Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast

• 398: River North Explores the Outer Limits of High ABV Brewing

  Over the past few years, Denver's River North Brewery (https://www.rivernorthbrewery.com) has collected accolades from top beer competitions around the world—four GABF medals, four World Beer Cup medals, four European Beer Star medals just to name a few—and beers like Father Time (https://beerandbrewing.com/review/river-north-brewery-father-time-1683141881) and Anniversary 11 (https://beerandbrewing.com/review/river-north-brewery-anniversary-11-stout-1683131307) have earned top scores from our blind panel. They most recently earned midsize brewery of the year honors at the inaugural Colorado Brewers Cup. While they brew a wide range of beers, including frequent medal winner Nightmare Fuel coffee stout, they're probably most well-known for the beers that push into the peaks of the ABV range—stouts, Belgian-style strong ales, and barleywines that regularly hit 15% and higher. In this episode, founder Matt Hess and head brewer Matt Malloy share their techniques for making beers that not only turn heads for the their sky-high numbers, but also remain drinkable and as balanced as such beers could be. From controlling fusel alcohols through careful fermentation management, to building layers of flavors through malt selection, they share insights garnered from ten years of pushing the envelope. In this episode, they touch on: using very high pitch rates and over-oxygenation to maintain healthy yeast employing dehusked malts to soften roast character in big stouts pushing yeast into an additional growth phase to increase cell count keeping osmotic pressure low and feeding fermentations selecting and adding coffee into stout managing the oxidative process in barrel aging And more. This episode is brought to you by: G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): G&D Chillers Elite 290 Micro-series line utilizes a natural refrigerant, features a more compact design with variable speed fans, and offers near-zero global warming potential. The future of sustainable refrigeration is here! Learn more about G&D’s Elite 290 line and visit GDCHILLERS.COM. Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Stop worrying about diacetyl with Berkeley Yeast’s line of Fresh™ strains. These revolutionary yeast strains are engineered to produce the ALDC enzyme inside the cell, preventing diacetyl before it forms. That means no more lengthy diacetyl rests—just clean, crisp beer that’s ready for packaging sooner. Learn more at berkeleyyeast.com/fresh. 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. 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 (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer) Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Strata, Indie’s original hop release, is now available in cold-side flowable hop oil form—Strata HyperBoost—in coordination with Yakima Chief Hops. Indie Hops T90 pellets establish the multi-layered Strata experience, while cryogenic CGX pellets in coordination with Crosby Hops, and now Strata HyperBoost with YCH expand the possibilities. Learn more about Strata and Indie’s more recent hop releases at www.indiehops.com. Ss Brewtech (https://www.ssbrewtech.com) Featuring a laser-welded cooling jacket for efficient and precise temperature control, an innovative silicone racking arm, and a carbonation stone that allows you to carbonate right in the fermenter, Unitank 2.0 is engineered to help you get the most out of your fermentations! Visit Ss Brewtech.com (https://www.ssbrewtech.com) to learn more! Isuzu Trucks (https://www.isuzucv.com) Whether you are looking for a self-distribution solution or one to deliver supplies, there is an Isuzu truck that will fit your needs. Go to isuzucv.com (https://www.isuzucv.com) to check out their impressive lineup or visit an Isuzu dealer today to find out why now, more than ever, Isuzu trucks are the trucks you trust for the work you do! Brewer's Retreat (https://brewersretreat.com) Tickets for the Craft Beer & Brewing 2025 Brewer’s Retreat in Asheville and Mills River, North Carolina are on sale now and going fast. Brew on homebrew systems with some of the most inspiring craft brewers in the U.S. Learn more and secure your tickets at brewersretreat.com

  --------  

  1:08:40
• 397: Brewing Scientist and Historian Greg Casey Builds a Case for the Worldwide Impact of American Lager Brewing

