Beer Sessions Radio (TM) (Heritage Radio Network)

Mike Amidei, Tørst

Mike Amidei came by his passion for the world of beverages honestly. Mike's father (a life long lover of all things food & beverage) bought a bottle of each of the Bordeaux First Growth wines for the year Mike was born and on his 21st birthday the family opened, and shared, a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild. From there, he was hooked. Mike received his BS from Florida International University in Hotel & Restaurant Management and has held nearly every position on offer in that field from busboy to line cook to hotel management.

Mike has been passionate about beer, and all of it's distinct styles & flavors for longer than he'd care publish. He is currently the Beverage Manager at Tørst / Luksus, the global beer destination and Michelin-starred Restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he is responsible for curating the 21 rotating draft lines and an extensive bottle menu of around around 200 beers.

http://punchdrink.com/articles/beer-cultures-second-wave-beer-bars-nyc/

http://food52.com/blog/13837-what-we-learned-during-a-shift-at-a-brooklyn-bar

Erwin Klijn, Jopen

Jopen is a beer brand from Haarlem, Netherlands.

Jopen beer is a result of the work of Stichting Haarlems Biergenootschap, which was founded in 1992. The mission of the Biergenootschap is to re-create traditional Haarlem beers and bring them to the commercial market. Two recipes were found in the Haarlem city archives that were used as a foundation for 2 initial beers. The first one was a recipe from 1407 and the recreation of this was named Koyt.

In December 1996 the commercial company Jopen BV acquired the beer. The name Jopen refers to the 112 litre beer barrels that were used in early times to transport the Haarlem beer.

Until the end of 1996 Jopen beer was brewed in the Halve Maan brewery in Hulst, after that it was made in the La Trappe brewery in Berkel-Enschot. Since 2001 the Jopen beer brands were brewed in Ertvelde, Belgium, in brewery Van Steenberge. The current brewer is Chris Wisse.

At the end of 2005 it was announced that the old Jacobskerk, in the Raaks area in the city centre of Haarlem, would be transformed into a brewery. In November 11, 2010, the "Jopenkerk" (Jopen church) opened its doors for the public. This former church is not only the home of the Jopen brewery but also hosts a café and restaurant.

http://www.jopenbier.nl/en/discover-jopen/historie/

Anne Becerra – winter co-host, bartender, etc.

Anne Becerra is still shocked that she's been able to turn her love for craft beer into a career. She was the first female Certified Cicerone in New York City and has been at the helm of some of the best craft beer bars in Manhattan for the last seven years, most recently at The Blind Tiger, The Ginger Man and as Beer Director for Taproom 307. Anne is a beer writer for Serious Eats and Martha Stewart Living, and has been featured multiple times on NBC, Fox and Friends and CNN as well as contributed to TIME Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Wall Street Journal, Sirius XM, USA Today and more. She was the only speaker at both Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans and the Women’s Chef and Restaurateur Conference in NYC to represent the beer industry, and believes the best part about craft beer is sharing it. You can catch her teaching classes, judging beer competitions, hosting beer dinners and weekly tasting events, and curating beer pairings throughout the tri-state area.

This week, Jimmy sits down to talk about Justin Kennedy's new book The Bucket List: Beer: 1,000 Adventures, Pubs, Breweries, Festivals with Katherine Kyle of Blind Tiger, Evan Watson of Plan Bee, and Justin Kennedy himself.  They discuss their personal beer bucket lists, Michael Jackson's writings on beer, Kennedy's previous book The Scratch & Sniff Guide to Beer: A Beer Lover's Companion, the Shelton Brothers' Festival, the beer scene in Maine, and the idea of never meeting your heroes.

Beer List:

Plan Bee Farm Brewery's Huitlacoche

Plan Bee Farm Brewery's Barn Beer

The Lost Abbey's Deliverance Ale

Lost Abbey Brewery and Brasserie Dupont's Deux Amis

Sierra Nevada's Celebration

3 Fonteinen's Oude Kriek

Allagash Brewing Company's Coolship Red

Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, the summer of craft malt continues! Jimmy talks hops, malt, and more with Jeff Lyons from Endless Life Brewing in Crown Heights BK, NY; Ted Hawley from NY Craft Malt in Batavia, NY; Chad Meigs from The Bineyard Hop Growers in Cazenovia, NY; and Chris Holden from the NY Hop Guild in Elmira, NY.

To kick things off, Jimmy asks Jeff what New York ingredients mean to him as a brewer. Ted chimes in with his knowledge of the quickly evolving New York malt industry, while Jimmy cracks open a beer brewed by Jeff that was made with Ted’s malt and Chad’s hops. Chad tells us about meeting Jeff at a “grower-meet-brewer” event in NYC and almost dropping everything to go to a Kruder and Dorfmeister concert with him. Then Chris gives us the lay of the land for the NY Hop Guild, who get their hops from New York farms on the shores of Lake Erie, through the Finger Lakes, all the way to Oneonta, and beyond.

After the break, Jeff details the “beer for a year” program at Endless Life Brewing: a CSA-like membership where you can pick up a four-pack of lagers or a bottle of mixed-fermentation/sour beer once a month. Ted and Jeff chat about the importance of experimentation and feedback, and how forming local working relationships in New York helps to push their craft forward by promoting that dynamic. Chad details the ups and downs of hops in recent years, but is confident in the future of the crop. Hop Growers of NY, a group he and Chris are a part of, secured money from the state to start a hop breeding program over the next few years with the ultimate goal of growing a hop specific to NY state. 

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Lyons.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy is joined by some great friends from Colorado for a fun convo. Jason Bell, Founder and Owner of Living the Dream Brewing in Littleton, Colorado, shares his journey and experiences in the beer industry. He is joined by Em Hutto, the founder of beer communications brand RadCraft, proud spokesperson of Living the Dream Brewing, and long time friend of the show! 

The gang takes some time to reflect on the vibrant lifestyle of the Greater Denver area and discuss the significance of fostering positive industry-consumer relations. As Living the Dream Brewing celebrates its 9th year anniversary, the conversation delves into the brewery's remarkable achievements and contributions to the craft beer community in CO and beyond. 

Listen in for a delightful brew of stories, insights, and celebration in this not-to-be-missed episode!

Photos Courtesy of Living The Dream Brewing.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

One of Jimmy’s favorite guests, Julia Herz, is back to talk about the recent Learn to Homebrew Day Celebration! Julia Herz is the Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association, and has been busy since she last spoke with Jimmy. Having started as a hobbyist before her lauded career in beer, she is still homebrewing today.

Held on November 4th, Julia has the lowdown on the Learn to Homebrew Day Celebration. The day is all about fostering community and helping curious homebrewers-to-be get their start. From experimenting with different types of yeasts or fermentables to putting a twist on a classic style, the fun and joy of homebrewing truly never ends. Check out homebrewersassociation.org today to get involved! 

Listen in and good beers to you!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by guests from both New York and abroad. He’s talking about Crafted Exports with co-owners Qurban Walia and Peter McNulty, who export American craft beer to Europe. They also invited a few of the breweries and distributors they work with to join the conversation. Andrew Reed of Galatea calls in from Sweden, Todd Matteson of Mondo Brewing calls in from London, and Scott Vaccaro of Captain Lawrence Brewing joins the conversation from Elmsford, NY. Together they share information about the differences in distribution, drinking culture, and coronavirus policy in the guests’ respective cities. They cover everything from how Crafted Exports has expanded over the past five years to a collaborative beer event that coincided with a Yankees-Red Sox game in London. 

Beer List
Alewife Brewing, Distraction IPA
Captain Lawrence Brewing, Achieving Grapeness
Captain Lawrence Brewing, Freshchester Pale Ale
Captain Lawrence Brewing, Juicy White
Folksbier, Home Listening
Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Little Sip IPA
Mondo Brewing, Leelo Double IPA 
Mondo Brewing x Three Chiefs Brewing, Green Room Double IPA
 

In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.

Keep Beer Sessions Radio on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

Photo Courtesy of Qurban Walia & Peter McNulty

 Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Welcome back to BSR! Jimmy is hitting the ground running with season 14, on location at the ‘drinks capital of Brooklyn’ - Industry City. Jimmy hangs out with a group of drinks producers, including Josh Morton of Barrow’s Intense Ginger liqueur; James Tai, advanced cicerone; Dave Lopez of Gun Hill Brewing Co and Gun Hill Publick House; and Alex Clark and Amy Grindeland of Fort Hamilton Distillery.

Why is Industry City the drinks capital of Brooklyn? Learn the history of this special spot, including “distillery row”, with its wide range of drink producers, and how it gets better every week! 

Want to warm up your Winter? Grab some Intense Ginger Liqueur, a pint of Gun Hill’s Brewing Rise Up Rye, or a glass of Fort Hamilton’s Single Barrel Rye. Can’t go wrong with any of them!

Get cozy, grab some headphones, and join the conversation with BSR!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio we’ve got some great guests joining us, including Lars Dahlhaus from Reinheits Boten & The Porterhouse, Danny Bruckert from Circa Brewing, and Marco from Paulaner NYC.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

Jimmy is back in the field, this time at New England Real Ale eXhibition (NERAX) in Boston! He's joined by Mark Bowers, President of the Cask-conditioned Ale Support Campaign (CASC) / Brewmaster at Aeronaut Brewing Company; Gary Chopourian, Festival Organizer / beer enthusiast; and Jan Williams, Festival Door Manager and Maine beer acquisition / beer enthusiast. Together, they recap the highlights of the event and share their favorite things about cask ale.

This event has been going strong since 1997, and Jimmy gets all the history on its local and English roots. It’s Jimmy’s first time at NERAX, and he can really feel the history, heritage, and reverence for the craft.

