
Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl
Drink Beer, Think Beer is a weekly conversation with brewers, growers, and other brewing industry professionals that explores the art, culture, and business of craft beer. Hosted by John Holl and recorded on location, this podcast gets to the bottom of every pint and offers insight into the dynamic world of beer.
Latest episodes

Nov 16, 2022 • 1h 24min
Ep. 160 - Jeff O'Neil of Industrial Arts
"A few months ago I was visiting Industrial Arts, a brewery in New York’s Hudson valley to record a few episodes of Steal This Beer. Jeff O’Neil, the brewery’s founder and brewmaster, was walking us through his impressive 100 hectolitre system and sharing a sneak peak of some non-alcoholic beers he was working on. This week those beverages are hitting the marketplace so it seemed fitting to have him on this show to talk about the evolution and process. And we’ll get to that, but first we’ll go into that brewery system and he’ll illustrate how it has been constructed to benefit his IPAs, which are some of the very best being made in America right now, and how that even extends into the fields. He’s a member of the hop quality group, and spent time in Germany this year around harvest, and shares his observations and insights from walking those farms. Jeff, as you’ll hear, is a thoughtful brewer. His career has spanned more than 20 years and he worked at a number of breweries on both coasts before opening Industrial Arts six years ago. From where it was at the start to where it is now is impressive to hear and before we got started with the recording he said he doesn’t spend too much time brewing these days, but rather stands on the brew deck and points and tells stories. And that’s where we start, with an extended index finger and this tale of modern engineering."-John Holl This Episode is Sponsored By:Pro BrewerWe bring original articles to ProBrewer.com twice a week covering issues important to the beer industry and aimed at helping breweries of all sizes understand different facets of the business. Check out our articles on ProBrewer.com every Tuesday and Thursday and visit the site daily for other original content and to stay connected with the beer industry. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.Host: John HollGuest: Jeff O'NeilSponsors: Pro Brewer, All About BeerTags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Non-Alcoholic, Hops, Germany, Technology, Craft

Nov 9, 2022 • 47min
Ep. 159 - Matt Tweedy of Tooth and Nail
"Last month I was in Toronto as a judge for the inaugural Canada Beer Cup. Over the course of three very very long days I was seated across from Matt Tweedy, the co-founder and brewing director of Tooth and Nail Brewing in Ottawa. By the lunch break on the first day I knew he needed to be on the show. Aside from having a great palate and brewing insight, he’s a thoughtful guy who genuinely cares about the beers he's making and the overall direction of brewing not only in Canada but globally. Before opening the doors of his brewpub he learned from some of the very best on the planet including stints at Cantillon, Fullers, and The Lost Abbey. Those experiences continue to shape his beer today and help with the overall education and flavor experience that patrons get every time they open one of his beers or step into the bar."-John HollThis Episode is Sponsored By:Pro BrewerWe bring original articles to ProBrewer.com twice a week covering issues important to the beer industry and aimed at helping breweries of all sizes understand different facets of the business. Check out our articles on ProBrewer.com every Tuesday and Thursday and visit the site daily for other original content and to stay connected with the beer industry. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.Host: John HollGuest: Matt TweedySponsors: Pro Brewer, All About BeerTags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Recipes, Awards, Canada, Taproom, Food

Nov 2, 2022 • 1h 3min
Ep. 158 - Alyssa Hoberer of Jagged Mountain Brewery
There are some posts that have a longer shelf life on the internet than others. Bits of wisdom or doses of reality that resonate when you first read them and then continue to make sense long after should they pop up again. Such is the case with a post that Alyssa Hoberer put up in late 2019 urging people to not open a brewery, unless they had put in the work and knew the risks. A lot has happened in the last two years, obviously, but that post – and I’ll read more about it in the show – popped up in my facebook feed last week and still rang true. Hoberer has also posted more bits of wisdom as well as a look inside the brew house at Jagged Mountain in Denver where she is the head brewer. It’s a wide ranging conversation that talks about beer’s evolution, making strong seltzers, social media, and more. But we start with education and how the Great American Beer Festival can be more than fun, it can also be an exchanging of ideas. This Episode is Sponsored By:New Holland BrewingDragon's Milk began as a single barrel experiment over 20 years ago at New Holland Brewing Company and has since grown to become the best-selling American-made stout. Aged in bourbon barrels, rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and vanilla make for a deliciously smooth and drinkable brew. Whether it's sitting by a bonfire or binging the latest season of Game of Thrones, share a legend with Dragon's Milk today. Learn more and find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.Les BonA celebration of saison, mixed fermentation beer, ciders, natural wine and oysters. Brewers from around the country will descend on Duluth, Georgia on November 5, 2022 from 1pm to 5pm on the town green. All proceeds go to further the mission of Oyster South supporting aquaculture in the southeast. Tickets are $85 and include unlimited beer samples, coffee, oysters, and a bbq plate. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.Host: John HollGuest: Alyssa Hoberer Sponsors: New Holland Brewery, Les Bon, All About BeerTags: Beer, Brewing, IPA, Recipes, Awards, Colorado, Taproom, Seltzer

