Beverage Chronicles

Fruishi: A New, Fruit-Based Approach to Keeping Kids Hydrated Contributor Jessica Gonzalez interviews Nicole Hamawi, founder of Fruishi, an upcoming beverage brand expected to launch in early 2027. Inspired by her struggles to get her picky five-year-old to drink enough water, Nicole developed a fruit-based hydration powder made with freeze-dried fruit, simple ingredients, and a small amount of or...

Title: Diamond Brew Reinvents Instant Coffee and the 2026 Great American Beer Festival Summary: This episode of Beverage Chronicles features Michelle Lam interviewing Douglas Yu, founder and CEO of Diamond Brew Coffee, about his innovative brewless coffee technology designed to deliver fresh-brewed flavor with greater convenience. Yu discusses product development, customer feedback, social media e...

Beverage Chronicles America's Macro Beer Debate, Brand Psychology, and the Ancient History of the Pub This episode of Beverage Chronicles questions the reputation of American macro beer, from price and ingredients to forever chemicals and craftwashing, before Leslie Jespersen explains how brands claim real estate in consumers' minds and historian Rachel Binkowski traces the pub's origins from anci...

Beverage Chronicles America's Macro Beer Debate, Brand Psychology, and the Ancient History of the Pub This episode of Beverage Chronicles questions the reputation of American macro beer, from price and ingredients to forever chemicals and craftwashing, before Leslie Jespersen explains how brands claim real estate in consumers' minds and historian Rachel Binkowski traces the pub's origins from anci...

Beverage Chronicles Health Myths in Your Glass, Allagash White's Legacy, and the Great Oktoberfest Showdown Title: Oktoberfest Beer Surprises, Beverage Health Myths, and the Power of Storytelling Summary: This episode of Beverage Chronicles explores several sides of the beverage world, from the health claims surrounding alcoholic drinks to the evolution of craft beer and the importance of public r...

Beverage Chronicles Savoring the Season: Beer Traditions, Fall Pairings, and Better Bottled Water Short summary This episode of Beverage Chronicles explores how seasonal beers reflect changing weather, ingredients, traditions, and food occasions—from refreshing spring and summer pours to richer autumn ales and winter stouts. Chef Christina Martin shares a savory fall cider pairing built around roa...

Beverage Chronicles Savoring the Season: Beer Traditions, Fall Pairings, and Better Bottled Water Short summary This episode of Beverage Chronicles explores how seasonal beers reflect changing weather, ingredients, traditions, and food occasions—from refreshing spring and summer pours to richer autumn ales and winter stouts. Chef Christina Martin shares a savory fall cider pairing built around roa...

Beverage Chronicles Brown Ale Basics, Champlain Valley Wines, and Morning Coffee with Kyle Mozden Gary Monterosso makes the case for brown ale as a gentle entry point to darker beer and looks at when to drink coffee. Robin Shreeves talks with Kyle Mozden, director of winemaking at Rolling Hills Estate Winery, about cold-hardy grapes and building a new wine region in New York's Champlain Valley. A...

Beverage Chronicles New Beverage Launches, a Fresh Contributor, and Wine Made for Real Palates with Erin Redden Title: New Products, New Voices and Wine Made Welcoming We discuss a range of recent nonalcoholic launches, from hydration and sports-drink innovations to energy mocktails, protein shakes, craft sodas, cold brew and better-for-you beverage options. Contributor Jessica Gonzalez interviews...

Beverage Chronicles Craft Beer's Loyalty Gap, Wine Value Myths, Brand Consistency, and NFL Beer Price Shock Gary Monterosso reviews new survey data on craft beer loyalty, wine expert John Mahoney answers listener questions on pricey bottles and summer whites, branding contributor Leslie Jespersen makes the case for consistency over novelty, and Monterosso closes with a look at soaring beer prices...

Beverage Chronicles Inside Oakwell Beer Spa's Craft Beer Taproom and Hydrotherapy Suites with Jessica French and Damien Zouaoui Gary Monterosso runs through the latest sales rankings across seltzer, energy drinks, craft beer and ready-to-drink cocktails before Katie Johnson sits down with Oakwell Beer Spa co-founders Jessica French and Damien Zouaoui, who explain how a rainy day in Poland turned i...

Pumpkin Beer, Frost-Damaged Vineyards & America’s Drinking Habits This episode of Beverage Chronicles explores the arrival of pumpkin beer season, including Elysian Brewing’s long history with the style and its pumpkin variety pack. Wine critic Robin Shreves then discusses the impact of April’s devastating frost on Mid-Atlantic vineyards with Auburn Road Vineyards’ Scott Donini, who explains h...