So grab a cold one (not from a can!) and join Jimmy and his guests as they raise a glass to NERAX and all things cask!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight, including Sarah Howat from Denver’s Black Project Wild & Spontaneous Ales, Cat Brackett from Ivan
Ramen, and BR Rolya from Shelton Brothers.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simpelcast

Jimmy is joined by Chris McClelland, founder of The Brew Enthusiast, Angela Steil, manager of education at Murray’s Cheese, and Anthony Malone, a partner at Swift and director of operations at Pier A. They start the show off with a pint of Half Acre, Oktoberfest and discuss what makes a beer high quality. One word that’s thrown around is “more-ish” which describes the feeling of instantly wanting more of something. Jimmy wants to know how to find more great beers and less that are just “eh.” Given beer’s finicky nature, these experts—two of whom are Advanced Cicerones—delve into the rabbit hole that is the draft system and emphasize the importance of cleanliness, cool temperature, and correct carbonation. While everyone desires a clear industry standard, in the meantime these guests strive to make the draft beers they serve taste like the brewers intended.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio is heading out west! Jimmy sits down with Joanne Marino from the Bay Area Brewers Guild in San Francisco, California, and Kim Sturdavant from Pacifica Brewery in Pacifica, California, to hear about California Craft Beer Week, running from February 12-21. 

Having to pivot due to COVID-19, Joanne explains why the guild expanded SF Beer Week into a collective, calling it California Craft Beer Week. This February, leading stars from all over the California region have joined together to share their passion for craft brewing and regional ingredients with their communities. For Kim at Pacifica, customers can enjoy a variety 4-pack paired with spectacular food to celebrate Beer Week. 

In addition to Beer Week, Kim gives us a sneak preview of an IPA he’s working on with a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reference, as well as some beer-wine hybrids he’s excited about. The brewing scene in the Bay Area is definitely eclectic, and each neighborhood has its own unique identity. Joanne says the Bay Area Brewers Guild is always working to support and celebrate the diversity of the region, and Kim agrees that craft beer has become a great tool to help start conversations about inclusivity within the industry. 

Beer list:
Pacifica Brewery, Faction Brewing, Social Kitchen & Brewery, Drake's Brewing Company
 

Photo Courtesy of Ali Werner.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Jeff “Chief” O’Neil and Sofia Barbaresco from the Hudson Valley’s newest brewery, Industrial Arts! Also joining us is Will Stephens from BeerMenus.

This week on beer sessions radio Jimmy is talking to some warmer weather breweries with Jordan Gardenhire, founder and brewmaster of Baja Brewing Company, and Katie Lowe brewmeister of Koko’s Bavarian. 

Katie talks about the vision of Koko’s Bavarian led by people like the Prince Koko of Bavaria and celebrity chef Tim Love. Jordan tells some crazy stories like lifting brewing equipment out of the roof of a building and weathering some of the most severe hurricanes that have impacted the business. 

Both Katie and Jordan describe what makes their homes from the breweries of Austin to the shores of Baja unique and how that comes through in their beers. Grab a beer from your favorite warm-weather brewery and give it a listen!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio will introduce you to the world of lagers and beer-food pairings. Jimmy and our guests Mirella Amato, Todd DiMatteo, along with Luc “Bim” LaFontaine will have a lively discussion about pairing techniques and considerations, as well as the light beer scene around the world. 

The episode breaks off with Todd from Good Word Brewing and Public House promoting his upcoming Little Beer Fest on April 9 with 65 breweries gathering in Duluth, Georgia. Godspeed Brewery’s Luc then talks about his time in Japan and Czech exploring the world of craft small beers, before explaining his process when it comes to pairing beers and food at his retail shop house. 

All these conversations happen as Mirella from Beerology took us through a demo of her new course Mastering Beer & Food Pairing, brought to you by Beerology® by using Todd and Luc’s examples to demonstrate her technique-focused curriculum!

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Budziak.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Ryan Burk, Tom Oliver, John Reynolds and BR Rolya to talk about all things cider.

Ryan Burk currently heads up Angry Orchard's new experimental orchard-cidery-visitor center in Walden, NY. There, he's crafting small batch ciders to test out new recipes, ingredients and techniques, and to push the boundaries of barrel aging and wild fermentation.

His encounter with Tom Oliver’s Herefordshire Dry Cider, a dry barrel-fermented cider, opened his eyes to what cider could be. Nine years later and with Tom’s mentorship, Ryan is experimenting with growing bittersweet varieties, blending, aging, and wild fermentation - enhancing the quality of cider that may be associated with Angry Orchard.

Tom Oliver and BR Rolya both represent Shelton Brothers, while John Reynolds is in on behalf of Blackduck Cidery in Finger Lakes, New York. The consensus in this group: cider deserves a spot at the food and drink pairing table, no matter where you're drinking.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy explores the phenomenon sweeping Brooklyn: Rothaus Pilsner. He is joined by Tobias Holler of Black Forest Brooklyn, Josh Van Horn of Gold Star Brewing, Kim Mercado from Brouwerij Lane, and Aaron Goldfarb, a writer from Punch. Rothaus Pilsner is an unpasteurized beer imported fresh and cold from Germany. Tobias is originally from the Black Forest region in which this beer is made and explains why he wanted to share his culture with New Yorkers. From the beer’s iconic logo to it’s short shelf life, these guests talk about why Rothaus Pilsner is good enough to compete with local brews.

Beer List
Rothaus Pilsner
Andechser Vollbier Hell, Klosterbrauerei Andechs
Palatime Pils, Suarez Family Brewery
Homespun, Suarez Family Brewery
Purple Haze, Abita Brewing Co.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy finally gets a break from the online world with an in-person visit to Plant Pub by the famous Fenway Park. Sitting down with Pat McAuley, one of the pub’s co-founders and a plant-based athlete, they will attempt to show you a new future for pub and pub food that’s growing in Boston. 

The episode kicks off with Pat’s introduction to the beer world at Russ Heissner’s Barrel House Z and his journey from a meat-eating college football player (who happens to look like Julian Edelman) to a plant-based activist. He’ll then move on to talk about the 350-seat location that they are sitting in right now, waiting for Jimmy’s classic burger and fries made entirely out of plants. Pat will also share more about Plant Pub’s approach with plant-based food, which is focused on making these dishes more accessible through familiar language and menu items. He also shows appreciation for his head chef Mary Dumont and the team along with his partners Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni and Matthew Kenney.

After our short break, the gang will talk about Pat’s podcast, where he interviews nutritional experts and people who went through the same journey as he did (with the first episode featuring his own mom). They also discuss the health benefits of a plant-based diet, and just how well it goes with craft beers. Last but not least, Pat shares how he’s supporting local farmers and brewers, as well as his worries for the first Red Sox game at the pub this Friday. Grab your headphones right now and pray for Plant Pub!

HRN is home to transformative exchanges about food. Our 35+ member-supported food podcasts empower eaters to cultivate a radically better world. This month, we’re asking you to join us. Become a monthly sustaining member at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy speaks with Lars Marius Garshol all the way from Norway. He is credited with discovering and cataloguing kveik yeast and is the author of Historical Brewing Techniques: The Lost Art of Farmhouse Brewing. John LaPolla of Bitter & Esters and Pete Legyel-Fushimi of KCBC join the conversation as well. Lars provides the history of how kveik yeast has been passed down by home brewers in Norway for centuries, while Pete shares how he is using the yeast at KCBC today in everything from fruited sours, to IPAs, and even stouts. Learn about how kveik yeast can shave time off of a strict brewing schedule, the extensive research Lars did to understand traditional brewing techniques, and the reason why people scream when they pitch yeast.

Beer List

Framgarden, Bygland For The Love of Kveik Series No. 10

Industrial Arts Brewing, Spring Landscape

KCBC, Robot Fish Simcoe

Santa Clara Brewing Company, Electric tower IPA

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

BSR always strives to shine a light on people moving the Beer World forward. Writers and editors are often the most thoughtful, impactful people in the worlds of beer, spirits, and hospitality, and we have two great ones on the show this week.

Joining Jimmy is Jeff Cioletti, author of Imbibing for Introverts, and editor in chief of Craft Spirits Magazine; and Kate Bernot, Missoula, Montana-based reporter on beer, alcohol, and food, and director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers.

This show came together to highlight Jeff’s new book, and more broadly to talk about the state of “beer storytelling” from the past to the future. Plus, find out Jimmy, Jeff, and Kate’s picks for their current favorite “thoughtful” beers that are pushing the scene forward (or taking it back to basics):

Jeff: Pilsner Urquell

Kate: Taras Boulba - Brasserie de la Senne

Jimmy: Aventinus Weizen-Doppelbock

Tune in now!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

For this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy and Anne traveled to Philadelphia to celebrate Victory's Brewing Company's 20th anniversary. Little did they know that, the next morning, Victory would announce that it had merged with Southern Tier Brewing Company of western New York state. Tune in to hear their conversation with Bill Covaleski of Victory and Will Stephens of BeerMenus.

Jimmy welcomes Clay Risen and Theresa McCulla to the studio to discuss what beer Americans were drinking in 1898. Clay is Deputy Editor of The New York Times Opinion Page and the author of “The Crowded Hour: Theodore Roosevelt, The Rough Riders, and the Dawn of the American Century.” Theresa McCulla is a beer historian at The Smithsonian, who is currently working to archive homebrewing and craft beer history for the museum. Together they talk about the first era of consolidation for American brewing, what styles of beer were popular at the time, and the ways in which beer shapes community and culture. 

Beer List:
Rothaus Pils
 

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

How has hop farming evolved over the past decade? Jimmy has brought on a roster of experts to bring us up to speed on the state of hops. 