Oct 26, 2022 • 45min
Ep. 157 - The Big Friendly
"Earlier this year at the Great American Beer Festival the awards in the beer categories were handed out followed by awards to breweries of the year, as dictated by size. This is based on a metric of barrels produced annually as well as medals won in the competition. For the 251 to 500 barrel capacity brewery, The Big Friendly, a relatively new brewery in Oklahoma City took home the award. Curious about the brewery and its name I called up co-founders and owners brothers Joe and Will Quinlin to talk about their brewing evolution, creating a memorable and welcome space, the changes in Oklahoma that has allowed it to become a beer destination and just what goes into making award winning recipes. "-John HollThis Episode is Sponsored By:New Holland BrewingDragon's Milk began as a single barrel experiment over 20 years ago at New Holland Brewing Company and has since grown to become the best-selling American-made stout. Aged in bourbon barrels, rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and vanilla make for a deliciously smooth and drinkable brew. Whether it's sitting by a bonfire or binging the latest season of Game of Thrones, share a legend with Dragon's Milk today. Learn more and find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.Les BonA celebration of saison, mixed fermentation beer, ciders, natural wine and oysters. Brewers from around the country will descend on Duluth, Georgia on November 5, 2022 from 1pm to 5pm on the town green. All proceeds go to further the mission of Oyster South supporting aquaculture in the southeast. Tickets are $85 and include unlimited beer samples, coffee, oysters, and a bbq plate. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.Host: John HollGuest: Joe and Will QuinlinSponsors: New Holland Brewery, Les Bon, All About BeerTags: Beer, Brewing, Saison, Recipes, Awards, Oklahoma, Taproom

Oct 19, 2022 • 56min
Bonus: Randy Mosher Talks about Tasting and Experiencing Beer
When it comes to beer education, Randy Mosher has schooled countless drinkers on the art and science of tasting beer. He is a writer and creative consultant, the author of five books on beer and brewing, and provides training and lectures around the world. Mosher is a teacher at the Siebel Institute, has a background in design and advertising, and frequently consults on new product development and branding for breweries and specialty food and beverage companies. Based in Chicago, he is currently a minority partner in two Chicago-area breweries.This Episode is Sponsored by:Athletic Brewing CompanyAthletic Brewing Company’s award-winning, craft, non-alcoholic beers are fit for all times. Down time, work time, game time, even gym time. Pick a time and grab an Athletic, because it’s about time you could enjoy a great-tasting brew, any time you want. Even right now. Head to athleticbrewing.com and get some fresh brews delivered. New customers can even get 20% off with code AllAboutBeer20 and free shipping on two 6-packs or more.For original articles or to read the vast archives or to check out All About Beer. follow us on Twitter @allaboutbeer and Instagram @allaboutbeer. Support Journalism by visiting our Patreon Page.Hosts: Em Sauter and Don TseGuest: Randy MosherSponsors: Athletic Brewing Co.Tags: Brewing, Tasting, Sensory, Flavors, Hops, BooksThe following music was used for this media project:Music: Awesome Call by Kevin MacLeodFree download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3399-awesome-callLicense (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-licenseArtist website: https://incompetech.com

