Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer – Details, episodes & analysis

Master Brewer Hagen Dost delves into Dovetail Brewery’s traditional brewing techniques, from open fermentation to coolships.

Hagen starts by sharing his journey of getting into brewing, with an emphasis on his German heritage growing up and the sensory class that helped him develop skills that he feels would benefit any brewer. He then explains how he became a Certified Master Brewer and discusses traditional European brewing methods, including decoction and the use of a coolship. Plus: the art of identifying fermentation flaws, the science behind crafting classic European beer styles, the significance of the German beer purity law, and the shelf life you can typically expect from beer you buy at your local craft brewery.

After the beer break, Haagen discusses their Wet-Hopped Hopfenlager, a lager brewed with freshly picked hops from Michigan, characterized by subtle hop flavors and a lack of bitterness. He also explains what a coolship does and why it’s so rare, why some brewers prefer to serve full pours over flights, and the history of the lauter grant faucets behind Dovetail’s bar. Plus: what piece of equipment is Dovetail actively using that used to belong to the oldest brewery in the world (and how did they acquire it)?

Please help us make our podcast better by taking our listener survey at https://craftybrewerspod.com/survey 

About Dovetail Brewery: Located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, Dovetail Brewery specializes in continental European styles and traditional methods. Learn more on their website at https://www.dovetailbrewery.com/ 

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You can learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com — and support the show by picking up our amazing merchandise!

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, traditional European brewing, Chicago craft beer scene, Reinheitsgebot, coolship, double and triple decoction, sensory training, fermentation flaws, Reinheitsgebot, World Brewing Academy, Certified Master Brewer pin, Franconia breweries, Bavaria breweries, family-run breweries, Lagers, Hefeweizens, Wet Hopfenlager, Michigan hops, Czech-style Pilsner, Helles, Kolsch, Vienna, Maillard reactions, caramelization, direct fire kettle, trans-2-nonanol, open fermentation, Wet Hopfenlager, horizontal lagering, maltiness, ferulic acid rest, Lautergrant, Siebel Institute, Munich, Lambic, and beer sensory analysis.

Hop up your spirits with a barrel of laughs as we close out 2024. Plus: a major announcement that you don’t want to miss!

Brian, Katherine, and Cody get together via the internet to have some fun to close out the year, sharing reviews of local beers, making some major announcements, and looking ahead at what’s to come in 2025. Brian starts things off by sharing the huge news that the next episode of Crafty Brewers will feature Dovetail Brewing on January 2, 2025 — mark your calendars! Then, Cody plugs his science-heavy review of the 2024 lineup of Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout, which you can read on the Crafty Brewers website here: https://craftybrewerspod.com/2024-bourbon-county-brand-stout-review-first-impressions-goose-islands-newest-craft-beer-variants/

Katherine describes her Peanut Butter Porter by Fort Myers Brewing Company and talks a bit about the beer scene in Florida, before Brian talks about Hop Butcher’s Minted Imperial Stout made with chocolate and Frango mint oil. Cody then plugs a VERY IMPORTANT listener survey that you should take if you’re ever listened to the show, which you can find at https://craftybrewerspod.com/survey

Then, stick around to hear what the crew is looking forward to in 2025, learn about their go-to drinks for the holidays, get a quick update on what Chris Valleau is brewing these days, and get the inside scoop on why we all have strong feelings about Taco Bell.

You can learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com — and support the show by picking up our amazing merchandise!

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Looking for podcasts to listen to during the holiday season while you’re waiting for Crafty Brewers to come back on January 2, 2025? Then check out this four-part series from Freakonomics Radio called “Is America Switching from Booze to Weed?” https://freakonomics.com/podcast-tag/is-america-switching-from-booze-to-weed/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Crafty Brewers Podcast, dark beers, peanut butter porter, Fort Myers Brewing Company, adjunct-heavy stouts, remote production challenges, beer industry trends 2025, Florida ballot issues, alcohol industry, marijuana legalization, holiday beer pairings, Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout, peanut butter porter review, craft beer insights, beer and social media, tariffs on beer prices, beer style guidelines, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer, Freakonomics Radio, small business challenges, craft beer community, cannabis industry economics, off-the-clock beer favorites, holiday ales, eggnog and brandy recipe, beer and food pairings, supporting local breweries, holiday season brews, and podcast humor.

