BeerWise Podcast

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In this episode, Mark is joined by Geordi Rauch, Vic Falck, & Jason Thompson of Calusa Brewing. Calusa Brewing is a powerhouse in the Sarasota area – the brewery that always seems to have something new and something traditional on tap. In this episode, the guys discuss the origins of Calusa, opening day, and leaving the original taproom on Derek Ave for their new digs on McIntosh Road in Sarasota in early 2024. 

This episode was recorded in February of 2024 when the brewery had recently opened the new taproom.

Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences. 

Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards. 

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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In this episode, I am joined by James Herrholz, the co-founder of Corporate Ladder Brewing Company in Palmetto, Florida, in a conversation recorded in February 2024. 

Corporate Ladder Brewing has a certain appeal to everyone who wants to break away from their corporate jobs and brew beer or pursue a passion. The brewery focuses on innovative beers with two separate bottle clubs – one for fans of sour and one for fans of barrel-aged stouts. 

James also talks with us about the process of beginning a second facility in North Carolina, and how that will affect Corporate Ladder, its fans, and its beers henceforth.

Here's our conversation. 

Are there any guests you would like to hear on the show? Reach out! I’m on social media at FL Beer News or Mark at florida beer news dot com to let me know your opinion. 

Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences. 

Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards. 

That’s all for now, until next time when I’ll be back to talk about what’s going on in the world BEERWISE. Cheers. 

Are there any guests you would like to hear on the show? Reach out! I’m on social media at FL Beer News or Mark at florida beer news dot com to let me know your opinion. 

 Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News (spelled out) for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards. 

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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 In this episode of the BeerWise Podcast, I am joined by Tim Ogden, owner and brewer of Deviant Libation, one of Tampa’s newest brewers helmed by one the area’s most experienced brewers. 

Tim has been a part of the Tampa Bay Brewing scene since the Hops Brewpub chain hired him early on in Florida’s craft beer renaissance. Then his job shifted from brewing beer to closing brewpubs as the chain lost momentum and had to close its restaurants. From there, Tim’s journey has led him to brew at influential Florida breweries like Cigar City Brewing, the Cigar City Brewpub, Cigar City Brewing at TPA, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, and now his own operation, Deviant Libation. 

Tim’s love for music and his devotion to music venues has also led the tiny confines of Deviant to become a music venue while other local venues are having a difficult time keeping their doors open. Deviant is now welcoming shows from metal bands and other artists as a way to support a beloved venue. 

Tim talks about these and other issues during our talk that was recorded in January 2024 at Deviant. 

Here's our conversation. 

Are there any guests you would like to hear on the show? Reach out! I’m on social media at FL Beer News or Mark at florida beer news dot com to let me know your opinion. 

Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences. 

Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards. 

That’s all for now, until next time when I’ll be back to talk about what’s going on in the world BEERWISE. Cheers. 

Are there any guests you would like to hear on the show? Reach out! I’m on social media at FL Beer News or Mark at florida beer news dot com to let me know your opinion. 

 Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News (spelled out) for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards. 

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year here at the BeerWise Podcast because it’s time for our annual Tampa Bay Beer Week podcast. This year, I am joined by Elise Sweeney and Chris Fairchild from the Tampa Bay Beer Week Organization.  

Chris and Elise are talking about what’s new for 2024, what they are looking forward to, the new Tampa Bay Brewers Alliance, and where the organization is headed in the future.

This podcast was recorded on Monday, February 26th, so I’m happy to release it faster than a hazy IPA.

Are there any guests you would like to hear on the show? Reach out! I’m on social media at FL Beer News or Mark at florida beer news dot com to let me know your opinion. 

 Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences. 

 Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News (spelled out) for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards. 

That’s all for now, until next time when I’ll be back to talk about what’s going on in the world BEERWISE. Cheers and happy Tampa Bay Beer Week. 

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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 Hello, and welcome to the BeerWise podcast, I’m your host, Mark DeNote, and I am the editor of Florida Beer News.

This episode, I am joined by Josh Aubuchon, the Lobbyist and General Counsel of the Florida Brewers Guild. 

Josh has held this position for many years and serves an advisor and lobbyist to the craft brewers in the State of Florida. Josh has been a part of each legislative session ever since joining the guild, lobbying on issues like 64oz growlers, brewery tasting rooms, and now self-distribution and franchise reform. 

Josh talks about these and other issues during our talk that was recorded in December 2023 at his office in Tallahassee.

Are there any guests you would like to hear on the show? Reach out! I’m on social media at FL Beer News or Mark at florida beer news dot com to let me know your opinion. 

Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences. 

Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards. 

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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 Hello, and welcome to the BeerWise podcast, I’m your host, Mark DeNote, and I am the editor of Florida Beer News.

 It’s great to be back and bringing you new episodes of the podcast. Due to some unforeseen personal circumstances, the podcast ended 2023 somewhat abruptly. But, I’m back for 2024 and ready to roll with some new guests, new ideas, and new horizons. 

This episode, I am joined by Gilly Woolfolk, the brewery manager and Ryan Freeman , head brewer of Dade City Brewhouse in Dade City, Florida. 

