The Capital of Craft Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Gene Fielden, manager of Bottlecraft North Park, joins Erik and Jeff to talk about how curated beer retail experiences are adapting to the evolving tastes of craft beer drinkers. From his background in archiving to managing one of San Diego’s top bottle shops, Gene shares his journey into beer, how Bottlecraft balances on- and off-premise sales, the comeback of lagers, and what breweries should know when pitching their beers.Whether you’re a brewer, beer enthusiast, or just curious about the changing craft landscape, this episode offers thoughtful insight from the intersection of retail and community.📍 Bottlecraft Locations: Little Italy, North Park, Liberty Station, Oceanside, Long Beach🍺 Visit: https://www.bottlecraft.comTopics Covered:• The evolution of Bottlecraft and its role in San Diego’s beer scene• The “death of the bomber” and rise of 16oz cans• Why lagers are back—and why they matter• On- vs. off-premise licensing• Distribution pathways: self-distribution, importing, and working with reps• Creating a curated beer experience• How aging drinkers are reshaping the craft landscape• Advice for breweries pitching to bottle shops

Request a sample or get support at https://cytiva.link/70gnb. Want to reach Craig directly? You can email him at  craig.nelson@cytiva.com.⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷

In this Capital of Craft podcast episode, we sit down with Craig Nelson, Lab Filtration and Genomics Sales Specialist at Cytiva. Craig shares his journey from homebrewing in Florida to leading quality control programs in San Diego’s brewing and biotech industries.

Learn how Craig went from Funky Buddha Brewery to launching Resident Brewing in downtown San Diego, and how he eventually pivoted into public health and biotech sales, while staying rooted in the beer world. Now at Cytiva, Craig helps breweries implement better quality control systems to preserve shelf life, improve consistency, and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you’re a brewer, beer fan, or just curious how science meets suds, this episode is packed with industry insights and career reflections.

Topics Covered:

• Craig’s transition from brewing to biotech
• Founding Resident Brewing in San Diego
• Importance of quality control in craft beer
• Tools and techniques for brewery lab testing
• How Cytiva supports brewers with lab filtration
• Why QC matters for shelf life and consistency
• Advice for small breweries starting QC programs

In this episode of Capital of Craft Podcast, hosts Erik Fowler and Jeff Fox welcome Jeff Lozano, Brand Ambassador for Ballast Point Brewing Company, to discuss the evolution of San Diego’s craft beer scene and the importance of building a strong community and culture within the industry.Jeff shares his inspiring journey from nursing school to becoming a key figure in craft beer, starting as a janitor and working his way through the ranks at Ballast Point. He offers unique insights into fostering collaboration among breweries, the industry's challenges today, and how the San Diego Brewers Guild is working to reinvigorate pride and innovation in the local beer scene.Here's what we discussed in this episode:• The vital role of culture and collaboration in craft beer success.• Navigating challenges in the craft beer industry, from market saturation to rising costs.• How the San Diego Brewers Guild supports breweries and drives community engagement.• Jeff’s advice for creating memorable consumer experiences that build loyalty.• Why fostering pride and passion is essential for the next generation of brewers.Whether you’re a brewer, beer enthusiast, or industry professional, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights!

Hosts Erik Fowler and Jeff Fox sit down with Mack Sant from CraftMaster Stainless to delve into the critical topic of brewery preventative maintenance. With a unique background as a former brewer turned equipment specialist, Mack shares invaluable insights into keeping brewery operations running smoothly and efficiently. From the importance of proactive maintenance to the impact of cleanliness on beer quality, this conversation is a must-watch for brewery owners, brewers, and anyone involved in the craft beer industry. Discover how small maintenance practices can lead to significant cost savings, the role of culture in ensuring consistent upkeep, and the common pitfalls breweries face when managing their equipment. Mack also provides a behind-the-scenes look at CraftMaster Stainless’s customer-focused approach and shares practical advice for breweries of all sizes. Topics Covered: • The importance of preventative maintenance for brewing equipment. • How equipment failures can affect beer quality and production. • Best practices for maintaining gaskets, heat exchangers, and electrical systems. • CraftMaster Stainless’s unique approach to supporting breweries. • Creating a culture of maintenance to ensure long-term success. Tune in and learn how to elevate your brewery’s operations with expert tips and strategies. Don’t forget to subscribe for more industry insights! https://www.craftmasterstainless.com/

Join us on this episode of The Capital of Craft Podcast as we talk with historian and Brewchive curator Judith Downie. Judith shares the story behind the Brewchive at Cal State San Marcos, an archive dedicated to documenting San Diego’s vibrant beer history. From the early days of brewing to the city’s modern craft beer scene, Judith explains how the Brewchive preserves the stories, styles, and people who have shaped the industry. We also explore how San Diego’s brewing culture reflects broader trends in history, economics, and community.