Oct 12, 2022 • 1h 3min
Ep. 156 - Von Ebert Brewing
This is the last, for now, of the shows recorded on location from the Pacific Northwest. It was recorded at Von Ebert Brewing’s Glendoveer location, on the far edges of Portland, Oregon and situated on a golf course. Von Ebert is a brewery that has been crushing it since the start. Making great IPAs and Lagers as well as boasting a terrific blending program – in fact we discuss some of those beers on this show to illustrate ingredients and process. A brewery with a diverse portfolio that executes on the highest of levels always has something to explore, and prior to the show Jeff Alworth, the writer, author, and podcast host, had been driving me around Oregon and trying to dissect Von Ebert. Since it was such a conundrum, I invited him to co-host this episode. Happily it goes off the rails at points. Our guests keep us on track and they are: Sam Pecoraro, the Head Brewer who has been brewing around Portland for 11 years at various breweries, including Burnside Brewing, The Commons Brewery and Breakside Brewery before joining Von Ebert at their inception in 2018. As Head Brewer, Sam leads the Pearl District and Glendoveer Brewing teams in all quests related to IPA variants, German-inspired lagers and mixed culture beers. And Jason Hansen, the Lead Brewer and Blender who Started homebrewing right after college, and ended up getting a job at Seven Bridges Organic Homebrew Supply in Santa Cruz, CA. before moving to Sante Adairius Rustic Ales where he eventually became head brewer. He was then Lead Fermentationist at Garden Path Fermentation in Burlington, before joining Von Ebert in 2018. It’s a crowded table that grows a bit more when we’re joined later in the show by Madeleine McCarthy, who was then a brewer at Von Ebert but has since started working at 10 Barrel Brewing. There is a lot to unpack on this rollicking show recorded just off the practice green at the course with a an audience putting a dent into the lager taps. -John HollThis episode is sponsored by: Jack's Abby BrewingGuatemala, the land of eternal spring, rich agriculture, and affinity for fantastic food and coffee. Craft beer is a fledgling movement in the country, but it’s being led by our friends from El Zapote Brewing. Our conversation with them inspired us to create a unique coffee golden lager with imported beans from Finca Retana family farm in Antigua, Guatemala. We believe this beer will have a true taste of the country and we hope you enjoy this unique lager inspired by culture, colors, and conversation.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.Hosts: John Holl and Jeff AlworthGuests: Sam Pecoraro, Jason Hansen, Madeleine McCarthySponsors: Jack's Abby, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About BeerTags: Beer, Brewing, Hops, Recipes, Growth, Oregon, IPA, Lager, Mixed Fermentation

Oct 5, 2022 • 59min
Ep. 155 Austin Umbinetti-Hutton of Aslan Brewing
As the sojourn through the pacific northwest continues I’m thrilled to air this episode of the podcast recorded in Bellingham Washington at the Aslan Depot where head brewer Austin Umbinetti-Hutton joined me before a live audience on a wide ranging conversation about his career, the beers Aslan is making, the importance of community and creativity, and more. This Episode is Sponsored By:New Holland BrewingDragon's Milk began as a single barrel experiment over 20 years ago at New Holland Brewing Company and has since grown to become the best-selling American-made stout. Aged in bourbon barrels, rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and vanilla make for a deliciously smooth and drinkable brew. Whether it's sitting by a bonfire or binging the latest season of Game of Thrones, share a legend with Dragon's Milk today. Learn more and find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.Host: John HollGuest: Austin Umbinetti-HuttonSponsors: New Holland Brewery, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About BeerTags: Beer, Brewing, Hops, Recipes, Growth, Washington, IPA, Lager, Hop Water

Sep 28, 2022 • 1h 10min
Beer Travelers: Denver
From Andy Crouch:"Denver holds a special place in my heart. I’ve watched as the local beer scene has grown and then exploded, with dozens and dozens of breweries cropping up in parts of town that didn’t even really exist, such as RiNo. Denver has long had a formidable beer scene but today it is one of the country’s best. And on this second episode of the Beer Travelers podcast, we’re going to talk with two local experts, Tristan Chan of PorchDrinking and Jonathan Shikes of the Denver Post. These two are as knowledgeable as they come and as we’ll hear, they are full of advice for planning your visit to the Mile High City. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for my personal favorite suggestion for Denver. Hint: it’s the perfect place for a nightcap or to end your trip."This Episode is Sponsored by:Pub Culture BeercationsStop living vicariously through other people's social media posts and get out and make some memories of your own! Join Pub Culture Beercations for one of our upcoming tours and start exploring the world one pint at a time with us. Visit PubCultureBeercations.com for more information.For original articles or to read the vast archives or to check out All About Beer. follow us on Twitter @allaboutbeer and Instagram @allaboutbeer. Support Journalism by visiting our Patreon Page.Host: Andy CrouchGuests: Tristan Chan and Jonathan ShikesSponsor: Pub Culture BeercationsTags: Denver beer, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Avery Brewing