On the show today are John Condzella, fourth generation farmer from eastern Long Island and president of the Hop Growers of New York Association; Adam Kryder, executive director of the Hop Growers of New York Association; and Megan Wilson, COO of Torch & Crown Brewing Co. in Manhattan.

Going on 12 years ago, John was a budding hop farmer in New York in need of a German Hop Harvesting machine. One successful kickstarter and over a decade of farming later, he’s here to tell the tale. 

Plus, learn all about the Hop Growers of New York Wet Hop Fest!

@hopgrowersofnewyork

#HGNYWETHOPFEST

Want to attend a Wet Hop Fest event? Check out the links below to find one near you, and use one of the 25% Discount Ticket Codes for HRN Followers: BIG25NYC, BIG25WNY, BIG25ILF

NYC EventBrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1001603662517?aff=oddtdtcreator

WNY EventBrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1001606691577?aff=oddtdtcreator

UPSTATE EventBrite Link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1001592248377?aff=oddtdtcreator

GENERAL Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/hop-growers-of-new-york-association-70766843433

***please sign up as soon as you can***

NYC Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/500683122898726

WNY Facebook Link: coming soon

UPSTATE Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/3733203990280240

Check out all of the great brewers and growers mentioned on this episode:

@condzellasfarm

 @pedersenhopfarm

 @crookedcreekhops 

@skaneateleshopfarm 

@cobblestonehops 

@weathertop

 @torchandcrown

 @niteglowbeer 

@indianladderfarmsciderybrewery

 @rustynickelbrewing 

@kcbcbeer

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy welcomes Kyle Larkin, head brewer at Resolute Brewing Company in Centennial, Co, and Jerry Siote, co-owner and director of brewing operations at Lone Tree Brewing Company in Lone Tree, CO, to discuss their recent collaboration. The gang get cozy as the weather cools to talk about everything from the tradition and function of rice in lagers to malted sunflower seeds. 

First and foremost, the gang dives into Kyle and Jerry’s collaboration: It started loosely, with seasonal, experimental intentions: new malts, new hop, new technique. Called Abundant Forest, this dark lager is made from Leopold Bros. pilsner malt, flaked rice, and chocolate malt, along with Ariana and Callista German hop varietals. The duo are proud of how much of a fluid and collaborative process the project was.

Also, Em Hutto, founder of RadCraft Beer and co-organizer of the episode, pops in to give her perspective on Kyle and Jerry’s collab. Grab a cozy lager and warm up with BSR!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we have a special guest joining us today all the way from London, beer writer Pete Brown! We’ll be talking about Pete’s new book, Miracle Brew, and we also have Jason Sahler from Strong Rope Brewery in the studio.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

Like a phoenix from the ashes, the legendary Beer Bar, Deep Ellum in Waltham, MA, has been reborn! Just outside of Boston, Jimmy is at Deep Ellum beer bar to chat about the new location and the myth behind the legendary neighborhood establishment.

Here to chat with Jimmy are Max Toste, one of the owners of Deep Ellum, and Matt Steinberg, co-founder and head brewer at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing. 

The best lagers from Germany, the best cask from England, the best local craft beers. Name it, and they serve it at Deep Ellum. All of this, yet they remain down to Earth as a reliable neighborhood bar. 

Dive deep into this legendary Boston Beer Bar with Jimmy and Co.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Long Island City is home to six breweries, all in a two-mile radius. Five of them joined Jimmy in the studio: Kaitlyn Acosta of LIC Beer Project, Pat Fondiller of Alewife Brewing, Mark Hirst of Big aLICe Brewing, Laszlo Fodor of ICONYC, and Matt Archambault of Fifth Hammer Brewing and the Emmy Award-winning TV series Brewed in New York. They shout out their fellow LIC brewery, Rockaway Brewing Company, talk about local yeast strains, and take Jimmy on a virtual tour of the trail, including tips on where to eat—and bowl—along the way.

Beer List:

Fifth Hammer’s Sonic Architecture IPA

Big aLICE’s Brunch Crusher Tangerine Pineapple Sour

ICONYC’s Cucumber Saison

Alewife’s Dimensional Observer #2 IPA

Alewife’s Alien Technology, Russian Imperial Stout

LIC Beer Project’s Back Back to Cali IPA

LIC Beer Project’s Radiant Peach Vanilla Sour

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Today we are going to regale you with tales of keggers past… Jimmy recently stumbled upon an article in Good Beer Hunting on the rise and fall of the kegger at UM in Missoula, Montana. And there’s a lot more to it than there just having been a lot of beer!

Brian Alberts, a historian of beer in context, is joined by Cody Ewert, associate editor at the Montana Historical Society, to break it all down for us. These two storytellers have kept all the juicy lore to paint you a picture of the kegger’s inception.

Now tune in and let’s party like it’s ‘79!

Photo Courtesy of The Missoulian.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

In the first hour of Beer Sessions Radio broadcast from the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, host Jimmy Carbone cracks into four special brews with Cameron Read and Timmons Pettigrew of Edmund's Oast. Lucky audience members have the chance to sample Gilded, their Belgian-style table beer, and learn about local oyster seasons, Charleston history, and of course, brewing. Special guest Randall Goldenberg, Chairman of the Festival, jumps in for a history lesson and a bit of trivia.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight from Brooklyn Cider House including co-owner Susan Yi and cidermaker Lindsey Storm. Also sitting in is David Cascione, president and founder of Barrika Basque Country Cider.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy will drive all the way to Kittery, Maine for an in-depth lecture on beer styles and beer history. This exciting course is currently taught by Woody Mott, son of Tod Mott the New England brewing legend, and Horst Dornbusch, editor and contributor for The Oxford Companion to Beer, at Tributary Brewing Company. 

The class will start off with Woody’s journey from the finance world to the brewing world, explaining his deep involvement and understanding of every step in the beer-making process. Horst will then join us and kick off the lecture with a dive into the history of pilsner, the Californian Common, New York Cream Ale, all before introducing us to Tributary’s favorites like the flagship Pale Ale, the Dinkelator, and the soon-to-run-out Imperial Stout that will be available April 23. 

Lastly, Woody will go deep into his approach to recipe writing and his adoration for Aventinus, whereas Horst will emphasize the importance of ingredients and agriculture in the making of the beers, along with a climate change industry report. Woody will then leave a final appreciation for all the brewers that came before Tributary, and assure every student attending: “You’re just gonna have a damn good beer!”

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy checks in on the future of beer in the state of New York with Paul Leone of the New York State Brewers Association, Stefan Fleming of Empire State Development, and Jason Sahler of Brooklyn’s Strong Rope Brewery. They talk about the challenges and benefits of owning a brewery in New York City, how fast the industry has grown in recent decades, the long-term outlook for craft in New York, and how New York’s beer fans compare to other states’.

Beers:
Strong Rope Brewery’s Seeds of Love and Outrage, IPA
Strong Rope Brewery’s Field Drinker, IPA
Strong Rope Brewery’s Young Lion of the West, Cream Ale

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

We’re up in Maine and about to try some of the greatest hard ciders of your life! This week Jimmy is at the first CiderFeast in Portland, hanging out with up-and-coming cidermakers from in and around the state of Maine.

Joining the party are Joy Cartwright, Marketing Director of Fogtown Brewing Co; Jon Stein, Owner and Cidermaker at Fogtown; Jared Carr, Co-Owner and Cidermaker at Cornish Cider Co; Damin Sawyer, Content Creator of Bone & Bottle Reviews; and Zach Kaiser, Cidermaker at Absolem Cider Co.

CiderFeast 2024 took place on May 12 at Oxbow Blending & Bottling, next to Anoche Cider & Spirits, a local cider bar. CiderFeast 2024 featured delicious bites and over 40 hard ciders from more than 15 cider makers.

Sample historical and cutting edge flavors from Maine in this week's Cidercast!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

On this special Beer Week edition of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy catches up with BrewDogs founder James Watt, who was in New York promoting his new book Business for Punks. Also on this episode are Stephen Valand of Brooklyn Brew Shop, who was recently featured on Watt's Brew Dogs TV show, and winter co-host Anne Becerra, aka Anne Likes Beer.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone hosts a group of New York Beer Retailers including Kevin Heald from Malt & Mold, Zach Mack from ABC Beer Company, and John O’Donnell from Radegast Beer Hall, in addition to Vince Turse and Mike Semenec from DSSOLVR, a brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. This group of guys talks about everything that goes into owning a beer shop: from the beer itself, to the food served, and the atmosphere. Many discuss their journey from positions as bartenders, home-brewers, or sales representatives to opening their own beer shop. And Vince and Mike tell us about their current journey across the east coast collaborating with various breweries. Everyone chimes on difficult questions about how to seek out sustainable business and the ways in which breweries and retailers influence each other. Growing beer scenes like that in Asheville and subcultures like oat beer, excite the whole group, who agree we are really witnessing the golden age of beer.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy and his guests went on a 11-country European tasting tour with Miguel Rivas, the Beer Trekker who documents his world travels on Instagram. They were joined in the studio by international and domestic beer importers BR Rolya, Joel Shelton, and Lars Dahlhaus. The conversation got deep. It dove into the current state of European and American craft brewing, exports, and imports. Decades ago Jimmy was only drinking German beers, but American craft beers have exploded onto the scene. So much so that a lot of brewers are making IPAs in places like Barcelona. More traditional countries like Germany or Belgium, that are already saturated in rich brewery and beer culture, continue to produce lager and pilsners among other brews that are harder to make with the same quality in the states. They tell colorful stories of the villages and towns that treat beer like it’s part of the family and not just a business. Tastings range from the earthy La Moneuse from Blaugies, Belgium to the 2017 Historical Thomas Hardy’s barley wine from England.

