

Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast
Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine
Listen to the podcast for those who make and drink great beer. Every week we talk to professional brewers and industry experts about practical brewing advice, in-depth coverage of brewing trends that matter to you, and tips for getting the most out of your homebrew.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2025 • 53min
443: Grain-to-Glass Brewing with Local and Regional Malt, Live from Alberta
We recorded this week’s episode live on stage at the Alberta Craft Brewing Convention in Red Deer, Alberta, in early October. The thematic through line is farm-to-glass brewing—something that’s not that hard to do there, since a significant amount of the malt used by North American brewers is grown in the province. Major maltsters such as Canada Malting and Rahr have plants in the province, and some farmers who grow grain for these larger maltsters, such as Red Shed, also operate their own malthouses to produce smaller batches for local brewers.
Joining the conversation are three award-winning brewers who represent different corners of the industry in Alberta: Chelsea Tessier of Polyrhythm Brewing in Edmonton, Jen Rogers of Wild Winds in Bridgeland, and Sarah McCambridge of Blindman Brewing in Lacombe. Agriculture plays a role in the conversation, of course, but the conversations covers interesting collaborative projects, malt freshness, unique processes, beers that tap into different angles of malt flavor, and a lot more.
In this episode, the panel discusses:
blending craft pils with two-row in hazy IPA
matching hops to base malts
hitting European malt specs in North American barley
horse-drawn barley farming and harvesting
replacing specialty malts such as Carafoam with locally produced chit malt
producing more stone-fruit ester precursors with floor-malted pils malt
unique specialty malts such as wood-fired chocolate malt
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): G&D Chillers uses quality components, expert craftsmanship, and constant innovation. With our 24/7 service and support, your brewery will never stop. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need, and gain peace of mind your operation is running smoothly.
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer) can formulate custom blends featuring specialty ingredients. Whether trending flavor additions or nostalgic favorites, the next best thing is around the corner at Old Orchard. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops. (https://indiehops.com) Give your customers a pleasant surprise with Audacia in your next IPA. This descendant of Strata brings her own flare of catchy lilac/lavender aroma, and flavors of sweet-tart berries with tangy lychee. Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful!
Five Star Chemical (https://fivestarchemicals.com) Looking for a powerful, no-rinse sanitizer that gets the job done fast? Meet Saniclean PAA Pro from Five Star Chemicals. This EPA-registered, PAA-based acid sanitizer is tough on beerstone and perfect for everything from kegs to packaging lines. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com.
PakTech (https://paktech-opi.com) PakTech’s handles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, PakTech helps brands stand out while staying sustainable. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com.
Hart Print, (https://hartprint.com) the original in digital can printing.With three locations across North America, the Hart Print team has your back from concept to can. Get ten percent off your first can order when you mention the Beer & Brewing podcast. Open an account at hartprint.com or email info@hartprint.com for details.
Sennos (https://prairiemalt.com) The Sennosystem platform delivers real-time fermentation control and predictive insights, while the SennosM3 modular in-tank sensor delivers continuous, real-time monitoring. Turn your tank into a smart tank. Order your SennosM3 at sennos.com. Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 11min
442: Fast Fashion Puts Its Foot on the Gas With New Zealand Hops and Extra Anchovy
Seattle’s Fast Fashion has built a reputation for modern, forward-looking IPAs and hop-focused lagers, and the characterful brewery and taproom in SoDo expresses the eclectic interests and aesthetic taste of founder Matt Storm. It’s a funhouse of sorts—a bit like drinking in a thrift store full of budget mid-century furniture, stocked with kitsch that spans the past six decades. It’s busy and not necessarily thematically consistent—much like the beers the brewery makes—but it’s different and unique. You will not confuse it with another brewery.
Over the past half-decade, the beer itself has developed from quick hits of new hazy IPAs filled with the coolest names in hops, to a more diverse lineup of IPAs and lagers—still hop forward and immaculately crafted. Under head brewer Stefano Annicharico, they’ve found a way to make beer that keeps the baseball game-day crowd happy, while also continuing to explore the possibilities in contemporary beer styles.
