Beer Sessions Radio (TM)

Jimmy is kicking off 2024, the 15th year of BSR, from Roberta’s with a heavy hitting crew! In the hot seats tonight are Brandon Hoy, co-founder and owner of Roberta’s; James Tai , principal of Beer Acolyte Consulting and Gun Hill Publick House; Mike Amidei director of operations at Roberta’s; and Jaime Ojeda , Restaurateur and Brew Pub operator from Chile. What’s hot in New York this year? Roberta...

We’ve made it to our last episode of 2023, and what a year it’s been for beer! Jimmy has assembled another crew of experts on the ground who helped bring him the favorite beers of 2023, and helped prove once and for all that craft malt is sexy! Find out why from this esteemed group including Tod Mott of Tributary Brewing Co Kittery, Maine; Joel Alex of Blue Ox Malthouse of Lisbon Falls, Maine; Tyl...

It doesn’t get much better than a Colorado-meets-New York show. For this week’s episode, Jimmy is diving into IPAs from two spectacular beer states with a couple special guests. Joining Jimmy are Geoff Wenzel, R&D brewer at Industrial Arts Brewing Co in Beacon, NY, and Dave Thibodeau, president and co-founder of Ska Brewing in Durango, Colorado. Great brewers and great guests, Geoff and Dave h...

Back to Beers! Jimmy has commissioned a convocation of NYC beer bars experts for this very special episode! The point of discussion is Courtney Iseman’s Good Beer Hunting article regarding the scene, and this group of key players from this very special time are here to dive into this retrospective on NYC beer bar history. In the studio tonight are Courtney Iseman , freelance beer writer with Good...

It’s a very special night at the Roberta’s studio! Jimmy is joined by HRN’s The Speakeasy host Greg Benson to co-pilot this ruckus, rockin’ episode! Also joining them are Danny Mena and Arik Torren , co-founders with Jimmy of Bowl of ‘Zole . The group has assembled in honor of October's Bowl of ‘Zole event, along with the recent announcement of HRN’s new executive director, RJ Bee . But that’s not...

One of Jimmy’s favorite guests, Julia Herz, is back to talk about the recent Learn to Homebrew Day Celebration ! Julia Herz is the Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association , and has been busy since she last spoke with Jimmy. Having started as a hobbyist before her lauded career in beer, she is still homebrewing today. Held on November 4th, Julia has the lowdown on the Learn to Ho...

Joel Shelton is back to take Jimmy and his merry gang on another ICB Tour! Joining the party this week is BR Rolya , BSR MVP and Joel’s partner in crime on Inner Circle Beer Tours ; Bob Weyersberg of Transmitter Brewing and ICB co-conspirator; James Tai, advanced cicerone of Beer Acolyte and Gun Hill Publick House , and aspiring attendee of ICB; Pete Lengyel-Fushimi, brewer at Rockaway Brewing Com...

What in the world is scrumpy cider? Close out Cider Week New York 2023 with a history lesson from Elizabeth Ryan, fermenter, pomologist, cider maker, and NY State Cider Pioneer at Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider ’s Breezy Hill Orchard; and also Fee Doyle , bartender, beertender, cider drinker, beer writer, folk musician, and Beer Witch ambassador. With Cider Week coming to a close, this episode is a...

Always so good to be back at Roberta’s! Joining Jimmy in the studio today are returning guests Shinobu Kato, sake brewer and founder of Kato Sake Works , and Peter Lengyel-Fushimi , beer brewer at Rockaway Brewing . The crew will dive into all things rice, sake, koji, burgers, fermentation, ABV, pairings, and more! What makes what’s in your glass so good? These craftsmen have some unique insight....

Back to Roberta’s! Being in the studio always gives Jimmy a chance to bring in his favorite folks from the NYC beer community. This week he does just that with Brett Taylor, Co Founder and Head Brewer at Wild East Brewing Company , and Ted Kenny , owner of Top Hops Beer Shops. Every brewery is different, and NYC is home to some very special beers.  In this episode, learn about the myth behind Wild...

Cider Week New York is closer than ever! Want to be ready for the event before ​​October 6? Check out this special episode featuring Paige Flori of Boutique Wine, Spirits and Cider from Fishkill, NY, and returning guest Scott Ramsey , Executive Director of the New York Cider Association . Get the scoop from these Cider Week veterans on how the changes to the program over the past 12 years have cha...

Tune in for another fun on-site recording with Jimmy at New England Dairy in Boston! Joining him are Allo Gilinsky of Craft Beer Cellar and Trinktisch in Belmont, Mass, and Hilary Walentuk , registered dietitian and senior nutrition specialist, of New England Dairy . On the menu are some familiar themes that BSR has been diving into recently, including cider, dairy, farms, pairings, and more.  Lea...

