Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

Show notes from John Holl: "A lot of us had high hopes for 2021 and getting back into normalcy, old routines, and sitting down on familiar barstools.  It didn’t turn out as we’d hoped.  Again, over the course of this past year, I’ve talked with a lot of brewery owners and brewers about how COVID-19 has impacted them and changed the brewing industry, but like we did at this time last year, I want to talk about bars and what the pandemic has done to them.   Once again on the show I’m honored to be joined by three of the very best in the country:  Polly Watts of the Avenue Pub in New Orleans, Michael Roper of Hop Leaf in Chicago, and Chris Black of Falling Rock Tap House in Denver.   Black, of course, closed the Falling Rock earlier this summer, a huge loss for beer in America. With a few months of hindsight he offers up thoughts on what nearly 25 years in business did to him and how he’ll move forward."This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Athletic Brewing Co.Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tastingcraft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today atathleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customerscan also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuests: Chris Black, Michael Roper, Polly WattsSponsors:   NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Bars, COVID-19, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans 

For the second year in a row, as we end a year amid a pandemic, there continues to be innovation and uncertainty in the beer space. To reflect on it all host John Holl gathered some of his friends and fellow writers to talk about the year that was and what might be coming over the horizon of 2022.  Guests this week are: - Christopher Shepard the senior editor of Craft Brew News, published by Beer Marketers Insights;- Freelance writer Carla Jean Lauter; - Matt Kirkegaard, the founder and editor of Australia Brews News; - Andy Crouch, the publisher of Beer Edge, and the host of the beer edge podcast.  We hoped to have Melissa Cole back with us this year, but she was unable to make it. Still she has a new book out – The Ultimate Book of Craft Beer. We encourage you to find it and buy a copy where books are sold.  The groups talks a little business, has a little fun, and takes a walk through the green door. Get a beer, get comfortable, and let’s have some fun. This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Athletic Brewing Co.Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tastingcraft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today atathleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customerscan also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuest: Andy Crouch, Matt Kirkegaard, Carla Jean Lauter, Christopher ShepardSponsors:   NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Lager, Rauchbier, IPA, Non-Alcoholic, Brave Noise, Mergers, Sales, Cans, Bottles, Christmas 

A lot of ink has been spilled writing about Spotted Cow, the behemoth flagship of New Glarus Brewing Co., but there are a good number of beers that the brewery puts out each year, including seasonals and one offs that go beyond the bovine.  It’s the limited edition beers that often capture the interest and attention of beer fans – if they can get them. Recently New Glarus released two small batch beers, both boasting chocolate as an ingredient. A Blueberry Chocolate Stout and a Mocha Berry Bock are delightful in their own ways, never neglecting the base beer and teasing out the chocolate with each sip.  To find out more about these beers and working with special ingredients we reached out to  Daniel Carey. He’s the co-founder and brewer at New Glarus Brewing Co. He and wife Deborah Carey founded the brewery in 1993 and have been there every step of the way as it has grown and thrived all while staying in the confines of Wisconsin.  Daniel had a long career in beer before starting his own brewery, and he talks about his love of certain styles, customer feedback that is sometimes slings and arrows and sometimes loyal pride and praise.  If you follow beer news you might know that the brewery is also in the midst of a lawsuit and countersuit. Since that is ongoing it’s not something the brewery said it was able to publicly discuss. So, for this show we’re sticking with flavor and process.  This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Athletic Brewing Co.Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tastingcraft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today atathleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customerscan also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuest: Daniel Carey of New Glarus Brewing Co. Sponsors:   NZ Hops, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Lager, Rauchbier, Pilsner, IPA, Chocolate, Fruit, Spotted Cow, Wisconsin 

Show notes from Host John Holl:"Wine Enthusiast Magazine released its Top 50 Beers of the Year list earlier this week. I’m the contributing editor for beer in those pages, and you should give it a look if you haven’t already. In thinking about the list and all the beers I was lucky enough to taste on the blind panels this year I wanted to bring together some brewing industry folks – those who are on the list - for a chat about the year that was and where they see the current state of beer.  The panel includes:- Lisa Allen, the head brewer of Heater Allen Brewing - Jude La Rose of Hop Butcher for the World - Matthew Steinberg of Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing - Cambria Griffith of Radiant Beer Co.  This quickly turned into a fun back and forth between them, sharing stories about shared experiences and unique challenges, and a shared fondness of baked goods.  Thanks for listening."This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code DRINKBEER15 for 15% off your first order.Athletic Brewing Co.Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tastingcraft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today atathleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customerscan also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuests: Lisa Allen, Cambria Griffith, Jude La Rose, Matthew SteinbergSponsors:   NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Lager, IPA, Coffee Cake, Adjuncts, Taprooms, Marketing, Distribution, Customer Experience, Brave Noise 

Sam Riggins is making the most out of his brewery. Cosmic Eye Brewery is his long running vision of a brewing operation that he could call home. Starting as a home brewer and then working for Nebraska Brewing Co., he and his wife started the Lincoln, Nebraska based brewery about four years ago, envisioning it as a local taproom that could also make beer to for the local market.  The pandemic, of course, has complicated things.  But a stick-to-it-ness and a desire to make beer that doesn’t follow hype trends,  tastes like the beer he wants to drink and is proud to serve, and helps bring new drinkers into the fold has him happy and moving forward.  That he is brewing without fuss doesn’t mean he is against experimentation. He’s thoughtful and creative when putting recipes together, sometimes relying on the “less is more” approach, especially when it comes to IPA.  As you’ll hear, it has helped him grow a customer base and forge deeper connections with beer drinkers. This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code DRINKBEER15 for 15% off your first order.Athletic Brewing Co. Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tastingcraft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today atathleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customerscan also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuest: Sam RigginsSponsors:   NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers, Athletic Brewing, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Lager, Music, Homebrewing, Collaboration, Nebraska

