Craft Parenting Podcast

It's that time of year again when we dust off the microphones and talk about Higher Gravity's beervent calendar. Yeah, we know we've been MIA over the last couple of months, and there's been a very good reason for it. In this mini episode of the Craft Parenting Podcast, Joe briefly explains where he and Caroline have been and what the plans are for Higher Gravity's 2025 be...

Celebrating 10 years of marriage! A decade ago, Joe and Caroline began their life together as a married couple. Since then, they've traveled internationally, built a family, and experienced countless adventures.  In this week's episode of the Craft Parenting Podcast, they share ten lessons they've learned along the way. THIS WEEK'S POUR Heavy Metal Drummer Bourbon Barrel Aged R...

Road trip! We recently packed up the family van and spent a week in Gatlinburg, TN, with the kids and Caroline's parents.  In this episode of the Craft Parenting Podcast, we discuss our family adventures during our trip, which included: Klingman's Dome – The highest point in Tennessee. Dolly's Stampede – The world’s most visited dinner show attraction. Dollywood – A family amusement...

You may have noticed we haven't been very active podcasters lately. While it's true that we took a bit of an unexpected hiatus, we are BACK and ready to go.  In this episode, episode 240, if we are counting right, we are going to discuss what we have been up to lately, the burnout trap that creators sometimes fall into, and what you can expect from us and the show in the future.  ***  //...

Earlier this month, Joe attended a bottle share with the 513 Craft Brew Facebook group at Third Eye Brewing in Sharonville to celebrate the release of their collaboration beer, Meanwhile in Sharonville . Bottle shares were once a key part of craft beer culture, but they're not as common today.   In this episode of the Craft Parenting Podcast, we discuss: What bottle shares are and why they ma...

America's second "golden age" of craft beer started taking shape back in 2012. Breweries opened on every corner, beer nerds lined up for exclusive releases, and taprooms became the heart of local communities. It wasn't just about beer; it was about community. However, as the market became more saturated and the growing consumer base became older and more health-conscious, beer...

Dry January marches on! Looking for easy and delicious mocktail ideas to stay alcohol-free? In this episode of the Craft Parenting Podcast, Joe and Caroline discuss four popular and easy-to-make mocktail options for those who choose to be alcohol-free, whether it's in January or any other time of the year. Listen to this episode to learn about the origins of these drinks and the ingredients t...

Our non-alcoholic episode series during dry January continues this week. Joe and Caroline try several varieties of alcohol-removed wine by Fre. They discuss the process of making alcohol-removed wine, the price point, and the overall popularity of the NA beverage market. Remember, if you are participating in Dry January this year, you can still support your favorite Craft Breweries, even if you ar...

January is a unique time of year. It signifies a fresh slate and new beginnings. It's also cold and snowy, and it presents the perfect opportunity to slow down after the hustle and bustle (and perhaps overindulgence) that the Christmas season sometimes brings. For some (including Joe), it may also mean giving up alcohol and becoming healthier. In this week's episode of the Craft Parentin...

In the first episode of 2025, Joe and Caroline review their favorite moments from 2024.  They discuss the podcast's success as they head into their fifth year of podcasting (🤯), the amazing support they've received from the Cincinnati podcasting community and the Cincinnati craft beer community. Additionally, they go over some major milestones they've achieved as a family and recap...

Seeing a local craft brewery shut its doors is always tough, but this hurts extra hard. In this episode, Joe and Caroline pay tribute to Taft's Brewing Company.  Taft's Brewing Company opened its doors on Opening Day in 2015 in a beautifully renovated church in Over-the-Rhine. They were named after the 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft, originally from Ohio. Presid...

On the twenty-fifth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Zywiec Porter Baltic Porter Zywiec, Poland ABV: 9.5%  Original Zywiec Porter with thick creamy foam. Brewed since 1881. Zywiec Baltic Porter owes its intense color and distinctive taste to four types of malt.  “This excellent stout, brewed in Zywiec since 1881, is a brew for connoisseurs. Its flavor and health-giving properties have b...

Merry Christmas, everyone! On the twenty-fourth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… La Moneuse Spécìale Noël Brasserie de Blaugies - Belgique (Belgium) ABV: 8%  "A very festive and hardy holiday “saison” home-made at Belgium's smallest family brewery. Extra rich for the holiday season. School teachers Marie-Noelle Pourtois and Pierre-Alex Carlier have together come up with the fo...

