Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Learn about Guinness’ Chicago location, their beer styles—including Czech lagers and Kentucky Commons—and how Chicago’s water influences their brewing. Guinness Open Gate Brewery (OGB) Chicago Senior Brewer Megan Schwarz and Guinness National Ambassador Ryan Wagner discuss Guinness’ expansion into Chicago, how Megan’s chemical engineering background led to brewing, and the challenges of changing p...

Learn how Off Color Brewing's yeast-first focus makes its beers distinct from the more common hops-focused breweries in the craft beer industry. Off Color Brewing co-founder and head brewer John Laffler shares the science behind his yeast-first brewery and how it stands apart from other more hop-focused breweries. He discusses the revival of forgotten beer styles, focusing on esoteric brews crafte...

Chicago's most award-winning brewpub reveals the secrets of its medal-winning Lagers and a bold malt liquor revival. Keil Weimer, head brewer at Piece Brewery and Pizzeria, discusses brewing award-winning lagers and reviving forgotten styles. He tells the story of winning a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in October for his Door Code Pilsner, sharing insights on what it takes to b...

Learn how Soundgrowler’s beers draw inspiration from a variety of art forms, resulting in a blend of rare styles, death metal, and yoga. Head Brewer Jacob Hutcheson and Brewing Operations Manager John Halek showcase Soundgrowler’s vibrant and eclectic brewery, where beer, doom, and tacos come alive in Tinley Park, Illinois. Jacob begins by sharing his passion for the Grodzinski, a rare Polish-styl...

What makes a cider a cider? Explore the fruits and chaos-inspired ingredients behind ERIS’ biggest hits in this cider science deep dive. Michelle Foik, co-owner of ERIS Brewery and Cider House, shares her journey to opening her historic establishment before delving into the art and science of cidering. She starts by discussing how her career took her from Goose Island Brewery and Revolution Brewin...

Master Brewer Hagen Dost delves into Dovetail Brewery’s traditional brewing techniques, from open fermentation to coolships. Hagen starts by sharing his journey of getting into brewing, with an emphasis on his German heritage growing up and the sensory class that helped him develop skills that he feels would benefit any brewer. He then explains how he became a Certified Master Brewer and discusses...

Hop up your spirits with a barrel of laughs as we close out 2024. Plus: a major announcement that you don’t want to miss! Brian, Katherine, and Cody get together via the internet to have some fun to close out the year, sharing reviews of local beers, making some major announcements, and looking ahead at what’s to come in 2025. Brian starts things off by sharing the huge news that the next episode...

Learn how BubbleHouse Brewing ensures they have “something for everyone” and the story behind the best pub game you’ve never heard of. John and April Miller, owners of BubbleHouse Brewing Company, discuss crafting a diverse beer portfolio, providing unique taproom experiences, and their journey from corporate life to brewing. They discuss the challenges and rewards of brewing clean, simple beers w...

Learn how Horse Thief Hollow became the most award-winning brewery on the south side of Chicago, having won 10 major awards (and counting). Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co’s Jake Nelson (Head Brewer) and Adrian Morrison (Brewer and Sales Manager) discuss the fascinating legacy of Horse Thief Hollow Brewing in Chicago's historic Beverly neighborhood, exploring the origins of the brewery's name, its c...

Learn how Burning Bush Brewery crafts its unique brews, including their spruce tip IPA named after a true story of “tree wrestling.”  Burning Bush Brewery’s Brent Raska, owner and brewer, and Scott McElhenney, head brewer, discuss their unique transition from meeting at church to brewing together, the surprising similarities between running a church parish and running a brewery, and the art of cra...

Learn how Twisted Hippo recovered from a devastating fire and found a way to thrive while brewing their unique beers. Karl and Marilee Rutherford, co-founders and owners of Twisted Hippo, share the story of their humble beginnings from a homebrewing beer kit from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, to opening a brewery. They explain how they recovered from a devastating fire in 2022, after which the Chicago cr...

Learn how Revolution Brewing grew from a small brewery to Illinois’ largest independently-owned brewery — and what makes their beer so special. 03:51 Beer Myth: Do all yeasts ferment the same way? Katherine challenges the idea that top fermenting and bottom fermenting yeasts function in the same way. Learn what yeasts actually do and the role they play in the fermentation process. 09:03 Revolution...

Learn how Old Irving became so successful, it needed to open a new production facility — and what went into the expansion. 02:18 Beer Myth: When brewing sour beers, is kettle souring lazy? Katherine has some HOT TAKES about this, and Trevor from Old Irving Brewing Co. explains the science behind what actually creates sour beers. Discover the facts behind this common misconception and learn how ket...

