BYO Nano Brew Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

There is uncertainty in the beer industry these days and if you’re a small brewery owner you might feel like you’re alone in the issues and struggles facing your small business. You’re not. On this episode we’ll check in with two small breweries on how they are operating, getting help, solving challenges, and looking forward.

Guests
Celebrating six years in operation, Slate Town Brewery in Granville, New York has been through a lot in a short time. Owner Susan Knapp is here to talk about the early days, the help she’s received along the way, and advice and changes that have helped keep the doors open. Slate Town is a small New York State Farm Brewery dedicated to brewing outstanding, small-batch beer using local, seasonal ingredients. 

Twisted Fate Brewing is a small Nano-brewery taproom in Danvers, Massachusetts managed by Head Brewer and Co-Owner David Pinette.  Helping to run the business side of the brewery is David’s wife Erica Tritta. Erica brings seventeen years of legal experience and running a small business to the ownership group. Co-Owner Bill McNamara is also a valuable member to the ownership group with his financial experience.  And Co-Owner Kim McNamara brings her prior restaurant and mother of two experience to the brewery. 

Pinette studied business, with a concentration in accounting during his undergraduate studies at Bridgewater State University.  David went on to work for some of the largest financial institutions in the world while doing investment and tax accounting.  In 2010, David decided to leave the business world and make a jump to education, where in  2017 he received a Master’s degree in education. Over seven years ago, David brewed his first batch of beer and fell in love with the process.  Since that moment, David has worked on numerous recipe creations and perfecting the process of brewing beer.  David is in charge of the general operation of the brewery.  

Erica Tritta, Esq., serves as counsel and operations director for the brewery. She has been practicing law in Massachusetts since 2007 as a sole practitioner at her own firm.  In addition to practicing law, Erica served in a consultant role for 5 years for an international Massachusetts based quick service restaurant franchise.  In her law practice, Erica works with families and individuals in Probate and Family Court and Juvenile Court. Much of Erica’s advocacy is for parents and children when the state intervenes to seek custody.

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 57  is sponsored by:

Fermentis
Do you want to brew wheat beers? Whether you want to brew a Belgian Witbier, a German Weizen or your own wheat-beer style, Fermentis has the solution for you! Visit Fermentis.com and check out their complete solutions for wheat beers, available in flexible 100g pouches.

2024 NanoCon Online
Save the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 57
Host: John Holl
Guests: Susan Knapp, Erica Tritta, David Pinette

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

It’s that time of year again: hop harvest across North America. We are going to check in with hop professionals on both coasts to get a better understanding on how the crop is growing, what is coming to market, and how small brewers can make the most out of their relationship with growers. On this episode you will hear from Graham Ollard of Hollingbery and Son and Max Licker of Champlain Valley Hops. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 56  is sponsored by:

Five Star Chemicals
Brewers, meet your next cleaning powerhouse: Five Star’s PBW Liquid! The same trusted formula you’ve relied on, but now in liquid form. Make the switch today and keep your brew day spotless – because clean beer starts with clean gear. FiveStarChemicals.com

2024 NanoCon Online
Save the date and save $100. Registration is now open for the 2024 NanoCon Online taking place on Friday, October 25. Don't miss this full day of business and brewing strategies for running or launching a successful small-scale, taproom-focused craft brewery. The seminars will be live and online but you'll also have access to video replays of every session. Register now for the October 25 event and you'll save $100 at nanocon.beer.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 56
Host: John Holl
Guests: Graham Ollard and Max Licker

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

As we head into a cozy season of gathering with family and friends and our attention turns to big meals shared together, we have a trio of brewers here to talk about their food programs. From pairings to working with food trucks, this episode is stuffed with practical tips and insight from nano brewers, for nano brewers. 

From food trucks to in-house kitchens, food can be an an important part of brewery life and the consumer experience. Three brewers are here to talk about their experiences, the ups and downs, and how to get the most out of pairings. 

You’ll hear from Will Gomez of Brew Bridge, Harry Arnold of Aristaeus Brewing, and Andrew Frana of Brightside Aleworks. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 47 is sponsored by:

Fermentis  
There are occasions when a single micro-organism is not enough.That's why Fermentis gives you All-In-1™, a brand of specifically blended products, which can be made from a mix of micro-organisms, catalysts, nutrients and more. Discover blends for all your needs: Lower-carb dry lagers, dry flavorful beers, very high gravity beers and a new all-in-one yeast and enzyme blend for Dry, complex and Woody beers! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation visit www.fermentis.com.

ABS Commercial
ABS Commercial is proud to be your full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years! They love being able to give back to the industry which is why they have kicked off their ninth Keg Viking Giveaway! The grand prize is their state of the art Keg Viking keg washer PLUS a full pallet of half barrel kegs from G4 Kegs. Check out more details and enter to win at abs-commercial.com.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 47
Host: John Holl
Guests: Will Gomez, Harry Arnold, Andrew Frana 

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

This is as good a month as any to be thinking about your brewery’s finances - both long term and short term - and the best practices for a check in or to get your money situation in order. Most brewers don’t open a brewery to get into finance, but managing cash flow is a necessary part of the job. 

