Tap the Craft Podcast - Craft Beer Education

In this episode of Tap the Craft Podcast, Denny and Kris take a deep dive into the aromatic compounds that have transformed hop-forward beers over the last decade. You'll learn what terpenes are, where they come from, and why they're responsible for many of the flavors and aromas craft beer lovers crave. We also have two beer tastings, one from Pontoon Brewing with The Smiggles Show Smoothie Sour...

Pull up a seat at the communal table as we explore one of the world's most enduring beer traditions—the Biergarten. In this episode, we dive into the history of Bavaria's famous beer gardens, from their origins above underground lagering cellars to the lively outdoor gathering spaces that continue to shape beer culture today. You'll learn what defines a true biergarten, discover the stories behind...

This week we learn about H.H. Hinder Brewing with guests Mike Stroik, Ken Lambert and David Oldenburg. Mike brings the ownership perspective and the vision behind building H.H. HINDER into a destination brewery and community gathering place. Ken helps shape the brewery's identity through branding, events, marketing, and customer engagement. David brings decades of brewing experience, award-winning...

This week we break down the results of the 2026 World Beer Cup—the biggest global beer competition in the world. We dive into the top-entered categories, reveal the gold, silver, and bronze winners in major IPA and lager categories, and explore what the results say about shifting beer trends—including the resurgence of West Coast IPA and the continued rise of precision-crafted lagers. And we do a...

This week we welcome back Tyler Weddle and Craig Snyder from Pontoon Brewing to dive into the wild world of Smiggles Fest 2026: The Real Slim Smiggles. We explore the history behind the festival, how the team developed this year’s five exclusive fruit-packed releases, and the brewing challenges that come with creating some of craft beer’s most over-the-top smoothie-style beers. We also get the ins...

Dive into the world of von Trapp Brewing in Stowe, Vermont, as we chat with Tom Everett about building a lager-focused brewery rooted in Austrian tradition. We explore how the von Trapp Family Lodge helps shape the brewery’s success, from tourism-driven growth to creating a true destination beer experience. Learn how Tom helped ramp up from a small scale brewing operation in the basement of a bake...

We ask the question…is the haze craze over? Are consumers and brewers returning to clear, crisp and drinkable beer? How have hop product innovations changed the beer scene? We provide insight to these questions, and more. We also discuss the beer term gusher.  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@g...

We dive into the history and science behind the no-boil brewing process...the secret to great hazy IPAs. Our Beer Speak 101 segment defines the term Bierstacheln.  We also have a beer tasting of an Adroit Theory Russian Imperial Stout.  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com , or inter...

We are fortunate to have Mark Osborne, owner and brewer, of Adroit Theory Brewing on the show to discuss the history and innovation Adroit Theory has brought to the craft beer community. Mark shares some great stories about how he started brewing unique and experimental beers on a half barrel brewing system and the adventures in acquiring unusual adjuncts.  We also have a couple beers to tast...

We dive into the history of black brewers in the United States, discussing some notable pioneers, breweries and a beer collaboration series devoted to raising awareness about social injustices faced by people of color and promoting diversity in the industry. We also finish off our tastings with the last Liquid Intrusion Brewing beer. And Beer Speak 101 is back discussing the German brewing term Sa...

Denise and Leo Sawadogo, owners of Montclair Brewery out of Montclair, New Jersey. The conversation focuses around the unique ingredients collected from around the world and how he learned to brew beer from his mother in West Africa. We learn how they built a strong community in Montclair and their plans to expand that community to East Orange, NJ. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If...

Intrusion Brewing out of Prince George County, Maryland. The conversation focuses around the “liquid” and their passion for blending their own twist into traditional styles. We are lucky to have three LIBCo beers to taste utilizing hops from South Africa. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com ,...

In Episode 300 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we talk about the beers we would have on tap if we owned a taproom or tavern.  These can be any beer, past or present, that is important enough to make sure it has a place to pour year round. We also talk about the look and feel of our dream taproom. Have you wondered what we mean when we use the term astringent? Well our Beer S...

In Episode 299 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we talk about the trends of 2025 and what industry leaders are predicting for the industry in 2026. We also do a tasting segment with the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot American Barleywine (2022 & 2024 editions). Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthe...

In Episode 298 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we talk with Brandon Bingman of Middle Ground Brewing out of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Discover how they made their stake on the other side of the Interstate bringing community and family together around great beer. We also drink two Middle Ground beers and discuss the tasting notes and how they were made. Now grab a beer and enjoy th...

n Episode 297 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we talk with Chris Henke, Brian Hink and Justin Vitti of Wander Back Beerworks out of Vineland, NJ. We learn about how they jumped back into the craft beer world to try their hand at running a brewery in an underserved community. We also have three Wander Back beers to taste and see how their devotion to local sourced ingredients and...

In Episode 296 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we discuss some beer and food pairings to try during your Thanksgiving celebrations.  There were a couple significant craft beer news stories we wanted to cover as well. We also do a beer tasting from Druid City Brewing.  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts...

In Episode 295 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we celebrate our Veterans with a little history behind the holiday and how we can connect craft beer to the servicemen and servicewomen protecting our freedom.  We also do a couple beer tastings from Druid City Brewing and Pontoon Brewing..  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you...

In Episode 294 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we entertain you with a Halloween themed craft beer story. Discover the spooky side of craft beer.  We also do three beer tastings from Alabama and Tennessee.  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com , or interact with us...

In Episode 293 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we are talking with Craig Snyder and Tyler Weddle of Pontoon Brewing out of Sandy Springs, GA. Learn about how the brewery got started, as well as the process for creating some of their unique beers and how they curate their tap list. We also taste and discuss three Pontoon beers. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you woul...

In Episode 292 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we are talking about the Anchovy and Eclipse hop varieties with our long time listener Chad Lamasa from Maryland. We also cover a few other new and experimental hops making their way into craft beers lately. The Beer Speak 101 segment reviews what is considered a session beer. Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would li...

In Episode 291 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we are talking about the difference between fresh hop and wet hop beers. We also discuss the state of the hop production in 2025. We even do a couple Minnesota beer tastings.  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com , or intera...

In Episode 290 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we are talking with one of our long time listeners Eric Gronli about the Minnesota craft beer scene. We go into depth on Surly Brewing and learn how this infamous brewery and the Surly Nation helped change the strict beer laws back in 2012. Eric was also kind enough to send us some beer to taste on the show.  Now grab a beer and...

In Episode 289 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we are talking with Jack Snyder of Cold Harbor Brewing. Learn about how the smallest family owned brewery in Central Mass grew into a thriving community supported production brewery.  Now grab a beer and enjoy the show!  If you would like to contact the show you can reach the hosts through email at tapthecraft@gmail.com , o...

In Episode 288 we go live again on Facebook, and in this episode we are talking with Sean Nordquist, of the Tampa Bay Brewer’s Alliance , about the “Halfway There: A Celebration of Beer” event celebrating the halfway point to Tampa Bay Beer Week. We honor the man who opened the first microbrewery since the end of prohibition in the 1970’s, who passed away in July.  We also have two beer tasti...