Drink Beer, Think Beer With John Holl

Show notes from host John Holl:Back in my traveling days, I was always happy to run into Phil Wymore. I’ve always found the co-founder of Perennial Artisan Ales to be affable, interesting, and tuned into flavor.  Since Perrenial was founded its grown in size and prestige, turning out a variety of beers, notably imperial stouts, but also crisp pilsners. For Wymore, the desire to own a business and to create and sell something that housed his creativity has been with him since a very young age. Having a business means moving forward and trying to make a good life but to also scratch the itch of innovation and soothe that inner voice that is always pushing for more.  So, while many folks sat around binging Nextflix during the pandemic, Wymore went back to his roots in the kitchen, started messing around, and recently launched a new business, Passenger Foods. Here’s our conversation."This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.NZ HopsNZ 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. 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 HollGuest: Phil Wymore of Perennial Artisan AlesSponsors:  Briess, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Condiments, Ownership, Brewing, Ales, Lager, Business

Corn gets beat up in beer circles. That’s thanks to years of it being maligned by craft brewers who saw it as an adjunct ingredient that didn’t bring a lot to the conversation or messed with “purity.” Corn is dynamic. Flavorful. Impactful in a beer recipe and should be celebrated.  That’s why in Indiana, a state known for corn production, there are rows and rows being grown annually by Caleb Michalke. He’s the owner, maltster, and farmer of Sugar Creek Malt Co. The farm come up in our conversations quite a bit so it made sense to dial him up. Small breweries are into what Michalke is doing. And after you listen to this episode, you’ll hear why. Yes, Rauchbier fans we are talking about smoked beer during the show, but there is more to Sugar Creek than their smoked malt program. The products are  historical and forward thinking. The farm It’s the constant worry of a grower and that undefinable urge to push forward anyway.  From talking about harvesting malt that hasn’t been grown since World War II and is now destined for lagers, to building his own brewery, and how malt is OK being the bass player in the beer band, Michalke is  the cartographer of the roadmap of his business as he drives. This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer. Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt. NZ HopsNZ 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.comFor 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 HollGuest: Caleb Michalke of Sugar Creek MaltSponsors:  Briess, New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Malt, Ownership, Brewing, Corn, Farming, History, Lager

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 HopsNZ 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.comFor 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 HollGuest: Day Bracey of the Barrel and Flow FestivalSponsors:  New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Pennsylvania, Ownership, Brewing, Festivals, Diversity

If you were scrolling through beer-tinted social media this week, you likely saw the color purple. Martin House Brewing in Texas announced its latest beer: Grape Punch Pickle Beer. It's a riff off of their extremely popular Best Maid Pickle ale.  Cody Martin co-founded the brewery with two friends nearly a decade ago, and as he explains on the show, had plans for a saison to be the company's flagship. That didn't work out.  He’s an experimental brewer and is happy to try different ingredients in different ways to see where they land in a beer. In the last few years the brewery has gotten notoriety for making a beer that tastes like wing sauce and another that tasted like ranch dressing. There's also been a breakfast cereal beer and an upcoming one with haggis.  However, it is the pickle beer, made in collaboration with Best Maid, a local company, that has paved the road to success and made the brewery famous. It's now the brewery's flagship is found at grocery and other stores around Fort Worth. Special variations like the purple version, come out now and again. During the show, Cody talks about recipe development and how these beers come together. He also offers up a simple recipe for you to make Koolickles at home.  This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ 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.20 years ago, New Holland Brewing Company embarked on a journey into the unknown, brewing the first batch of Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout. What started as a single barrel in the back of the brewery has transformed into the best-selling American-made stout today. Pairing rich notes of chocolate and coffee from roasted malts with deep tones of vanilla and oak from its time in bourbon barrels, each bottle of Dragon's Milk is a delicious adventure waiting to be opened.  Find Dragon's Milk 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 HollGuest: Cody Martin of Martin House BrewingSponsors:  New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Pickles, Gose, Saison, Texas, Purple, 