Our guest on this episode is Kary Shumway,  CPA, former CFO for a beer distributor and current CFO for Wormtown Brewery in Worcester, MA. He’s here with insight and a checklist to help get your brewery finances in order. 

Shumway has spent the last 20 years using finance to help improve financial results in business. Now, he’s helping other breweries, wholesalers and cideries to do the same. His financial training programs have been developed on a new learning platform in order to deliver the best experience for you. The programs are designed specifically for non-financial people who have the responsibility of either managing or contributing to the success of business.  He chronicles it all and offers resources at www.karysfinancialtraining.com.

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 46 is sponsored by:

Fermentis  
Coming Soon! Because there are occasions when a single micro-organism is not enough, Fermentis is launching All-In-1™ blended products for nanobrewers, in 25-gram sizes! Discover SafBrew™ DW-17, a mix of active dry yeast + enzymes, for the production of very dry and complex beers with fruity, woody and slight acidic characters. Learn more at www.fermentis.com.

Grainfather
Whether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.

Five Star Chemicals

We all know that brewing is an art, but it's also a science. That's where Five Star Chemicals comes in! They offer a stellar lineup of products designed to simplify and enhance your brewing process. Be sure to check out the PBW Liquid and PBW Tablets. Same cleaning power in a different format! FiveStarChemicals.com

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 46
Host: John Holl
Guests: Kary Shumway

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

This month we are talking about distribution. Every brewery owner needs to decide if it’s right for their business and to weigh the pros and cons between a distribution partner, self distribution, or keeping your beer sales solely in house.

First we’ll hear from Laura Lodge the Owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs, Start a Brewery and author of Distribution Insight for the Craft Brewer.Then we’ll hear from Will Loring of Lesser-Known Brewing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 

The co-founder of the Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival, Laura Lodge has been engaged in the craft beer industry since 1997. She’s the Owner of Customized Craft Beer Programs, designing events, resort retail programs, and educational programs based on craft beer, and is also the author of Distribution Insight for the Craft Brewer.

With a passion for beer beginning in college, Will Loring started the beer program in a local Fredericksburg grocer in 2012. This eventually led him to the distribution side where he worked as a sales rep for many years before becoming the area sales manager of Richmond, VA.

With over a decade’s worth of experience in the beer industry, Will set off to co-found Lesser-Known Beer Co. which opened in July of 2022. Dedicated to service and keeping it simple, the brewery is focused on traditional styles offered in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 45 is sponsored by:

Fermentis  
Nanobrewers, try adding a cider to your lineup! Whether you want a crisp, sweet or fruity cider, discover the SafCider™ range: 4 cider strains available in 5-gram pouches, the perfect size for you. Just make your choice or try them all! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit www.fermentis.com.

ABS Commercial
ABS Commercial is proud to be your full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years! They love being able to give back to the industry which is why they have kicked off their ninth Keg Viking Giveaway! The grand prize is their state of the art Keg Viking keg washer PLUS a full pallet of half barrel kegs from G4 Kegs. Check out more details and enter to win at abs-commercial.com.

Brewers Publications
This episode is also sponsored by Brewers Publications — the leading publisher for craft brewers. Now available, Brewery Safety: Principles, Processes, and People, is the first and only safety book for the craft brewing industry. No matter the size of your brewery, author Matt Stinchfield’s insightful chapters will help you evaluate, educate, and execute safety-conscious measures. Order Brewery Safety at BrewersPublications.com/byopod and save 10% with discount code byopod through Dec. 31, 2023.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 45
Host: John Holl
Guests: Laura Lodge, Will Loring

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

This month we are focusing on the 2023 hop crop. From what’s happening in the Pacific Northwest, to the fields of Michigan, we’ll talk about what is already in the ground, how the yield is looking, exciting hops, and how small brewers can foster a relationship with farmers.

This is the time of year that we start thinking about the North American hop harvest, and before the farmers got too busy in the fields we invited two of them to share updates from the ground. John Segal Jr. of Segal Ranch is here to give us an update on the Pacific Northwest. 

Then we’ll hear from Brian Tennis of the Michigan Hop Alliance on what the state crop is looking like and the challenges and promises that smaller regions and states have have on the horizon. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 44 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Do you brew 25 to 50 gallon batches? SafLager™ is available in flexible 100g pouches, perfect for your brews! Fermentis offers a wide range of lager yeasts, covering traditional to modern-style lagers, creating floral, fruity, or neutral character as well as enhancing malty or hoppy character.Want to know more about SafLager™ yeasts? For more info, visit www.fermentis.com.