Powered by Simplecast
https://simplecast.com
[1]https://www.goodbeerhunting.com/authors/miguel-rivas/
[2]https://www.sheltonbrothers.com/team/b-r-rolya/
[3]https://www.sheltonbrothers.com/beers/blaugies-la-moneuse/

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is all about lagers! On the show, Jeff Alworth, author of The Beer Bible, and Jack Hendler, the co-owner of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham, Massachusetts, talk about everything from the brewing process to the history and future of craft lagers. 

Jimmy kicks us off by asking Jack why he chose to brew lagers. Jack dives into the real lack of lagers on the American craft beer market today. Jeff explains how a rise in Hazy IPAs among other things necessitated a refresh of The Beer Bible. He also dives into the process of decoction and how a single vs. triple decoction beer might differ. Jack and Jeff both launch into a discussion of Hoppy Lagers, including those brewed at Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers and those written about in The Beer Bible. Jimmy notes the Craft malt conference in Portland, ME, on February 18th and 19th. Then, the gang discussed how locally grown barley is shifting the malt scene. 

After the break, Jack shares 200+ year old breweries in Germany are starting to create IPAs inspired by American craft beer. Jeff encourages the beer connoisseurs of the world to travel to England, Germany, and more surprisingly Lithuania. Jeff chronicles his journey from university research all the way to receiving his (self-proclaimed) Ph.D. in beer. Jeff asks Jack if he has a cold IPA, and Jack asks Jeff his view on the future of Lagers. Jack and Jeff finish off the episode admiring the joys of enjoying a lager in a pub.
 

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

As we move through the year into apple season, you know we gotta talk cider! This week, we’re checking in on the cider world, specifically on this year’s competition space.

Joining Jimmy for this episode are friends Eric West, the illustrious Cider Guide; Ron Sansone of Spoke + Spy Ciderworks; and Justin Koury of BevFluence.

Between Eric, Ron, and Justin, the cider expertise is overflowing from this episode! On the docket today are the topics of judging cider, promoting cider, international cider organizations, and more!

Pour up a crisp one and tune in!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy talks all things cider with Ron Sansone of Spoke + Spy Ciderworks; Gidon Coll of Original Sin Cider; Paige Flori of Boutique Wines, Spirits and Cider; Tyler Graham of Kings Highway; Petra Paredez of Petee's Pie; and apple photographer William Mullan. Hear them discuss the market for single varietal ciders, the unidentified apple varieties living in the Hudson Valley, and the founding fathers' love of cider.

Beer List:
Original Sin's Fuji Unfiltered Cider
Original Sin's McIntosh Unfiltered Cider
Pine Hill Orchard's Redfield Cider
Spoke + Spy's Kingston Black Cider
Kings Highway's Wickson Cider

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.
 

More and more breweries are popping up by the minute and we're covering more of them today on Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy Carbone is joined by Hutch Kugeman, brewer, The Brewery at the CIA, CIA-Brooklyn Brewery Outpost, Jesse Ferguson, founder/head of production, Interboro Spirits & Ales, Laura Dierks, co-founder, Interboro Spirits & Ales and Anne Becerra – winter co-host, bartender, etc. Tune in and hear about some new trends, tastes and thoughts from an esteemed panel of beer experts!

Today we’re talking malt. From historical British styles to the future, Jimmy and Co. trace the practice of malting grains through time!

To dive deep into this germinative topic, Jimmy has brought on three experts: Ron Silberstein, Co-Founder and Director of Sales at Admiral Maltings; Tim Decker, Sales and Marketing Manager at Admiral Maltings; and Josh Wurzbacher, North American Technical Sales Manager for Crisp Malt.

This episode has everything you need to know about historical and modern craft malt, so make sure to be taking notes! 

Plus, get the scoop on Admiral Maltings and Crisp Malt’s new collab!

Photo Courtesy of Tim Decker.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy catches up with Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon! Closing off the season with a family-oriented brewery established in 1988, Jimmy welcomes Veronica Vega, Director of Product Development at Deschutes, and Robin Johnson, the Head Brewer at the Deschutes Brewpub.

Deschutes was the first craft brewery in Bend, and started as the humble pub at which Robin still works. Veronica paints a scenic picture of Bend as an “Outdoor Mecca”, with mountain biking, hiking, water sports in the alpine lakes, and more! And after a long day of enjoying Bend’s outdoor activities, locals and tourists choose Deschutes Brewpub as the first gathering point to quench their thirst.

The gang reminisce and discuss how working in craft brewing for the long haul has given the Deschutes crew a unique perspective on changing styles such as West Coast IPAs, Hazys, and more. But Robin and Veronica agree that the main highlights of that long career are the relationships formed between brewers, patrons, and the town.

Beer List:

Deschutes brewery, Squeezy Rider IPA

Deschutes Brewery X Xicha Brewing Collab- Catharina Guava Sour

Deschutes, Haze Tron Imperial Hazy IPA

Deschutes, Chasing Freshies, Fresh Hop x Bitburger collab

Deschutes, Black Butte Porter

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Josh Bernstein who has a brand new book out today as well as Jason Sahler from Strong Rope Brewery in Brooklyn and Svend Lindbaek from Svendale Brewing.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Tom Acitelli who authored the new book Pilsner: How the Beer of Kings Changed the World along with Chris Lohring of Notch Brewing and Matt Levy from Threes Brewing. Tom began his latest book project in a search to understand what laid the groundwork for the craft beer movement and argues we wouldn’t have the beer marketplace we do now without pilsner. He talks about the history of style and how it evolved along with innovations in roasting, while the brewers offer their perspective on the technical demands of making pilsner (especially with the space limitations of NYC). Matt discusses the evolution of the lager program at Threes, including recent beers they are aging in oak, while Chris shares why he has chosen to stick with sessionable beers even while the industry leans towards high ABV IPAs. 

Beer List:
Schilling Beer Company, Alexandr 10° Czech-Style Pilsner
Green Man Brewery, Licensed to Haze Double IPA

Image courtesy of Saadia Sumrall.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy serves up an in-depth episode on the history of mouth watering whiskey from Mexico. Learn about the ancient corn that makes the whiskey so special, live with a suite of experts at the HRN studio in Roberta’s!

Joining the discussion today are Clay Risen, NYT contributor and author, who reports on whiskey and other spirits; Zack Wangeman, founder and chef at Sobre Masa and Tortilla Factory, proud corn nerd; and Tiffany Collings, a founder of Las Chingonas Imports, who source fine destilados de agave from Guerrero and Durango, Mexico.

Tune in to learn some rich history from Ancient Mexico, and how heritage corn is powering modern spirits in the region!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy talks saisons with Phil Markowski of Two Roads Brewing who literally wrote the book on farmhouse ales. Anthony Accardi of Transmitter Brewing offers his perspective as a brewer who aims to bring saisons to New York’s beer scene. B.R. Rolya of Shelton Brothers discusses the European farmhouse breweries she works with and shares her experience translating portions of Phil’s book. Together they talk about some special collaborations, the strains of yeast they are using to brew saisons today, and Two Road’s new Table Terroir which harkens back to the history of low ABV beers traditionally consumed by farmworkers.

Beer List:

Transmitter Brewing,  Harvest 7

Sante Adairius, Saison Bernice

Photo Courtesy of Miguel Rivas

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy talks about starting a beer brand in New York City with Gage Siegel of Non Sequitur Beer Project, Tara Hankinson and Johnny Osborne of Talea Beer Co., and Eric Shulz of Little Blind Beer. Hear them discuss barriers to entry in the New York brewing scene, supporting immigrants through beer, building brands that reach more women, holding tastings at Bloomingdale's and Elle Magazine, the way millennials want brands that share their values, and the use of art on a beer can. They also delve into new ways to create a beer brand such as Non Sequitur's pop-up events and Little Blind's one-off beer projects.
 

The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.

Beer List:
Freethought's Temporal
Gun Hill Brewing Company's Mean Mean Bean
Talea Bear Co.'s Tropicberry Tart Deco
Talea Bear Co.'s Double Date
Little Blind's Third Wave
Little Blind's Zone Expansion
Non Sequitur Beer Project's Begging for Attention

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio the bar owners and brewers behind popular beers, El Pres Pilsner and Dead Pres Lager come together to discuss this collaboration and their stories as bar owners of color. To create these beers individuals from Bar 177, Bar 180, BierWax, The Bronx Beer Hall, The Sampler, and Uptown Beer Society worked with Interboro Spirits and Drafts. This group talks about the desire to create a beer that would resonate with the Latinx community. They express that their passion for creating and selling beer goes beyond making money, these men strive to represent the local businesses and culture of their neighborhoods. Many of these bars were the first to sell craft beer in their community and the conversation covers how they continue to thrive as New York City changes around them.

