Day Bracey wants to empower the Black community through the beer industry. This is a year-round goal and the podcaster, comedian, and festival organizer does that every day all day. But next week in Pittsburgh he is hosting the Barrel and Flow Festival and will be able to put the goal front and center.

It’s the continuation of the Fresh Fest, which he founded with business partner and podcast co-host Ed Bailey and rebranded for a new year after some issues with the name and a chance in another business relationship.

There is a lot of talk about diversity in the craft beer space. But talk is just that. Action is what is needed. After countless brewery visits and conversations Day has a pretty good idea on what needs to be done to bring meaningful change to the space.

On this episode of "Drink Beer, Think Beer" he’ll share his thoughts on the subject and the industry and he also talks about how the festival is coming together how it aims to create a welcoming space – something that some other festivals don’t always offer.

This was recorded over zoom, and there were a few weak signal moments. Don't adjust your dial.

This Episode is sponsored by:

NZ Hops
NZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future. We’re in it together.

New Holland Brewing Co.
Dragon's Milk White from New Holland Brewing Company reimagines what a stout can be. Your vessel will be filled with the color of gold, and yet there is more to this white stout than meets the eye. Aged in bourbon barrels, Dragon’s Milk White is smooth and velvety, abounding with notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla to present classic stout flavors in a delicious new way, all in a session-able 6% ABV package. Find Dragon's Milk White near you at dragonsmilk.com

For more Drink Beer, Think Beer or to check out Beer Edge: The Newsletter for Beer Professionals, follow us on Twitter @thebeeredge and subscribe to our beer industry focused newsletter. There is more information, articles, and engaging content at Beer Edge.

Host: John Holl
Guest: Day Bracey of the Barrel and Flow Festival
Sponsors: New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer Edge
Tags: Beer, Pennsylvania, Ownership, Brewing, Festivals, Diversity

Ep. 328 | Dr. Polleits BOOM & BUST REPORT, 23. Ausg., 6. Feb. '25