reputation and it is very much deserved!

This weeks beer lineup from Allagash:

Saison: Bright, fresh, and vibrant are three perfect ways to describe this textbook saison!

White: The beer hat started it all for Allagash! Light and airy yet fairly complex make this beer perfect for any season.

Tripel: Fruity aroma and tastes abound from a great yeast character with a sweet malt bill.

Dubbel:  Red fruit, caramel, and Belgian yeast combine for a semi-sweet Belgian Dubbel that again is textbook for the style (seeing a pattern yet?)

Interlude: A 9.5% sour beer that is absolutely incredible.  Sour notes are on display but not overly aggresive and instead seemingly melt into a sweet malt.  Perfect for aging!

Curieux: A bourbon barrel aged tripel packs a punch at 11% ABV but no much heat.  If you are a fan of Belgian tripels than you simply MUST try this beer!!



This week we had another incredible giveaway from our good friends at Allagash and All About Beer Magazine!  It pays to follow us on social media as we did our giveaway through Instagram this week and will be changing it up every week... so be sure to follow us!!

December 27, 2014 Show

New Year... Old beer!

As we bid farewell to 2014 we are taking a look back... but beyond 2014 and instead dig deep back into the fridge for some fantastic aged beers!  Many of these beers were provided by our wonderful sponsors Backyard Ale House (where many of them are also available) as well as from Derek's personal stash!

This weeks beer lineup:

Mikkeller- 1000 IBU (2012): Simply said... this did not hold up, despite the thought that it may have some barleyine tendencies it fell flat and was not very good.

Sierra Nevada- 30 Anniversary Barleywine (2010): This black barleywine was wonderful and still have years to go before any showing of past peak.  Dark, complex, and smooth!

Brooklyn Brewery- Black Chocolate Stout (2012): A great and affordable beer for aging!  The bitter chocolate and coffee notes have fallen into the back with strong notes of dark red fruits in the front with backing of chocolate and coffee.  The sharp flavors are perfectly rounded and it is near its peak.

North Coast- Old Rasputin 12th Anniversary (2010): This beer is at its peak with a smooth easy drinking experience and the flavors all falling in line with one another.  No alcohol heat, a must try beer!

Dogfish Head- World Wide Stout (2009): Absolutely incredible!  This 18% ABV behemoth is incredibly easy drinking with no harsh astringency and no alcohol heat.  Rich notes of caramel, toffee, chocolate, coffee all blend perfectly, a beer that must be tried!!