BYO Nano Brew Podcast

Malt is our topic this month. We’ll get a report from one of the larger malting companies on what small brewers can do with grain, and then head to a nano brewery and malt farm for insight on making the most from the land.

We spend a lot of time talking about raw ingredients, and rightly so. They are the building blocks of every keg and pint, and having the insight into ingredients makes us all better brewers and drinkers. Our guests are Mike Scanzello, the director of brewing and distilling for Briess Malt and  Brett Bullock, the co-owner of Screamin’ Hill Brewery. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 42 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 42
Host: John Holl
Guests: Michael Scanzello, Brett Bullock

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

Water is our topic this month. From how a proper education can help you better understand beer’s most important ingredient, to how to properly treat it for your recipes. Then we’ll discuss its other uses around the brewhouse and best practices for effluent. 

Despite being necessary for life and all around us, water can often be overlooked in breweries. It is hard to explain to drinkers, and is often taken for granted when we simply turn on a tap or valve. 

However, having a deeper understanding of this compound helps make better beer, and by being conversant can help customers forge a deeper appreciation to the craft. 

This episode features two guests: John Palmer, the noted author How to Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Great Beer Every Time (2017), and co-author of both Brewing Classic Styles (2007), and Water: A Comprehensive Guide for Brewers (2013) from Brewers Publications.

And Steve Parkes the  owner and lead instructor of the Director of the American Brewers Guild in Middlebury, Vermont. He’s also the owner and brewer of Drop In Brewery and a sought-after educator and expert on beer styles and history. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 41 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.

Five Star Chemicals

Keep your brewery running smoothly with Five Star Chemicals. Their cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of all home and professional brewers, ensuring that your equipment stays clean and free of harmful bacteria and contaminants. From cleaning fermenters to kegs, they have a solution for every step of the process. Be sure to check out their P-B-W liquid and tablets.

Use Five Star Chemicals today and taste the difference in your brews. FiveStarChemicals.com

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 41
Host: John Holl
Guests: John J. Palmer, Steve Parkes

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

Let’s talk about the taproom experience. From proper flow, how best to decorate, and ways to give your customers a pleasurable visit, our guests will offer insight and tips to doing it right.

The good weather is here for most of us around the country and that means people headed out to enjoy their local breweries. Brewers are striving to create delicious and innovative pints, but should be putting equal thought into taproom aesthetics. 

Having a welcoming taproom is important. The decor should be a reflection on the company ethos and the beer. There should also be thought to flow and comfort. 

This episode features three guests: Dustin Hauck of Hauck Architecture  and Liz L’Etoile and Chris Sellers of The Brewery at Four Star Farms. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 40 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Yeast is an incredible living micro-organism! We’ve known for many years now that yeast has a crucial impact on the flavor profile and other sensory properties of beverages. It affects a wide range of characteristics – such as fruity and floral notes, phenolic or spicy character, the body of the beer and more… The Fermentis beer yeast strain line-up is designed to answer the requirements of all brewers, so release your creativity! Visit www.fermentis.com or explore their app to discover more about yeast behavior and characterization.

Grainfather
Whether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 40
Host: John Holl
Guests: T. Dustin Hauck, Chris Sellers, Liz L’Etoile

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

Having a virtual presence for your small brewery is imperative to help the physical business grow. We’ll do a deep dive into social media to learn about best practices from a leading expert and we’ll hear how one nano has approached building an online community.  

We spend a lot of time thinking about physical spaces. Taprooms, brewhouse layouts, beer gardens, that it can be hard to focus on the virtual spaces. But Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and more are important ways to keep a brewery top of mind and to show off creativity. 

Social Media can be intimidating for some, or a burden for others, but having a plan can ease those worries and bring people to your actual door step. 

This episode features two guests: Julie Rhodes of Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions and Brian Goodman of Rushford and Sons Brewhouse. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 39 is sponsored by:

Fermentis 

Hey nanobrewers! Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation in bottle and casks! This yeast strain will help you add a slightly funky, specific phenolic character to your beers. Available in 100-gram and 5-gram packaging. Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 at Homebrew Con 2023, by attending the Fermentis exclusive presentation: “Brettanomyces: From Spoilage Organism to Rising Star!" Learn more at  www.fermentis.com.

