BeoirFest: Let's Talk Beer

In this episode, we sit down with Shane Long, a legend in Irish brewing and the founder of both Franciscan Well Brewery, one of Ireland’s first microbreweries, and the brand-new Changing Times Brewery in Dublin. Shane shares his incredible journey from entering the industry in the 1990s when “craft beer” wasn’t even a term, to building and selling Franciscan Well to Molson Coors, and now launching his latest venture with a consortium of Dublin publicans.

We explore the early days of Franciscan Well, including the challenges of convincing the Irish market to embrace craft beer and how international awards helped establish their reputation. Shane also delves into his experience working with a global beer giant, the valuable insights he gained, and why he eventually stepped away to start something new. At Changing Times, Shane is redefining the brewery model by partnering with local pubs, focusing on approachable, sessionable beers designed to adapt to customer preferences.

This episode offers a deep dive into the evolution of Ireland’s beer scene, the lessons Shane has learned over 27 years in the industry, and his vision for the future of brewing. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or curious about the Irish beer landscape, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode!

This is a special episode containing and episode of a 2nd podcast I released.

I'm lucky enough that, in addition to all the brewers, I've also managed to talk to beer historians, archaeologists, and those with insights into beers place in culture and history. But there are plenty of people who have published interesting documents but who I will never talk to.

At the same time I started playing with the various AI tools. Google in particular has one that not only summarises documents but can turn them into a discussion.

I was blown away by this and played with it for a number of documents Until finally I thought why not make it a podcast?

This is one of those episodes. They're all short (about 10 minutes) and not perfect, but as a way to learn new things about the place of beer in human culture ( and interesting moments in history) I think they're well worth while.

If you like this, the podcast can be found by searching for Let's Talk Beer Culture and History or https://beoirfest.com/cultureand history

In this episode, I chat with Jiří Sládek, founder of Métaphore Beer, one of the most unique and thoughtful breweries in the Czech Republic. Jiří, who describes himself as an “esoteric beer artist,” shares his philosophy-driven approach to brewing, emphasizing authenticity, subtlety, and elegance.

He discusses how Métaphore, though a small brewery without its own physical brewhouse, focuses on creating spontaneous, wild-fermented beers that reflect a sense of place, time, and personal expression.

We dive into the challenges of brewing in the Czech Republic, known for its rich lager culture, and how Jiří’s inspiration comes from a blend of traditional beer styles, Lambics, Saisons, and natural wines. He explains his unique process, which often involves long fermentation periods and the use of organic, local ingredients.

We also explore how Métaphore builds community through a subscription-based membership, allowing passionate fans to experience his deeply personal creations.

If you’re interested in the intersection of beer, art, and philosophy, this episode offers a deep dive into the mind of one of Europe’s most intriguing brewers.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode, I'm joined by Jonathan Spielberg, founder of Postcard Brewing Company in Dublin, Ireland. Jonathan, originally from New York, takes us through his journey from IT project management to becoming a key player in Ireland's craft beer scene. We delve into the challenges of transitioning from a hobbyist brewer to establishing a fully-fledged brewery, the complexities of contract brewing, and the lessons learned from the successes and failures of various craft beer ventures.

Jonathan shares the inspiration behind Postcard Brewing, including how Dublin's iconic landmarks and his love for West Coast IPAs influenced the branding and beer styles. We also discuss the balancing act of catering to local tastes while eyeing the international market, especially the challenges of breaking into the U.S. craft beer scene.

Tune in to hear about the creative process behind their unique beer labels, the role of marketing in the craft beer industry, and what lies ahead for Postcard Brewing as they continue to expand both domestically and internationally. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or interested in the business side of brewing, this episode is packed with insights and stories from the heart of Ireland's brewing industry.

Beer was a fundamental part of life in Ancient Egypt. But what did it taste like?

Lambic is synonymous with Brussels. The usual story is that the spontaneously fermented beer has been brewed unchanged since medieval times, a remnant of how all beers were once brewed.

Thornbridge Brewing in the UK are an award winning brewery that have a strong emphasis on tradition but like to take chances.

Wild East was founded in 2019 by Brett Taylor, Tyler March and Lindsay Steen. Based in Brooklyn they have a focus (though by no means exclusive) on mixed fermentation and Brett-based beers.

Looking at the history of the world through it's 6 favourite drinks might seem a bit unusual. But this lens throws light on changes in culture as well as power throughout the ages.

It's a big claim to say any one brewery is the best in its country. But Elias Wicked Ales won the award as The Philippines best two years running at the Asian Beer Championship.