In this episode, Storm and Annichiarico discuss:
how Anchovy hops came to have such a unique name
brewing drinkable, semi-dry hazy IPA with heavy adjunct loads
building acidity in the mash to promote drinkability despite later dry-hop additions that raise the pH
boiling hops in hazy IPA with 20-minute additions for more longevity in package
lowering whirlpool hop amounts and pushing higher loads in post-fermentation dry hops
finding bits of distinct character in hops such as Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, and NZ Cascade (aka Taiheke)
avoiding excessive rousing to limit hop burn
using New Zealand hops in modern hoppy lager
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): G&D Chiller’s Elite 290 series chiller uses propane as a natural refrigerant with extremely low global warming potential. This natural, highly efficient refrigerant with near zero GWP will help lower your facility’s energy costs and impact on the environment. Visit gdchillers.com to learn more!
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Old Orchard's latest flavored craft juice concentrate blends include Fruit Punch, Guava, Kiwi, and Pomegranate. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Celebrating 16 years of delivering compelling new hop varieties along with classics that thrive in Oregon’s terroir, Indie is the original source for Strata, Luminosa, Lórien, Meridian, and their newest variety Audacia. Release your creativity with the magic of pure, uncut Oregon hops from Indie. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
Five Star Chemical (https://fivestarchemicals.com) Looking for a powerful, no-rinse sanitizer that gets the job done fast? Meet Saniclean PAA Pro from Five Star Chemicals. This EPA-registered, PAA-based acid sanitizer is tough on beerstone and perfect for everything from kegs to packaging lines. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com.
PakTech (https://paktech-opi.com) PakTech’s handles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, PakTech helps brands stand out while staying sustainable. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com.
Prairie Malt (https://prairiemalt.com) For over 50 years Prairie Malt has been producing high extract malts forged from the fertile soils of Saskatchewan. Stop by the Roadhouse & Melvin booth at GABF to sample some award-winning beers produced with excellent malts and learn more at prairiemalt.com.
Sennos (https://prairiemalt.com) The Sennosystem platform delivers real-time fermentation control and predictive insights, while the SennosM3 modular in-tank sensor delivers continuous, real-time monitoring. Turn your tank into a smart tank. Order your SennosM3 at sennos.com.
Briess Malting (https://BrewingWithBriess.com) Briess offers the largest product line of specialty malt and is continuing to innovate. New malts include Heritage Gold and Lighthouse Munich. Check out why so many craft brewers trust Briess for their specialty malt at BrewingWithBriess.com.Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
441: Cask Ale Elegance and Understatement with Bill Arnott of Machine House
It can be difficult to articulate how to make simple beers extraordinarily well—much comes down to ingredient quality, training and discipline, and the hundreds of small choices a brewer makes throughout the brew day and through fermentation and packaging. At Seattle’s Machine House, founder Bill Arnott will tell you that he doesn’t do anything special, yet the cask ales he brews are favorites of brewing peers thanks to a dogged focus on English-style beers and a dedication to serving them well.
In this episode, Arnott discusses:
building a more authentic and satisfying approach to cask ale in the Pacific Northwest
battling the “warm and flat” caricature of English-style cask ale
taking a contextual approach to yeast with different strains for different beers
Timothy Taylor yeast versus the Fullers strain for different expression
brewing fresh hop cask ale
successful fermentation in unitanks with minimal temperature control
cask and can conditioning for staying power in the beer
achieving the right amount of astringency with brown malt
making excellent beers with a somewhat “primitive” process
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): G&D Chiller’s Elite 290 series chiller uses propane as a natural refrigerant with extremely low global warming potential. This natural, highly efficient refrigerant with near zero GWP will help lower your facility’s energy costs and impact on the environment. Visit gdchillers.com to learn more!