Guest List
Chris Maestro, BierWax
Jesse Ferguson, Interboro Spirits and Ales
Joel Suarez and Leo Tineo, The Sampler
Juan Perez, Bar 180 and Bar 177
Matt Negron, Uptown Beer Society
Paul Ramirez and Anthony Ramirez II, The Bronx Beer Hall
Shane Monteiro, Carmine Street Beers

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Hear about what makes New York cider special, the question of canning, the truth about dryness, and the definition of endangered apples while Jimmy checks in on the state of New York cider. Jennifer Smith talks about the New York Cider Association’s new label for ciders brewed in New York state with New York-grown apples; Jordan Werner Barry describes the language we use to talk about cider; Dan Pucci shares his cider sommelier expertise; Paige Flori calls in to recommend some ciders she has on tap at Boutique Wines, Spirits, and Cider in Fishkill; and the group tastes ciders from Original Sin with Gidon Coll, and from Kings Highway Fine Cider with Tyler Graham.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Cider List:
Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Harrison (unreleased)
Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Wickson (unreleased)
Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Ashmead’s Kernal (unreleased)
Kings Highway Fine Cider’s New York Burt
Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Lil Scrumpy
Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Rosé Cider
Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Ginger Snap
Original Sin’s McIntosh
Original Sin’s Rosé Cider

On this special Cider Week NYC edition of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined in studio by Jen Smith, the Executive Director of the New York Cider Association, Ezra Sherman, owner of Eve's Cidery, and Dan Wilson from Slyboro Cider House in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Tune in to hear them talk about the impact of apple varieties and terroir on the cider being produced in New York state.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

In this captivating episode, Jimmy sits down for a one-on-one interview with Greg Engert, the esteemed beverage director at Neighborhood Restaurant Group in DC, NYC, and NOLA. Known for his exceptional hospitality, Greg's ability to create memorable experiences is why people dine out. Despite starting as a "failed academic" pursuing literature in DC, Greg quickly found his passion in the beer world at the iconic Brickskeller, America's first beer bar. Join us as we uncover Greg's remarkable journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming a partner and beverage director at a prestigious Restaurant Group. Plus learn about Brewery St X, Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s latest offering in NOLA.

Listen in to discover the fascinating story behind his career and the valuable insights he shares along the way!

Photo Courtesy of Randy Schmidt.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we return to our live studio at Roberta’s Pizza upon our guest’s special request. Jimmy sits down uncomfortably before he welcomes Em Sauter, the author of ‘Hooray for Craft Beer!,’ and James Tai, a ‘random guy sitting at the bar’ who is helping local bars and restaurants improve their service. 

The episode kicks off with Em’s and James’s background in the beer world and their experience with the Cicerone Certification program. Em also shares her cartooning background with an MFA from the Center for Cartoon Studies, along with her first beer job selling cigarettes and Budweisers to cement factory workers while dusting the Belgian beers that no one ever bought. Jimmy props them to give away their ‘legend’ Master Cicerones, but will he reveal his?

We’ll then dive deeper into the content of Em’s book, ‘Hooray for Craft Beer!,’ as well as her illustration and research on Pints and Panels, a website providing materials for levels 1 and 2 of the Cicerone certificate. Em tells Jimmy more about the history and the importance of beer in our world, as it has inspired so many technological developments. Finally, the gang talks more about Fox Farm Brewery where Em works part-time, while tasting their Altra Volta Three-Year Blend paired with Roberta’s Beesting and Beastmaster.

See more of Em’s illustration on her Instagram and read her rants about the Red Sox on her Twitter!
 

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

In this Cider Week NYC bonus episode, Jimmy hosts Eleanor Leger of Eden Cider; Dan Wilson of Slyboro Cider House and Hick’s Ochard; and Cathryn Gaylord, a farm apprentice at Eve’s Cidery. Jimmy awards Eleanor with the third annual Scion Award to honor her leadership in the cider industry. Dan and Eleanor discuss their decade long journey making orchard-to-glass cider, which has spanned various styles, changes in language, and marketing mechanisms, while Cathryn offers a fresh take on industry trends. The group concludes by discussing their favor cider and food pairings, which include cured meat and cheese, spiced desserts, and a unique bone marrow dish from Jeepney in the East Village. 

Ciders:

Brut Nature, Eden Dry Heritage Cider

Albee Hill Still and Dry Cider, Eve’s Cidery

Rose & Sky Imperial Sparkling Cider, Slyboro Cider House

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy tunes into the Ska network with co-founders Bill Graham and Dave Thibodeau from Ska Brewing in Durango, Colorado. The gang will listen to Dave's and Bill’s latest album about their brewing, growing, and drinking process.

For the first track, we have the story of Bill and Dave. Growing up together by the Front Range of Colorado, the duo started home-brewing to Ska music in high school. They then moved to Durango partly to create the Ska Brewing Co. we now know, but mostly to ski. The second track is an intro to the three waves of Ska and their favorite bands like The Toasters and The Pietasters, who might be performing at their 27th anniversary this Labor Day Weekend.

Track three and four are more complex, with Bill and Dave diving deeper into the company and their beers, as well as weed legalization in Colorado and the challenges it creates for local growers and brewers. Track five increases in tempo as the gang talks about home-brewing and the importance of enjoying the process. They also touch briefly on the words written on the lips of the cans with Jimmy’s challenge for their next one. To end the show, track six takes us gardening and into Dave’s backyard for a mini-lecture on how to grow carrots.

No wonder this album is top 1 on Billboard right now!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy catches up with NYC Breweries, 18th Ward and Bridge and Tunnel. Jordan Beldner talks about how he transitioned from being a bar owner to opening 18th Ward, while his new brewer Will Arnaiz shares his vision for future styles and flavors. They also discuss their transition to delivery during Covid-19 and Rich Castagna of Bridge and Tunnel shares how he used the space in his taproom to build a canning system. Together they talk about what equipment they wish they had, how much they subscribe to seasonal beer trends, and they swap stories including one from Rich about how Putin ended up next to a shark on a recent Bridge and Tunnel can.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by 

Simplecast

.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, hosts Jimmy and Anne are joined in the studio by Andrew Gerson, Head of Culinary Programming at the Brooklyn Brewery, Jensen Cummings of the Brewed Food blog, and filmmaker Eric Schleyer.

Tune in for a show that's all about foods with brews, not to mention Jack Inslee's last time running the board!

Embark on another exciting on-location adventure with Jimmy in Boston's Time Out Market. Explore a vibrant beer scene with three local guests: Forrest Pettengill from Aeronaut Brewing, Brandon Keating from Trillium Brewing, and Matt Harding, assistant manager of Time Out Market Boston. Discover the market's 15 kitchen concepts, two indoor bars (with an outdoor bar coming soon), and an impressive selection of Boston's finest local beers.

Get ready for an adventurous episode filled with the flavors and stories of Boston’s thriving beer culture. Cheers to an unforgettable pint-filled journey!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

It's a big show this week on Beer Sessions Radio, and we’ve got some special guests joining us to talk about New York State rye, including farmer Thor Oeschner, author Amy Halloran, June Russell from Grow NYC, distiller Chris Williams from Coppersea Distilling, Chris Murillo from NY Distilling, Daric Schlesselman from Van Brunt Stillhouse, and Steven Baird from Cardiff Giant.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

To celebrate Cider Season, this week we're talking with the Founder & President of Original Sin Cider, Gidon Coll, as well as Damin Sawyer, the creator of Bone N' Bottle Reviews. Together they discuss how the sweetness of early cider imports led Gidon to start Original Sin back in 1996, and reminisce about the early iterations of Cider Week.  Gidon also shares some of the secrets for making a great fruited cider using his own "Black Widow", a blackberry cider, as one example, and illuminates some of the guiding principles he uses to run his own apple orchard. 

If you're in the Boston area on November 12th, check out Cider Feast.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone's got some great guests joining him tonight including Joel Shelton from Shelton Brothers and Andy Ganstaller from Ganstaller Brau! He's also happy to welcome Katrina and Keely from Tinyfield Roofhop Farm, and his winter co-host, Anne Becerra!

This week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio takes a look back at Saison Day. Recorded in March at Threes Brewery, and featuring interviews with Cory McNutt and Eric Meader of Allagash, Greg Doroski and Joel Ford of Threes, John Lapolla of Bitter and Esters, and winner of the saison home-brew competition Alex Biederman.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy talks to Brent Manning from Riverbend Malt House in Asheville, North Carolina, about their process of producing high quality craft malt at a large scale. The duo discuss the trends in craft beer, craft malt, and the future of a more sustainable beer industry. Grab your green headphones and dig in on the convo with us right now!

Brent kicks off the episode with a brief introduction of his environmental consultant background, and how he turned to craft malt through his craft beer passion. He’ll also give you a glimpse of the early day struggles with his ‘artisan’ kiln, before introducing us to the fanciest equipment whose name Jimmy can’t even pronounce. Brent continues to present us with a more local and more creative future for malters and brewers nationwide, before diving into Craft Malt Week this Sept. 27, organized by the Craft Malsters Guild, where he is the founder and president.

After a short break, we will return to a discussion on distilleries using craft malts and Brent’s experimentations with different types of grains. He’ll also share an exciting trend of brewers converting to using locally sourced and malted grains as a triumph against international maltsters, along with a crazy story about a couple from the Netherlands who came to a Craft Malt Week. Last but not least, Brent closes the show with an amazing growth report for South East craft beer and malt, along with his mission being a bridge between farmers and brewers nationwide. 

Photo Courtesy of Brent Manning.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Inspired by Lew Bryson’s article, “What Stout Has Become Has Led Me Back To Porter,” Beer Sessions Radio will welcome Lew himself and Todd DiMatteo from Good Word Brewing to talk porter and classic English beer in this week's episode. Lew will be sure to ramble about the thorough story of dark beers, and fulfill Jimmy’s purpose when inviting him, while Todd will add his perspective as a brewer of the classics. 

Jimmy kicks off the episode by asking Lew his reasons behind an article about porter. Besides being asked by his boss to do so, Lew reveals quite a few interesting memories he had with porters — and his appreciation for how it made Myrtle beach bearable. Todd also shares his take on porter, before publicly apologizing to Lew for sending him the wrong batch of summer ale. We will then move onto a history of English beers in its own lifetime, as well as within the American craft beer movement.

