Why This Beer?

Guest: Dr. Euan Thomson, Founder and CEO of Raft Labs Topics Discussed: Euan's journey in craft beer, including his time at Phillips Brewing and harvesting a lactobacillus culture. Founding Raft Labs during the COVID-19 pandemic and their pivot to producing hand sanitizer. Horror stories of contamination points in craft breweries and how to avoid them. Optimizing beer quality beyond simply pr...

Guest: Jonas from Cabin Brewing Summary: In this episode, Darren and Azlan sit down with Jonas from Cabin Brewing, their first guest from Alberta. Jonas shares how his passion for homebrewing evolved into co-founding Cabin Brewing and creating their flagship beer, Super Saturation. They explore Alberta’s craft beer scene, standout beers like ‘Fuego’ and ‘Sunshine Rain,’ and industry trends like hi...

Guest: Jeff Kurkowski, Head Brewer at Godspeed Brewing Topics Discussed: Jeff’s journey through the brewing industry, including working at multiple Ontarian breweries of various sizes. His music career and experiences touring North America with bands. Brewing Czech-inspired lagers and the creative challenges they present. Using Saaz hops and the agricultural difficulties associated with them. The...

Guest: Noëlle Phillips, Ph. D., Professor at Douglas College and author of Brewmasters and Brewery Creek . Topics Covered: Introduction to Noëlle Phillips and Her Work Her background as a professor at Douglas College. Overview of her new book Brewmasters and Brewery Creek : a story about independent brewing in Vancouver. Medieval Beer Culture Noëlle's interest in medieval beer culture. The hi...

Guest: Simon Barna, Nelson Brewing Company Main Discussion Points: Simon’s Journey in the Brewing Industry : Simon takes us through his journey from a small pub in Ontario, traveling worldwide, and ultimately landing in Nelson, BC, where he has been part of the local brewing scene for over ten years. Spotlight on Faceplant Winter Ale : A deep dive into Faceplant Winter Ale, Nelson Brewing’s popula...

Guest: Tessa Gabiniewicz, Land and Sea Brewing Main Discussion Points: Tessa’s journey in the brewing industry, including her experiences living and working in unique places across BC that influenced her career. Spotlight on Glacier Cream Ale: A discussion of Land and Sea’s popular and award-winning Glacier Cream Ale, its unique profile, and why it resonates with BC beer lovers. Foraging for ingre...

In this episode, we chat with Ken Beattie, executive director of the BC Craft Brewer's Guild. Ken shares his journey in the beer industry, from his early days at Molson, to Okanagan Springs, and finally to leading the Guild. We dive into his role at the Guild, the diverse membership it serves, and the projects currently underway to support BC’s craft brewers. Ken also talks about the key chal...

Guest: Nick Fengler, Old Yale Brewing Main Discussion Points: Nick’s career in craft beer , starting at established breweries like Dead Frog Brewing. Opening new breweries , including his role in helping to launch Raven’s Brewing. Steering the ship at Old Yale Brewing and how he transitioned into his current role. Featured Beer Segment: Sasquatch Stout A discussion of the rich pedigree of Sasquatc...

Guest: Mitch Warner, Dageraad Brewing Main Discussion Points: Mitch’s journey from working in the film industry to becoming a brewer in the craft beer world. The early days of brewing, where Mitch brewed copious amounts of homebrew, laying the foundation for his future in beer. An exploration of Belgian brewing traditions at Dageraad, with a focus on maintaining authenticity and quality. The intri...

In This Episode: Join us as we chat with Thom Riley, General Manager of Vancouver Island Brewing, about his unique journey from aspiring astrophysicist in Scotland to becoming a key figure in the craft beer world. We dive into Thom's career path, including his roles at Stanley Park Brewing and Labatts before his return to the craft scene at Vancouver Island Brewing. Thom shares his love for B...

Hosts: Darren Binnema & Azlan Graves Guest: Kerry Dyson, Head Brewer at Brewhall, Vancouver In this episode of Why This Beer? , Darren and Azlan sit down with Kerry Dyson, the talented head brewer at Brewhall in Vancouver. With a wealth of experience in the brewing industry and a string of award-winning beers to his name, Kerry brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the table. Episode...

Show Notes: Guest: Octavio Pauley, Founder of Beva Brewing and Blending Episode Overview: In this episode, we sit down with Octavio Pauley from Beva Brewing and Blending, one of the newest breweries in North Vancouver. Octavio shares his unique transition from studying jazz to brewing award-winning lagers and pilsners. Topics Discussed: Beva Brewing’s Beginnings: An introduction to Beva Brewing an...

Show Notes: Guest: David Bowkett, Founder of Powell Brewing Episode Overview: Join us as we chat with David Bowkett, the mastermind behind Powell Brewing. Discover how this brewery, which started on a nano scale system, has grown into an award-winning establishment known for its innovative and classic beers. Topics Discussed: Powell Brewing’s Origins: Learn about the humble beginnings of Powell Br...

Show Notes: Guest: Julia Hanlon, Head Brewer at Steamworks Brewing Episode Overview: In this episode, we welcome Julia Hanlon from Steamworks Brewing to discuss the intricacies of their John Oliver IPA. Julia shares her unique journey from a chemical engineering background to becoming a leading figure in the BC craft beer industry. Topics Discussed: John Oliver IPA: An in-depth look at the ingredi...

Show Notes: Guest: Azlan Graves, Head Brewer at Main Street Brewing Episode Overview: In this episode, we sit down with Azlan Graves from Main Street Brewing to uncover the secrets behind their celebrated Naked Fox IPA. Azlan shares his fascinating journey in the craft beer world, starting from his father’s love of home brewing to his experiences at renowned breweries like Powell Brewing and Steam...