Mikerphone Brewing’s Mike Pallen talks beer collabs and what goes into brewing a coffee stout like Smells Like Bean Spirit.

01:24 Beer Myth:  Does beer make you full, or does it just make you feel full? Learn the truth behind what it is about beer that may be giving you a sensation of fullness, and discover how understanding this can help you enjoy your brews without feeling overly stuffed. Plus: a hilarious and super random tangent about caftans (calf tans?) that really throws everyone for a loop, especially Cody.

09:36 Mikerphone Brewing Interview: Mike Pallen, owner and head brewer of Mikerphone Brewing, discusses his journey from botany to brewing, sharing insights on how his love for beer began. He delves into the trials and triumphs of starting a brewery, the trend of breweries in industrial spaces, the science behind barrel-aged beers, the influence of music on his brewing process, and the significance of local festivals in building community spirit.

The episode covers an array of unique beers such as the Misty Mountain Hop, Smells Like Bean Spirit, and Special Sauce, each with distinct flavor profiles, from coffee maple stouts to double-hopped IPAs. Mike also talks about his brewery’s special barrel-aged releases, including the Barrel-Aged Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit Special Reserve, its meticulous production process, and the use of local whiskey barrels. Plus: why Mikerphone isn’t serving THC seltzers.

59:38 Beer Behavior: How are hop alternatives like T90 impacting the beer industry? Katherine and Mike go down a hop alternative rabbit hole and talk Incognito, Cryo, and other materials that are finding their way into beers these days.

1:09:12 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Check out our “Beer is for Everyone” merchandise from our Pride collection, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

• Beer is for Everyone Unisex garment-dyed heavyweight t-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-unisex-garment-dyed-heavyweight-t-shirt 

• Beer is for Everyone soft style tank: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-soft-style-tank 

• Beer is for Everyone Uni-sexy soft tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-uni-sexy-soft-tee

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

Please nominate/vote for us in the 19th Annual People’s Choice Podcast Awards! Register at https://www.podcastawards.com/app/signup and find Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer in the drop-down menu for the Leisure category. Voting in all other categories is optional. Just remember to save/submit your vote at the bottom of the page when you’re done!

About Mikerphone Brewing: Located at 121 Garlisch Drive in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Mikerphone Brewing is a Chicago craft beer that infuses music. Learn more on their website at https://mikerphonebrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, beer myths, beer science, carbonation, botany classes, special releases, beer festivals, community collaboration, beer production, beer names, brewing trials, brewing triumphs, caftan mishaps, brewing techniques, beer flavor profiles, brewing equipment, brewing history, brewing challenges, brewing successes, and craft beer trends, India Pale Ales, Barrel-Aged Imperial Stouts, Coffee Maple Stouts, Milk Stouts, Double-Hopped IPAs, beer with oysters, beer with nuts, and hop extracts.

Jim Koblish from Hop District Community Brewing Co. shares his unique story of going from distiller to brewer. Plus: Florida’s craft beer culture shock.

01:59 Beer Myth: Does beer taste better in bottles or in cans? Discover the truth behind a persistent craft beer myth and how understanding the science of BPA-lined cans and light exposure can elevate your beer-drinking experience.

08:30 Hop District Community Brewing Co: Co-owner and brewer Jim Koblish shares his unconventional path from distilling to brewing and talks about the brewing principles shaping today's craft beer scene. He also discusses the transferable skills between distilling and brewing, the challenges of brewing Imperial Stouts with manual setups, and the nuances of heavily fruited sours and adjunct-heavy milkshake beers. Plus: insights into the camaraderie in the local beer scene, plans for a new brewing facility, and the unique identity of Hop District as Illinois' 300th brewery.

51:11 Beer Behavior: What’s the difference between the craft beer community in Chicago and in Florida? Listen tofind out!