Last but not least, the gang goes deeper into porters and styles, as well as the role of a beer critic in the craft beer industry. Lew shares his thoughts on why people read his writing, before Todd explains why he prefers sending beers to writers for organic marketing. Todd will also share a glimpse into his Little Beer Festival this past April, before the gang come back to the discussion of, "why English beer?" Grab your headphones right now and be a part of our lively discussion on Beer Sessions Radio!

HRN is home to transformative exchanges about food. Our 35+ member-supported food podcasts empower eaters to cultivate a radically better world. This month, we’re asking you to join us. Become a monthly sustaining member at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy’s got a full studio, with seven guests from across New York City’s craft beer scene: Mickey Alexander of Taproom 307, Kaitlyn LeLoup of Interboro, Chris Maestro of Bier Wax, Alex Munoz of Harlem Hops, Matt Negron of Uptown Beer Society, Juan Perez of Bar 180 and Bar 177, and Joel Suarez of The Sampler. They talk with Jimmy about Not My Pres, the third in their Pres series collaboration, which brings the flavors of popular beers like Presidente and Dos Equis to local craft beer. They talk about how they started collaborating to make beer celebrating the flavors of popular Carribbean beers, working with bars and businesses owned and run by people of color, the value of good beer bars and shops, and reclaiming fruits like guava, chinola, and tamarind.

Beer List:

Interboro’s Not My Pres Lager

Interboro Premiere IPA

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight to talk about brewing with lactose including Matt McCall from Coney Island Brewing, Jesse Ferguson from Interboro Brewing in Brooklyn, and Sean Torres from Kills Boro Brewing in Staten Island.

Lactose/milk sugar is wholly unfermentable by brewer's yeast. Because of this, a lactose addition lends additional sweetness and body to a beer. Although lactose can be used with many beer styles, it turns out that the flavors in a stout (roast, chocolate, coffee, toffee) pair incredibly well with a heightened level of sweetness.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

Join Jimmy on his inaugural visit to Buffalo, NY with our guide Ethan Cox, co-founder and co-owner of Community Beer Works. Returning guest Ethan is an esteemed brewer, beer judge, beer history writer, and overall authority on beer in the state of NY.

Ethan details the journey from homebrewer to Community Beer Works, which started after he got immersed in Irish pub culture while studying abroad. After coming back to Boston, the next step for Ethan was buying a beer making kit. From there, Ethan trekked up state to Buffalo, NY where he joined local home brewing clubs.

There was only one brewery in Buffalo when Ethan moved there - all the historic breweries in town went out of business in the early 70’s - and he saw a gap in the beer scene that needed filling. That took the form of Community Beer Works, which started as a nano-brewery (just 3 half-kegs per batch!), but has grown into an award-winning institution of Buffalo’s West Side.

If you want to dig deeper into Buffalo beer, check out “Buffalo Beer: The History of Brewing in the Nickel City”, by Mike Rizzo and Ethan Cox.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy decides to host a book club on Beer Sessions Radio with Claude Jolicoeur — the author of “Cider Planet: Explore the Producers, Practices, and Unique Traditions of Craft Ciders and Perry from around the World.” Inviting Boutique Wines’s Paige Flori and @hardciderguys’s Adrian, the gang will serve you a three-course meal of cider history with a side of Jimmy’s superb French techniques. 

For our first course, you will be served Claude’s journey as a writer and cider maker from his first book to the stories behind “Cider Planet.” Paige then cooks up a plate of her education as a cider enthusiast/retailer/up-coming certified pommelier and an app of question for Claude titled “Is Cider a Beer?” Claude also shares with us the French and many other traditions around the world, before Adrian jumps in with his intro and how he’s learning to join the big league of cider through the minority scholarship at the Cider Institute of North America. 

After a short break, entree is now out with a toast to Farnum Hill Ciders — for being on Paige's gigantic apple tree tap and in Jimmy’s hand. We’ll now dig up the possible first apples in the world from Kazakhstan, before talking Roman’s conquest and prohibition along with their impact on cider making. A dish of hand-crusting apples and acidity balance will also sit neatly on our delicious table. 

Last but not least, ice cider is up for dessert and will be served with the special “Je m’appelle Jimmy” syrup. At the bottom of the bowl, you might be able to find the secrets to how Paige keeps up with all the things she has in store and Adrian’s next location for cider tasting. Grab your spoon and have a taste of our cider planet right now!

Photo Courtesy of Claude Jolicoeur.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

In a crowded studio, Jimmy talks about the Shelton Brothers' upcoming festival in Buffalo, NY with Joel Shelton and BR Royla of Shelton Brothers, Peeter Keek of Põhjala Brewery, Bobby Carlo of Barrier Brewing Company, Yvan De Baets of Brasserie De La Senne, and Jamie Cruickshank of Naparbier. Hear them discuss the brewing culture in Belgium, Estonia, and Spain; what The Festival means to them; and treating yeast as human being.

Beer List:
Põhjala and To Øl's Taanilinn
Põhjala's Torm
Barrier Brewing Company's New England India Pale Ale
Barrier Brewing Company's Kickin' Knowledge Pumpkin

Põhjala, To Øl, Taanilinn, Torm, Barrier Brewing Company, New England India Pale Ale, Kickin' Knowledge Pumpkin, Kickin' Knowledge, Shelton Brothers, Brasserie De La Senne, Naparbier, The Festival, Joel Shelton, Peeter Keek, Bobby Carlo, Yvan De Baets, Jamie Cruickshank, Belgian stouts, Tallinn, Estonia, Belgium, Brussels, Spain, Buffalo, Yeast, Jimmy Carbone, Beer Sessions Radio.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

On this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, along with our winter co-host Anne Becerra, we’re excited to reunite with Thor Oechsner, and chat all grains with author Amy Halloran, Strong Rope Brewery's Jason Sahler, Germantown Malt’s Dennis Nelson, and Valley Malt’s intern, Dustin!

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy is talking about distribution in New York City with Ken Landin and Patrick Sylvester of Crossroads Brewing, James Zinkand, owner of Misguided Spirits, and Megan Rickerson, owner of Someday NYC. The gang highlights the challenges Covid has brought to the industry. James talks about his experience from Eataly to Miller Coors to Revolution Brewing and how it led him to open Misguided Spirits. Megan explains how relationships with local producers and distributors have become more meaningful than ever. Kenny talks about the choice to do business upstate versus in the city. And Patrick highlights the way IPA’s have evolved over the years and offers some local liquor and beer pairings. Support a local brewery or distiller and give it a listen!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Recap this year’s Franklin County CiderDays from western Massachusetts with Steve Garwood, who runs Ragged Hill Cider Company with his daughter in West Brookfield, MA just east of Amherst.

Jimmy and Steve reminisce on drinking farm ciders fermented in whiskey barrels, which is an old New England tradition. Steve gives us a little history lesson, explaining how after whiskey distillers were done with them, American oak whiskey barrels would be snatched up by farmers to facilitate the making of something special out of New England apples.

From there, Jimmy recounts the spirit of being at this year’s CiderDays - his first time there. He was impressed with how hands-on the event is; there is even specially pressed Apple juice made by local orchards available for cider enthusiasts to start tangy and tart fermentation experiments of their own!

Grab your earbuds, pop a cold one, and take a juicy trip through CiderDays!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy’s summer travels roll on! This week, a stop in Holyoke, Massachusetts to catch up with some malt and grain powerhouses you may remember from past episodes…

Chatting with Jimmy are Andrea Stanley, co-owner of Valley Malt and Ground Up Grain; Kyle Fiasconaro, owner and chef at Brewer’s Foods; and Matthew Steinberg, co-founder and head brewer at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing in Framingham, Massachusetts.

This episode has been years in the making! Some of the first grain and craft malt stories on BSR were brought to you by Andrea. Plus, what have Kyle and Matthew been up to since we last caught up with them?

All of this and more this week on BSR! Tune in!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is highlighting Green Man Brewery. On the show is Green Man’s co-owner Dennis Thies and Taproom Manager Eric MacDonald from Asheville, NC. 

Dennis starts by taking us back to 2008 when he first discovered the Asheville craft beer scene. He then lets us in on who the mythical “Green Man” truly is, and how he polished the brand up once he became the new owner. What separates Green Man from other breweries is that they actually have two taprooms side-by-side, offering very different experiences. Eric walks us through the Green Mansion, a 3-story taproom offering a completely new experience of drinking craft beer. The two discuss how a brewery can really change a neighborhood, and Dennis even gives us a craft beer walking tour itinerary to make sure you hit all the spots. 

To wrap up the show, Dennis reminisces on growing up in a beer sales family and highlights some of his oldest distribution and customer service memories, inspiring us all to take a leap of faith and get into the world of brewing. 

Beer list:
Green man brewery, porter
Green man brewery, trickster IPA
Nightshift brewery, THE 87, New England DIPA

Photo Courtesy of Green Man Brewery.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

​

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we're talking summer beer cocktails! We’d like to welcome to the show Kyle Hurst (Big Alice Brewing), Jeff Lyons & Brett Taylor (Keg & Lantern Brewing), and Megan Moore, Maria Littlefield, & Amy Yakuboff (Owl’s Brew).

