Beervana Podcast

Jeff and Patrick describe the process of barrel aging beer. They talk about the historic role of wood barrels, the modern use of bourbon and wine barrels and the wild ales of Belgium. They discuss the flavor profiles, the economics and the art of barrel aging and blending beer.

Jeff and Patrick discuss the Trappist Ales of Belgium and beyond - their history, provenance and modern examples. They taste beer from Rochefort, Westmalle and Orval and discuss the wide variety of styles to be found in monastic brewing.

Patrick and Jeff discuss the rapid expansion of the craft beer market and discuss whether there is reason for concern that the market is overheated and heading for a crash.

Jeff and Patrick discuss the origin and history of the porter and stout styles and how, aided by improvements in malts and the advent of steam power, they grew to become the first global super-styles of beer. They go on to discuss their popularity in the early craft beer movement in the U.S. and how they seem to be falling out of favor in the current craft scene.

Jeff and Patrick discuss how flavors in beer are created during the the brewing process and sample examples of malty, hoppy and yeasty beers along the way. As a bonus they solve the mystery of the 22oz bottle premium.

Jeff and Patrick discuss the seasonal emergence of Winter Ales and talk about the traditions of winter beer in England and Belgium. Examples of Belgian of American winter ales are sampled and discussed. They also introduce new segments to the pod: Beer News, The Mailbag and The Beer Sherpa Recommends.

Jeff and Patrick take a foray into the world of cider to commemorate the official launch of Jeff's new book "Cider Made Simple" from Chronicle Books. They discuss the origins of cider, how cider is made, the main cider making regions of the world and cider in the new world.

Jeff and Patrick take you on a beer tour of Germany, discussing the major brewing regions, styles and beers. They sample eight different German beers and discuss both well-known and lesser-known styles.

Patrick and Jeff discuss the recent news of potential mergers amongst marco brewers, the recent spate of acquisitions and the infusion of private capital into craft brewing and what it all means for he future of craft beer.

Jeff and Patrick visit Breakside Brewery to discuss the history, evolution and culture of fresh hop beers and the fresh hop beer season in the Pacific Northwest. With fist ever live guest! - Ben Edmunds, Brewmaster at Breakside.

Jeff and Patrick discuss Jeff's new book "The Beer Bible" and share memories of their trip to England and Scotland as Jeff conducted research of the book.

Jeff and Patrick discuss the incredible red beers of flanders and the economic challenges inherent in making such a complex and nuanced beer. What characterizes a Flanders Red and how do they taste? Are there good American versions? Will the market support the style or will price competition kill it off? Rodenbach Grand Cru and pFriem Flandrs-Style Red are tasted and compared. Interviews with Rudi...

Jeff and Patrick discuss the lessons of the 2015 Oregon Brewers Festival. They cover what makes Oregon and Portland (Beervana) special, what the OBF tells us about the evolution of beer and their impressions of this year's offerings. With interviews of Jamie Floyd from Ninkasi, Mark Strooker of Rooie Dop & RUIG, and John Holl of All About Beer Magazine.

Jeff and Patrick preview the 2015 Oregon Brewers Festival, discussing the history of the festival, the evolution of styles over the years and offer their festival-going advice.

Jeff and Patrick venture afield into the world of 'progressive adult beverages,' the fastest growing segment of the overall beer market. They discuss the business, economics and beer-ish-ness of these 'malternatives.'

Jeff and Patrick discuss the emergence of the "Session IPA" style. Is it a thing? They discuss brewing techniques, economics, nomenclature and more.

Jeff and Patrick discuss the rapidly expanding craft beer scene in Italy and sample some exceptional offerings from Birrificio Italiano.

Jeff and Patrick discuss the emergence of lagers, and Pilsner in particular, in American craft brewing.

Jeff and Patrick explore the mysterious and arcane brewing practice of parti-gyle brewing and discuss why it still exists.