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Custom blend development is available through our innovative R&D lab. Our bulk division supplies a wide range of beverage segments, making it the one-stop shop for flavoring beer and beyond. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Celebrating 16 years of delivering compelling new hop varieties along with classics that thrive in Oregon’s terroir, Indie is the original source for Strata, Luminosa, Lórien, Meridian, and their newest variety Audacia. Release your creativity with the magic of pure, uncut Oregon hops from Indie. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
Five Star Chemical (https://fivestarchemicals.com) Looking for a powerful, no-rinse sanitizer that gets the job done fast? Meet Saniclean PAA Pro from Five Star Chemicals. This EPA-registered, PAA-based acid sanitizer is tough on beerstone and perfect for everything from kegs to packaging lines. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com.
PakTech (https://paktech-opi.com) PakTech’s handles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, PakTech helps brands stand out while staying sustainable. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com.
Prairie Malt (https://prairiemalt.com) For over 50 years Prairie Malt has been producing high extract malts forged from the fertile soils of Saskatchewan. Stop by the Roadhouse & Melvin booth at GABF to sample some award-winning beers produced with excellent malts and learn more at prairiemalt.com.
Sennos (https://prairiemalt.com) The Sennosystem platform delivers real-time fermentation control and predictive insights, while the SennosM3 modular in-tank sensor delivers continuous, real-time monitoring. Turn your tank into a smart tank. Order your SennosM3 at sennos.com.
Briess Malting (https://BrewingWithBriess.com) Briess offers the largest product line of specialty malt and is continuing to innovate. New malts include Heritage Gold and Lighthouse Munich. Check out why so many craft brewers trust Briess for their specialty malt at BrewingWithBriess.com.Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 15min
440: Jesse Brown of Formula Slows Down to Make Better Lager and IPA
The 2024 World Beer Cup was quite a moment for Issaquah, Washington’s Formula. Head brewer Jesse Brown is no stranger to medals, but four in one year at the world’s most prestigious beer competition made a statement. His career as a brewer may look like “Swiss cheese,” with stints in Wyoming, Tennessee, Oregon, and Washington, but it’s hard to poke holes in any of his thoughtfully designed and thoroughly executed lagers or IPAs.
In this episode, Brown discusses ingredients as well as the labor-intensive process behind his helles, touches on the hot-side versus cold-side fresh-hop controversy, shares his approach to New Zealand hops that won him a silver medal for New Zealand–style IPA at World Beer Cup 2025, and finishes with thoughts on what it takes to win when so many brewers are making such great beer.
Along the way, he discusses:
front-side decoction without a dedicated vessel
extended saccharification rests to build malt depth
gently handling lager to avoid bruising the beer
the differences between 34/70 strains
transferring before terminal to get a head start on clearing yeast
the fresh-hop “controversy”
the beauty of Dolcita and building mouthfeel with hops
blending base malts for West Coast IPA
selecting early-pick New Zealand hops for lower diesel character
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across North America and beyond. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need, and gain peace of mind your operation is running smoothly.
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Whether trending flavor additions or nostalgic favorites, the next best thing is around the corner at Old Orchard. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Celebrating 16 years of delivering compelling new hop varieties along with classics that thrive in Oregon’s terroir, Indie is the original source for Strata, Luminosa, Lórien, Meridian, and their newest variety Audacia. Release your creativity with the magic of pure, uncut Oregon hops from Indie. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
Five Star Chemical (https://fivestarchemicals.com) Looking for a powerful, no-rinse sanitizer that gets the job done fast? Meet Saniclean PAA Pro from Five Star Chemicals. This EPA-registered, PAA-based acid sanitizer is tough on beerstone and perfect for everything from kegs to packaging lines. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com.
Canoe Wild Rice (https://breweryworkshop.com) Brewers, have you ever considered brewing with North America’s only Ancient Grain—Wild Rice? Joe at Canoe Wild Rice has a stockpile of this unique roasted grain ready to ship to you. Send Canoe Wild Rice an email at joe@canoewildrice.com or give the office a call at 1-800-626-3809
Prairie Malt (https://prairiemalt.com) For over 50 years Prairie Malt has been producing high extract malts forged from the fertile soils of Saskatchewan. Stop by the Roadhouse & Melvin booth at GABF to sample some award-winning beers produced with excellent malts and learn more at prairiemalt.com.