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy welcomes Pete Lengyel of Kings Country Brewers Collective and Katarina Martinez of LineUp Brewing. Recently, both Pete and Katarina travelled to experience the beer scene in Europe and they have lots to share! Pete attended the Gothenburg Beer festival in Sweden and tells us what he learned about Kveik, which Jimmy calls the “magic yeast” from Scandinavia. Katarina was just in Germany on a scholarship through the Pink Boots Society. She talks about the German Purity Law, the only brewing nun in the world, and the support she witnessed for local brewers. Alexander Korobkov from Zagovor Brewery stops by to chime in on the discussion as well! Everyone shares how an international perspective will impact their brewing back home.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Aaron Burr Cidery’s founder, farmer, and fermenter Andy Brennan joins Jimmy to talk about his new book, Uncultivated: Wild Apples, Real Cider, and the Complicated Art of Making a Living. Also in the studio are the book’s editor Ben Watson of Chelsea Green Publishing and the annual CiderDays celebration in Franklin County, Massachusetts, and Ron Sansone of Connecticut’s Spoke and Spy Ciderworks. They talk basement brewing, place-based apples, the history of Andy’s homestead farm—including how Aaron Burr was involved—and the true meaning of “Scrumpy.”

Cider List:

Spoke and Spy Ciderworks’ Kingston Black, a single varietal cider

Spoke and Spy Ciderworks’ Pink Lady cider, made with blood orange and pomegranate

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Tonight we’re celebrating Cider Week NYC and we’ve got some great guests joining us including Steve Selin from South Hill Cider in the Finger Lakes, Maria Kennedy from The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes, and Peter Li from Brooklyn Cider House. Our good pal Brendan Palfreyman is also joining us today all the way from Syracuse.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

For farmers in New York State, how does hemp stack up against hops? Laura Ten Eyck of Indian Ladder Farms and Dietrich Gehring of Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery—who grow hemps and hops are co-authors of The Hop Grower’s Handbook—join Jimmy to weigh in. Attorney Max Bookman tells the story of New York state’s slow trek towards adult-use marijuana legalization, and whether we might . They talk about annual hemp versus perennial hops, CBD, the role of the gubernatorial primary in marijuana legalization, the multitude of uses of hemp, and, if hemp is so useful, why it’s been illegal for so long.

Beers:
Indian Ladder’s Homie Haulers, India Pale Lager
Indian Ladder’s Golden Boy, Golden Russet Cider

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week, it's a star-studded episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Not only do we have Dave Lopez and Chris Prout from Gun Hill Brewing, but Mark Aldrich and Jimmy Ludwig join in to chat about Rise Up Rye, the official beer of the musical Hamilton! The new brew is a collaboration between Gun Hill and the two Broadway actors, who also host a booze-themed web series under the name Happy Hour Guys. Plus, Javier Muñoz, the alternate for the role of Alexander Hamilton, calls in to the show! You want to be in the room where it happens!

What in the world is scrumpy cider? Close out Cider Week New York 2023 with a history lesson from Elizabeth Ryan, fermenter, pomologist, cider maker, and NY State Cider Pioneer at Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider’s Breezy Hill Orchard; and also Fee Doyle, bartender, beertender, cider drinker, beer writer, folk musician, and Beer Witch ambassador.

With Cider Week coming to a close, this episode is a great accounting of all things cider: Growing apples, making, selecting, and selling cider, and general scrumpy education! Learn about Elizabeth’s farms, and get the lowdown on cider’s evolution from Fee, who’s been dishing the stuff out to fermented-apple-beverage lovers for years. Plus, get down with some folk music chit chat!

Tune in and get scrumpy!

Photos Courtesy of Monika Davis IG: @hopslingingslasher.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Stop everything you’re doing, it’s a BSR cider episode! Jimmy is in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at The Press Room for the Stone’s Throw Cider Supper - a  hyper-local regional cider dinner with Giff Burnap of Butternut Farm; Chef Zac Cardona of The Press Room; Pete Endres of Bird Dog Cider; and Eleanor Leger of Eden Cider Vermont.

This event was inspired by a cider dinner Jimmy attended at CiderDays in Franklin County, Mass last fall with Pete, Giff, and Eleanor. Pete made the connection with the Press Room, and the rest is history!

Learn what it takes to put together the perfect cider dinner with friends, expertly crafted pairings, and more! Listen to BSR right here.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, to celebrate Dry Cider January, Beer Sessions Radio is diving into the cider scene in the Finger Lakes, NY. Jimmy welcomes Autumn Stoschek from Eve’s Cidery in Van Etten, NY; Melissa Madden from Open Spaces Cider in Trumansburg, NY; and Deva Maas from Redbyrd Orchard Cider in Trumansburg, NY. 

Autumn, Melissa, and Deva each work on cideries and orchards that practice regenerative agriculture. To start the show off, they each offer Jimmy a run-through of exactly what this buzzy term means. In fact, despite its recent popularity, regenerative agriculture is actually working to revert back to a more traditional method of farming - one that creates an abundance of product, but also repairs and improves the land. 

Autumn explains how the legacy of problems existing on land and within society are all interconnected, and committing to reparations is crucial in order to make agriculture more inclusive. The cideries have become starting points to help members of the community engage and take steps towards making reparations. 

All three agree that there is a lot of emotional labor that goes into navigating the best approach. But members of the community and thoughtful customers have shown up, proving demand for wanting to create a better future. 

Cider list: 

Eve's Cider, Autumn’s Gold 

Redbyrd Orchard Cider, Star Blossom 

Open Spaces Cider, FLX Forest Pet Nat 2020 (not yet available).

Photos Courtesy of Melissa Madden and Deva Maas.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’re talking about the upcoming Cider Week and we’ve got some great guests joining us in the studio. including Dan Pucci from Wallabout Hospitality and Ariel Lauren Wilson from Edible Manhattan.

Today Jimmy is hanging out and recording in the studio with the gents from OEC Brewing, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary!

Joining Jimmy with a full suite of brews to taste are Ben Neidhart, owner of OEC, and Mike Dolan and Tom Pavlich of B. United International Inc., who represents OEC in NYC.

Jimmy goes back with these fine folks for ten years! Learn all about OEC and B. United, owned by Ben’s dad, which imports beer, sake, cider, and mead from all over the world since 1995.

Tune in for a trip down memory lane and to learn what’s next for OEC!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

In this episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone travels to the Capital region near Albany, New York. You’ll hear from the farmers of Indian Ladder Farms about how they became leaders in the region for growing hops, and about how the farm brewery license, created by lawmakers in the nearby capital, has enhanced their business and made their farm more viable. The license to brew and serve beer on site has allowed local beverage producers to prosper. In the nearby town of Rensselaerville, you’ll meet the people behind a brewery that is primarily dedicated to learning the best ways to use New York State grains and hops in beer. Finally, we visit the capitol building in Albany and a nearby brewer who has chosen not to source completely locally-- for some unexpected reasons.

Carey Institute / Helderberg Brewery

Helderberg Brewery is a project of the Carey Institute’s Sustainable Communities Program, located on the Carey Institute’s 100-acre estate in Rensselaerville. It is a fully operational farm brewery and brewery incubator led by Rebecca Platel, the Sustainable Communities Program and Brewery Manager, and Greg Hostash, the Head brewer. Helderberg works to build a farm-to-glass supply chain connecting farmers, malt houses and craft beverage producers in the Capital Region. They've hosted workshops since 2013 for farmers interested in growing hops and small grains, and provide frequent hands-on learning and technical workshops for the region’s many craft beverage producers.

Indian Ladder Farms

Laura Ten Eyck, the great granddaughter of Indian Ladder Farms founder, Peter Ten Eyck, and her husband, Dietrich Gehrig, are continuing their family’s century-old tradition of living close to the land. What began in 1916 as a dairy farm with Guernsey cattle has developed over four generations to become a prolific apple orchard that yields delicious cider. Indian Ladder Farms now grows its own hops and barley, much to the delight of those who have a passion for the beer they brew. Their vision is to stay “hyper-local,” growing ingredients and making their own products for the Albany community while preserving the pristine landscape via a land trust. Laura and Dietrich recently published The Hop Grower’s Handbook, which provides an inspiring account of the history of hop cultivation on the land surrounding their farm as well as practical guidance for those who would like to join the ‘farm to glass’ movement.

C.H. Evans Brewing Co. / Albany Pump Station

Now located in the original water pumping station for the Albany Water Works, C. H. Evans Brewing Co. has been the work of the Evans family for three generations. Their original brewery was built in Hudson, NY in 1786 and it continued production until prohibition in 1920. In 1999, Neil Evans decided to revive his family’s historic brewery. Today, Neil and Head Brewer Scott Veltman, formerly of Brewery Ommegang, are rebuilding the Evans' beer legacy by sourcing ingredients from local farmers as frequently as possible and recreating historic early 19th century recipes like Albany Ale. C.H. Evans also has developed new classics; such as their Award-winning English style Kick-Ass Brown Ale, a real crowd pleaser.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy hones in on beer business trends. For this remote recording on Saint Patricks Day, Jimmy is joined by Sean McNulty of Selling Craft Beer Podcast, Cat Wolinkski of Vinepair and Zach Mack of ABC Beer Co. They talk about the beer trends they anticipated going into 2020 and how much has changed in recent days as a result of the coronavirus. While there has been an uptick in sales as people stock up for periods of self-quarantine, there is a grave concern that business will drop off for local breweries. The group also covers the growing market space for non-alcoholic beer, the merger between Untappd and Beer Advocate, and what styles are seeing a rise in popularity.

Beer List
Samuel Smith - Taddy Porter
Threes Brewing - Logical Conclusion 
Common Roots Brewing - Party Shirt Fridays,
Fifth Hammer Brewing - Year of the Shwarz 
Guinness

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Keeping it metal, one brewery at a time. Craft beer and heavy metal fans are two of the most passionate audiences in the world, two distinct industries with the same rebel spirit; our goal is to connect those working on each side. Both homebrewers and guitar heroes start in the garage with dreams of turning pro – we’ll tour cross country to the six most hardcore breweries expressing themselves like rock stars, pairing craft beer with heavy metal today.