What to Expect:

• How the Brewchive started and its mission
• Why preserving San Diego’s beer history matters
• Connections between brewing, culture, and legislation
• Insights into beer styles and branding changes over the years
• The unique role of artifacts and oral histories in telling San Diego’s story

In this episode of the Capital of Craft, we sit down with Dan Imdieke, President and Co-Owner of the Cicerone Certification Program, to discuss how beer education can transform the craft beer industry. Dan shares insights from his 20-year journey in the beer world—from working at major chains like Yard House and Molson Coors to leading the charge at Cicerone, the gold standard in beer certifications. We explore the importance of beer knowledge, how it can enhance customer experiences, and why it’s crucial for professionals at every level of the industry. Dan also dives into the evolving landscape of beer education, the challenges facing breweries today, and Cicerone’s goals for the future, including efforts to make beer certification more accessible and relevant for San Diego’s thriving craft beer community. Whether you're a beer enthusiast, a professional looking to level up, or simply curious about the Cicerone Certification Program, this episode is packed with insights on how education can elevate your beer experience.

Topics Covered:

Dan’s career journey from bartender to Cicerone president

The role of Cicerone certification in the beer industry

How beer knowledge enhances customer experiences

The value of education for brewers, bartenders, and marketers

Cicerone’s plans for expanding beer education in San Diego and beyond

Tune in to hear Dan’s vision for the future of beer education and what it takes to become a Cicerone!

Jill Olesh, the dynamic Director of Sales at Pizza Port Brewing, joins us on this Capital of Craft Podcast episode to explore the deep currents that shape San Diego's beer culture and the broader craft beer community. From Jill's ascent within the San Diego Brewers Guild to her strategic maneuvers in the marketplace, we peel back the layers of collaboration, community, and competition that define the local and national beer scenes.Join us as we sip through the complexities of guild influence on beer businesses, the challenges of market saturation, and the innovative strategies necessary for future growth. Whether you're a brewmaster, industry professional, or a craft beer aficionado, this episode offers rich insights into the passion and operations behind the pints.Topics Covered:Jill Olesh’s journey and leadership within the San Diego Brewers GuildThe role of guilds in nurturing community and collaborationStrategic brand building and market expansion at Pizza Port BrewingAdapting to the evolving landscape of the craft beer industryFuture trends and challenges in craft beer

The renowned “Beer Attorney” Candace Moon joins us once again on the Capital of Craft Podcast! This time, she’s here to talk about brewery regulatory compliance in California.

This episode of the Capital Craft Podcast offers an in-depth look at navigating the legal landscape of the brewing industry. Candace breaks down regulatory compliance, clarifies the role of the California Craft Beer Association, and discusses the intricacies of managing permits and licenses for breweries. Check out the full episode!

Join us on the Capital Craft Podcast for an insightful episode with Winslow Sawyer from Pure Project, where sustainable brewing takes center stage. Pure Project is not just crafting exceptional beers but also pioneering sustainability in the craft beer industry. Learn about their unique use of Kernza, a perennial grain that represents a significant advancement in sustainable agricultural practices. Kernza’s deep roots help sequester carbon, improve soil health, and support more sustainable farming methods, all of which Pure Project leverages to create a beer with a purpose. Topics covered: • The innovative use of local ingredients in brewing • Insights into Pure Project’s ethos of ‘beer for good’ • The agricultural and environmental benefits of Kernza • The role of collaboration in crafting sustainable beers • Future sustainability projects and visions for Pure Project

Join us on this episode of the Capital Craft Podcast as we explore the inspiring journey of Vista’s newest craft brewery － Roadies Brewing. In this episode, we sit down with founders Sean and Diane Hilz, who share their transition from being the lifeblood of their daughter’s color guard troupe to spearheading a community-centric brewery. Nestled in the heart of Vista, California—a city renowned for its supportive craft beer culture and artisanal spirit—Roadies Brewing Co. embodies the spirit of its community. The brewery is designed as a multifaceted venue where visitors can savor exceptional craft beers while enjoying live music ranging from acoustic sets to full band performances, enhancing the cultural fabric of the area. Sean and Diane discuss the origins of their brewing passion, how they’ve woven the essence of their community-oriented past into every aspect of the brewery, and their vision for making Roadies a local staple. They also detail the practical steps of turning a brewing passion into a thriving business, emphasizing the importance of local collaborations and the intricacies of navigating brewery regulations. Topics Covered: • Inspiration behind Roadies Brewing and its community ties. • Overview of Vista’s craft beer culture and its influence on their brewery. • The transition from home brewing to opening a public brewery. • Challenges and triumphs in establishing Roadies Brewing. • Future aspirations for Roadies Brewing in the craft beer industry. This episode not only highlights the journey of Roadies Brewing but also paints a vivid picture of how passion, community, and local flavor can merge to create something truly special in the craft beer world. Join us as we explore the narrative of Vista’s newest brewery and the vibrant atmosphere that makes it a must-visit destination.