Sep 21, 2022 • 46min
Ep. 154 - Kevin Quinn of Bale Breaker Brewing
In the 1920s when the practice was more common, Meghann Quinn’s ancestors followed the railroad west and wound up settling a farm in Washington’s Yakima Valley. Following the repeal of Prohibition, they got into the hop industry and have ridden the wave since; supplying the larger brewers through the uninspired decades of large-scale American brewing, and into the boom days of today’s craft surge. Seeing the success of hops in the larger market coupled with an interest in homebrewing Quinn, her husband Kevin, and her brothers launched Bale Breaker brewing on the property in 2013. Kevin Quinn is my guest today. How close is the brewery to the field? It takes less than five minutes to get from the bine to the kettle, he says. It’s more than hops here as well. There’s an apple orchard on the nearly 3,000-acre farm, along with fields of Hungarian Wax Peppers, some hemp, and 2021 marked the third barley harvest. Last year they processed more than 200,000 pounds of barley, some of which went into Bale Breaker beers as well. There is a real sense of pride that comes with growing ingredients where they are used and it’s clear from the steady stream of visitors that come through during this season and year round, that drinkers and other brewers feel the same. This Episode is Sponsored By:New Holland BrewingDragon's Milk began as a single barrel experiment over 20 years ago at New Holland Brewing Company and has since grown to become the best-selling American-made stout. Aged in bourbon barrels, rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and vanilla make for a deliciously smooth and drinkable brew. Whether it's sitting by a bonfire or binging the latest season of Game of Thrones, share a legend with Dragon's Milk today. Learn more and find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.Denver Rare Beer TastingHeading to Colorado for GABF? You should check out the Denver Rare Beer Tasting on October 7th. It's an incredible afternoon of beer passion featuring America's top craft breweries pouring rare, exotic and vintage brews to benefit the Pints for Prostates campaign. This is truly a bucket list event for a great cause where you get to try beers you won't find elsewhere, and meet the men and women who brewed them. More information at pintsforprostates.org. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.Host: John HollGuest: Kevin QuinnSponsors: New Holland Brewery, Denver Rare Beer Tasting, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About BeerTags: Beer, Brewing, Hops, Recipes, Growth, Washington, IPA, Lager

Sep 14, 2022 • 60min
Ep. 153 - Chuckanut Brewery + Garden Path Fermentation
"I’ve been spending the last week or so in the Pacific Northwest and this is the first of several shows that I’ll be bringing you from Washington and Oregon. It kicks off at Chuckanut, the brewery founded by Mari and Will Kemper and recorded at their brewery in Burlington, Washington, south of Bellingham where they long operated a pub and restaurant. This production facility is largely dedicated to lager, with a few ales thrown for good measure, but mostly lagers. They’ll expand upon what brought them to this town, across from the airport in a minute and expansion plans for what is lovingly referred to as South Nut. And we’ll talk about the intersection of clean and wild beers with their brewery neighbors Ron Extract and Amber Watts who run Garden Path Fermentation, a temple for all things drinkable from beers to wine, mead, and more. While it may seem, at first glance, little to connect them aside from the larger beer industry, there are actually strong ties."-John Holl This Episode is Sponsored By:New Holland BrewingDragon's Milk began as a single barrel experiment over 20 years ago at New Holland Brewing Company and has since grown to become the best-selling American-made stout. Aged in bourbon barrels, rich notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and vanilla make for a deliciously smooth and drinkable brew. Whether it's sitting by a bonfire or binging the latest season of Game of Thrones, share a legend with Dragon's Milk today. Learn more and find Dragon's Milk near you at dragonsmilk.com.Denver Rare Beer TastingHeading to Colorado for GABF? You should check out the Denver Rare Beer Tasting on October 7th. It's an incredible afternoon of beer passion featuring America's top craft breweries pouring rare, exotic and vintage brews to benefit the Pints for Prostates campaign. This is truly a bucket list event for a great cause where you get to try beers you won't find elsewhere, and meet the men and women who brewed them. More information at pintsforprostates.org. For more Drink Beer, Think Beer check out All About Beer.Host: John HollGuests: Mari Kemper, Will Kemper, Ron Extract, Amber WattsSponsors: Harpoon Brewery, Denver Rare Beer Tasting, The Craft Brewery Cookbook, All About BeerTags: Beer, Brewing, Homebrewing, Recipes, Growth, Washington, Wild, Lager