On the twenty-third day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Pfeffernüsee Holiday Brown Ale Esoteric Brewing Co. - Cincinnati, OH ABV: 5.3%  “Crafted for Higher Gravity’s Beervent box, this holiday-inspired brown ale delivers cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, echoing the essence of pfeffernüsee cookies.” About the Craft Parenting Podcast The Craft Parenting Podcast is hosted by Joe...

On the twenty-second day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Jungle Boogie Pale Wheat Ale with Rooibos Rea Marz Community Brewing Co. - Chicago, IL ABV: 5.7% “Jungle Boogie isn’t your typical wheat beer–which is why it consistently ranks among the top wheat beers in the country. Instead of a light and bready cracker profile, Jungle Boogie uses a grain bill of mixed wheat to provide a body of l...

On the twenty-first day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Welsh-Style Winter Warmer Gilligan's | Wyoming, Ohio ABV: 8.2% “This winter warmer is brewed with the traditional Welsh sweet bread, Bars Birth, in mind. Akin to a fruitcake, this bread is baked with dried fruits and spices, but also a large amount of black tea. By using dried fruit, warming spices, and Earl Grey tea, this beer i...

The "peanut gallery" returns to the podcast to help Caroline recap Day 20 of Beervent. Joe, meanwhile, was feeling a little "green" and couldn't be there. On the twentieth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Packing bowls Sour Ale Dankhaus Brewing Company | Newark, Ohio ABV: 6% About the Craft Parenting Podcast The Craft Parenting Podcast is hosted by Joe and Carol...

On the nineteenth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Fits Like a Mitten Hazy Double IPA Weldwerks Brewing Company | Greeley, Colorado In collaboration with Homes Brewery ABV: 8.1% About the Craft Parenting Podcast The Craft Parenting Podcast is hosted by Joe and Caroline, two Cincinnati parents who are also craft beer enthusiasts. Each week, they discuss their favorite local beers, parent...

On the eighteenth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Dragon Stout Jamaica ABV: 7.5% “Known as Jamaica's best-kept secret, Dragon Stout is a perfect blend of Pilsen & roasted malt, sugar, hops, water, and caramel coloring. Enjoyed since 1920, Dragon Stout continues to hold its own in the market as a Jamaican favorite.” About the Craft Parenting Podcast The Craft Parenting Podcast...

On the seventeenth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel Dunkelweizen Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan | Freising, Germany ABV: 5.3% “Our dark wheat beer is impressive with its creamy white foam. A fruity-fresh sweetness and hints of mature bananas harmonize with delicious flavors of roasted malt, sparkling and full-bodied with a light caramel tast...

On the sixteenth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Wexford Greene King | Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England Irish Creme Ale ABV: 5% “Based on a traditional Irish recipe from County Wexford that dates back to 1810, we use only the best ingredients to ensure that our Wexford Ale has a smooth, mellow creaminess we believe you will enjoy.” About the Craft Parenting Podcast The Craft Parenting...

On the fifteenth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Nakatomi Arctic Porter Homestead Beer Co. | Columbus, Ohio ABV: 7.4% Yippee Ki-Yay! About the Craft Parenting Podcast The Craft Parenting Podcast is hosted by Joe and Caroline, two Cincinnati parents who are also craft beer enthusiasts. Each week, they discuss their favorite local beers, parenting experiences, and adventures with their t...

On the fourteenth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Skyscratcher Smoked Maple Amber Lager  Jackie O’s Brewery | Athens, Ohio ABV: 5% "Brewed with local maple syrup and a gentle inclusion of German beechwood smoked malt, Skyscratcher’s toasty malt character and crisp finish pair perfectly with a campfire on a cool fall evening." It's a one-off beer. About the Craft Parentin...

On the thirteenth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Wassailer Belgian-style holiday ale Northern Row | Cincinnati, Ohio ABV: 7.2% “Wassailer is a festive Belgian-style holiday ale with warm notes of cinnamon, bright orange peel, and a touch of ginger, complemented by classic Belgian esters. A smooth and balanced brew that captures the cozy spirit of the season in every sip.” About the Cr...

On the twelfth day of beervent, Higher Gravity gave to us… Holiday Bossie Wisconsin Ale with Concentrated Eggnog Wandering Monsters | Cincinnati, Ohio ABV: 5.4% “Inspired by a trip to Wisconsin, Bossie embodies the slowed down, extra-friendly nature of the midwest population. Brewed to be easy drinking, lightly hopped, with a fruity finish from the yeast, we’ve crafted something with character to...