Notes from Host John Holl:A well conceived and executed beer dinner is a wonderful thing. It is a combination of a chef's creativity and a brewer's best efforts coming together on one table. It is best paired with companions that are enthusiastic about flavor and exploration.  One of the best beer dinners I’ve ever attended was at The Ruck, a great beer bar in Troy, New York. The chef at the time Rachel Mabb outdid herself course after course pairing with, and occasionally cooking with Allagash beer.  She’s since left the restaurant and is now teaching culinary students at nearby Union College. It’s a great pleasure to have her on the show today.  The same is true for Heather Hutton. She’s the pastry chef at Edmund’s Oast in South Carolina. I’ve been working on a new cookbook about beer and food pairing, and Heather was kind enough to share a recipe for a Tres Leche cake that just blew everyone away during the testing and writing phase of the project. Baking and beer are a lot alike and she has great insight.  And Brandon Plyler is the brewery’s Advanced Cicerone and is doing a little bit of everything these days. He has keen insight into pairings, service, and has a respect for the classics are often overlooked.  This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code DRINKBEER15 for 15% off your first order.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuest: Rachel Maab, Heather Hutton, Brandon PlylerSponsors:   NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Food, IPA, Hops, Lager, Saison, Thanksgiving 

Inspired by Belgium and its beers, Matt Manthe has a strong respect for wild microbes, spontaneous ales, and the results that come from letting cultures express themselves. His professional brewing career and studies have taken him from South Carolina, to Berlin and now to Florida, where he did the work of shift and head brewing making clean beers for thirsty customers.  Behind the scenes and at home he was experimenting with his own house strain, and thinking about long and wood aged ales.  You’d expect nothing less from a brewer who has a degree in microbiology.  Odd Breed Wild Ales opened in 2017 and  is the expression of Manthe and the beers he wants to make, the ones that come from an idea that often has to wait for months or years for a formal debut. From whole cone hops to locally sourced whole fruit, to wild lagers he has deep thoughts on it all.  This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code DRINKBEER15 for 15% off your first order.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuest: Matt Manthe of Odd Breed Wild AlesSponsors:   NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Fruit, Lager, Local, IPA, Spontaneous, Hops, Wood, Ken Grossman

Show notes from host John Holl:"You’ll hear how I first met Sean Lilly Wilson a little later in the show, but what I didn’t know back then and what I’ve come to experience over the course of nearly a decade, is his commitment to food, drink, hospitality, creativity, culture, and community.   Outside of Fullsteam, the brewery he launched in 2010, much of the growth of North Carolina as a premiere beer state has to do with the efforts he mounted – with a dedicated group of others – to change the then byzantine beer laws and restrictions.  It was an effort called Pop the Cap, and its impact is still felt today. His efforts haven’t stopped with the laws, but have moved onto the land. Through the brewery, work within the state guild, and conversation with other brewing professionals he wants to help southern agriculture grow and thrive. He’s called it "plow to pint" and the beers he and the brewing team have produced bear the fruit of that hard work.  Nationally, he’s been recognized four times by the James Beard Foundation as a semi-finalist in the outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer category. Personally, he’s a nice guy to talk to. He’s thoughtful and earnest and an incredibly hard worker.  At the brewery he goes by CEO – Chief Executive Optimist – and works to bring forward thinking to both the original brewery in Durham as well as a new location – which opened on the day this was recorded, a day before it first aired. It will focus on pizza and beer pairings, something that might sound simple, but is actually a tightrope walk. This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code DRINKBEER15 for 15% off your first order.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuest: Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam BrewerySponsors:   NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Farming, Pilsner, Local, IPA, Food, Laws

Alan Sprints wanted to be a chef,  but the hours were going to be terrible and he wanted to raise a family, so he went into brewing instead. That was to the great benefit to all of us because his dedication to styles that were not mainstream, or even sessionable meant the creation of building blocks that the entire US craft industry stands on today.  From the early days of Oregon craft beer, to brewing beers that are meant to be cellared, to legacy and beyond, his perspective is unparalleled and he does not hold back in this wide-ranging conversation. This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.Stomp Stickers Stomp Stickers is a proud member of the brewers association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code DRINKBEER15 for 15% off your first order. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuest: Alan SprintsSponsors:   NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Rauchbier, Strong Ale, Oregon, Trains, Food, Legacy

Show notes from Host John Holl:I met Jeff Alworth in the comments section of his blog, Beervana. A decade ago I had written an article for a newspaper and Alworth had thoughts and took the piece to task. He was wrong, of course, so like any keyboard warrior, I logged on and defended my digital honor. We became friends shortly after.  If you are interested in beer, you likely know Alworth. He’s internationally respected writer and authority on beer.  He has a deep respect for beer styles, history, tradition, and craftsmanship.  The first addition of the beer bible has sold over 125,000 copies and the second edition, according to workman, the publisher is “the most comprehensive guide to the world of beer, with everything you need to know about what to drink, where, when and why.”  Alworth is author of the Beervana Blog, the The Widmer Way (Ooligan), The Secrets of Master Brewers (Storey), and Cider Made Simple. He is co-host of the Beervana Podcast.  Alworth hails from Portland, Oregon and as he began national book tour to support the new book he spent a few days in New Jersey, staying at my house. You should check out the podcasts he did with Steal This Beer as well as Beer Massif at two book signings for additional context.  With this go around, recorded in my backyard- neighbor’s leaf blowers and all – I tried to cover new ground, but mostly just wound up having an enjoyable chat with an old friend." This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.Host: John HollGuest: Jeff AlworthSponsors:   NZ Hops and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Books, IPA, Cask Ale, Brown Ale, Travel, Autumn