Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer  By  cover art

Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

By: Exit Strategy Brewing Company
  • Summary

  • Welcome to Crafty Brewers, where we’ll increase your enjoyment of craft beer. In every episode, we’ll go from grain to glass with a different craft brewery — and have fun doing it! Join hosts Brian Noonan, semi-professional beer drinker, and Katherine Valleau, co-owner of Exit Strategy Brewing Co. in Forest Park, IL, as they host candid conversations with brewers and find out what brought them to a life of beer. They explore the styles, trends, and science that makes craft beer so great, expose hilarious "bad customer behavior," and bust beer myths so you can impress your friends with facts.
    Exit Strategy Brewing Company
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Flipside Brewing on Beer Tasting Terminology, Reviving English Mild Ales, and Why “Beer Is for Everyone” (Plus: Are Craft Brewery Tap Rooms Unwelcoming?)
    May 23 2024

    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 intimidation factor of craft beer spaces and how you could use your newfound knowledge to discover new beers, make friends, and become part of a vibrant community without fear.

    09:02 Flipside Brewing: Eric Pizer, owner and head brewer of Flipside Brewing, shares his journey of getting into brewing, including a hilarious story about watching a DVD with a friend and how it’s possible that he’s worked at two completely different breweries located at the exact same address in Tinley Park. He also discusses his experience brewing his first beer, an amber ale, and what led him to the philosophy that “beer is for everyone.” The discussion also touches on the language of beer tasting, common misconceptions about dark beers, the significance of staff education in breweries, brewing with personal flair, and the cultural quirks of craft beer.

    During the conversation, listeners are introduced to a variety of beer styles and hops, including the British styles with balanced hop and malt profiles, the nuances of English hops like East Kent Goldings and the influence of terroir on flavor, and unique offerings at Flipside like their inventive mild ales.

    40:16 Beer Behavior: What’s going on with beer in the south suburbs of Chicago? Brian, Katherine, and Eric discuss the beer community that's developed in the region and the customer and brewer behavior that have cultivated it.

    49:37 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “I drink and I learn things” hoodie, available in multiple colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/drink-learn-hoodie

    You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com

    About Flipside Brewing: Located in Tinley Park, Illinois, at Flipside Brewing you’ll see a variety of classic beer styles along with current and emerging trends. They strive to provide quality food and beverage in an inviting and friendly space, where the community can gather together over a beer and some wings. Learn more on their website at https://www.flipsidebrewing.com/

    If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

    You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod

    Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, craft brewing, craft beer community, taproom culture, beer tasting, craft beer trends, beer collaboration, brewing traditions, beer styles, mild ale, sour ales, wild ales, English ales, beer education, beer conversations, craft beer culture, Flipside Brewing, beer myths, beer tasting language, beer jargon, craft beer scene, artisanal beer, beer trends, craft beer collaborations, and local breweries in Chicago’s south suburbs.

    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • Illuminated Brew Works: “The Most DIY of DIY” Breweries? Mash Tun Welding, Moving Out of Basements and More (Plus: Strange Millennial Beer Behavior)
    May 9 2024

    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 pint.

    07:51 Illuminated Brew Works: Jason Monk, Facilities Manager and Assistant Brewer, and Rick Julien, Sales Manager of Illuminated Brew Works, explain why their brewery is “the most DIY of DIY” operations, their incredible thriftiness when building their own equipment, and how they took their operation from a basement brewery to a bustling Chicago location. They also discuss the unique ambience of their tap room, how they strike a balance between following craft beer trends versus personal brewing preferences, and why they are tired of the term “craft beer.” Plus: the ins and outs of their favorite beers, including the blueberry-laden Tony's Humble Pie white stout with blueberry puree, lactose, vanilla and cinnamon, and their citrusy Orange Sunshine saison.

    38:38 Beer Behavior: Millennials are drinking craft beer, believe it or not, but they have less brand loyalty than previous generations. Jason, Rick, and Katherine discuss what this means for local craft beer communities and delve into other bizarre generational behavior that is driving change across the industry.