Cider Week New York is coming up! Want the scoop on quality hard cider and great pairings? Listen in to this special episode featuring Rachel Freier , Cider Week event producer and cheesemonger at large, and a special appearance from Scott Ramsey , Executive Director of the New York Cider Association . Track the journey of Cider Week here, as the event is set to feature more producers and events t...

Jimmy’s back at Roberta's in Bushwick for an enthralling episode of BSR that intertwines New York's rich history and beer culture. Carlo DeVito , a renowned wine, beers, and spirits writer and editor, joins us to spill on his exciting new book on these very subjects. Get ready to be amazed as Carlo treats us to jaw-dropping New York beer trivia! As the conversation unfolds, Carlo's passion for the...

This week Jimmy is joined by some great friends from Colorado for a fun convo. Jason Bell, Founder and Owner of Living the Dream Brewing in Littleton, Colorado, shares his journey and experiences in the beer industry. He is joined by Em Hutto, the founder of beer communications brand RadCraft , proud spokesperson of Living the Dream Brewing, and long time friend of the show!  The gang takes some t...

In this captivating episode, Jimmy sits down for a one-on-one interview with Greg Engert , the esteemed beverage director at Neighborhood Restaurant Group in DC, NYC, and NOLA. Known for his exceptional hospitality, Greg's ability to create memorable experiences is why people dine out. Despite starting as a "failed academic" pursuing literature in DC, Greg quickly found his passion in the beer wor...

Learn about the intricacies of taste from the mouths of the experts themselves! Stepping up to the mics this week on BSR are two esteemed authors and advanced cicerones: Mandy Naglich is a food and beverage journalist, cocktail judge, is certified in several tasting mediums, and is the author of How to Taste ; Em Sauter is the founder of and cartoonist for Pints and Panels , an advanced cicerone,...

On this episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy road trips to Greenland, NH, to chat with Pete Endres,  Cider Maker / Co-Owner of Bird Dog Cider . Tasting right from the tank, they try a handful of Ciders while discussing the storied history of the property. They also touch upon  the culture of agriculture in New England, question how the local climate influences cider-making, dissect which apples a...

Jimmy and his cider buddies unite the East Coast and West Coast in a flavorful exploration of the craft. Joining the discussion are Ron Sansone, president of the Cider Institute of North America ; Dave Carr, owner and cider maker at Raging Cider & Mead Co ; and a drop-in by Anthony Lopez, cider maker (and “yeast babysitter”) at Casa De Oro Cider .  The gang discuss irresistible cider varieties...

Join Jimmy LIVE from Industry City with beer acolyte James Tai , an advanced cicerone and national BJCP beer judge, and Shane McNamara , a master cicerone and Global Director for Beer Passion & Beyond Beer Innovation at AB InBev.  Explore the world of beer as a career, while reflecting on Memorial Day and reminiscing about this year’s Rib King competition. Tune in now to BSR for an engaging di...

Cask is back! Jimmy is joined by Steve Hamburg of Cask Marque Americas; Neil Callaghan, beer director of Brick Store Pub ; and Todd DiMatteo, co-owner and head brewer at Good Word Brewing . Together they delve into the world of cask ale for the second time this month, exploring the joys of being on-premise and the niche cask occupies within the craft beer industry. The show also highlights the inf...

Join Jimmy in a special episode of BSR as he celebrates the tenth-anniversary edition of " The Complete Beer Course ." With him is Joshua Bernstein , author of the monolithic book in question, and Andrew Thomas , a professional distiller at Halftone Spirits and “reformed” home brewer.  Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your journey, this episode offers a refreshing look a...

Embark on another exciting on-location adventure with Jimmy in Boston's Time Out Market . Explore a vibrant beer scene with three local guests: Forrest Pettengill from Aeronaut Brewing , Brandon Keating from Trillium Brewing , and Matt Harding, assistant manager of Time Out Market Boston. Discover the market's 15 kitchen concepts, two indoor bars (with an outdoor bar coming soon), and an impressiv...

Jimmy is back in the field, this time at New England Real Ale eXhibition ( NERAX ) in Boston! He's joined by Mark Bowers, President of the Cask-conditioned Ale Support Campaign ( CASC ) / Brewmaster at Aeronaut Brewing Company; Gary Chopourian, Festival Organizer / beer enthusiast; and Jan Williams, Festival Door Manager and Maine beer acquisition / beer enthusiast. Together, they recap the highli...

Jimmy is back in the studio to recap the latest Brisket King with a couple of folks from the event! In the studio we have Misty Banchero, sometimes known as Seattle Butcher's Wife , member of the family-run USDA meat processing facility Mondo & Sons, and Brisket King judge. Joining her is Brisket King competitor and culinary director of Sands Jerk Hut , Darlene Lawrence, to dish on jerk briske...