ABS Commercial
ABS Commercial has been a full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years, offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country. They’re in this business because they are brewers, so they know the ins and outs of the process and can design the perfect set-up for you. They keep tanks in stock and ready to ship so you can get equipment in your hands sooner. Contact a brewery consultant today! [email protected]

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 39
Host: John Holl
Guests: Julie Rhodes, Brian Goodman

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

There are innovations in the microscopic world of yeast. From thiols to hybrids this episode will discuss best practices and paths forward.

There is so much innovation and excitement happening in the world of raw brewing ingredients. On this episode we’ll go into the research and development lab with Laura Burns of Omega Yeast and into the brewhouse with Adam Cieslak and Roger Cuzelis of Maplewood Brewing in Chicago to talk about how to best put new strains to work for your small brewery and your beers. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 38 is sponsored by:

Grainfather 

Whether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.

Fermentis 

Hey nanobrewers! Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation. This yeast strain is a reliable tool for attaining a slightly funky, specific phenolic character in your beers, and is already available in 100-gram and 5-gram sachets! Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 or other yeast strains on www.fermentis.com.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 38
Host: John Holl
Guests: Laura Burns, Adam Cieslak, Roger Cuzelis

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

While January can be a slow month for some hospitality-based businesses, it can also be a chance to take a look under the hood to make sure that the customers walking through the door are getting the best possible experience. It’s also a chance to make any adjustments so that the rest of the year delivers a quality experience. 

This is looking like a tough year ahead for brewers and while there is a focus on the dollars coming in, there are other things that brewers should be looking for to keep business fresh and booming and practical steps that can be taken to stem downturns. 

To dive into this the BYO Nano Podcast reached out to Michael Varda the Founder of Craft Beer Advisory Services the first and only full-service market research firm exclusively dedicated to craft beer.

He began his professional career in market research roles advising some of the nation's top universities on attracting students and several Fortune 50 companies on improving brand perceptions. 

In addition to CBAS, he also leads brand perception research at a Fortune 100 financial firm. 

Combining his research skill with a passion for craft beer, CBAS was born in Fall

2021. Since its founding, Michael has delivered CBAS research to more than 200 breweries in 40+ states and more than 10 countries.

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 37 is sponsored by:

ABS Commercial

ABS Commercial has been a full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years, offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country. We’re in this business because we are brewers, so we know the ins and outs of the process and can design the perfect set-up for you, whether just starting out or looking to expand. We keep tanks in stock and ready to ship so you can get equipment in your hands sooner. Shop now at abs-commercial.com.

Fermentis 

Hey nanobrewers! Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation. This yeast strain is a reliable tool for attaining a slightly funky, specific phenolic character in your beers, and is already available in 100-gram format and soon in 5-gram sachets! Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 or other yeast strains on www.fermentis.com.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 37
Host: John Holl
Guest: Michael Varda

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

End of the year wrap-ups are happening fast and furious these days and this show is no exception. As ever, there’s a lot to be thinking about for your small brewery amid new uncertainties in the marketplace, with increased competition, rising costs, and global events disrupting local business. 

To unpack it all we are joined by two craft beer industry professionals - Audra Gaiziunas and CJ Haines who will unpack what they’ve learned over the last 12 months and share perspective all while looking forward. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 36 is sponsored by:

Grainfather
Whether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.

ABS Commercial

ABS Commercial. has been a full-service brewery outfitter for over 10 years, offering brewhouses, tanks, keg washers, and small parts to brewers across the country. They’re in this business because they are brewers, so they know the ins and outs of the process and can design the perfect set-up for you, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand. ABS keeps tanks in stock and ready to ship so you can get equipment in your hands sooner. Shop now at abs-commercial.com.

