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
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Episodes
  • 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.

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    52 mins
  • Beyond the 10 Millionth Pour: Huge Equipment, THC Seltzers, and MKE 2.0 with Eagle Park Brewing Company (Plus: Can You Have a Beer After a Workout?)
    Apr 11 2024

    Learn about Eagle Park Brewing Company’s explosive growth, how brewing is like making music, and what’s up with THC seltzers.

    01:45 Beer Myth: Is it bad to have a beer after a workout? Learn the truth behind the idea that beer hampers your fitness efforts so you know what you should (or shouldn’t) reach for in your fridge after you get home from the gym.

    03:45 Eagle Park Brewing Interview: Jake Schinker, the brewery’s brand director and co-founder, discusses the intersection of brewing and music, revealing the origins of Eagle Park Brewing, the parallels between the creative processes in music and brewing, and how passion has transformed their venture into a successful enterprise. He discusses the absurd amount of time brewers spend cleaning and sanitizing their equipment, the importance of a strong foundation in experimenting with creating new flavors, and some of the massive equipment being used to brew massive batches of craft beer. Plus: exciting expansion plans, a behind-the-scenes look at their lager program, and the balance of respecting heritage while embracing the future.

    The conversation touches on various beer styles, including IPAs, sours, and traditional European lagers. Listeners can look forward to learning about the intricate process of brewing beers with unique ingredients like cream of coconut and get an inside look at one of their newer offerings: THC seltzers.

    40:34 Beer Behavior: Jake delves into the rapidly growing trend of THC-infused seltzers within the beer industry and the unique challenges that come with brewing beverages that blend THC with seltzer. He discusses the nuances of working with hemp-derived THC, how it’s legally distinct from marijuana-derived THC, and the strategic decision-making that led Eagle Park to innovate with their THC Alto Series despite varying state cannabis laws. He also explains why he doesn’t serve THC seltzers at his bar, since it could lead some consumers to have a bad time.

    54:23 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Our LEGO “Building Blocks of Beer” shirts, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

    Building Blocks of Beer Crew: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/building-blocks-of-beer-crew

    Building Blocks of Beer Long Sleeve Shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/building-blocks-of-beer-long-sleeve-shirt

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

    About Eagle Park Brewing Company: A Milwaukee brewery mixing innovation and tradition, you can learn more on their website at https://www.eagleparkbrewing.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: beer, craft beer, brewing, THC-infused beverages, post-workout refreshments, THC seltzers, Eagle Park Brewing Company, Milwaukee Brewing Company, brewery expansion, lager, sours, IPAs, beer industry, homebrewing, beer brewing process, fitness and beer, beer and health, artisanal beer, beer innovation, THC Alto Series, brewing artistry, brewing mastery, craft beer trends, beer education, beverage industry, THC innovations, brewing equipment, mash filter brew house, beer experimentation, beer flavors, craft beer community, beer stories, beer business, brewing foundation, craft beer evolution, and craft beer production.

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    58 mins
  • An Inside Look at Milwaukee’s Iconic Lakefront Brewery: From Gluten-Free to Barrel-Aged Craft Beers (Plus: Is All Craft Beer Specialty Beer?)
    Mar 28 2024

    Get an inside look at Milwaukee’s iconic Lakefront Brewery, from its hilarious origins to its groundbreaking craft beers.

    01:28 Beer Myth: Is all craft beer specialty beer? Have you ever wondered if craft beer is too niche or sophisticated for the average beer drinker? Learn the truth behind the idea that craft beer is only for the elite so you can broaden your beer horizons and find new favorites that suit your taste – regardless of your beer expertise.

    05:31 Lakefront Brewery Interview: Russ Klisch, President and Co-Founder of Lakefront Brewery, discusses the evolution of craft beer, with specific subtopics including the diverse offerings at Lakefront, the innovation behind their gluten-free beer, the international awards that they value the most, and how they used hops indigenous to Wisconsin in some of their beers. Klisch shares insights on the brewery's operational growth, the challenges of scheduling beer production around consumer trends, and the nuances of yeast management. Plus: an exploration of terroir in beer, a glimpse into future beer consumption trends, and the excitement around limited releases. You’ll learn about the Lakefront IPA, a beer with a devoted fan base and heritage hops; the Hazy Rabbit with its tropical notes and creamy texture; and the Dive Beer, a tribute to Milwaukee's brewing past designed as an accessible lager.

    39:03 Beer Behavior: Get ready to raise a glass and chuckle as we dive into "Beer Behavior," a segment where we tap into the changing tides of beer drinking. Discover why your friends are ordering lower ABV brews and what's brewing in the non-alcoholic scene. It's all about sipping smarter, not harder!

    51:58 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “Taste the Grainbow,” available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

    Grainbow T-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/taste-the-grainbow-tee?variant=45212210495728

    Gals Grainbow Tanktop: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/gals-grainbow-tank?variant=45212230189296

    Grainbow Crew Sweatshirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/taste-the-grainbow-crew?variant=45212225667312

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

    About Lakefront Brewery: Since 1987, Lakefront Brewery has brewed Milwaukee's best beers, including Riverwest Stein, New Grist, and countless other innovative and imaginative craft beers. Learn more on their website at https://lakefrontbrewery.com/

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    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, Lakefront Brewery, craft beer creation, beer tasting, beer making, beer innovation, gluten-free beer, Milwaukee lagers, craft beer trends, barrel-aged beers, craft beer diversity, beer brewing process, beer production, beer aficionados, beer snobs, IPAs, sessionable beers, Hazy Rabbit, beer consumption, beer awards, terroir in beer, beer recipes, home brewing, beer culture, beer industry, limited release beer, beer merchandising, beer education, craft brewery operations, beer styles, beer flavor profiles, craft beer community, local ingredients in beer, beer pairing, beer brewing stories, craft beer myths, small batch brewing, beer marketing, and beer packaging.

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    53 mins

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