Explore bitter beers with Midwest Coast, including ESBs, English Pale Ales, and IPAs that cater to evolving palates. 01:48 Beer Myth: What’s a “girly drink” when it comes to beers? Katherine and Brian and their guests shatter the myth that some beers are “manly” and others are not.  07:32 Midwest Coast Brewing: Cameron Compton, founder of Midwest Coast, and Timothy Ficken, brewery manager, talk ab...

Discover Azadi Brewing's unique fusion of Indian spices and American craft beer, plus debunk myths about coffee beers. 03:23 Beer Myth: Will coffee-infused beer keep you awake all night? Discover how ingredients like coffee and tea are integrated into beers and learn the truth behind the caffeine content in coffee beers. 08:14 Azadi Brewing Company Interview: Bhavik Modi and Gator Schrand from...

Mikerphone Brewing’s Mike Pallen talks beer collabs and what goes into brewing a coffee stout like Smells Like Bean Spirit. 01:24 Beer Myth:   Does beer make you full, or does it just make you feel full? Learn the truth behind what it is about beer that may be giving you a sensation of fullness, and discover how understanding this can help you enjoy your brews without feeling overly stuffed. Plus:...

Jim Koblish from Hop District Community Brewing Co. shares his unique story of going from distiller to brewer. Plus: Florida’s craft beer culture shock. 01:59 Beer Myth: Does beer taste better in bottles or in cans? Discover the truth behind a persistent craft beer myth and how understanding the science of BPA-lined cans and light exposure can elevate your beer-drinking experience. 08:30 Hop Distr...

Buckledown Brewing’s Ike Orcutt discusses customer loyalty, raspberry craft beer innovations, and eclectic craft cocktail partnerships. 02:03 Beer Myth: Are dark beers only meant for the cold winter months? Learn whether certain beers like Schwarzbiers, Dunkels and Märzen can be refreshing even in warm weather and broaden your beer palate with your newfound knowledge so you can enjoy rich, flavorf...

Alarmist Brewing’s hilarious Gary Gulley brings an engineer’s lens to brewing and nerds out about cask ales, clear hazies, and what customers really want. 01:27 Beer Myth: Are cask ales all flat? What is a cask ale, anyway? Gary explains what makes a cask ale a cask ale and the role carbonation plays in it. If you’ve never heard of a firkin, spile, cast breather, or cask wedge, then you’ll walk aw...

Learn about mild ales, the nuances of English hops and the influence of terroir on flavor, and why “beer is for everyone.” 01:33 Beer Myth: Are craft beer taprooms unwelcoming? Katherine discusses the idea that going into tap rooms full of house-produced beers as a novice in the craft beer community is intimidating and you may or may not be welcomed with open arms. Learn the truth behind the intim...

Explore Illuminated Brew Works’ imaginative craft beer creations and unique tap room that’s unlike any other you’ve seen. 01:26 Beer Myth: Is the craft beer market so saturated that now all beer is boring? Learn why some say that craft beer has become monotonous and learn how you can rediscover the diverse and thrilling world of artisanal brews, enhancing your appreciation and enjoyment of every p...

Learn how an eclectic brewery incorporates an incredible range of ingredients in its beers, including algae and Butterfly pea flower. 01:53 Beer Myth: Do all barrel-aged beers have a high ABV? Learn the truth behind whether barrel aging equals boozy brews so you can enjoy a wider range of flavorful beers with your newfound knowledge. 05:09 1840 Brewing Company: Kyle Vetter, founder and brewer of 1...

Learn about Eagle Park Brewing Company’s explosive growth, how brewing is like making music, and what’s up with THC seltzers. 01:45 Beer Myth: Is it bad to have a beer after a workout? Learn the truth behind the idea that beer hampers your fitness efforts so you know what you should (or shouldn’t) reach for in your fridge after you get home from the gym. 03:45 Eagle Park Brewing Interview: Jake Sc...

Get an inside look at Milwaukee’s iconic Lakefront Brewery, from its hilarious origins to its groundbreaking craft beers. 01:28 Beer Myth: Is all craft beer specialty beer? Have you ever wondered if craft beer is too niche or sophisticated for the average beer drinker? Learn the truth behind the idea that craft beer is only for the elite so you can broaden your beer horizons and find new favorites...

Delve into the story of a Lockport brewery that was established during a challenging time, and has since grown to produce much-loved local brews. 01:51 Beer Myth: Can beer go bad? Learn the truth behind the longevity of your favorite brews so you can appreciate the nuances of beer aging and storage, and know when it's best to savor that special can or bottle you've been saving. Understandi...