🍺 Beer In Front — Episode 289 Wet February Begins, Brewery Closures, Zima Dreams & Barrel-Aged Beers Episode 289 kicks off with Dry January officially in the rearview mirror and Wet February underway. Host Dave Zalatoris reflects on dropping 10 pounds during January, the success of his non-drinking month, and a massive surge in YouTube growth—even without beer-heavy content. But it’s not all good news. Dave talks about troubling brewery closures in the Chicago area, urges listeners to support local breweries while they can, and dives headfirst into beer and beverage news from across the country. And yes… the quest to Get Dave a Zima is officially on. 🍻 This Episode Covers:

• Dry January results, weight loss, and keeping things balanced in Wet February
• Record-breaking YouTube growth and why non-beer content helped
• Chicago brewery closures, including Alarmist and Short Fuse Brewing
• Why supporting local breweries matters more than ever
• The nostalgia, history, and comeback attempts of Zima—and why Dave needs one now
• Beer and beverage news from around the country

📰 Beer & Beverage News Highlights:

• Short Fuse Brewing (IL) closing after 10 years due to lease and cost pressures
• Great Lakes Brewing teasing an Apple Pie variant of Eliot Ness
• Bell’s Brewery announcing Citrus Hopslam (10% ABV)
• Craft Maltsters Guild hosting an advanced malt production course at Montana State
• THC beverages arriving at Chicago’s United Center
• BeatBox Beverages layoffs following Anheuser-Busch acquisition
• New Voodoo Ranger x Invincible Blood Orange IPA
• Alesmith, Societe Brewing & Modern Monk Coffee collaboration
• Great American Beer Festival moving outdoors in Denver
• Yes… a beer brewed with bear scat (and Dave has thoughts)

🍺 Beer Reviews:

• Revolution Brewing – Deth Urana (Deep Wood Series)
  Barrel-aged imperial stout with cinnamon, coconut, and maple notes
  👉 Verdict: Put it in the cart immediately
• Firestone Walker – Double Barrel Ale (DBA)
  Oak-fermented classic celebrating Firestone Walker’s 30th anniversary
  👉 Verdict: Crushable, balanced, and outstanding

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Beer Media Group