Sennos (https://prairiemalt.com) The Sennosystem platform delivers real-time fermentation control and predictive insights, while the SennosM3 modular in-tank sensor delivers continuous, real-time monitoring. Turn your tank into a smart tank. Order your SennosM3 at sennos.com.
Briess Malting (https://BrewingWithBriess.com) Briess offers the largest product line of specialty malt and is continuing to innovate. New malts include Heritage Gold and Lighthouse Munich. Check out why so many craft brewers trust Briess for their specialty malt at BrewingWithBriess.com.Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 12min
439: Ben Howe of Otherlands Manipulates pH and Process in Pursuit of the Perfect Franconian-Style Lager
Ben Howe’s brewing career reads more like that of a chef than a typical brewer—stints in Denmark, brewing jobs on both the East and West coasts, weeks spent interning at breweries that intrigued him—but one fateful visit to the Zehender brewery in Monchsambach opened his eyes to Franconian lager and inspired a nearly decade-long quest to understand the beer and its mechanisms of flavor. More recently at Otherlands, he’s pushed boundaries of accepted brewing dogma, mashing with pH levels far past any sensible range in an effort to build color and flavor—and the things that shouldn’t work still obviously do work.
In this episode, Howe discusses both his traditional methods and modern concessions, including:
learning from Will Meyers and Megan Parisi at Cambridge Brewing
capturing Franconian-ness in long-boiled lager beers
old-style vs. new-style German lager brewing
kräusening to carbonate rather than spunding before terminal
never raising the temperature for a diacetyl rest while using ALDC to control precursors
finding color with only pilsner malt
hardening water for lager brewing with calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and gypsum
mashing above 5.8 pH
maintaining atmospheric pressure for yeast during fermentation
boiling large amounts of low-alpha hops for a long time to build flavor and texture
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across North America and beyond. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need, and gain peace of mind your operation is running smoothly.
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Every beer menu could use a refresh button on the fruit flavors. Old Orchard's latest craft juice concentrate blend additions include Fruit Punch, Guava, Kiwi, and Pomegranate. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Celebrating 16 years of delivering compelling new hop varieties along with classics that thrive in Oregon’s terroir, Indie is the original source for Strata, Luminosa, Lórien, Meridian, and their newest variety Audacia. Release your creativity with the magic of pure, uncut Oregon hops from Indie. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
Five Star Chemical (https://fivestarchemicals.com) Looking for a powerful, no-rinse sanitizer that gets the job done fast? Meet Saniclean PAA Pro from Five Star Chemicals. This EPA-registered, PAA-based acid sanitizer is tough on beerstone and perfect for everything from kegs to packaging lines. Learn more at fivestarchemicals.com.
Canoe Wild Rice (https://breweryworkshop.com) Brewers, have you ever considered brewing with North America’s only Ancient Grain—Wild Rice? Joe at Canoe Wild Rice has a stockpile of this unique roasted grain ready to ship to you. Send Canoe Wild Rice an email at joe@canoewildrice.com or give the office a call at 1-800-626-3809
Prairie Malt (https://prairiemalt.com) For over 50 years Prairie Malt has been producing high extract malts forged from the fertile soils of Saskatchewan. Stop by the Roadhouse & Melvin booth at GABF to sample some award-winning beers produced with excellent malts and learn more at prairiemalt.com.
Sennos (https://prairiemalt.com) The Sennosystem platform delivers real-time fermentation control and predictive insights, while the SennosM3 modular in-tank sensor delivers continuous, real-time monitoring. Turn your tank into a smart tank. Order your SennosM3 at sennos.com.
Briess Malting (https://BrewingWithBriess.com) Briess offers the largest product line of specialty malt and is continuing to innovate. New malts include Heritage Gold and Lighthouse Munich. Check out why so many craft brewers trust Briess for their specialty malt at BrewingWithBriess.com.Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 18min
438: Regenerative Malt's Impact From Farm to Brewhouse, Presented by Proximity Malt
What is regenerative farming and what does it have to do with beer? In this episode, presented by Proximity Malt, we tackle that question with experts from each phase of the malt supply chain—farmer, maltster, and brewer.
