Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

All About Beer
undefined
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 33min

Properly Evaluating an Extra Special Bitter

This week, it’s a conversation with Betsy Lay of Lady Justice Brewing in Denver. We talk about the evolution of ESB including some thoughts on Sierra Nevada winning gold in that category at the World Beer Cup with Pale Ale. She also discusses brewing with intention, what it truly means to be a community hub, and how the Mile High City is changing – and staying the same- with its beer scene. SponsorsDogfish Head Craft BreweryCalling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beerlabels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.Host: John HollGuest:  Betsy LaySponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish HeadTags: Denver, ESB, Pale Ale, Judging, CommunityPhoto:  Courtesy of Betsy Lay
undefined
Nov 12, 2025 • 43min

Having FoBAB FOMO? Mike Pallen of Mikerphone is Here to Help

Mike Pallen of Mikerphone Brewing talks about brewing stouts, barrel-aging, and festival season in Chicago. SponsorsDogfish Head Craft BreweryCalling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beerlabels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry.Host: John HollGuest:  Mike PallenSponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish HeadTags: FoBAB, Wood, Stout, Chicago, Goose Island, Marshmallow Photo:  John Holl
undefined
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 9min

Bonus: Seen Through a Glass with Lew Bryson

A bonus episode this week as we're pleased to bring you Seen Through a Glass, a podcast produced and hosted by Lew Bryson. Here's what he has to say about this episode: THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! I asked you who you wanted me to interview, and you said "Give us The Pizza Boy, Al Kominski!" Well, I cannot defy or deny the people, so I went down to Al's of Hampden in Enola on the West Shore and got the interview...and then hung around and visited some more breweries: Ever Grain, Mellow Mink, Sworn, Hemauer, and Liquid Noise.I got in a visit to Sugar Run Brewing in Duncansville as well, and I'll tell you about opening night at the newest bar in Millheim: our home bar, First Draft, is finally complete, and spreading joy among our friends. And if you're interested...check out the @stagpodcast Instagram page to see a picture of our new Corgi puppy, Samwise!Next episode? Back in April, I did an Earth Day presentation at Ploughman Farm Cider's Gettysburg taproom on the agricultural aspects of rye whiskey, along with a cider guy talking about the same thing. We'll hear that, plus I'll tell you what it was like at the PA Cider Fest. See you in two weeks!Until then?TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PODCAST!Seen Through A Glass is sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Come visit Centre County! This episode uses these sounds under the following license:Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Champ de tournesol" by Komiku at https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/arrow-impact-87260 Sound Effect found on Pixabay (https://pixabay.com)"Glow" by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https: //www.chosic.com/free-music/all/All sounds sourced by STAG Music Librarian Nora Bryson, with our thanks.
undefined
Oct 29, 2025 • 42min

Heavy Seas Charts a New Path Forward

Hugh Sisson of Heavy Seas returns to the program to talk about the brewery joining B3, a collective of brewers. He also touches on the importance of hospitality, innovation, and ways to navigate the current state of the beer industry. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.SponsorsDogfish Head Craft BreweryCalling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beerlabels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.All About BeerAt All About Beer, we’re honored to share the stories that define the beer community, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of our underwriting sponsors. Their commitment helps sustain independent beer journalism, allowing us to highlight the people, places, and passion behind every pint. Their partnership ensures these stories continue to inspire, connect, and celebrate the craft we all love. Join our underwriters today and help make an impact on independent journalism covering the beer industry. Host: John HollGuest:  Hugh SissonSponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish HeadTags: Business, Hospitality, EvolutionPhoto:  Heavy Seas Beer
undefined
Oct 22, 2025 • 51min

A Beer Drinking Milestone Decades in the Making

The beer world is filled with achievements. A few weeks back the Great American Beer Festival handed out its annual awards. Around Denver there were other competitions like Alpha King and Krispy King. Brewers might be crowned in “best of” lists by newspapers or local magazines. Way back in the day Wynkoop Brewery would hand out its beer drinker of the year award.Other milestones are more private and personal. Don Tse, recently hit an important beer milestone. For nearly thirty years he has been chronicling and cataloguing every beer he has consumed. The number is impressive as is his commitment to the cause. Tse a prolific writer and his work appears in magazines, on Forbes.com, and he co-hosts the All About Beer podcast.  For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.SponsorsDogfish Head Craft BreweryCalling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beerlabels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.Host: John HollGuest:  Don TseSponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish HeadTags: Tasting, Travel, Milestones, CanadaPhoto:  Don Tse
undefined
Oct 15, 2025 • 51min

