For episode 22, and our third Views on Tap episode, we talked NA beer and drinking culture with New York Times bestselling author, humorist, singer/songwriter, and radio show host, Michael Perry. How do you spice up a episode on NA beer? You bring on someone who has never drank a bit of alcohol in his life! But, he does enjoy his NA beer. This made for some entertaining stories and conversation. Mike is originally from New Auburn, WI, which he so proudly points to on the map in the Facebook and Instagram episode post picture. His life, career, travels, and always being the sober person has given him some unique perspective and observations. Even if you care nothing about NA beer, you'll want to check out this episode! You can find Michael Perry on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and at https://sneezingcow.com/

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For episode 22, we sat down with Joseph Alton, Owner of Botany BrewFarm, in Wilson, WI. Joseph is no stranger to the craft beer community. Growing up in St. Paul, MN, he was a co-founder of the Beer Dabbler and The Growler magazine. Working his way up in the hospitality industry, Joseph is finally finding out what he wants to be when he grows up! If the BrewFarm name sounds familiar, it's because this was Dave's BrewFarm he purchased. Joseph talks about the transition from the noise of city living, to the tranquility of living above the brewery, on the edge of the Driftless Region, in rural Wisconsin. He looks to carry on the tradition of being a fully environmentally sustainable brewery and cultivating many of the ingredients that will eventually go into his beers, giving it a certain terroir. Not only having his own creations, but also featuring collaborations and guest brews. We talk about the influence the previous owner had with this "brewers orchard", on this 35 acre piece of land. We dive into how he plans to utilize a coolship, from a converted dairy tank, to brew some wild fermented and funky beers. Though Botany BrewFarm is not officially open yet, you are going to want to check this place out when they do officially open. It will be a full BrewFarm experience! Slated to open early spring of 2024, follow them and be on the lookout for pre-brew events this fall! We talk about this, plus much more! You can find Botany BrewFarm on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, and at https://www.botanybrewfarm.com/

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For episode 21, we had the privilege to sit down with Co-Owner and Head Brewer, Ashleigh Carter, at Bierstadt Lagerhaus, in Denver, CO. This was our first podcast episode outside of Wisconsin, and it was an entertaining one! Bierstadt is one of the top small breweries in the country! If you haven't heard of them before, you need to check them out! Ashleigh talks about how her and Bill started out with little to no funding, but had a passion to create something as a reflection of who they are. They are a lager only brewhouse turning out some absolutely amazing Pilsner, Helles, and Dunkel, from a 1932 copper brew kettle from Germany! Ashleigh also educates us on the beauty of a slow pour faucet. We dive into a variety of different topics, from plants in the brewery, to the Reinheitsgebot, to Bierstadt's strict adherence on using their branded glassware with their beer, plus much more! You can find Bierstadt on Facebook and Instagram, and at https://bierstadtlager.com/

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For episode 20, we sat down with Jon Christiansen, Owner and Head Brewer, at Zymurgy Brewing Company, in Menomonie, WI. Opening a brewery was a long-term goal of Jon’s, that happened in 2018. This early passion led him to formal brewing education through the renowned Siebel Institute, that took him to Belgium and Germany. We talked about the meaning of the name “Zymurgy”, the study of fermentation, which fits perfectly for the name of the brewery! Located in a repurposed automotive garage, Jon went into it with no specific direction for identity and is letting that happen organically. They host a variety of different concerts and events, including being a local venue for death metal shows. Zymurgy has wide selection of beer styles, and even their own root beer! We tapped into Jon’s thought process how he decides what to brew. They have a strong commitment to community, education, and sustainability, which happens to be their vision. We talk about this, plus much more! You can find Zymurgy on Facebook and Instagram, and at https://www.zymurgybrew.com/

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For episode 19, we had the pleasure to sit down with the incoming President of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Tony Bugher. Established in Chippewa Falls, WI, in 1867. Leinie's is a 155 year old brewery, that is still family run! You don't survive that many years and get to that level of success without strong family leadership, innovation, and community support. We touch on all those points in this episode.
Tony shares a brief history of the brewery, along with talking about his path to become the next President of Leinenkugel's, taking the reins from his uncle, Dick Leinenkugel. Innovation is at the forefront of what keeps Leinie's relevant and successful. Hear how their new 7 barrel pilot brewery, in the Leinie Lodge, is doing just that. He talks about the unique dynamic Leinie's has due to their age, being owned by Molson Coors, and yet still having the autonomy to be family run. We talk about the beer and hear the impact Summer Shandy had on the growth of the brewery. Tony also shares a funny story about an "A-list" celebrity he met as a kid, back in 1984, when he toured the brewery! Hear about this and much more! The Leinenkugel's is worth the visit and you will not be disappointed! You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at https://www.leinie.com/

