Today, on Consuming the Craft, I was thrilled to have Karis Roberts from the Asheville Brewers Alliance join me to discuss the vibrant and highly anticipated Asheville Beer Week. We discussed the planned events, the involvement of various local non-profits, and the community's concerted efforts toward diversification and inclusion in the brewing industry. Karis shared fascinating insights into the strategic arrangements for the week, from neighborhood-specific events to educational tours at local institutions.

Karis Roberts, our guest today, is a key figure in the Asheville Brewers Alliance. Her work primarily fosters a collaborative community within Asheville's brewing scene. Karis's efforts are instrumental in organizing Asheville Beer Week, aiming to highlight the region's rich brewing culture and promote diversity within the industry.

"With your ticket, you not only have access to samples from beverage producers, but also educational sessions with North Carolina brewers guild." — Karis Roberts

Today on Consuming the Craft:

· Asheville Beer Week is a highly anticipated event with many neighborhood activities.

· The kickoff event involves significant contributions to non-profits, intertwining community support with festive celebrations.

· Educational components are substantial, with organized tours and talks aimed at professionals and enthusiasts.

· The event promotes a sense of community by encouraging participation in various facets, from volunteering to attending educational sessions.

· Networking opportunities abound throughout the week, benefiting attendees in tangible ways such as collaborative projects and shared resources.

· Special events like drag brunches and relay races add unique flavors to the week while supporting local charities.

· There's a strong emphasis on education, with sessions on brewing techniques, industry trends, and regulatory discussions designed to enrich participants' knowledge.

Resources Mentioned:

- Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling

- Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast

- North Carolina Craft Beverage Museum

Connect with Karis Roberts:

● Asheville Brewers Alliance

● Asheville Brewers Alliance on Twitter

● Asheville Brewers Alliance on Instagram

● Asheville Brewers Alliance on Facebook

● Karis Roberts on LinkedIn

● Email: KarisRoberts.ABA@gmail.com

Join us next time on Consuming the Craft as we continue to explore the intricate tapestry of the craft beverage industry, spotlighting those who pour their passion into every pint.

Consuming the Craft

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Consuming the Craft Podcast, brought to you by AB Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more craft beverage enthusiasts.

To learn more about AB Tech and the Craft Beer Institute of the Southeast, visit our website.

064 Aging Gracefully: Charlie Stanley on Whiskey, Wine, and the Art of Maturation

Today, on Consuming the Craft, we delved deep into the sophisticated art of aging fine spirits with esteemed guest Charlie Stanley. Throughout our conversation, Charlie imparted his extensive knowledge of how the character of wines and spirits evolves with time and the role of aging in defining the complexity of their flavor profiles. He shared insights on the meticulous craft of blending and aging whiskey and how global market forces impact the economics of barrel acquisition within the industry.

Charlie Stanley brings a wealth of expertise to Oak and Grist, where his journey began as an intern and evolved into a vital role within the company over a span of nearly three and a half years. Before his tenure at Oak and Grist, Charlie's ten-year experience in the wine industry laid the foundation for his dedication to the distillation craft. His passion for the art is rooted in a deep reverence for the cultural, historical, and agricultural significance of alcohol production.

“In whiskey blending, each barrel contributes a unique essence, making the blender's role both an act of precision and a creative endeavor.” ~ Charlie Stanley

Today on Consuming the Craft:

· The aging process is pivotal in transforming the foundational elements of beer, wine, and whiskey into complex flavor experiences.

· Masterful whiskey blending resembles an intricate dance; it requires an inherent understanding of each barrel's potential contribution to the final blend.

· The distillery industry is experiencing a pronounced effect from global forces, with a surge in barrel prices reshaping distillers' strategies.

· Cultural inflections and local preferences drive innovation in spirit production, necessitating adaptive marketing and product development.

· Oak and Grist's commitment to traditional methods, such as producing gin in a Geneva-style style, highlights the importance of consumer education in the craft spirits market.

· Distillers must carefully balance maintaining quality and navigating the industry's financial and operational challenges.

· The painstaking selection of botanicals for gin at Oak and Grist reflects the local terroir and the distillery's dedication to crafting a signature spirit.

· Though laden with intricate challenges, the craft of distillation presents an opportunity for connecting with a rich, historical lineage.

Contact Charlie Stanley:

- Contact Charlie Stanley at Oak and Grist Distillery.

This episode is brought to you by…

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

Consuming the Craft

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Consuming the Craft Podcast episode, which was brought to you by AB Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay

Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more craft beverage enthusiasts.

To learn more about AB Tech and the Craft Beer Institute of the Southeast, visit our website.

Today, on Consuming the Craft, I had an insightful conversation with the head brewer of Yeehaw Brewing Company, Dan Rowe. We walked through his journey in the brewing industry, from his time at Dogfish Head to Heavy Seas to Yeehaw Brewing. Dan detailed their practical challenges, particularly with cold storage during peak months, and how they're adapting through innovation and expansion. We chewed over the craft of whiskey tasting and the physicality of brewery work. We delved into the mental health challenges within the industry, discussing initiatives such as beer festivals aimed at raising awareness and support.

Dan Rowe brings a wealth of experience from his time brewing across the country. Currently spearheading operations at Yeehaw Brewing Company in Johnson City, he has been instrumental in their growth and success. With a keen eye for quality and a passion for the craft, Dan shared insights that only come with years of hands-on involvement. He's a prime example of someone who isn't just about beer but is equally invested in the well-being of those in the brewing community.

"A good beer isn't just about the flavor; it's the story and the community that surrounds it."

~Dan Rowe

Today on Consuming the Craft:

· The necessity of a work-life balance for those in the brewing industry and using tools like the "worry tree" to maintain it.

· The pivotal role that mental health plays in the productivity and longevity of brewery workers.

· Importance of being proactive about wellness and seeking help when needed in high-stress environments.

· Adaptation and preparedness are key to survival, as demonstrated by Yeehaw Brewing's timely acquisition of a canning line.

· The physical challenges of brewing and why caring for one's health is vital.

· The thoughtful consideration of a brewery's facility and capacity needs for efficient operation.

· The emergence of non-alcoholic options and social activities as part of the industry's cultural shift.

· Expanding the discussion around alcohol, recovery, and mental health within the brewing community.

Contact Dan Rowe:

- LinkedIn

- Email

Resources Mentioned:

- Nepenthe Brewing Company

- Yeehaw Brewing Company

- McConnell Farms

This episode is brought to you by…

McConnell Farms - Taste the Way You Remember. Enjoy homemade ciders and ice cream made from only the best produce on the market. Visit the McConnell Farms website to learn more about our seasonal inventory and the delicious creations you can make with our homegrown produce.

Consuming the Craft

Thanks for tuning into this week’s Consuming the Craft Podcast episode, which was brought to you by AB Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay

Share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more craft beverage enthusiasts.

To learn more about AB Tech and the Craft Beer Institute of the Southeast, visit our website.