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 Brewing on Powell Street in 2012, where they started on a nano scale system.
• Growth and Success: Powell Brewing moved to its current location in 2014 and has been producing award-winning beers ever since. Fun fact: This is where Azlan first learned to brew professionally.
• Classic Beer Lineup: A deep dive into Powell Brewing’s classic beers, including their celebrated Old Jalopy Pale Ale.
• All Good Series: Introduction to their new All Good series, featuring low-calorie beers that don’t compromise on flavor.
• Dry Goods: Discussion about Powell Brewing’s latest innovation—a line of non-alcoholic beers called Dry Goods.
• AI-Generated Labels: Exploring the creative and technological aspects of their AI-generated beer labels.

Key Takeaways:

• The journey from a nano scale system to a prominent brewery.
• The importance of innovation and staying ahead in the brewing industry.
• Insights into creating low-calorie and non-alcoholic beers without sacrificing quality.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @whythisbeer
• Facebook: Why This Beer
• Website: www.podcast.whythisbeer.com

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 ingredients and brewing process that make this IPA unique.
• Career Journey: Julia’s transition from chemical engineering to the world of craft beer, and her experiences working at Molson.
• Transition to Steamworks Brewing: The challenges and opportunities Julia encountered moving to Steamworks Brewing.
• Scaling Recipes: Insights into Julia’s approach to scaling recipes for large production while maintaining quality.
• Hop Extract in John Oliver IPA: How hop extract is used in the brewing process and its impact on the final product.
• Clear IPA Nostalgia: A discussion on the resurgence of clear IPAs and their place in the current beer market.
• Work-Life Balance: Julia shares her strategies for balancing a demanding career with family life.
• BC Beer Industry: The exciting developments and challenges facing the BC beer scene today.
• Steamworks Anniversary: Celebrating milestones and reflecting on the journey of Steamworks Brewing.
• Beer Conferences: Julia’s experiences traveling to beer conferences and the knowledge gained from them.
• Excel Skills: A lighthearted segment where Julia brags about her impressive Excel skills and how they aid her brewing process.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of innovation and adaptability in the brewing industry.
• Practical tips for maintaining quality when scaling beer recipes.
• The role of community and continuous learning in achieving brewing excellence.

Announcements:

• Stay tuned for our next episode featuring another industry expert.
• Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @whythisbeer
• Facebook: Why This Beer
• Website: www.podcast.whythisbeer.com

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 Steamworks Brewing.

Topics Discussed:

• Craft Beer Journey: Azlan talks about his early influences, his father's home brewing passion, and his professional journey across various breweries.
• Hop Love: A deep dive into our mutual admiration for Cascade and Amarillo hops and why they’re so special.
• Main Street Naked Fox IPA: Dive into the ingredients and brewing techniques that make Naked Fox IPA stand out.
• Cask Beer Program: Discover the nuances of Azlan's approach to cask beers and what sets his program apart.
• Traditional British Ingredients: Learn about the unique traditional British ingredients Azlan uses in his brews.
• BC Beer Scene: What’s exciting Azlan about the current trends and innovations in the British Columbia beer scene.
• Community and Collaboration: How Azlan has leaned on the community of brewers to refine his beers, including insights into the Babe Brew and The Beer Babes family collaboration project.
• Young Brewer of the Year: Azlan's recent nomination for Young Brewer of the Year and what it means to him.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of quality ingredients and meticulous brewing techniques in crafting a standout IPA.
• The value of community and collaboration in the brewing industry.
• The exciting developments and future trends in the BC beer scene.

Announcements:

• Don’t miss our upcoming episode with another exciting guest from the craft beer world.
• Follow us on social media to stay updated on new episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @whythisbeer
• Facebook: Why This Beer
• Website: www.podcast.whythisbeer.com