Five Star Chemicals

We’ve got a game-changer to discuss: PBW Liquid from Five Star Chemicals! This stuff tackles those stubborn stains just like the OG powder, but is easier to dose and dissolves quicker. Say goodbye to those scrubbing nightmares and hello to cleaner, happier brewing days. Use Five Star Chemicals today and taste the difference in your brews. FiveStarChemicals.com

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 44
Host: John Holl
Guests: John Segal Jr., Brian Tennis

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

This month we are focusing on festivals and events. The summer is the season to get outdoors, mingle, and experience all that your town, state, or region has to offer. Fortunately nano breweries are playing a big role in that space. 

Beer festivals are at a crossroads right now. It’s harder to get folks to come out and drink beer in a crowd, but there are chances for smaller breweries to make an impact in that setting. Chris Rhodes of Portland, Oregon’s Nano Beer Festival is here to talk about the fest and best practices. 

Then we’ll hear from Emily and Matt Strysik of Knack Brewing and Fermentation in Illinois. They are getting real good at hosting small scale events at their brewery that brings in artisans of all kinds, and with it, new customers. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 43 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Everybody knows that yeast plays one of the most important roles in brewing. It influences flavor, aroma, acidity, brightness, and mouthfeel, all at the same time. And brewing a Lager is no exception! Discover SafLager™ W-34/70, THE STRONG & ROBUST LAGER YEAST! This famous strain comes from Weihenstephan in Germany and is used world-wide within the brewing industry. It brings a good balance of floral and fruity aromas and gives clean flavors and high drinkable beers. Available in 11.5, 100 & 500g sizes. For more info, visit www.fermentis.com.

ABS Commercial
ABS Commercial is proud to be your full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years, offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country. They’re in this business because they are brewers, and it’s important for them to give back to the industry to help breweries grow and prosper. This summer ABS Commercial is  giving back with two special giveaway prizes every month through August. Check out what they have in store and enter to win at abs-commercial.com.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 43
Host: John Holl
Guests: Chris Rhodes, Emily and Matt Strysik

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

Malt is our topic this month. We’ll get a report from one of the larger malting companies on what small brewers can do with grain, and then head to a nano brewery and malt farm for insight on making the most from the land.

We spend a lot of time talking about raw ingredients, and rightly so. They are the building blocks of every keg and pint, and having the insight into ingredients makes us all better brewers and drinkers. Our guests are Mike Scanzello, the director of brewing and distilling for Briess Malt and  Brett Bullock, the co-owner of Screamin’ Hill Brewery. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 42 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 42
Host: John Holl
Guests: Michael Scanzello, Brett Bullock

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

Water is our topic this month. From how a proper education can help you better understand beer’s most important ingredient, to how to properly treat it for your recipes. Then we’ll discuss its other uses around the brewhouse and best practices for effluent. 

Despite being necessary for life and all around us, water can often be overlooked in breweries. It is hard to explain to drinkers, and is often taken for granted when we simply turn on a tap or valve. 

However, having a deeper understanding of this compound helps make better beer, and by being conversant can help customers forge a deeper appreciation to the craft. 

This episode features two guests: John Palmer, the noted author How to Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Great Beer Every Time (2017), and co-author of both Brewing Classic Styles (2007), and Water: A Comprehensive Guide for Brewers (2013) from Brewers Publications.

And Steve Parkes the  owner and lead instructor of the Director of the American Brewers Guild in Middlebury, Vermont. He’s also the owner and brewer of Drop In Brewery and a sought-after educator and expert on beer styles and history. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 41 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.

Five Star Chemicals

Keep your brewery running smoothly with Five Star Chemicals. Their cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of all home and professional brewers, ensuring that your equipment stays clean and free of harmful bacteria and contaminants. From cleaning fermenters to kegs, they have a solution for every step of the process. Be sure to check out their P-B-W liquid and tablets.

Use Five Star Chemicals today and taste the difference in your brews. FiveStarChemicals.com

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 41
Host: John Holl
Guests: John J. Palmer, Steve Parkes

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

Let’s talk about the taproom experience. From proper flow, how best to decorate, and ways to give your customers a pleasurable visit, our guests will offer insight and tips to doing it right.

The good weather is here for most of us around the country and that means people headed out to enjoy their local breweries. Brewers are striving to create delicious and innovative pints, but should be putting equal thought into taproom aesthetics. 

Having a welcoming taproom is important. The decor should be a reflection on the company ethos and the beer. There should also be thought to flow and comfort. 

This episode features three guests: Dustin Hauck of Hauck Architecture  and Liz L’Etoile and Chris Sellers of The Brewery at Four Star Farms. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 40 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.

Grainfather
Whether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 40
Host: John Holl
Guests: T. Dustin Hauck, Chris Sellers, Liz L’Etoile

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell