Beer Guys Radio Craft Beer Podcast

Bad news keeps coming for craft beerA commenter online noted, "I thought they were the good guys," when discussing a recent round of massive layoffs at Tilray-owned breweries.  We did too.  Good guys or not, when breweries are owned by a huge corporation most (all?) of the emotional attachment is removed from ownership.  Where a family-owned brewery may push through tough times and try to keep people working, for better or worse, a large corporation has no interest in such tomfoolery.  Plus, when you merge several breweries you're definitely going to have some duplication of duties in the workforce.And with that said Tilray cleaned house at 10 Barrel, Sweetwater, and Terrapin.  No one was safe with Terrapin laying off brewery co-founder Spike Buckowski and President Dustin Watts.  The entire Innovation Brewing team at 10 Barrel was let go, and several salespeople across all three breweries.  This news always sucks, but this one hit us close to home with many of our friends impacted.In other news... Anderson Valley Brewing is for sale.  President and CEO Kevin McGee joined us in March (Beer Guys Radio Ep. 408) and everything seemed great then.  His plan was for the brewery to be a multi-generational venture. Looks like those plans have changed. The insane costs of attending an NFL gameAccording to data from bookies.com taking your family of 4 to an NFL game could cost you nearly $2,000 (including beers) if you're going to see the Lions.  Their numbers include the cheapest tickets, parking, food, sodas, and beer.  If you want a more affordable experience you better be a Jaguars fan.  See all the data here.We can't take much more over here, y'all.  We need some good news for beer.  Well, at least we have beer.Cheers!TimThanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

It's drinkin' season, Baby!We made it! September 1st, the self-imposed Oktoberfest beer embargo has been lifted! I celebrated the occasion with a local offering, Feierbend from Six Bridges Brewing. Many more to come.There are many styles that are traditional Oktoberfest beers but here in the US of A we mostly consider Festbier and Marzen to be seasonally appropriate. As we all know, many have been on the shelves and taps for a while, but more are coming. What's your preference during Oktoberfest? Team Festbier or Team Marzen?September is Craft Malt MonthThere are a lot of great reasons for using local malt in your brews. Supporting local farmers and making less impact on the environment are a couple of great ones. Craft maltsters have grown exponentially over the last decade, and the Craft Maltsters Guild wants to celebrate them. For more info check out this article.GoFundMe for Rooftop Brewing staff after fireWe don't share GoFundMe's much, almost never, but this seems like a good cause. Rooftop Brewing is raisings funds to support their staff while they rebuild from a fire. You can check it out here.More on this week's show...We know they are, but why are craft beer prices rising? We found a few possible causes.Pre Labor Day beer sales predictions.Discussion: Price vs. quality. What's your opinion?Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Do you really want to see the calorie count on that barrel aged stout?The requirement for brewers to list ingredients and nutrition info on beers has been going around for a while. Regulators want it, breweries are fighting it. Listing all the ingredients and nutritional data isn't as simple as printed a label. There's a lot of time and cost involved. If implemented this would have a huge impact on smaller breweries, and ultimately on consumers as well.BEER SCIENCE!Courtesy of Hop Queries from Stan Hieronymus we're talking thiols this week. Those are the compounds that bring most of the flavor to beer. Scientists in Germany studied a lot (but not all) hops to give some data on the impact of thiols in various varieties.Stone Virginia looks to unionizeMore union talk, another brewery soldStone Virginia employees are moving forward with an effort to unionize. While I'm generally not a fan of unions, there are definitely situations where they are needed. We'l keep an eye on this story as it develops.Magnolia Brewing has sold again. The brewery has changed hands a few times over the last several years. Much like Anchor Brewing, Magnolia has a long history and the effort to keep it alive is still strong.More in this week's episode on milk-washed and clarified cocktails, the magic of ginger drink, and BANNED beer ingredients.Hope you have a great week and drink all the good beers!Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Seasonal creep IS the spooky season!Yes, we're still ranting about this, dammit. First the Oktoberfests hit the shelves in early July and now the pumpkin beers are out. I even saw one for "Spooky Season." Please. Stop. We still have a full month of Summer left and we want to enjoy it.However.... Brian did propose a compromise. It's not a bad idea and it gives every beer the season and love it deserves. More info in the show.Some cool news from NB2A (National Black Brewers Association) as two breweries received equipment grants from established breweries. A 20 bbl brewhouse and a canning line and heading to new homes. Always great to see how craft breweries help each other.Not so cool news, Cambridge Brewing is closing after 35 years. Close to home, Southern Brewing Co. in Athens, GA announced their closure but said they hope to return one day. That Lazarus move is a tough one for brewery to pull off. Good luck to them.In other news beer prices are rising faster than inflation, Abu Dhabi gets it's first brewery (the only one in 100,000 sq mi!), and more on brewing in space. Far out, man.Have a great week and drink  something good.Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Tilray to buy 4 breweries from MolsonCoors.Big beer news this week (or is it Big Beer news?) with weed warrior Tilray buying 4 breweries from MolsonCoors. Included in that sale is our beloved Terrapin Beer Co. If my math is right this will bring 15 breweries under the Tilray brand, plus some distilleries and cideries. Per Brewbound, the move will make them the #4 largest craft brewery on the Brewers Association's ranking. On the flip side of that coin, Monster Beverage is doing terrible. They posted a nearly 32% sales decline YoY. As we've seen with their huge layoffs and changes at Cigar City, they haven't shown much skill in being brewery owners.Tough news for hop farmers in the Pacific Northwest as they announce a loss of acreage this year due to the declining craft beer market. They took a 12% loss last year as well. The domino effect of craft beer impacts so many more people and businesses than just brewers and breweries.Some fun news for our friends at Athletic Brewing as they announced a partnership with English football club Arsenal to be their official non-alcoholic beer partner, the first for Arsenal. Good for them.In the realm of Bro Science we discuss how ABV impacts hydration and what you can do to mitigate the negative effects. We won't stand by what we say though, Bro.Hope you have a great week and drink some great beers!Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Who would you nominate for the Craft Beer Hall of Fame?A lot of great people made craft beer what it is today and a group of passionate fans is working to recognize them. Craft beer writer, judge, and educator Marty Nachel kicked things off and selected and amazing group to help put things together. The website is live now with intentions to announce the first inductees this Fall. You can check it out here - American Craft Beer Hall of Fame.It not-so-great news, World of Beer announced their entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Their locations in Atlanta didn't do well but the chain had a huge, and successful, presence in Florida and other areas. They were one of the last places we remember seeing a beer randall. J Wakefield announced their closing their taproom in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood but they're not going away. Expect more info on that soon.More news in beer taxes, amazing grains, and we had to talk about tinned fish and our daily cologne. You don't want to miss it!  Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

No, Summer is not "almost over!"It always happens around this time of year. Kids start going back to school and all the folks with children think that means Summer is over. They start yapping about it, stores have sales for it. Well, Summer isn't over, and I need you all to shut your mouth with trying to make it over. We got nearly 2 months left and I'm going to enjoy it.As I enjoy my Summer sun, Summer heat, and (of course) Summer beers I'm gonna be smelling good, too. Our buddy Seth come through town from Houston last week and, after showing him some of the Atlanta beer scene, he gave us a mess of Texas beer. I cracked into a Lone Pint Yellow Rose this week, and Brian was sipping some Spindletap 5% Tint and Martin House The Silk Road. Good seeing ya, Seth. Thanks for the beers.In the news this week Brooklyn and Carlsberg collab to do a larger release of a beer brewed with fonio. We've talked about this tough grain on past episodes and it's cool to see what they do with it. Diageo is down overall, but Guinness is killing it. Tilray's craft beer bet is paying off. What started with the acquisition of Sweetwater Brewing has grown to a substantial portfolio of breweries. Most recently purchasing a handful from AB InBev a year ago.Have a great week, enjoy some great beers, and don't forget IT'S STILL SUMMER!Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Would you drink a beer that tasted like a cowboy boot?Hop Valley Brewing in Oregon has introduced a Pale Ale brewed with Elixir hops that are... “a robust and complex hop that offers unique aromas of cognac, leather, and tobacco…”  I mean, OK?  I'd try it out of curiosity but that does not sound like a flavor I'd be keen on.Brian got to party last weekend with Atlanta United and Sweetwater Brewing.  Their new collab, Rowdy Peach IPA, made it's debut and Sweetwater through one heck of a tailgate party to celebrate.  Brian said the beer is tasty, and very peachy.More beer stats this week as we talk about the countries producing the most beer.  Any guesses who has the top spot?  Japan is trying to get drinkers to slow down so one brewery they created a slow beer glass.Goose Island announced the lineup for this year's Bourbon County Brand Stout release.  We've still got a few months to wait for the release but it's never too early to start planning for drinking season!Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Sometimes you're cursed, but just a little bit.This week was... an adventure. Our streaming service didn't want to work and I found out they don't have live tech support. What kind of crap is that? We eventually got things going and then I immediately dumped ice water on myself. Brian said it was a Weak Witch curse. You know what we mean, something that happens to you but is just a minor inconvenience, we've all been there. This drink sounds like a Weak Witch curse. Evil Malort. A bartender decided to take Malort and make it worse. That's quite a mission. The Brewers Association released some stats on drinking habits and it seems folks in general are drinking less craft beer. The drop is small, but it is a drop. Seems pretty consistent with other reports we've seen. The cause of the drop in consumption could be many things - younger generations drinking less in general, an aversion to carbonation, or maybe people are getting their buzz on with the advancing legalization of weed.A couple big bits of news in the retirement of Bob Pease, CEO of the Brewers Association. He's been there for over 30 years and has led some major changes. Thanks for your service, Bob. Good Beer Hunting announced they're going on hiatus, potentially permanently. It's a big loss for true craft beer journalism.And what's this about Pretzel Printers? A genius idea, that's what!Thanks again for hanging with us. Hope you have a great week filled with great beers. Cheers!Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!

Dan Kopman knows a thing or two about beer.Some of you may recognize the name Daniel Kopman. If you don't know his name, you undoubtedly know some of his work. Currently, Kopman is a Professor and Lecturer at American University's Kogod School of Business and, likely more notable to us beer nerds, a Senior Policy Advisor for the World Brewing Alliance. Previously he was the co-founder and CEO of Schlafly Beer in St. Louis, CEO of Heavy Seas, voting member of the Beer Institute, and board member of the Brewers Association.What is the World Brewing Alliance? In short, they're the trade association for trade associations. Over 70% of the world's beer production is represented by the WBA from small brewers to multinational conglomerates. Their mission is to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, responsible marketing practices, and invocation in the brewing sector. On the other side of things, they represent brewers to organizations like the UN and the World Health Organization. Bringing the two together their goal is for brewers to be responsible with their brewing and for health organizations to realize and support the cultural and economic benefits that brewers bring.Low alcohol, no alcohol, and changing trends in drinkingWe've talked about NA beer a good bit on the show and I think most of us know that lower alcohol beers are gaining popularity. Studies show younger generations are being more responsible in their consumption and aren't looking for a 15% stout. As the NA sector continues to grow, there are still plenty of people that will still want to grab a beer with some booze in it. Despite the growth we've seen in NA beer in America, our market is still way behind many other countries. Through technological and scientific advances more brewers are now offering high quality low and no alcohol beer. We've still got plenty of room to grow in this sector. Brewing around the worldCraft beer is booming in many places you may not think of. There's a growing scene in South Africa and you've probably enjoyed some South African hops in your hazy IPA. The scene in India is up and coming as well. Much like out locally sourced grains, hops, and fruits there's plenty of unique ingredients in these countries. Expanding the offerings of grains, hops, and other ingredients in local markets around the world is a boost for the environment as well as local economies.We got deep into some amazing topics this week. We enjoyed it and hope you do, too. Let us know. Cheers!Thanks for listening to Beer Guys Radio! Your hosts are Tim Dennis and Brian Hewitt with producer Nate "Mo' Mic Nate" Ellingson and occasional appearances from Becky Smalls.Subscribe to Beer Guys Radio on your favorite app: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSSFollow Beer Guys Radio: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube If you enjoy the show we'd appreciate your support on Patreon. Patrons get cool perks like early, commercial-free episodes, swag, access to our exclusive Discord server, and more!