From the Brewhouse to the C-Suite: The Leadership Challenge

Andy Crouch leads a dynamic discussion featuring brewing visionaries. Sean Lawson shares insights on growing a tiny brewery into a larger operation while focusing on craft. Basil Lee talks about blurring roles and adapting management styles. Paul Saylor emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks and nurturing staff growth. Roy Milner offers lessons on building a brewery brand and collaborating with investors. The panel dives into the delicate balance of creativity and financial stability, offering a treasure trove of leadership wisdom.
undefined
Oct 8, 2025 • 46min

Selling Lager in the Age of Moderation

The Year of the Lager has been predicted for decades, and it is finally coming true. And the timing couldn’t be better. Drinking habits continue to shift and younger audiences are increasingly embracing moderation or even alcohol abstinence. The craft beer industry finds itself at a crossroads. After decades of solid and sometimes explosive growth, craft beer faces both a challenge and an opportunity. Lager, with its approachable strength and depth of flavor, is uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment. And while craft lager comprises a small fraction of the beer market, it has never been more popular or relevant. Today we’re going to explore how to reframe and sell lager for audiences who value balance, flavor, and authenticity, in a moment when many aren’t reaching for a pint.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.SponsorsDogfish Head Craft BreweryCalling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beerlabels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.Host: Andy CrouchGuests:  Todd DiMatteo, Blake Tyres, Greg EngertSponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish HeadTags: Pours, Lager, Octoberfest, PilsnerPhoto:  Andy Crouch
undefined
Oct 1, 2025 • 54min

Where to Drink Beer in Denver (2025 Great American Beer Preview)

It’s just about that time of year again when the beer faithful travel to Denver for the Great American Beer Festival. But truth be told, there’s so much do to in the Mile High City that even if you don’t go to the convention center there’s endless beer fun to be had. A trio of local experts - Jonathan Shikes of the Denver Post, Tristan Chan of Porch Drinking, and Dustin Craft of Malteurop joins host John Holl  to break down where you should go to eat, drink, and be merry. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.SponsorsDogfish Head Craft BreweryCalling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beerlabels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.Host: John HollGuests:  Tristan Chan, Dustin Craft, Jonathan ShikesSponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish HeadTags: Pours, Lager, Denver, Bierstadt, Great American Beer FestivalPhoto:  John Holl
undefined
Sep 24, 2025 • 54min

Neil Witte Wants You to Think About Beer Pours

Neil Witte wants you to start thinking about how your beer is poured. The Master Cicerone, brewery consultant, educator, and draft technician has long been advocating for clean lines and proper service, but as of late he has been thinking about how beer is presented, what that does for flavor and the customer experience. After listening to this conversation, you’re going to give the man what he wants. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.SponsorsDogfish Head Craft BreweryCalling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beerlabels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.Host: John HollGuest:  Neil WitteSponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish HeadTags: Pours, Foam, Glassware, Beer, Tradition, InnovationPhoto:  John Holl
undefined
Sep 17, 2025 • 50min

The Importance of the Beer Culture Center

The Beer Culture Center was founded by Liz Garibay, a long-time museum professional.  When she sketched  it out in 2013 she wanted it to be a place that would look at history and society through the lens of drinking. The idea came to life and has now presented hundreds exhibits and events around the country. It’s important and necessary work, one everyone in the industry should be supporting.  The center also hosts the annual Beer Culture Summit, a multi-day, multi-disciplinary experience that tells the story of beer, its people, its history, and its importance.  As the center expands, it recently announced its first Beer History Studies Fellow, Onteya Zachary. She will share insight into her research and more. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.SponsorsDogfish Head Craft BreweryCalling all hop heads! Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a fantastically hoppy India Pale Ale that’s beautifully balanced thanks to their unique continual hopping method. Delivering a pungent hop flavor that isn’t crushingly bitter, 60 Minute is continually hopped throughout the boil for a full 60 minutes … starting to see where the name comes from?! Check out dogfish.com to learn more and to find some 60 Minute near you! Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE. Please drink responsibly.Stomp StickersStomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beerlabels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code FIRSTRUN for 15% off your first order.Host: John HollGuests:  Liz Garibay, Onteya ZacharySponsors: All About Beer, Stomp Stickers, Dogfish HeadTags: Chicago, Beer Culture Center, HistoryPhoto:  

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app