1:00:35 Today’s Featured Merchandise: We have a Pride Collection! We have lots of other stuff! And it’s all available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. Check it out at https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/ 

You can find amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Hop District Community Brewing Co: Located in La Grange Park, Illinois, Hop District is an IPA and Lager focused craft brewery with a touch of sours, big imperial stouts, and plenty of seasonal brews, which you can consume RESPONSIBLY in a beautiful lounge, enclosed beer garden, and a taproom. Learn more on their website at https://hopdistrictbrewing.com/home-1 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, brewing, craft beer myths, cans vs bottles, brewing innovations, craft beer trends, modern BPA-lined cans, beer protection against light, beer perception, whiskey to brewing, distilling to brewing, Illinois breweries, homebrewing, LaGrange Park, beer science, growlers vs cans, beer containers, beer myths debunked, brewing skills, craft beer community, beer styles, heavily fruited sours, adjunct-heavy milkshake beers, imperial stouts, manual brewing setup, local beer scene, camaraderie among brewers, collaborative brews, brewing principles, brewing trends, craft beer traditions, homebrewing mishaps, beer names, brewing facility expansion, automated brewing equipment, beer packaging, local beer portfolios, and cultural differences in brewing.

Buckledown Brewing’s Ike Orcutt discusses customer loyalty, raspberry craft beer innovations, and eclectic craft cocktail partnerships.

02:03 Beer Myth: Are dark beers only meant for the cold winter months? Learn whether certain beers like Schwarzbiers, Dunkels and Märzen can be refreshing even in warm weather and broaden your beer palate with your newfound knowledge so you can enjoy rich, flavorful brews all year long.

07:20 Buckledown Brewing Interview: Ike Orcutt, founder of BuckleDown Brewing, shares the story of his journey from homebrewing Sierra Nevada clones to finding craft beer success at Buckledown Brewing. He explains his brewery's location strategy, their approach to beer branding, the craft brewery community and customer loyalty, and Buckledown’s bold expansion into craft cocktails. He also pulls back the curtain on cool and fun collaborations in the brewing industry, highlighting past partnerships with local stores and comic book brands and sharing the story behind craft cocktails like their old fashioned garnished with a waffle, which was made in collaboration with the distillery WhistlePig. Plus: Ike showcases several of Buckledown’s noteworthy beers, including Buckledown’s Belt and Suspenders IPA, Raspberry Party Pillow (Hefeweizen), Barbaric Blood Red Ale, Double Down (Lager - Munich Dunkel), and Painted Turtle (American Pale Ale).

46:57 Beer Behavior: Are breweries tapping out of beer festivals? Katherine and Ike discuss the dynamics of festival season, highlighting how festivals impact taproom attendance and consumer behavior. They explore the challenges breweries face in staffing both taprooms and festival booths, as well as the strategic decision-making involved in selecting which festivals to attend. Plus: how do beer festivals affect tap room visits?

56:58 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Retro/vintage collection, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

• Retro Style Gals short sleeve t-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/retro-style-gals-short-sleeve-t-shirt 

• Retro Tank for Every Body: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/retro-tank-for-every-body 

• Retro CBP Gals Muscle Tank: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/retro-cbp-gals-muscle-tank

• Retro CBP Kangaroo Hoodie: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/retro-cbp-kangaroo-hoodie

• Retro CBP Racerback Tank: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/retro-cbp-racerback-tank 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Buckledown Brewing: Buckledown is located in Lyons, Illinois, and its hand-built taproom is open 7 days a week and is the best place to experience what BuckleDown is all about. Learn more on their website at https://www.buckledownbrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, dark beer myths,summer brews, craft cocktails, homebrewing, brewing journey, Sierra Nevada clones, beer temperature tips, seasonal beers, brown sugar rum barrel-aged ale, schwarzbier, dunkels, brewery collaborations, craft beer market, craft beer distribution, beer taproom experience, craft beer festivals, craft beer innovations, craft beer customer loyalty, craft beer branding, craft beer success, brewing process, fruit purees in beer, craft cocktail creations, craft beer myths, brewery stories, beer tasting experience, nostalgic beers, beer consumer behavior, and craft beer trends.

Alarmist Brewing’s hilarious Gary Gulley brings an engineer’s lens to brewing and nerds out about cask ales, clear hazies, and what customers really want.