  “If you like beer," says Greg Casey, "There’s no better time in the history of mankind to be living in the United States, right now.” And if anyone is qualified to make such a statement, it's Casey. After decades leading yeast and quality programs for some of the biggest brewers in the Western hemisphere, Casey retired to work on his passion project—telling the story of American brewing from the 1830's to the present in a way that showcases its innovation as well as the interplay through that history with parallel brewing cultures and industries in Europe. In this episode, Casey hits on turning points in American lager brewing history, outlining the contexts and driving factors in large scale recipe changes, consumer preferences, ABVs, and more. Along the way, he discusses: differences in 1800's beer drinkers in Europe and America American brewers' development of pale beer without chill haze the two prominent yeast lineages in American lager brewing "flowering times" through American brewing history where beer, in general, became lighter early attempts to ban corn and rice via congressional action the impact of the pork industry on brewery closures in the 1940's the long history of using offbeat ingredients in American beer And more. This episode is brought to you by: G&D Chillers (https://gdchillers.com): G&D Chillers builds with non-proprietary parts, expert craftsmanship and constant innovation! G&D’s in-house Engineering crew have been piping breweries, wineries and distilleries for over 30 years. They offer FREE piping design and consultation with the sale of every chiller they build. Reach out for a quote today. Berkeley Yeast (https://berkeleyyeast.com). Stop worrying about diacetyl with Berkeley Yeast’s line of Fresh™ strains. These revolutionary yeast strains are engineered to produce the ALDC enzyme inside the cell, preventing diacetyl before it forms. That means no more lengthy diacetyl rests—just clean, crisp beer that’s ready for packaging sooner. Learn more at berkeleyyeast.com/fresh. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Every beer menu could use a refresh button on the fruit flavors. That's why it's time to revisit Old Orchard's flavored craft juice concentrate blends, where the latest additions include Fruit Punch, Guava, Kiwi, and Pomegranate. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer) Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) Strata, Indie’s original hop release, is now available in cold-side flowable hop oil form—Strata HyperBoost—in coordination with Yakima Chief Hops. Indie Hops T90 pellets establish the multi-layered Strata experience, while cryogenic CGX pellets in coordination with Crosby Hops, and now Strata HyperBoost with YCH expand the possibilities. Learn more about Strata and Indie’s more recent hop releases at www.indiehops.com. Ss Brewtech (https://www.ssbrewtech.com) Featuring a laser-welded cooling jacket for efficient and precise temperature control, an innovative silicone racking arm, and a carbonation stone that allows you to carbonate right in the fermenter, Unitank 2.0 is engineered to help you get the most out of your fermentations! Visit Ss Brewtech.com (https://www.ssbrewtech.com) to learn more! Isuzu Trucks (https://www.isuzucv.com) Whether you are looking for a self-distribution solution or one to deliver supplies, there is an Isuzu truck that will fit your needs. Go to isuzucv.com (https://www.isuzucv.com) to check out their impressive lineup or visit an Isuzu dealer today to find out why now, more than ever, Isuzu trucks are the trucks you trust for the work you do! Brewer's Retreat (https://brewersretreat.com) Tickets for the Craft Beer & Brewing 2025 Brewer’s Retreat in Asheville and Mills River, North Carolina are on sale now and going fast. Brew on homebrew systems with some of the most inspiring craft brewers in the U.S. Learn more and secure your tickets at brewersretreat.com

  --------  

  1:13:05
• 396: Matt Manthe, Formerly of Odd Breed, Is Drawn to Doing the Hard Things

  At its height, Pompano Beach’s Odd Breed in Pompano Beach was one of the best-regarded breweries in Florida, winning four GABF medals over a span of three years, and shipping mixed-culture beers to fans around the world. However, real-estate market forces ultimately worked against the niche brewery, and founder and brewer Matt Manthe closed up shop in the summer of 2024. That’s no reason not to talk brewing, however, and Manthe learned plenty over his years shepherding his mixed cultures from homebrew to commercial scale, changing and adapting processes along the way. While he’s now brewing classic lager and ale styles in the mountains of Colorado—at Dillon Dam, about 70 miles west of Denver—mixed-culture beers still hold a strong place in his heart. In this episode, he discusses: building a mixed culture through homebrewing shifting from mixed-culture to Saccharomyces fermentation to control acid production choosing primary strains, from London Ale III to 34/70, to optimize flavor, manage acidity, and more boosting hops with specific flavors and aromas for fermentation precursors challenges with fruit processing and refermentation the importance of not letting barrels sit unfilled blending very different base beers to achieve a finished product that’s greater than the sum of its parts 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). Superbloom strains make classic hops flavor; Fresh strains keep diacetyl low even with large hop additions; Tropics strains make a tropical bouquet reminiscent of the finest southern hemisphere hops. Mention this podcast for 20% off your first order. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Berry Blend, Blood Orange, Lemonade, and Tart Cherry are the latest additions to our lineup of flavored craft juice concentrate blends. To learn more and request your free samples, head over to oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer) Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) breeds new hop varieties to help brewers captivate beer lovers. Brewers worldwide trust Indie’s unique varieties — Strata, Lórien, Luminosa, Meridian and Audacia — to modernize, brighten and diversify their beer lineup. Visit indiehops.com/podcast to discover what’s new in hop flavors. Ss Brewtech (https://www.ssbrewtech.com) Featuring a laser-welded cooling jacket for efficient and precise temperature control, an innovative silicone racking arm, and a carbonation stone that allows you to carbonate right in the fermenter, Unitank 2.0 is engineered to help you get the most out of your fermentations! Visit Ss Brewtech.com (https://www.ssbrewtech.com) to learn more! Isuzu Trucks (https://www.isuzucv.com) Whether you are looking for a self-distribution solution or one to deliver supplies, there is an Isuzu truck that will fit your needs. Go to isuzucv.com (https://www.isuzucv.com) to check out their impressive lineup or visit an Isuzu dealer today to find out why now, more than ever, Isuzu trucks are the trucks you trust for the work you do!