Joining the podcast:
Walker Modic, environmental program director at New Belgium and Bell's
Derek Heersink, barley farmer and brewery owner
Zach Gaines, commercial director at Proximity Malt
In this episode, they share their perspectives on what is and isn't possible through regenerative agriculture; how its context-dependent approach to soil health builds resilience in the face of increasing climate challenges; and how breweries can articulate value to consumers while managing their own supply-chain risks.
This episode is brought to you interruption-free by Proximity Malt, the first new-generation, full-scale, regional malting facility in North America, leading the way in malt supply with premium grains; advanced technology that maximizes flavor, performance, flexibility and efficiency; regional sourcing for closer, fresher grain; and a deep focus on closing the loop between farmer, maltster, brewer, and the communities that support each. Learn more at proximitymalt.com—and if you’re a brewer who wants to give their malt a try, check out the Contact Us page to find your local sales rep. Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 22min
437: Happy Birthday Simcoe! Vinnie Cilurzo and Jason Perrault Look Back on 25 Years of the Groundbreaking Hop
This year marks the 25th birthday of Simcoe, and when Russian River cofounder Vinnie Cilurzo suggested recording an episode of the podcast in Yakima to celebrate it, we weren’t going to say no. Rather than sit around a table, we took to the experimental hop rows at Perrault Farms and recorded while walking the field. The result is a wide-ranging conversation that covers history, business, agriculture, creativity, pivotal craft beers, hop evolution, and more.
In this episode, Cilurzo and Perrault discuss:
how Simcoe was bred by pioneering hop breeder Chuck Zimmerman
its establishment on three family farms at the time—Carpenter, Perrault, and Smith
how Simcoe brought the families’ kids back to the farms
developing the Pliny the Elder recipe around this hop
the evolution of Simcoe over the past quarter century
virus-free Simcoe and its flavor and yield impacts
the impact of pick date on Simcoe flavor and aroma
Simcoe’s relationship with Mosaic
selecting Simcoe and processing it into modern flowable formats
how Pliny the Elder and the new Simcoe 25 beer use Simcoe in new formats
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across North America and beyond. Remote monitor your chiller for simple and fast access to all the information you need, and gain peace of mind your operation is running smoothly.
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Custom blend development is available through our innovative R&D lab. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Celebrating 16 years of delivering compelling new hop varieties along with classics that thrive in Oregon’s terroir, Indie is the original source for Strata, Luminosa, Lórien, Meridian, and their newest variety Audacia. Release your creativity with the magic of pure, uncut Oregon hops from Indie. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
XTRATUF (https://xtratuf.com) XTRATUF has been making rugged and reliable boots for 75 years. Built for the harshest conditions, the Legacy Collection styles are oil, acid, and chemical resistant with a non-slip rated outsole. Be prepared for whatever comes your way and shop the latest XTRATUF boots on xtratuf.com.
Canoe Wild Rice (https://breweryworkshop.com) Brewers, have you ever considered brewing with North America’s only Ancient Grain—Wild Rice? Joe at Canoe Wild Rice has a stockpile of this unique roasted grain ready to ship to you. Send Canoe Wild Rice an email at joe@canoewildrice.com or give the office a call at 1-800-626-3809
Prairie Malt (https://prairiemalt.com) For over 50 years Prairie Malt has been producing high extract malts forged from the fertile soils of Saskatchewan. Stop by the Roadhouse & Melvin booth at GABF to sample some award-winning beers produced with excellent malts and learn more at prairiemalt.com.
Briess Malting (https://BrewingWithBriess.com) Briess offers the largest product line of specialty malt and is continuing to innovate. New malts include Heritage Gold and Lighthouse Munich. Check out why so many craft brewers trust Briess for their specialty malt at BrewingWithBriess.com.Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 33min
436: Blake Masoner of Craft Coast Strives for Excellence Beer After Beer, Taco After Taco
At Craft Coast in Oceanside and San Marcos, California, Blake Masoner is happy if you show up for tacos and stay for a beer. The fairly priced tacos are scratch-made, down to the tortillas themselves, packing loads of flavor into every bite. Fellow San Diego–area brewers refer to them as “The best tacos between here and Tijuana”—but the beer they brew here is anything but an afterthought.