Show notes from host John Holl:"Four years ago I was working on the Drink Beer, Think Beer book and needed some quiet time away. I decamped to my wife’s family house in the Pocono mountains in Pennsylvania. As I was pulling out of the grocery store, stocked with supplies, I saw a newly constructed building where an Arby’s had once stood, and through the windows it was clear fermenters were standing tall. Hopeful and intrigued I soon found out it was the soon-to-open Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. and was introduced to Becky Ryman. She founded the brewery with her brother and in the last four years has grown the business, serving an area that was underserved, and focused on being a good employer that puts the ideals of craft beer first.  Recently I was back up in the area again for a few days of downtime. I sat in the brewery’s fenced in patio with Becky earlier this week. It was Sunday morning and brunch service had just begun. We talk about worry and success, difficulties ahead, and why beer – not seltzer – is still the focus.  This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ 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.20 years ago, New Holland Brewing Company embarked on a journey into the unknown, brewing the first batch of Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout. What started as a single barrel in the back of the brewery has transformed into the best-selling American-made stout today. Pairing rich notes of chocolate and coffee from roasted malts with deep tones of vanilla and oak from its time in bourbon barrels, each bottle of Dragon's Milk is a delicious adventure waiting to be opened.  Find Dragon's Milk 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 HollGuest: Becky Ryman of Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. Sponsors:  New Holland, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Poconos, Seltzer, Growth, Lager, Pale Ale, Rauchbier

Brewery owners will often say that running their business is like being on a roller coaster. Strap in as Kyle Kohlmorgen of Wellspent Brewing shares his experience.“It’s been short, and expensive, but fun at least. I made a TON of mistakes, and my business sense continues to be poor, so I'm glad Wellspent is in better hands, ownership-wise," he says. "When I was the "Brewer/Owner", I wasn't doing a great job at either. I'm happier as a brewer.” That’s this episode in a nutshell and Kohlmorgen doesn't hold back on the highs and lows, uncertainties and successes, and how help came from within his walls. This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ 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. Lawson's Finest LiquidsThe brewery is  guided by five pillars – Excellence, Authenticity, Fun, Community and Innovation. These values are represented in their product quality, work culture, guest experience and charitable giving. The SIP, their Social Impact Program, is the Lawson’s Finest way of building impactful connections and strengthening our communities while creating memorable experiences.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.comFor 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 HollGuest: Kyle Kohlmorgen of Wellspent BrewingSponsors:  New Holland , Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Missouri, Ownership, Lagers, IPA, Brewing

Show notes from John Holl:"By the time you’re hearing this, I’ll be at the Jersey Shore, unplugged and drinking cream ale. It’s a long-planned vacation but as I got ready for some days away I had a sense of senioritis kick in.  I knew I needed to get a show done, but my brain was also mushy from deadlines and life. When an email from Ben Love popped up in my email, I knew I had found a solution. I’ve known Ben for years. I’ve been to the brewery he co-founded with Van Having several times, and even spent some time – as you’ll hear – with him in New Zealand when he poured at the Beervana Festival and I spoke at the country’s black tie brewers gathering.  Ben is a brewer who likes to tease out flavors and look for the unexpected. He also has a traditionalist streak in him and all of it shows in the beer.  He’s also a world class conversationalist and I knew that having him on the show would be an easy layup as I head into a holiday. Is it lazy? Maybe. But, it’s still entertaining and informative for you, because I’d never sacrifice on that."This Episode is sponsored by:NZ HopsNZ 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. Lawson's Finest LiquidsThe brewery is  guided by five pillars – Excellence, Authenticity, Fun, Community and Innovation. These values are represented in their product quality, work culture, guest experience and charitable giving. The SIP, their Social Impact Program, is the Lawson’s Finest way of building impactful connections and strengthening our communities while creating memorable experiences.New Holland Brewing Co.20 years ago, New Holland Brewing Company embarked on a journey into the unknown, brewing the first batch of Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout. What started as a single barrel in the back of the brewery has transformed into the best-selling American-made stout today. Pairing rich notes of chocolate and coffee from roasted malts with deep tones of vanilla and oak from its time in bourbon barrels, each bottle of Dragon's Milk is a delicious adventure waiting to be opened.  Find Dragon's Milk 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 HollGuest: Ben Love of Gigantic Brewing Sponsors:  New Holland , Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Mt. Hood Hops, Kölsch, Nose Tickles, Barrels, Dry Hopping, Recycling