  --------  

  1:18:54
• 395: For Marcin Chmielarz, Baltic Porter Day is Every Day

  Mark it down: Baltic Porter Day this year is January 18, always the third Saturday of this month. This year’s will be the 10th edition of a commemoration that began in 2016 in Poland, where rich, hefty, cool-fermented porters reign supreme. Marcin Chmielarz has worn many hats in the industry—bar manager, brewer, video blogger—but one of his most notable achievements is helping to draw Poland’s attention to its own distinctive porters. In this episode, Chmielarz digs into the history of the style from the Polish perspective, while also highlighting the ingredients and techniques behind it—featuring great malt complexity but smooth character, high gravities, and patient fermentation with lager yeast. He also discusses modern iterations, including those that are dry-hopped, barrel-aged, or flavored with ingredients such as Polish smoked plums. Along the way, the conversation also hits upon: Baltic porter as a worthy technical challenge for brewers the origins of porter in Poland and the Baltic region why brewers in the region shifted to using lager yeast the importance of both balance and richness in the malt bill brewing Baltic porter with smoked malt the challenges of barrel-aging Baltic porter what happens on Baltic Porter Day, in Poland and beyond 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). Superbloom strains make classic hops flavor; Fresh strains keep diacetyl low even with large hop additions; Tropics strains make a tropical bouquet reminiscent of the finest southern hemisphere hops. Mention this podcast for 20% off your first order. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Berry Blend, Blood Orange, Lemonade, and Tart Cherry are the latest additions to our lineup of flavored craft juice concentrate blends. To learn more and request your free samples, head over to oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer) Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) breeds new hop varieties to help brewers captivate beer lovers. Brewers worldwide trust Indie’s unique varieties — Strata, Lórien, Luminosa, Meridian and Audacia — to modernize, brighten and diversify their beer lineup. Visit indiehops.com/podcast to discover what’s new in hop flavors.

  --------  

  56:14
• 394: Marcin Ostajewski of Browar Grodzisk is Spreading the Gospel of Grodziskie

  The city of Grodzisk Wielkopolski was once a major center of brewing in 19th century Poland, but political unrest, world wars, communism, and then misguided capitalism all played parts in closing the previous chapter of the city’s brewing history in the early 90’s. But the rise of craft beer also led to a resurgence in interest for obscure styles like the smoked wheat beer that made the city famous, and by 2016 a new group of owners relaunched the original Grodzisk brewery (https://browargrodzisk.com) with a heartfelt mission—to share this homegrown Polish beer style with the world. In this episode, head brewer Marcin Ostajewski shares history and process for the style, as well as ways that modern brewers are keeping the style vibrant and alive through modern variations. Through the episode, Ostajewski discusses: rebuilding the historical grodziskie recipe through historical sleuthing and first hand reports cofermenting grodziskie with two ale yeasts over hundreds of generations brewing with tomyski hops working with a maltster to produce oak smoked wheat malt where the malt is dried through the smoking process rather than smoked after kilning using long mashes to insure success brewing grodziskie with aged hops for additional preservative qualities from beta acids polishing the beer’s clarity to reduce potential foaming with the very high carbonation brewing modern flavored versions of grodziskie 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). Superbloom strains make classic hops flavor; Fresh strains keep diacetyl low even with large hop additions; Tropics strains make a tropical bouquet reminiscent of the finest southern hemisphere hops. Mention this podcast for 20% off your first order. Old Orchard (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer): Berry Blend, Blood Orange, Lemonade, and Tart Cherry are the latest additions to our lineup of flavored craft juice concentrate blends. To learn more and request your free samples, head over to oldorchard.com/brewer (https://www.oldorchard.com/brewer) Indie Hops (https://indiehops.com) breeds new hop varieties to help brewers captivate beer lovers. Brewers worldwide trust Indie’s unique varieties — Strata, Lórien, Luminosa, Meridian and Audacia — to modernize, brighten and diversify their beer lineup. Visit indiehops.com/podcast to discover what’s new in hop flavors.

  --------  

  59:59

Więcej Sztuka podcastów

Trendy w podcaście Sztuka

O Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine Podcast