    47:18 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Buy our merchandise that says “I just want beer flavored beer,” available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

    Garment-dyed Heavyweight T-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-garment-dyed-heavyweight-t-shirt-1

    Long Sleeve T-Shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-long-sleeve-t-shirt-1?variant=44283749236976

    Premium Crewneck Sweatshirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-premium-crewneck-sweatshirt?variant=44281814745328

    You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com

    About Illuminated Brew Works: Illuminated Brew Works is a Chicago brewery making beer for interesting times. From big, hazy IPAs, to yeast-driven urban farmhouses, adjunct-rich stouts and experimentally-driven sours and fruit beers, their offerings rotate seasonally to celebrate the annual cycle. Learn more on their website at https://www.ibw-chicago.com/

    If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

    You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod

    Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, craft breweries, beer innovation, craft beer culture, brewing process, craft beer trends, Millennial drinkers, White stouts, Blueberry Pie Stout, lagers, hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, imperial IPA, Irish Stout, Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA, Trust (a year-round lager), Orange Sunshine (a citrus Saison), Astronaut Juice (a double dry-hopped, double IPA), beer recipes, flagship beers, mash tun, welding, craft beer community, beer styles, beer market, beer operations, beer production, beer branding, craft beer events, local breweries, local beer, beer fermentation, beer ingredients, beer adjuncts, chasing beer trends, craft beer appreciation, and beer styles comparison.

    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • Barrel Aging Artistry and Unconventional Ingredients: Algae, Nutella, and Pushing Craft Beer Boundaries with 1840 Brewing Company (Plus: Does All Barrel-Aged Beer Have a High ABV?)
    Apr 25 2024

    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 1840 Brewing, discusses his origins and expansion from a focus on oak-aged and classic styles to offering a diverse range of beers, including light, dark, hoppy, sour, and fruity options. He also explains the historical significance of the brewery's name, discusses the nuanced art of barrel-aging, and the impact of using fruits like cherries in multiple fermentation process. They also discuss the use of unique ingredients and brewing techniques and how they contribute to the complex flavors in his brewery’s beers, the approachability of sour beers for different palates, and the benefits of letting beer aerate to enhance its character. Plus: the anticipation around seasonal releases, the brewery's shift to eco-friendly packaging, and the significance of brewery regulars.

    You’ll learn about what it’s like to brew beer with seaweed, the making of 1840’s signature Cashmere Sweater double IPA, the oyster stout that came from a collaboration with a Chicago brewery, their innovative bourbon barrel-aged Saison, milk stouts with Nutella, and the special local touch from Door County that they’ve used in their award-winning beers.

    43:48 Beer Behavior: Breweries can’t survive without their regular customers. But there’s a particular behavior that some regulars are guilty of that isn’t so great for breweries. Stick around until the end of this episode .

    You can find amazing beer-related merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com

    About 1840 Brewing Company: 1840 Brewing Company is an urban farmhouse brewery located in the historic neighborhood of Bay View in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They craft high quality ales, lagers, sours, and stouts with a focus on barrel aging and blending. Learn more on their website at https://www.1840brewing.com/

    If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

    You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod

    Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, sustainable brewing, barrel aging, IPAs, double IPAs, brewing innovation, sour beers, beer myths, Milwaukee brewing, 1840 Brewing, beer packaging, eco-friendly beer sustainability, craft beer community, low-ABV beers, beer history, fruit in beer, Brettanomyces, beer tasting, beer culture, barrel-aged Saison, craft beer production, pineapple passion fruit sour, seafoam beer, spirulina in beer, algae in beer, beer ingredients, unique beer flavors, beer brewing process, beer conditioning, Italian drinking chocolate stout, beer fermentation, craft brewers, and beer bottle designs.

    Show more Show less
    52 mins

What listeners say about Crafty Brewers: Tales Behind Craft Beer

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.