Fermentis 

Hey nanobrewers! Wanna add a distinctive finishing touch to your beers? Discover SafBrew™ BR-8, the first dry Brett by Fermentis. Designed for secondary fermentation, SafBrew™ BR-8 provides funkier notes (barnyard, horse, leather…) nicely balanced by refreshing, fruity notes. - Available in 100-gram, and soon in 5-gram sachets! Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 and all other Fermentis products on our website www.fermentis.com.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 36
Host: John Holl
Guests: Audra Gaiziunas and CJ Haines

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

From making sure your guests are full and happy to comfortable and stylish, this episode covers the intersection of beer and food and finding options that might be right for your small brewery. 

It’ll also discuss how merchandise and a well placed gift shop will help to encourage guests to lave with a shirt, glass or specialty item, something that is certainly good for the bottom line.

Guests include: Seth Barrows of Farm Road Brewing in Burlington, Vermont

and

Andrew Coplon of Craft Beer Professionals and Secret Hopper. 

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 35 is sponsored by:

Blichmann Pro Brewing
With superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is designed from the ground up to generate a quick return on your investment by getting you up and running as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality. These systems are versatile and flexible enough to give you room to grow with a modular design that can fit any space. Visit Blichmannpro.com to learn more about their one to ten barrel brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment.

Fermentis
Hey nanobrewers! Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation,

This yeast strain is a reliable tool for attaining a slightly funky, specific phenolic character to your beers, and is available in 100g sachets, as well as the whole SafLager™ and SafAle™ yeasts range! Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 or other yeast strains on www.fermentis.com.

Yakima Chief Hops
Yakima Chief Hops has the tools for your hop playbook, from classic favorites to the next exciting hop product out of the YCH R&D lab. Partnering with growers and brewers to create a robust hop supply chain from propagation to pint, YCH is the source for exciting experimental hop varieties including HBC 586, HBC 630 and HBC 638. Explore novel aroma profiles, discover new recipes and get creative with experimental hop varieties. Learn more at yakimachief.com

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 35
Host: John Holl
Guests: Seth Barrows and Andrew Coplon

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

There are a lot of challenges when operating a small brewery. One of them is trying to stand out among larger counterparts. Be it breweries with state-wide distribution, larger taprooms, or even stadium contracts. 

But the nano brewery segment is fierce and continues to find ways to make waves and be seen among the country’s thousands of breweries. 

Our guests today will talk about that, from festival strategies to seasonal releases. 

- Anne Linehan and her husband Ben are the owners of Brocklebank Craft Brewing in Tunbridge, Vermont. She organizes the annual Vermont Nanobrewery Festival also known. In her day job, Anne is the Director of Graduate Academic Programs at Vermont Law and Graduate School.

- Dylan VanDetta was was born in Vermont, raised in upstate New York. He started a coffee distributorship before going into Information technology. He started homebrewing in 2012 and in late 2019, he formed Labyrinth Forge Brewing Company intending to contract most of his beer and sell kegs to bars and restaurants around town. Due to Covid-19 he started making home deliveries and selling in cans to grocery stores and out of his home. Today, he’s actively looking for a retail space to have a taproom and small brewery. 

- Joel Sheley is the owner and head brewer at Gateway Brewing, a 5bbl “nano” brewery in the Gateway district of Portland, Oregon. With over 20 years of industry experience, Joel not only excels at developing well-made beers but is also savvy in brewery operations infrastructure and the mechanical side of owning and operating a brewery.

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 34 is sponsored by:

Fermentis
Discover SafBrew™ BR-8 by Fermentis, the first dry Brett for secondary fermentation. This yeast strain is a reliable tool for attaining a slightly funky, specific phenolic character in your beers, and is available in 100g sachets, as is the whole SafLager™ and SafAle™ yeasts range!Discover more about SafBrew™ BR-8 or other yeast strains by attending the Fermentis presentation during NanoCon or go to fermentis.com

Grainfather
Whether you’re looking for a brewing system to create trial recipes, or you want to easily add production capacity to your nanobrewery – the Grainfather G70 electric brewing system is your solution. The G70 has a 70 liter capacity, allowing you to easily make ½ BBL batches of beer in a compact system that won’t take up valuable floor space. Ask your BSG sales manager for more information about the G70 today, or go to Grainfather.com to learn more.