01:27 Beer Myth: Are cask ales all flat? What is a cask ale, anyway? Gary explains what makes a cask ale a cask ale and the role carbonation plays in it. If you’ve never heard of a firkin, spile, cast breather, or cask wedge, then you’ll walk away with a better understanding of them as only an engineer could provide. Plus: should you drink what’s on cask while in the UK?

08:15 Alarmist Brewing Interview: Gary Gulley, owner and founder of Alarmist Brewing, shares why he’s passionate about beer and how his former career as a civil engineer prepared him for a career as a full-time brewer. He talks about his experience learning about homebrewing while working at a nuclear power plant, Coors Party Balls, and how his growing appreciation for beer led him to found Alarmist. Gary also shares the story of how his Le Jus became the first-ever Hazy IPA to win a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival and how Alarmist developed other award-winning beers including Pantsless, Bronze Medal Winner for American Pale Ale in 2020, and Midwest Royalty, Bronze Medal Winner for American Style Lager in 2021 and 2022.

After sampling some beers, Gary explains the difference between two-row and six-row malts and how they impact the “grainy” flavor of certain beers. He also breaks down the difference between pale ales, American pales, and IPAs, in terms of both hops and bitterness, and what happens when you put lactose in beer. Gary and Katherine also explain why beer recipes “change all the time” and how that can sometimes lead to happy accidents in brewing. The topic of Le Jus Clear also leads to Gary explaining how he used yeast strains to make a clear hazy IPA. Plus: brewing for customers, not brewers; the seasonality of dark beers and customer demand compared to other lighter styles; and a game you should never play called “The John Wayne Hour.”

1:06:36 Beer Behavior: THC seltzers: how do they work and what does industrial hemp have to do with it? Gary breaks down how delta-9 THC works, the chemical process involved in brewing THC seltzers, and how Minnesota is paving the way for other states to brew it. 

1:14:30 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “Decoction: it’s a lager thing” super-soft shirt, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Decoction soft uni-sexy tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/decoction-soft-uni-sexy-tee 

Decoction Hooded long-sleeve tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/decoction-hooded-long-sleeve-tee 

1:15:10 Mic Flags: Watch Gary literally eat a mic flag. Seriously.

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Alarmist Brewing: Alarmist Brewing is a multiple award winning Chicago craft brewery on the northwest side and the home of Le Jus, the first ever gold medal Hazy IPA at the Great American Beer Festival. Learn more on their website at https://www.alarmistbrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: hazy IPAs, the brewing process, beer engines, Chicago breweries, civil engineering, homebrewing, beer industry trends, clear hazies, lactose in beer, craft beer ingredients, beer fermentation, THC beverages, beer regulations, craft beer business, cask programs, beer myths, brewing challenges, craft beer recipe development, and craft beer culture.

Learn about mild ales, the nuances of English hops and the influence of terroir on flavor, and why “beer is for everyone.”

01:33 Beer Myth: Are craft beer taprooms unwelcoming? Katherine discusses the idea that going into tap rooms full of house-produced beers as a novice in the craft beer community is intimidating and you may or may not be welcomed with open arms. Learn the truth behind the intimidation factor of craft beer spaces and how you could use your newfound knowledge to discover new beers, make friends, and become part of a vibrant community without fear.

09:02 Flipside Brewing: Eric Pizer, owner and head brewer of Flipside Brewing, shares his journey of getting into brewing, including a hilarious story about watching a DVD with a friend and how it’s possible that he’s worked at two completely different breweries located at the exact same address in Tinley Park. He also discusses his experience brewing his first beer, an amber ale, and what led him to the philosophy that “beer is for everyone.” The discussion also touches on the language of beer tasting, common misconceptions about dark beers, the significance of staff education in breweries, brewing with personal flair, and the cultural quirks of craft beer.

During the conversation, listeners are introduced to a variety of beer styles and hops, including the British styles with balanced hop and malt profiles, the nuances of English hops like East Kent Goldings and the influence of terroir on flavor, and unique offerings at Flipside like their inventive mild ales. 

40:16 Beer Behavior: What’s going on with beer in the south suburbs of Chicago? Brian, Katherine, and Eric discuss the beer community that's developed in the region and the customer and brewer behavior that have cultivated it.