Title: Snallygaster 2026: Great Beer, Big Flavor, and a Purpose Beverage Chronicles explores the FDA’s push for clearer caffeine labeling before Katie Johnson talks with Greg Engert about Snallygaster, Washington, D.C.’s massive beer festival. The October 10 event brings hundreds of beers, international brewers, music, family activities, and support for sustainable-food nonprofit Arcadia. From Caf...

How Breweries, Food Pairings, Storytelling, and Soda Innovation Are Reshaping Beverage Culture

Craft Beer’s Midyear Reality: IPA Still Carries the Market Contraction may be easing: Craft volume fell about 4%, yet a majority of responding breweries said they are growing—an improvement from last year’s survey. IPA is doing the heavy lifting: Every top-30 craft brand gaining in grocery, mass retail, and convenience was an IPA, led by brands such as Voodoo Ranger, Hazy Little Thing, and Elysian...

Lost Beers, Chilled Reds, and the Homebrewers Who Built Craft Beer Long-lost beers are making a comeback, with breweries reviving classic brands and recipes to tap into nostalgia and reconnect with drinkers. Chilled red wine is becoming a summer trend, especially for light-bodied styles like Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc served slightly cooler than traditional room temperature. Homebrewers...

Title: Debunking Whiskey Myths, Tracing Pilsner’s Origins, and Why PR Still Matters Description We explain the differences between single malt, blended malt, and blended Scotch, dispelling common whiskey misconceptions and helping listeners choose based on taste rather than labels. The fascinating history of the Pilsner is traced, from its revolutionary debut in 1842 to becoming the world's most i...

Title: Do Beer Ratings Really Matter? Beer ratings can help drinkers discover new breweries and styles, but they're only opinions—not facts—and personal taste should always come first. Contributors Josh Seaberg and Rachel Benkowski offer segments on the classic Pegu Club cocktail and why the right beer glassware dramatically enhances aroma, flavor, and the overall drinking experience. Bartend...

TITLE: Foam, Pairings and Fresh Pours Beer foam isn’t waste — it’s a sign of proper brewing, protects aroma, and improves texture Pizza-and-beer harmony comes from yeast, carbonation, and choosing the right style for the slice New RTDs, wine tips, and Leslie Jesperson’s BFD TV round out this week’s Beverage Chronicles highlights

Long Island Iced Tea Returns as a Cocktail Classic We explore the competing origin stories of the Long Island Iced Tea and explain why the cocktail is enjoying a modern revival. Learn how beer was brewed before refrigeration, why lagers were stored in caves, and how seasonal brewing shaped beer history. Flavorful mid-strength beers are growing in popularity as craft breweries respond to consumers...

Warm Weather Wines and the Craft Spirit of the Lake Erie Ale Trail Warm Weather Wines for Easy Summer Drinking The episode opens with wine contributor John Mahoney offering warm-weather wine recommendations designed for dinners, restaurant outings, and casual evenings with friends. He highlights refreshing whites such as Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Gris, noting their acidity, brightness,...

Dive Bar Soul, Bottle Science, and the Pickle Beer Surprise The Humble Doorway Into Dive Bar Culture The episode opens with a sponsor message for Buna Connection Brewing Company before host Gary Montaroso introduces Beverage Chronicles as a relaxed conversation about the stories behind what people drink. The main feature begins by defining dive bars as casual, unpretentious places with simple drin...

From Speakeasies to Canned Cocktails: How America's Drinking Culture Evolved Prohibition failed to stop Americans from drinking, but it sparked the rise of speakeasies, bootlegging, and the cocktail culture we still enjoy today. The aftertaste of a beverage can significantly influence enjoyment, with bitterness affecting people differently based on genetics and taste perception. Modern canned cock...

Beverage Chronicles with Gary Monterosso Root Beer, Vodka, and the Unexpected Science in Your Glass This episode of Beverage Chronicles explores the nostalgic origins of root beer, from its sassafras‑root beginnings to its clever rebranding by Charles Hires in the 1870s. It then shifts to the rise of flavored vodka and how it reshaped modern drinking culture, before closing with a surprising look...

Beer Flights, Coffee Trends and Beverage Brand PR - Learn the best way to enjoy a beer flight by tasting from lighter to heavier styles. - Discover how public relations helps beverage brands build trust, visibility, and sales opportunities. - Get the latest on Starbucks Rewards changes and new research linking coffee consumption to lower dementia risk.