BYO Nano Brew Podcast

Spending some time with beer’s raw ingredients is important. Finding out what is new, exciting, or how other brewers are utilizing them to create world class beer helps make the whole industry stronger and pints taste better. This month, we’re taking a look at malt and speaking with two industry professionals who are intimately involved in the processing and promotion of grain. Andrea Stanley is t...

The brewing world is grappling with a lot of challenges, but there are still some bright spots and things to look forward to. This month host John Holl talks with two brewers who are building community, making thoughtful beers, and working to better the industry each and every day.  Jeremy Lees of Flounder Brewing in Hillsborough NJ and Justin Steinberg of Sacred Vice in Philadelphia are thoughtfu...

Expanding your brewery's beverage program beyond beer can be tricky, but rewarding as a way to widen your customer audience. Expanding your physical footprint from indoors to outdoors when weather allows can also be a challenge with similar business rewards when done well. On this episode we have a conversation with Chelsea Rhodes of Alley Brewing in Denver about how and why a Nano brewery can als...

There’s a reason IPA is the most popular style in craft beer today. This episode examines how nano brewers can improve recipes and offers inspiration from colleagues on how to bring hops to vibrant life in your next batch. Guests include Niko Tonks of Yakima Chief Hops and Double Elbow Brewing , and Brian Shirley of Time & Materials Beer .  The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 75 is sponsored by: Nano...

There’s more you can do with your taproom and brewery space than just serve beer. We’ll talk with Christian Weber of Common Roots Brewery in upstate New York. He is using his brewery locations for weddings, office parties and more. On this episode he offers tips and insight on how you can add private events as a revenue source to your small brewery business.  The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 74 is spo...

As we kick off another year of the podcast, let’s talk about yeast. From innovations in the space, to creative uses, and how to foster a house culture that can define your beers, we chat with passionate experts from Berkeley Yeast and the brewer/owners of Oregon's Funky Fauna Artisan Ales about beer’s most important ingredient. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 73  is sponsored by: RahrBSG / Gambrinus...

You’re living through some serious headwinds in the beer industry right now. There’s a lot of worry, a lot of gloom, but also a lot of positivity on the horizon. As we head into the end of 2025, it’s a look forward with a trio of guests who believe the best in beer is yet to come. On this episode you'll hear from Paul Leone, the Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association , beer e...

Having food options is a way to bring in new customers and to keep fans coming back. There are many ways a small brewery can approach a menu and this month we’re talking with folks who have dedicated kitchens and robust food truck programs. First up, Tony Cordova of New York's Scale House Brewing . Cordova, the Head Brewer, talks about the evolution of the company, what goes into running a pizza p...

Yeast is the critical ingredient that turns humble wort into magical beer. This month, a look at the microbe from multiple angles and how to make the most out of it in your small-scale craft brewery. Guests: Laura Burns , Ph. D. is the Director of Research and Development at Omega Yeast . After studying stress responses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for her graduate thesis at Vanderbilt University,...

Lagers have been having a moment for a long time now. In this current age of brewing, there are many small breweries that are giving the time and attention to making lagers of note. We have two guests here that will explain how to best approach the style, and bring great pints to your patrons. Andreas Miller has over 20 years of experience in the brewing industry, and has been an adjunct instructo...

While many of us are still holding on to the last days of summer, trying to make the most out of downtime, the work is gearing up on farms across the Pacific Northwest in North America. It’s almost hop harvest season and we’re going to talk with farmers and hop professionals on what is happening for the 2025 season. Guests include Diane Gooding of Gooding Farms and Malissa Gatton and Josh Vigansky...

Sensory analysis, setting up a lab for QC tests, and understanding your raw ingredients are all paramount when it comes to improving the quality of your beer. We talk with two experts - Lindsay Barr and Ashton Lewis - who are here to help you level up beer quality in a small-scale brewery. Guests: Lindsay Barr is the CSO and Founding Partner of DraughtLab Sensory Software where she helps food &amp...