Follow Advanced Cicerone® Adam Zuniga, along with a creative team of hopheads and metalheads, as we visit every region in America where brewers raise their horns. We’ll go behind the scenes at metal breweries, drink a beer; join for brew day, drink a beer; launch exclusive beers with local bands and venues, then of course, drink a beer. Taking pit stops along the way, let’s tap the heavy metal culture in your hometown. 'The Six Most Metal Breweries' is a lifestyle series made for TV that puts you in the band, on the bus.

And Brewski, from Sweden, is not a normal brewery. We want to explore and set new limits for what can and cannot be done. Just because nobody did this kind of beer before. Doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

Inspired by the Bowl of Zole Brooklyn festival, this episode is all about corn and Mexican alcoholic beverages. This week Jimmy is joined by Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta, Agave Educator at  TUYO; Tom Pavlich, Division Manager at B. United Importers; and Patrick Dacy, owner of Dukes Liquor Box. Together they go over the foundations of Mexico's craft beverages, including how corn gets processed, which spirits come from which plants, and how we might evaluate "authenticity" in agave spirits.

If you're new to Agave spirits and you want the real  101 course, Gabriel and Patrick put together a great article to get you started. Plus, Tom's shares how B. United is applying lessons learned from importing Italian and Japanese beers to their more recent Mexican imports.

Beverage List:

• La Brü, Maíz Azul
• Monstruo de Agua Cerveceria, Nochtli
• Casa Leon Rojo, Mauthia Mezcal

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast

This week's special episode of Beer Sessions Radio was recorded in front of a live audience at Treadwell Park in Manhattan, and features Olivier Dedeycker, fourth generation Master Brewer at Brasserie Dupont, and Tomme Arthur, acclaimed Brew Master of Lost Abbey. The two have recently collaborated the produce an American-Belgian Saison called Deux Amis. French for “Two Friends,” Deux Amis commemorates the landmark collaboration between two brewing giants who have long admired each other’s work.

Always so good to be back at Roberta’s! Joining Jimmy in the studio today are returning guests Shinobu Kato, sake brewer and founder of Kato Sake Works, and Peter Lengyel-Fushimi, beer brewer at Rockaway Brewing. The crew will dive into all things rice, sake, koji, burgers, fermentation, ABV, pairings, and more!

What makes what’s in your glass so good? These craftsmen have some unique insight. From Shinobu’s expansion of the sake brewing scene in NYC, to Pete’s advice to producers on what your business needs to keep revenue growing, it will all be discussed here. Plus, who’s a bigger burger fan, Shinobu or Pete?!

Tune in to find out!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Brian Strumke from Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Master Cicerone Rich Higgins, and Dan Lamonaca from Beer Karma in Williamsburg.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes award-winners Peter Yi from Brooklyn Cider House and Ray Sheehan who created the “Best BBQ Sauce in the World” for an in-depth discussion on the classic American pairing of cider and BBQ. The gang will introduce not only insights into the makings of cider and BBQ, but also guide us to fully draw out their flavors by pairing them together!

The episode will start with Ray’s gradual yet monumental growth in the BBQ world that led him to the top of the sauce chain today, in contrast to Peter’s big swift shift to cider from the old wine palate that all started in Spain. Ray goes on to tell how he learned the fundamentals by helping local BBQ teams with the most menial tasks, before diving deeper into his book “Big Green Eggs Basics from a Master Barbecuer,” while Peter reminisces his discovery of the lost apple cider tradition that led him owning an apple orchard, providing the source materials for all his products. 

Sipping an old-world-style OEC pilsner, Ray will take us through his lists of BBQ-beer pairings, ranging from ribs with porters to hot wings with IPAs. He then grabs the mic to interview Peter on how to pair cider with smoked pork loin, and reveals hot takes on food-alcohol pairings and pourings that are only available to those who stay till the end!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’ve got some special guests joining us tonight including our friends Tony Forder and the crew from Ale Street News! We’ve also got Danii Oliver and Kevin Braithwaite from Brooklyn’s Island to Island Brewing/House of Juice.

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Terence Sullivan, who has worked for Sierra Nevada for 26 years, to talk about this year’s Oktoberfest Lager and their Dankful IPA. Sierra Nevada has been hosting virtual Oktoberfest celebrations that include sharing recipes online, providing party kits, and even offering yodeling lessons. They are joined by Zach Mack of Alphabet City Beer Co. and Ted Kenny of Top Hops Beer Shop, who share what fall beers they are enjoying right now. The group also dives deep into e-commerce, discussing how they’ve each expanded to offer subscription services, shipping across states and more. Lastly, they talk about german hops, what beer descriptors like dank really mean, and the charitable causes Sierra Nevada is raising money for. 

Beer list
Sierra Nevada, Oktoberfest 
Sierra Nevada, Dankful IPA
 

Image courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is celebrating American Craft Beer Week with a great group of guests. On the show is Brian Strumke from Stillwater Artisanal in Seattle, WA; Ryan Brower from Gear Patrol in Brooklyn, NY; and Jean Broillet from Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore, PA. 

To kick things off, Brian introduces his pandemic project: Fast Fashion with Matt Storm (The Masonry Pizza), in Seattle, Washington. Brian and Jean then quickly veer off course, offering a preview into their epic, convertible-style road trip planned across the Pacific Highway. 

Switching gears, Ryan asks Jean to reflect on the current American beer palette, which Jean feels is in a bit of a recoil period. Brian agrees that everyone is leaning into comforting, obvious flavors right now, but is hopeful that tons of experimentation will soon break-through the cracks. As an example of obscurity, Jean tells everyone the hidden secret in the Tired Hands Milkshake IPA, and explains how he gets away with having a strange recipe but a great-tasting end product. 

To wrap things up, Brian gives us a preview of an upcoming music project, Jean declares that the new trend in beer isn’t beer, and Jimmy asks the gang what a 21-year-old, new beer drinker should try out this summer.

Photo Courtesy of Jean Broillet.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy talks to Evan Watson of Plan Bee Farm Brewery, Barry Labendz of Kent Falls Brewing, and Derek Dellinger AKA The Fermented Man, who has worked with both breweries. Evan has always said he constructed an “apocalyptic” brewery and COVID-19 has certainly put that to the test. Evan and Barry share the strength of their local supply chains. Evan is sourcing mixed culture from the spring honey at his farm, has a field of danko rye and is seeing his best hops yet. Barry recently rolled out Kent Falls’ Superscript IPA, which has been in the works for five years and is made with locally grown malt and hops. They talk about how they are working to maintain community ties during the pandemic, Evan shares his plan to simplify his beer styles and build a lager cave, and Derek discusses his passion for smokey beers. 

Beer List
Plan Bee Farm Brewery, Barn Beer
Kent Falls Brewing, Superscript IPA

Photo by Miguel Rivas 2017

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by Matt McCall of Coney Island Brewing Company, Pat Fondiller of Alewife Brewing Company, and James Tai, a beer consultant. NYC Beer Week is around the corner, and more breweries from upstate and out of state will be attending than ever before. These guests provide insight on what to expect and how to navigate the bounty of breweries attending. Their best advice: try out a lager, kolsh, or pilsner before moving to an IPA. These styles aren’t masked with additional flavor so Pat and Matt agree they serve as a good test for new breweries. Danii Oliver of Island to Island Brewery stops by as well to share her thoughts on the differences between social media culture, and what customers actually want. Tune to hear what events and beers these guests are most excited about as NYC Beer Week approaches.

Beer List
Alewife Brewing Company, Death to Ego
Alewife Brewing Company & Equilibrium Brewery, Entente Double IPA
Coney Island Brewing Company, Cream of the Cropsey
Coney Island Brewing Company, Midnight Troller Milk Stout
Coney Island Brewing Company, Chocolate Ryezome

Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Celebrate Black History Month with Montclair Brewery! Meet Denise Ford Sawadogo, co-owner, general manager, MBA, and marketing extraordinaire, and Leo Sawadogo, head-brewer and master distiller, as Jimmy sits down with this power couple to discuss the state of craft beer in the Black community.

Jimmy starts the episode by recounting how he was connected with Leo and Denise by Manny Calderon, who aimed to bring Black-owned beers into the New York City market and beyond. Leo spins the yarn of learning to brew from his mom, (women handle most of the beer-making in his home of West Africa), and Denise tracks her journey from corporate America to Montclair Brewery.

Every year during Black History Month Montclair Brewery releases a special series of beers inspired by African Culture and Icons. This year they are offering the “Beer is Black History” Black Lager, inspired by the origins of the first known beer recipe dating back to 3900 B.C. Mesopotamia! Whether it's a recipe inspired by traditions, or Jimmy's favorite "National Emergency" hazy NE IPA, Montclair Brewery is a must try.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Today Jimmy’s celebrating Transmitter Brewing’s upcoming 10 year anniversary with a bunch of friends at the studio in Roberta’s! Join the party to recount Transmitter’s rockin’ ten years: brewing Belgian-inspired farmhouse-style ales, operating a bustling tasting room and beer garden in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and making it all look cool.

Today’s starting line-up includes Ian Kalmes, head brewer at Transmitter; Bob Weyersberg, sales guy for Transmitter (and former WFMU DJ); Jen Gratereaux, beer buyer for Craft and Carry; and Miguel Rivas, Jimmy’s favorite beer photographer, AKA The Beer Trekker.

Photo Courtesy of Miguel Rivas.

Ian has planned a big night and more, tune in and raise a glass!

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’d like to welcome to the show Chris McClellan (Guinness, Brew Enthusiast), Chad Walsh (Sommelier @ Agern Restaurant), and Daniel Delaney (Delaney BBQ). Tune in to hear them chat about food and beer pairings, fried chicken, Brisket King NYC, and more!