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 34
Host: John Holl
Guests: 

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell

On this episode of the BYO Nano Podcast we’re talking about best practices and advice for someone who wants to take over a small, existing brewery.

The idea came from a listener who wrote: “I'm someone who is overwhelmed by the non-beer aspects of starting a taproom from scratch - legal, regulatory, architectural design and layout, branding, marketing, and a blank sheet of paper. I've explored a couple of taprooms and small brewpubs for sale. What's a smart way to go about this?”

That’s a jumping off point and our panel will start with the from scratch aspect then transition into what it takes to acquire an existing brewery. 

The lessons shared are also applicable to someone just starting out as well.  

The panel includes:

 
Jon Carpenter who his career as a summer brewing intern at Drakes Brewing Co in 2002 while attending UC Davis, studying Brewing Science. After graduating with a BS in Food Science & Technology (Brewing Emphasis) and a BA in Political Science in 2005, he went on to work for Anheuser-Busch in their Research Pilot Brewery. From there he went onto Dogfish Head, and then to Golden Road followed by Alchemy and Science, the Boston Beer collection of breweries. Today he works at Opensō Consulting, Independent Brewery and Craft Beverage Consulting firm. 

Michael Brewer, the president of Alcoholic Beverage Consulting Service, a leading alcoholic beverage licensing firm.  Alcoholic Beverage Consulting Service represents numerous alcoholic beverage licensees in all segments of the alcohol industry. Brewer was a regulatory auditor for the United States Custom Service and holds a Master’s degree in accounting from San Diego State University. 

And Matthew McLaughlin,  founder of McLaughlin, PC, a boutique commercial law firm specializing in the beverage industry. He has represented breweries and distilleries throughout the United States for nearly 20 years advising clients on business entity formation, ownership structure, startup financing and expansion financing, federal and state regulatory matters, and intellectual property. 

Matthew has also served as the executive director of the Mississippi Brewers Guild and was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 1322, a bill that expanded retail sales opportunities for breweries in Mississippi and fundamentally changed Mississippi’s brewpub laws.  In April 2017 at the Brewers Association’s annual Craft Brewers Conference, Matthew received the F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award.

The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 33 is sponsored by:

Fermentis
Hello nanobrewers! Try adding a cider to your brews! Fermentis, the obvious choice for beverage fermentation, has made it really easy for you by developing 4 strains specifically for cider. Whether you want a crisp, sweet or fruity cider, discover the SafCider™ range. The 4 cider strains are available in 5-gram pouches, the perfect size for you. Just make your choice or try them all! To learn more about how Fermentis can improve the quality of your fermentation, and for the latest on their exciting new product releases, visit fermentis.com

Blichmann Pro Brewing
With superior engineering and unrivaled service, Blichmann Pro Brewing equipment is the right choice for pro results. Whether it’s for your pilot system or production line, their robust systems come fully equipped with everything you need to hit the ground running. Designed for easy setup and intuitive use, their brewhouse systems and cellaring equipment deliver uncompromising quality and reliability backed by a name you trust, so you can focus on what matters most - your beer. Visit Blichmannpro.com today!

ABS Commercial 

ABS Commercial  a full-service brewery outfitter, proud to offer brewhouses, tanks, and small parts to brewers across the country. They stock equipment ranging from 3BBL to 90BBL, and offer custom-designed equipment up to 900BBL. Contact one of their brewery consultants today at [email protected] to discuss your brewery project. ABS-Commercial.com

BYO Nano+ Membership
Get access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO’s new Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You’ll also have full online access to all of BYO’s digital content and an annual print magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.

BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 33
Host: John Holl
Guests: Michael Brewer, John Carpenter, Matthew McLaughlin

Contact: [email protected]
Music: Scott McCampbell