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For episode 18, we sat down and had an entertaining conversation with Aaron Gilling, Owner, Brewer, and Dishwasher, at Stubborn Brothers Brewery, in Shawano, WI.  Aaron and his brother Eric opened Stubborn Brothers in the midst of COVID, in 2020. This experimental brewery is currently a 7-barrel brewhouse that supports 23 beers on tap, including a GABF Gold Medal winner! They focus on stylistically accurate beers, support the local farmers and the community, and, well, do whatever they want when it comes to brewing.  Aaron gives his candid thoughts on different beer styles and talks about his un-traditional career path from doctor to brewer! Hear how they resurrected Shawano Club Pilsner, a pre-prohibition beer, from one of the original bottles. Aaron has some simple advice for a beer you brew that you don't like!  We also talked about their unique location, at the old, restored vaudeville Crescent Theater, plus much more! You can find them on Facebook and Instagram at Stubborn Brothers Brewery, and at https://www.stubbornbros.com/

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For episode number 17, and our second Views on Tap episode, we are explaining the brewing process. Our guest is Haven Schultz, homebrewer and part of the leadership team for The Bru Club Facebook group, which is associated with one of my favorite homebrewing podcasts, Brulosophy. Listen to hear how Haven and I met, along with how and why he got hooked on homebrewing. And, of course, the brewing process.
We were on-site at my garage, in Eau Claire, WI recording the podcast during a brew day! Not all of the people who listen to this podcast are homebrewers or professional brewers, just craft beer and brewery fans, so we wanted to do more of an educational episode that walks you through the brewing process, while attempting to keep it simple and fun. Hopefully the more you understand about the brewing process, the more you'll get out of the BrewViews podcast and the more you'll get out of visiting you favorite breweries! If you have any questions, feedback, or want to know more from Haven, you can reach him at [email protected].

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Episode number 16 was a fun one! We made our way down to La Crosse, WI for the 608 and Friends Parking Lot Party! This was originally supposed to be the 2nd Annual 608 Day, but due to some circumstances outside of their control, there had to be a late change in plans, as Phil Humphrey talks about. We had to dodge some rain, but no one really seemed to care, everyone was having an amazing time! Great breweries, great beer, great friends, and great conversation!

We were fortunate enough to interview the 5 breweries present that were serving beer at the parking lot party. We spoke with Austin Jevne, from Humble Forager Brewery, Kyle Vetter, from 1840 Brewing, Tim Goers, from G5 Brewing, Simon McConico, from Vennture Brewing, and Levi Funk, from Untitled Art.

We had 4 main questions for each of them, where they talked about their brewery, talked about what beer they brought, talked about what makes their brewery unique, and what makes the craft beer community so special. It was awesome to hear how the craft beer community comes together to support each other, such as events like this that had to make a last-minute change in plans. Take a listen to hear what they had to say! If you would like to find out more about each of these breweries, and their beer, check them out below!

https://www.608brewingcompany.com/
https://www.humbleforagerbrewery.com/
https://www.1840brewing.com/
https://www.g5brewing.net/
https://vennturebrewco.square.site/
https://www.drinkuntitled.com/ 

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For episode 15, we sat down with Phil Humphrey, Owner and Head Brewer, at 608 Brewing Company, in La Crosse, WI. 608 is the area code for the Southwestern quadrant of Wisconsin and it's also where you can find this innovative brewery that is not afraid to push the limits on what you can brew. We talked about the how and why of what they brew, including their barrel-aging program. We also spend some time talking about the numerous collaborations 608 has done with other breweries and why that is so important to Phil. With all they have going on, it's not hard to see why they have quickly been gaining popularity and notoriety. We also touched on what makes 608 unique, plus much more! You can find them on Facebook and Instagram at 608 Brewing Company, and at https://www.608brewingcompany.com/

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For episode 14, we sat down with Ryan Stolt, Owner of Bloomer Brewing Company, in Bloomer, WI. We talked about how Ryan's father, Dan, started the brewery after Ryan got him hooked on home brewing. Bloomer Brewing tries to keep it local with where they source their ingredients from, to collaborating with a couple different local businesses to create a beer for them. This brewery has a little something for everyone. They are all about a fun and family friendly vibe, from their delicious beer, to their label designs, to their taproom. We talked about it all, plus much more! You can find them on Facebook and Instagram at Bloomer Brewing Co, and at http://bloomerbrewingco.com/

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