Beervana Podcast

When Firestone Walker started out more than two decades ago, it had an uber-traditional English brewing system and a slate of English-style ales. Over the years, it has changed, becoming one of the most decorated--and successful--American craft breweries. In this episode, we speak to founder David Walker about what makes the brewery tick.

Photo: Firestone Walker

Jeff recently traveled to Paso Robles, CA to attend the Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest, one of the country's premier events. While he was there, Jeff interviewed six brewers in attendance. He wanted to hear their thoughts on the evolving nature of the beer festival. We have those interviews, and our own thoughts.

Today on the pod we have Alex Ganum in studio. Alex is the founder of Upright, which earlier this year celebrated its 10th anniversary. The brewery, known for its fidelity to European styles as well as mixed-fermentation, barrel-aged beers, is routinely cited as one of Oregon's best. We speak to Alex about his approach and taste some of his beer.

PHOTO: Willamette Week

Dick Cantwell has been brewing for around three decades, and was one of three co-founders of Elysian Brewing in 1995. He was the lone dissenter when AB InBev offered to buy the company, and left thereafter. Recently he was part of a deal by New Belgium to buy San Francisco's Magnolia Brewing, where he plans to do spontaneous and barrel-aged beers, along with the cask ales the brewery has always made. In our podcast, Dick describes his time in craft brewing, and the lessons he's learned at his various stops. The interview is packed with the kind of wisdom only experience brings.

Photo: Brewers Publications

As the weather starts to warm, our interests turn to summery offerings. One type that has gained popularity are lightly acidic sour beers, many times made with fruit. These beers are made from a particular method called kettle-souring. Today we’ll explore the technique and some of the beers.

Photo: Breakside Brewery

We are in the midst of a haze craze in beer. But for Pacific Northwesterners, it's not the first. Starting in the 1980s and continuing for a decade, one style dominated brewing with pervasiveness not seen since. The style has almost entirely vanished, but Patrick and Jeff return to their youth to revisit hefeweizen's salad days.

Photo credit: Oregon Hops and Brewing Archive (OSU)

Pod 69 - Mexican Lagers by Jeff Alworth & Patrick Emerson

In episode 68 we discuss Jeff's new book, The Widmer Way, with a little help from a very special guest--one of the brothers that was the subject of the book.

In the time since our last episode, four major events happened. Patrick and Jeff talk about these news items and discuss the ways they interact and inform one another. Plus, they reveal something new about the pod.

Jeff and Patrick interview J. Nikol Jackson-Beckham, a professor recently named the Brewers Associations Diversity Ambassador. Dr. J has been thinking about the intersection of power and beer since her dissertation, and brings rare insight and clarity the subject.