Over the last few weeks a few IPAs have popped up here at the home broadcast studio that all had the same label reading “Things We Don’t Say." It was soon revealed to be a collaboration beer   between Eagle Park Brewing and the Hope for the Day Foundation that was offered to breweries around the world. It’s designed to talk about mental health in and around the beer space – and that includes the drinkers as well.  You’ve heard of Hope for the Day on this show before, notably when Drew Fox of 18th Street Brewing was on the show a few months ago.  Max Borgardt is the guest this week. He and his brothers had a choice, he says, either become musicians or brewers. They choose wisely, even if they are still heavily involved in music. As the brewery has grown in the last few years they’ve played to their strengths, IPA, a light beer aimed at non-craft drinkers, and hard seltzer smoothies.  It has helped the brewery gain recognition, not only in their state but beyond its borders.  It seems like every conversation is going to be about COVID-19 at some point, because it’s just ever present on the mind. Get vaccinated. When we recorded this in July the CDC had not yet updated guidance, and so host John Holl started off by talking about how things were opening up and how the brewery was getting back into the swing of things with sales and planning for the grand re-opening of their new taproom, which barely had time for a proper first grand opening.  Max spoke to the show over Zoom from the brewery in Muskego.This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers.  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer.  Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.  NZ HopsNZ 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. Lawson's Finest LiquidsThe brewery is  guided by five pillars – Excellence, Authenticity, Fun, Community and Innovation. These values are represented in their product quality, work culture, guest experience and charitable giving. The SIP, their Social Impact Program, is the Lawson’s Finest way of building impactful connections and strengthening our communities while creating memorable experiences.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 HollGuest: Max Borgardt of Eagle Park BrewingSponsors:  Briess, Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Seltzer Smoothies, Wisconsin, News, Mental Health, COVID-19, Beer Sales, IPA, Light Lager

Show notes from John Holl: "If you’ve been listening for long enough, now and again I’ll ask for guest suggestions. Sometimes I get letters and usually those are good suggestions that lead to lively conversations.  This is one of those shows. My friend Don Tse, the writer and pun aficionado, who has also been a guest on this show reached out recently to introduce Kolin Krokis. I’m glad he did.  Kolin started out as a chemistry student who soon developed a fondness for beer and began a career in brewing that led to brewing school in Germany and a bevy of jobs, including a stint as the first full-time brewer at Brew Dog.  He and his family has traveled the world doing various brewing jobs, picking up techniques from hands on experience along the way. He believes in no compromise and as you will hear that hasn’t always made things easy, but he’s a brewer with few regrets because of it.  These days he is brewing at Rural Routes Brewing in Alberta, where they pride themselves on food pairings, full pours, and hospitality. This classically trained brewer has even learned to love and embrace a recipe that has become a fan favorite:  a Piña Colada Milkshake IPA."This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers.  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer.  Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.  NZ HopsNZ 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. 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 HollGuest: Kolin Krokis of Rural Routes BrewingSponsors:  Briess, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Malt, Canada, Brew Dog, Czech Pilsener, Milkshake IPA. 

Show notes from John Holl: As we’ve talked about on the show in the past, there are serious conversations and allegations happening in the beer industry, specifically, these days, around the treatment of women. Sadly, many of these stories are not new, but a lot of them have not been publicly talked about, until a few weeks ago when women started sharing their stories on social media.  There’s been a lot of talk, hopefully a lot of listening, some changes, and work towards meaningful action.  Laurie Porter is my guest this week. She’s the co-founder of Smog City, a brewery with several locations in Southern California that has helped shaped the Los Angeles Beer Scene over the last decade. She's on brewing industry advisory boards and guilds, and has focused, in her words, on every aspect of her company except the brewing.  But this week Smog City is set to release Total Boss, a red IPA made by the women of the brewery to spark a conversation about misogyny, sexism, assault, and more happening in the beer space.  Porter has spent a lot of time thinking about this and from the brewery’s beginning has tried to focus efforts to make Smog City a safe place and one where people are happy to work and feel like they can do their jobs without fear.  Still, these last few weeks have gotten her thinking about where things are, where they were, and where they can be." This Episode is sponsored by:BriessBriess is the leading supplier of specialty malt to craft brewers.  They offer the broadest product line in the industry, including a wide range of roasted malts that add flavor, color, and character to beer.  Their experienced operators handcraft every batch of roasted malt to ensure the product you get is consistent.  Check out BrewingwithBriess.com for beer recipes using roasted malt.  NZ HopsNZ 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. Lawson's Finest LiquidsThe brewery is  guided by five pillars – Excellence, Authenticity, Fun, Community and Innovation. These values are represented in their product quality, work culture, guest experience and charitable giving. The SIP, their Social Impact Program, is the Lawson’s Finest way of building impactful connections and strengthening our communities while creating memorable experiences. 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 HollGuest: Laurie Porter of Smog CitySponsors:  Briess, Lawson's Finest Liquids, NZ Hops, and The Beer EdgeTags: Beer, Red IPA, Los Angeles, News, Action, COVID-19, Women, Employment