49:37 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “I drink and I learn things” hoodie, available in multiple colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/drink-learn-hoodie 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Flipside Brewing: Located in Tinley Park, Illinois, at Flipside Brewing you’ll see a variety of classic beer styles along with current and emerging trends. They strive to provide quality food and beverage in an inviting and friendly space, where the community can gather together over a beer and some wings. Learn more on their website at https://www.flipsidebrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, craft brewing, craft beer community, taproom culture, beer tasting, craft beer trends, beer collaboration, brewing traditions, beer styles, mild ale, sour ales, wild ales, English ales, beer education, beer conversations, craft beer culture, Flipside Brewing, beer myths, beer tasting language, beer jargon, craft beer scene, artisanal beer, beer trends, craft beer collaborations, and local breweries in Chicago’s south suburbs.

Explore Illuminated Brew Works’ imaginative craft beer creations and unique tap room that’s unlike any other you’ve seen.

01:26 Beer Myth: Is the craft beer market so saturated that now all beer is boring? Learn why some say that craft beer has become monotonous and learn how you can rediscover the diverse and thrilling world of artisanal brews, enhancing your appreciation and enjoyment of every pint.

07:51 Illuminated Brew Works: Jason Monk, Facilities Manager and Assistant Brewer, and Rick Julien, Sales Manager of Illuminated Brew Works, explain why their brewery is “the most DIY of DIY” operations, their incredible thriftiness when building their own equipment, and how they took their operation from a basement brewery to a bustling Chicago location. They also discuss the unique ambience of their tap room, how they strike a balance between following craft beer trends versus personal brewing preferences, and why they are tired of the term “craft beer.” Plus: the ins and outs of their favorite beers, including the blueberry-laden Tony's Humble Pie white stout with blueberry puree, lactose, vanilla and cinnamon, and their citrusy Orange Sunshine saison.

38:38 Beer Behavior: Millennials are drinking craft beer, believe it or not, but they have less brand loyalty than previous generations. Jason, Rick, and Katherine discuss what this means for local craft beer communities and delve into other bizarre generational behavior that is driving change across the industry.

47:18 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Buy our merchandise that says “I just want beer flavored beer,” available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Garment-dyed Heavyweight T-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-garment-dyed-heavyweight-t-shirt-1 

Long Sleeve T-Shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-long-sleeve-t-shirt-1?variant=44283749236976 

Premium Crewneck Sweatshirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-premium-crewneck-sweatshirt?variant=44281814745328 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Illuminated Brew Works: Illuminated Brew Works is a Chicago brewery making beer for interesting times. From big, hazy IPAs, to yeast-driven urban farmhouses, adjunct-rich stouts and experimentally-driven sours and fruit beers, their offerings rotate seasonally to celebrate the annual cycle. Learn more on their website at https://www.ibw-chicago.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, craft breweries, beer innovation, craft beer culture, brewing process, craft beer trends, Millennial drinkers, White stouts, Blueberry Pie Stout, lagers, hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, imperial IPA, Irish Stout, Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA, Trust (a year-round lager), Orange Sunshine (a citrus Saison), Astronaut Juice (a double dry-hopped, double IPA), beer recipes, flagship beers, mash tun, welding, craft beer community, beer styles, beer market, beer operations, beer production, beer branding, craft beer events, local breweries, local beer, beer fermentation, beer ingredients, beer adjuncts, chasing beer trends, craft beer appreciation, and beer styles comparison.

Learn how an eclectic brewery incorporates an incredible range of ingredients in its beers, including algae and Butterfly pea flower.

01:53 Beer Myth: Do all barrel-aged beers have a high ABV? Learn the truth behind whether barrel aging equals boozy brews so you can enjoy a wider range of flavorful beers with your newfound knowledge.

05:09 1840 Brewing Company: Kyle Vetter, founder and brewer of 1840 Brewing, discusses his origins and expansion from a focus on oak-aged and classic styles to offering a diverse range of beers, including light, dark, hoppy, sour, and fruity options. He also explains the historical significance of the brewery's name, discusses the nuanced art of barrel-aging, and the impact of using fruits like cherries in multiple fermentation process. They also discuss the use of unique ingredients and brewing techniques and how they contribute to the complex flavors in his brewery’s beers, the approachability of sour beers for different palates, and the benefits of letting beer aerate to enhance its character. Plus: the anticipation around seasonal releases, the brewery's shift to eco-friendly packaging, and the significance of brewery regulars.