Eight medals in four years at the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festical—in competitive categories such as hazy pale ale, American IPA, and international pilsener—are evidence of the brewery’s ambition on the quality side, and they’ve modified both classic and modern brewing techniques to serve their flavor and aroma goals.
In this episode, Masoner discusses:
abandoning a “no core beer” policy to keep customers happy
brewing Mexican-style dark lager with dry yeast and vorlauf-only dark malts
mitigating sulfur production with 34/70 yeast
Australian-inspired XPA design without Southern Hemisphere hops
using Mosaic at different times for different effects in West Coast IPA
knockout hopping to find the true heart of new varieties
pinpointing flavors through dry hopping
building a team-wide winning mindset
And more.
This episode is brought to you by:
G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): If you are looking for a brewery chiller that’s worry free and tough on GWP, then look no further. G&D Chiller’s Elite 290 series chiller uses propane as a natural refrigerant with extremely low global warming potential. Visit gdchillers.com to learn more!
Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Berkeley Yeast bioengineers ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): As breweries expand beyond beer into other segments like mocktails and CBD beverages, Old Orchard is here to help. We can formulate custom blends featuring specialty ingredients. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Celebrating 16 years of delivering compelling new hop varieties along with classics that thrive in Oregon’s terroir, Indie is the original source for Strata, Luminosa, Lórien, Meridian, and their newest variety Audacia. Release your creativity with the magic of pure, uncut Oregon hops from Indie. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
XTRATUF (https://xtratuf.com) XTRATUF has been making rugged and reliable boots for 75 years. Built for the harshest conditions, the Legacy Collection styles are oil, acid, and chemical resistant with a non-slip rated outsole. Be prepared for whatever comes your way and shop the latest XTRATUF boots on xtratuf.com.
Canoe Wild Rice (https://breweryworkshop.com) Brewers, have you ever considered brewing with North America’s only Ancient Grain—Wild Rice? Joe at Canoe Wild Rice has a stockpile of this unique roasted grain ready to ship to you. Send Canoe Wild Rice an email at joe@canoewildrice.com or give the office a call at 1-800-626-3809
Prairie Malt (https://prairiemalt.com) For over 50 years Prairie Malt has been producing high extract malts forged from the fertile soils of Saskatchewan. Stop by the Roadhouse & Melvin booth at GABF to sample some award-winning beers produced with excellent malts and learn more at prairiemalt.com.
Briess Malting (https://BrewingWithBriess.com) Briess offers the largest product line of specialty malt and is continuing to innovate. New malts include Heritage Gold and Lighthouse Munich. Check out why so many craft brewers trust Briess for their specialty malt at BrewingWithBriess.com.Support Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 13min
435: Josh Penney of Threes Brings a Bicoastal Sensibility to Hoppy Lager, Hazy IPA, and More
Josh Penney, the head brewer at Threes Brewing in Brooklyn, brings a wealth of experience from his time in Southern California's vibrant brewing scene. In the conversation, he dives into the secrets behind his unique hoppy lagers and hazy IPAs, including the use of thiol-enriched hops and flowable hop products. He shares insights on optimizing fermentation profiles, the art of enhancing flavors with terpenes, and the delicate balance of yeast strains. The episode is a treasure trove for brewing enthusiasts eager to innovate and elevate their craft.

Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
434: Frank Bilello of Noble Savage Lets the Beer Become What it Wants to Be
Frank Bilello, founder and head brewer of Noble Savage in Glen Cove, Long Island, shares his unique brewing journey. Known for his standout hazy IPAs, he uses 100% New York-grown craft malt and innovates with New Zealand hops. Bilello discusses the importance of malt and yeast blending for flavor and the impact of minimal boiling on beer character. He also delves into the intricacies of hop management and the importance of pH in crafting balanced brews. His creative process allows the beer to evolve naturally, leading to delightful flavor expressions.