 I was tipped off to this brewery when passing through Dade City, a small town north of Tampa near Saint Leo University. Dade City has just over 7,600 residents and is mostly known for its kumquat groves. In fact, each year Dade City celebrates these little citrus fruits with a festival in their honor. Due to delays in opening time, DCBH happened to open during the 2021 kumquat festival. Thousands of people were right outside and wandered in for a beer. Gilly and Ryan discuss this and other ways that this small brewery has connected with its community as our talk goes on. 

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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Hello, and welcome to the BeerWise podcast, I’m your host, Mark DeNote, and I am the editor of Florida Beer News.

 This episode, I am joined by Brad Dahlhofer of B Nektar Meadery. 

 In 2008, Brad and his wife Kerri had both been laid off from their jobs and were enjoying Brad’s homemade mead when they decide to go all in on the idea of opening a craft meadery. Brad and Kerri’s ideas continued to evolve and morph until B. Nektar’s deep blue bottles were introducing new audiences to mead all over the Midwest and leapfogging a few states into my home state of Florida. 

Brad talks about the early days of B. Nektar, why he and Kerry decided to go all in on mead, the world’s oldest, yet widely forgotten beverage. How he began to build a meadery and how much diligence and luck it took the team to get where they are today. 

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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Before we get to our guest for this episode, I wanted to take a minute and thank those of you who carve out time to listen to this podcast every few weeks. It is a labor of love for me – and I get to have some great conversations with the fine people in the world of craft beer and beverages, but it is not my day job and it takes time to create this show. 

Recently, the BeerWise Podcast brought home a Gold Crushie – an award for “crushing it” in the field of craft beer marketing. According to the Craft Beer Marketing Awards organization, a gold Crushie is given “To award a 2023 CBMAS Gold Crushie, the judges' panel will be seeking entries that meet or exceed the defined category objectives by using strategy, creativity, and innovative production techniques to achieve a perceived, higher level of uniqueness.”

I am extremely proud to have earned this award from those currently marketing in the beer industry, and excited to keep bringing you the words and stories of the amazing and awesome people in the beverage industry and beyond.

 Speaking of the great people in the beer industry and their stories…  

In this episode, I am joined by Ryan Sentz of Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park, Florida. 

Ryan is the founder and soon-to-be-owner of Funky Buddha Brewery – a brewery that made a name by bringing intense flavors into beer that many could not believe. The beer that introduced many people to the brewery was Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, a beer that did not contain actual bacon, but made many wonder how such flavors were possible. From small beginnings, brewing beer in a lounge in Boca Raton to an expansion that brought the brewery into their current home, a 54,000 sq-ft facility with a 30-barrel brewhouse. 

In 2017, Constellation Brands, the international company who imports Corona and Modelo beer brands, had recently bought Ballast Point Brewing in San Diego and then news broke that Funky Buddha Brewery was being acquired as well. Funky Buddha Brewery remained entrenched in their local community with Ryan and his team still running the brewery with Constellation Brands as the brewery's owner. 

Fast forward to 2023 and Ryan and KC announce that they will be buying back Funky Buddha Brewery from Constellation Brands. Constellation Brands sells their craft breweries and exits the craft beer business, focusing on other brands of beer that they own. 

Ryan and KC re-enter the world of brewery ownership in one of the most competitive times in history for craft beer. This was one of the focuses of our conversation. Ryan was also nice enough to give me his hot take about other news that broke this week – the news that Sapporo, the Japanese brewer who owns San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing, will be cutting back Anchor’s distribution to California only and will be discontinuing Anchor’s storied Christmas beer called Our Special Ale. I wanted his opinion on this topic as someone returning to brewery ownership after a hiatus. 

Here's our conversation. 

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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Hello, and welcome to the BeerWise podcast, I’m your host, Mark DeNote, and I am the editor of Florida Beer News.

In this episode, I am joined by Nile Zacherle, the President and Master Brewer of Mad Fritz Brewing Company in Saint Helena, California. 

I was introduced to Nile via one of his beers sent by a friend. The beer was so close to the line between wines and beers that I was intrigued, so I looked up the brewery. 

 I was able to get some time with Nile to speak about Mad Fritz Brewing and the philosophy of “Origin Beer.” Mad Fritz and their beers, according to Nile, is a reflection of the beer’s ingredients, not the recipe. In addition to making the beer, Mad Fritz malts their own barley and sources water from different wells and springs, often close to the brewery. Nile feels that the beer that emerges from this process is a reflection of the land it was grown on and the people who had a hand in making it. 

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. 

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!

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In this episode, I am joined by Reve Brewing Company owner and brewer Eric Luman. Eric is a veteran brewer of the Jacksonville craft beer scene. He began his career in the 1990s and has been brewing at various breweries around Jacksonville ever since. After a stint at Jacksonville Beach's Green Room Brewing Company, Eric decided to open his 'dream brewery' where he could focus specifically on brewing the styles of beer that make him happy. The exploration of those styles includes an expansive barrel-aging program that leads to almost weekly releases and adjunct ingredient combinations that are a bit unorthodox. Eric is candid about his goals with Reve Brewing and he talks with excitement about the future of the brewery.

You can listen to the podcast online here or on your favorite podcast platform. Remember to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News. As a note toward transparency, this episode was made possible by Visit Jacksonville on a recent press tour. My thanks to Visit Jacksonville for arranging this interview.

If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.

For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!