This episode takes a deep dive into malt offerings from both the larger suppliers and those on the craft side. As we take a look at this critical ingredient, experts will share insight on innovation, use, flavor, and more. This episode is in two segments, the first focusing on the larger malt companies, and what they are offering small craft breweries, and then a dive into the craft malt side of t...

The Craft Brewers Conference was held in Indianapolis last month and at the ingredients supplier booths, amid the talk of new hop varieties, there were several beers brewed with non-traditional grains. That’s worthy of a closer look and on this episode you’ll hear from two brewers - Garrett Oliver of the Brooklyn Brewery and Sandy Boss Febbo of Bang Brewing - who are all in on Fonio and Kernza.  ...

These are confusing times, and hard times to work in a small business. As Bart Watson of the Brewers Association recently said, beer makers really dislike uncertainty. So, how can anyone plan when the global supply chain is changing minute by minute? On this epidode we talk about how to budget for the unknown.   The last few months have seen a fire hose of news coming out of Washington D.C., a lot...

How can your brewery make the most out of the holidays? More than just slinging stout on St. Patrick’s Day, or a festbier during Oktoberfest, there are ways to create a welcoming vibe that will get people coming back year after year and can establish your brewery as a hospitable spot. One person who has been working to crack the code is Sam McNulty. He has developed and operates seven restaurants...

While it is rewarding and exciting to own a small brewery, there is also a lot of worry that comes with it. Over time things can snowball, accumulate, and become a burden. Regular check-ins on mental health are important, and no matter who you are in the brewing space, or your role, taking care of yourself is paramount. That’s the focus on this episode.  Everyone is feeling the stress these days....

Dry January is upon us and showing no signs of leaving the calendar anytime soon. So what is a small brewery to do? There are options when it comes to making or serving low or no-alcohol options. On this episode, experts from the field weigh in. Richard Priess is cofounder of Escarpment Laboratories , a yeast producer and developer in Guelph, Ontario. Richard graduated from the University of Guelp...

This is always a good time to reflect and get excited about a new calendar year. To help put the industry into perspective and to think about how to strengthen beer in the year to come, I’ve asked three smart and plugged in folks to share their insights, knowledge, and even offer some homework. If you’re a small brewer navigating these tough craft beer waters, there’s a lot you can learn and hopef...

As we all settle in for the cozy autumnal season, it’s hard not to think about comfort food and warm beverages. This month, we're glad to speak with the owners of two different breweries about their food and beverage program, and how they are approaching menu items that go beyond beer. Their insight might just help your own brewery. Guests include Keith Yager, owner and head brewer of Cross Eyed O...

Autumn has taken hold across North America and it’s a good time to start thinking about the colder months. First, we’ll visit with Evan Watson of Plan Bee , a farm brewery in New York’s Hudson Valley to learn about the land, coolships, and the evolving nature of the business. Then it’s a conversation with Trevor Zumpano of Brewery Branding Co. about merchandise and what your small brewery can be d...

There is uncertainty in the beer industry these days and if you’re a small brewery owner you might feel like you’re alone in the issues and struggles facing your small business. You’re not. On this episode we’ll check in with two small breweries on how they are operating, getting help, solving challenges, and looking forward. Guests Celebrating six years in operation, Slate Town Brewery in Granvil...

It’s that time of year again: hop harvest across North America. We are going to check in with hop professionals on both coasts to get a better understanding on how the crop is growing, what is coming to market, and how small brewers can make the most out of their relationship with growers. On this episode you will hear from Graham Ollard of Hollingbery and Son and Max Licker of Champlain Valley Ho...

Growing season is in full swing across North America and on this episode we check in with two farmers who are brewing and will discuss what goes into making beers with ingredients grown from their own land. There is a bit of romanticism that goes into being a farmer. That and a lot of hard work. Add on a brewing career and there’s suddenly a lot more to attend to. But there are also rewards. On th...

Malt is the workhorse of every beer, but it doesn’t always get the close attention it deserves. I’ll talk with two people who are intimately involved in malt production and education, on both the large scale and the craft side. We’re talking about malt, both industrial and craft on this episode. From examining trends to learning about continuing education, best practices, and new breeds.   Guests...