Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

Show notes from host John Holl:"If you’re a regular listener of this show you might recall that a few weeks back I was in Nashville for Funk Fest, an event put on by Yazoo Brewing and Embrace the Funk. I participated in a few live discussions with brewers and spent a delightful 45 minutes with Pete Halupka the co-founder and head brewer of Harvest Roots Ferments in Alabama. I wish we had recorded it.  So, in an effort to recreate the magic, he’s here this week via zoom talking about fermentation and building his kombucha program. From breaking it down and dispelling myths, he’s thoughtful and methodical about his approach and has seen the company grow and bring new fans into the fermented fold."  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: Pete Halupka of Harvest Roots FermentsSponsors:   NZ Hops and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Kombucha, Fermenting, Farming, Process

Bess Dougherty has one of the best social media accounts in the beer space these days, mostly because it doesn’t largely focus on beer. With her Carhartt overalls, she’s been using the front pocket to hold snacks. From cookies and chips, to ice cream bars and tater tots, the snack pocket is a quirky escape from reality that celebrates between meal noshes.  Bess has been brewing for a decade now, starting off at Wynkoop, the venerable Denver Brewery, before moving on to a head brewer position at the Grateful Gnome, and then landing amid the pandemic at Ratio Beerworks.  There, she’s part of a brewing team that regularly rotates jobs, it’s not just days in the brewdeck or in the cellar, and she spoke to the show last week she had just finished keg washing and was sitting on the brewery’s patio with a Mexican lager.  Earlier this year the brewery took gold for the Golden/Blonde ale category at the Great American Beer Festival, a style that isn’t often thought of these days but remains important to craft beer history and education.  Coming off the high of a big win, Bess says she quickly had to fight back against the pervasive misogyny that exists in parts of the beer industry. She’s been vocal and active in the fight to bring equality and better understanding to fellow professionals and consumers alike. 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. We’re in it together.NovozymesThe best brewmasters are obsessed with creating a high quality, consistent product. That means reducing mash viscosity for better wort separation and increasing brewhouse efficiency. UltraFlo Max® from Novozymes helps you achieve both. It is time to Brew With Enzymes! Increase your brewhouse efficiency and achieve faster filtration today with UltraFlo Max®. Order a free sample today at www.brewingwithenzymes.com/beeredge.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: Bess Dougherty of Ratio BeerworksSponsors:   NZ Hops, Novozymes and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Kegs, Mexican Lager, Blonde Ale, Barrels, Diversity, Snacks

In this episode recorded in Nashville, Tennessee during the Yazoo Brewing Funk Fest Brady Duncan, a co-founder and Ryan Blevins, the head brewer, of MadTree Brewing share thoughts on IPA and lager, and the fun and hard work that comes with day-to-day operations.  The brewery has come a long way since Duncan and his other homebrew-minded founders went pro.  Fueled by the growth of their IPA, but with a passion for lagers and crazy experimentation - that’s where the “mad” comes in - they are constantly turning out new beers and trying to push within and beyond established styles.  The "tree" stems from their environmental commitment. They walk the walk with giving back, not only being part of the 1% for the Planet initiative, but by making volunteerism part of employment, and thinking about ways they can lower the brewery's carbon footprint and be better stewards of the earth.  This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.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. We’re in it together.NovozymesThe best brewmasters are obsessed with creating a high quality, consistent product. That means reducing mash viscosity for better wort separation and increasing brewhouse efficiency. UltraFlo Max® from Novozymes helps you achieve both. It is time to Brew With Enzymes! Increase your brewhouse efficiency and achieve faster filtration today with UltraFlo Max®. Order a free sample today at www.brewingwithenzymes.com/beeredge.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: Brady Duncan and Ryan BelvinsSponsors:  Briess, NZ Hops, Jack's Abby, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, IPA, Lager, Ohio, Ownership, Environment