You’ll learn about what it’s like to brew beer with seaweed, the making of 1840’s signature Cashmere Sweater double IPA, the oyster stout that came from a collaboration with a Chicago brewery, their innovative bourbon barrel-aged Saison, milk stouts with Nutella, and the special local touch from Door County that they’ve used in their award-winning beers.

43:48 Beer Behavior: Breweries can’t survive without their regular customers. But there’s a particular behavior that some regulars are guilty of that isn’t so great for breweries. Stick around until the end of this episode .

You can find amazing beer-related merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About 1840 Brewing Company: 1840 Brewing Company is an urban farmhouse brewery located in the historic neighborhood of Bay View in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They craft high quality ales, lagers, sours, and stouts with a focus on barrel aging and blending. Learn more on their website at https://www.1840brewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, sustainable brewing, barrel aging, IPAs, double IPAs, brewing innovation, sour beers, beer myths, Milwaukee brewing, 1840 Brewing, beer packaging, eco-friendly beer sustainability, craft beer community, low-ABV beers, beer history, fruit in beer, Brettanomyces, beer tasting, beer culture, barrel-aged Saison, craft beer production, pineapple passion fruit sour, seafoam beer, spirulina in beer, algae in beer, beer ingredients, unique beer flavors, beer brewing process, beer conditioning, Italian drinking chocolate stout, beer fermentation, craft brewers, and beer bottle designs.

Learn about Eagle Park Brewing Company’s explosive growth, how brewing is like making music, and what’s up with THC seltzers.

01:45 Beer Myth: Is it bad to have a beer after a workout? Learn the truth behind the idea that beer hampers your fitness efforts so you know what you should (or shouldn’t) reach for in your fridge after you get home from the gym.

03:45 Eagle Park Brewing Interview: Jake Schinker, the brewery’s brand director and co-founder, discusses the intersection of brewing and music, revealing the origins of Eagle Park Brewing, the parallels between the creative processes in music and brewing, and how passion has transformed their venture into a successful enterprise. He discusses the absurd amount of time brewers spend cleaning and sanitizing their equipment, the importance of a strong foundation in experimenting with creating new flavors, and some of the massive equipment being used to brew massive batches of craft beer. Plus: exciting expansion plans, a behind-the-scenes look at their lager program, and the balance of respecting heritage while embracing the future.

The conversation touches on various beer styles, including IPAs, sours, and traditional European lagers. Listeners can look forward to learning about the intricate process of brewing beers with unique ingredients like cream of coconut and get an inside look at one of their newer offerings: THC seltzers.

40:34 Beer Behavior: Jake delves into the rapidly growing trend of THC-infused seltzers within the beer industry and the unique challenges that come with brewing beverages that blend THC with seltzer. He discusses the nuances of working with hemp-derived THC, how it’s legally distinct from marijuana-derived THC, and the strategic decision-making that led Eagle Park to innovate with their THC Alto Series despite varying state cannabis laws. He also explains why he doesn’t serve THC seltzers at his bar, since it could lead some consumers to have a bad time.

54:23 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Our LEGO “Building Blocks of Beer” shirts, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Building Blocks of Beer Crew: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/building-blocks-of-beer-crew 

Building Blocks of Beer Long Sleeve Shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/building-blocks-of-beer-long-sleeve-shirt 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Eagle Park Brewing Company: A Milwaukee brewery mixing innovation and tradition, you can learn more on their website at https://www.eagleparkbrewing.com/

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: beer, craft beer, brewing, THC-infused beverages, post-workout refreshments, THC seltzers, Eagle Park Brewing Company, Milwaukee Brewing Company, brewery expansion, lager, sours, IPAs, beer industry, homebrewing, beer brewing process, fitness and beer, beer and health, artisanal beer, beer innovation, THC Alto Series, brewing artistry, brewing mastery, craft beer trends, beer education, beverage industry, THC innovations, brewing equipment, mash filter brew house, beer experimentation, beer flavors, craft beer community, beer stories, beer business, brewing foundation, craft beer evolution, and craft beer production.