Private Press is the newest chapter in Brad Clark’s brewing career. In 2005, fresh out of Siebel he co-founded Jackie O’s a Pub and Brewery in Athens, Ohio, working as the brewer and rising in the job titles as the company grew from a few hundred barrels a year to more than 10,000 annually. Along the way his recipes were lauded, racked up awards, and inspired a new generation of brewers who came up behind him.  And then in 2019 he announced that he was leaving. He was moving west to be closer to his partner and would be starting a smaller brewing operation – Private Press.  Two years in and he’s making 100 barrels of beer a year, which go to members who signed up to take a chance on his stouts and barleywines. There are only 700 spots available.  No taproom. No distribution. Just him, with the occasional help, and the barrels and stainless steel. There are benefits to going small, he says, and a change of scenery and a change in life – namely fitness and mental health clarity – have led to the creation of at least one new style, the Munichwine, which his members will be able to taste next week for the first time.  The beers are purposeful and are more than just a liquid. They are crafted to tell a story, and an expression of a brewer who wants to make big boozy beers for adults, not candy adjunct ales. It shows in the taste and in a career that has honored the past, but is continually looking forward. This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.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. We’re in it together.NovozymesThe best brewmasters are obsessed with creating a high quality, consistent product. That means reducing mash viscosity for better wort separation and increasing brewhouse efficiency. UltraFlo Max® from Novozymes helps you achieve both. It is time to Brew With Enzymes! Increase your brewhouse efficiency and achieve faster filtration today with UltraFlo Max®. Order a free sample today at www.brewingwithenzymes.com/beeredge.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: Brad Clark of Private Press BrewingSponsors:  Briess, NZ Hops, Jack's Abby, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Stout, Barleywine, Munich Wine Ownership, Brewing, Business, Barrels, Wood, California

New Holland Brewing Co. was founded in 1996 and over the years it has evolved from a small brewpub to one of the country’s largest craft brewers, all on the back of a bourbon barrel imperial stout – a pretty amazing feat.  Brett VanderKamp was a co-founder of the brewery and now sits in the CEO role. He's learned a lot along the way, some good and some bad, and has tried to use the brewery as a platform for good in the community where New Holland is based and around Michigan. In this wide ranging conversation about business, and passion, mistakes, and successes we start at the beginning and those early days when the brewery started. This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.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. We’re in it together.Jack's AbbyFor the next stop in our Lagers of the World series, we headed to Japan and worked with Numazu's Baird Brewing Co. to brew a rice lager with yuzu, green tea, and hopped with Sorachi Ace.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: Brett VanderKamp of New Holland BrewingSponsors:  Briess, NZ Hops, Jack's Abby, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Stout, IPA, Ownership, Brewing, Business, Politics, Charity

Show notes from host John Holl:Back in my traveling days, I was always happy to run into Phil Wymore. I’ve always found the co-founder of Perennial Artisan Ales to be affable, interesting, and tuned into flavor.  Since Perrenial was founded its grown in size and prestige, turning out a variety of beers, notably imperial stouts, but also crisp pilsners. For Wymore, the desire to own a business and to create and sell something that housed his creativity has been with him since a very young age. Having a business means moving forward and trying to make a good life but to also scratch the itch of innovation and soothe that inner voice that is always pushing for more.  So, while many folks sat around binging Nextflix during the pandemic, Wymore went back to his roots in the kitchen, started messing around, and recently launched a new business, Passenger Foods. Here’s our conversation."This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.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. We’re in it together. 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: Phil Wymore of Perennial Artisan AlesSponsors:  Briess, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Condiments, Ownership, Brewing, Ales, Lager, Business

Corn gets beat up in beer circles. That’s thanks to years of it being maligned by craft brewers who saw it as an adjunct ingredient that didn’t bring a lot to the conversation or messed with “purity.” Corn is dynamic. Flavorful. Impactful in a beer recipe and should be celebrated.  That’s why in Indiana, a state known for corn production, there are rows and rows being grown annually by Caleb Michalke. He’s the owner, maltster, and farmer of Sugar Creek Malt Co. The farm come up in our conversations quite a bit so it made sense to dial him up. Small breweries are into what Michalke is doing. And after you listen to this episode, you’ll hear why. Yes, Rauchbier fans we are talking about smoked beer during the show, but there is more to Sugar Creek than their smoked malt program. The products are  historical and forward thinking. The farm It’s the constant worry of a grower and that undefinable urge to push forward anyway.  From talking about harvesting malt that hasn’t been grown since World War II and is now destined for lagers, to building his own brewery, and how malt is OK being the bass player in the beer band, Michalke is  the cartographer of the roadmap of his business as he drives. This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt. 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. We’re in it together. New Holland Brewing Co.Dragon's Milk White from New Holland Brewing Company reimagines what a stout can be. Your vessel will be filled with the color of gold, and yet there is more to this white stout than meets the eye. Aged in bourbon barrels, Dragon’s Milk White is smooth and velvety, abounding with notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla to present classic stout flavors in a delicious new way, all in a session-able 6% ABV package. Find Dragon's Milk White near you at dragonsmilk.comFor 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: Caleb Michalke of Sugar Creek MaltSponsors:  Briess, New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Malt, Ownership, Brewing, Corn, Farming, History, Lager

Day Bracey wants to empower the Black community through the beer industry. This is a year-round goal and the podcaster, comedian, and festival organizer does that every day all day. But next week in Pittsburgh he is hosting the Barrel and Flow Festival and will be able to put the goal front and center.  It’s the continuation of the Fresh Fest, which he founded with business partner and podcast co-host Ed Bailey and rebranded for a new year after some issues with the name and a chance in another business relationship.  There is a lot of talk about diversity in the craft beer space.  But talk is just that. Action is what is needed. After countless brewery visits and conversations Day has a pretty good idea on what needs to be done to bring meaningful change to the space. On this episode of "Drink Beer, Think Beer" he’ll share his thoughts on the subject and the industry and he also talks about how the festival is coming together how it aims to create a welcoming space – something that some other festivals don’t always offer. This was recorded over zoom, and there were a few weak signal moments. Don't adjust your dial. 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. We’re in it together. New Holland Brewing Co.Dragon's Milk White from New Holland Brewing Company reimagines what a stout can be. Your vessel will be filled with the color of gold, and yet there is more to this white stout than meets the eye. Aged in bourbon barrels, Dragon’s Milk White is smooth and velvety, abounding with notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla to present classic stout flavors in a delicious new way, all in a session-able 6% ABV package. Find Dragon's Milk White near you at dragonsmilk.comFor 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: Day Bracey of the Barrel and Flow FestivalSponsors:  New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Pennsylvania, Ownership, Brewing, Festivals, Diversity

If you were scrolling through beer-tinted social media this week, you likely saw the color purple. Martin House Brewing in Texas announced its latest beer: Grape Punch Pickle Beer. It's a riff off of their extremely popular Best Maid Pickle ale.  Cody Martin co-founded the brewery with two friends nearly a decade ago, and as he explains on the show, had plans for a saison to be the company's flagship. That didn't work out.  He’s an experimental brewer and is happy to try different ingredients in different ways to see where they land in a beer. In the last few years the brewery has gotten notoriety for making a beer that tastes like wing sauce and another that tasted like ranch dressing. There's also been a breakfast cereal beer and an upcoming one with haggis.  However, it is the pickle beer, made in collaboration with Best Maid, a local company, that has paved the road to success and made the brewery famous. It's now the brewery's flagship is found at grocery and other stores around Fort Worth. Special variations like the purple version, come out now and again. During the show, Cody talks about recipe development and how these beers come together. He also offers up a simple recipe for you to make Koolickles at home.  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. We’re in it together. New Holland Brewing Co.20 years ago, New Holland Brewing Company embarked on a journey into the unknown, brewing the first batch of Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout. What started as a single barrel in the back of the brewery has transformed into the best-selling American-made stout today. Pairing rich notes of chocolate and coffee from roasted malts with deep tones of vanilla and oak from its time in bourbon barrels, each bottle of Dragon's Milk is a delicious adventure waiting to be opened.  Find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.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: Cody Martin of Martin House BrewingSponsors:  New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Pickles, Gose, Saison, Texas, Purple, 

Show notes from host John Holl:"Four years ago I was working on the Drink Beer, Think Beer book and needed some quiet time away. I decamped to my wife’s family house in the Pocono mountains in Pennsylvania. As I was pulling out of the grocery store, stocked with supplies, I saw a newly constructed building where an Arby’s had once stood, and through the windows it was clear fermenters were standing tall. Hopeful and intrigued I soon found out it was the soon-to-open Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. and was introduced to Becky Ryman. She founded the brewery with her brother and in the last four years has grown the business, serving an area that was underserved, and focused on being a good employer that puts the ideals of craft beer first.  Recently I was back up in the area again for a few days of downtime. I sat in the brewery’s fenced in patio with Becky earlier this week. It was Sunday morning and brunch service had just begun. We talk about worry and success, difficulties ahead, and why beer – not seltzer – is still the focus.  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. We’re in it together. New Holland Brewing Co.20 years ago, New Holland Brewing Company embarked on a journey into the unknown, brewing the first batch of Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout. What started as a single barrel in the back of the brewery has transformed into the best-selling American-made stout today. Pairing rich notes of chocolate and coffee from roasted malts with deep tones of vanilla and oak from its time in bourbon barrels, each bottle of Dragon's Milk is a delicious adventure waiting to be opened.  Find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.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: Becky Ryman of Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Sponsors:  New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Poconos, Seltzer, Growth, Lager, Pale Ale, Rauchbier