Craft Beer Conversations

Jef Smith at Loaded Dice Brewery in Troy is always up to something which makes his spot so much fun. As the 1-year anniversary of Loaded Dice approaches, Jef is releasing some crowd favorites -- A 3-part Fat King series and the ever popular Dank Vegas IPA. These releases are a big deal for Loaded Dice. Take a listen to find out why. 

Also -- This episode has, um, what my grandmother would call 'uncouth language'. Be advised. 

Two Birds is nesselled in Detroit's West Village where it offers custard, wine, beer and cocktails. Opening earlier this spring, Two Birds has caught on quickly. I went to the city's east side and hung out with co-owner Kyle Hunt to find out where drinks meet dessert

Pro baseball in Utica? The four-team USPBL has been playing at Jimmy John's Field since 2016 and it goes far beyond baseball. I went to the Macomb County ballpark to sit down with Nate Liska, the Food and Beverage Director for Jimmy John's Field, to learn about their craft beer offerings and I discovered that what's happening goes far beyond the diamond.

This is indeed a craft beer podcast but we have to expand our horizons from time-to-time, right? I went to Motor City Gas Distillery in downtown Royal Oak where Rich Lockwood and his team are doing one thing and one thing only -- cranking out amazing whiskey. I toured the facility and then sat down in the tasting room to learn more about Motor City Gas over some amazing whiskeys. 

Arctic Circle Brewing Company has been in the works for almost two years but today is the day the taproom doors swing open in Chesterfield. At their industry preview night, I spoke to co-owners Eric Lehman Jr and Deven Sills about what it's like to be at the end of the beginning of the road and where they go from here.

NOTE -- There is 1 inappropriate word in this episode, so shield younger ears for this one. Apologies in advance.

Hyper-local beers are awesome, they drive the market. But, what if all beer was local, no matter where it was brewed? That's where Brew Pipeline comes in -- matching retailers and brewers while working to take the guesswork out of distribution. I spoke with Brew Pipeline President Scott Ebert about what makes the company tick and what they're working on for the future. 

There was a time in Michigan when Altes was as popular as it gets when it came to beer choices. But, through consolidation and bankruptcy in the 1980s, the brand faltered and by the 90s, it was gone all together. But, a group of friends revived the brand and Altes started again appearing on shelves in 2016. I spoke to co-owner Eric Stief about the iconic brand and what's it been like bringing it back.

The original plan for Ferndale's Urbanrest was to be located downtown. Plans changed but fast forward 4 years and Urbanrest says they will open a downtown facility later this summer. I spoke to co-owner Zach Tympanski to get the details.

Brewery Faisan is dedicated to the ancient (literally) art of brewing Belgian beer. Paul and Rachel Szlaga opened the Islandview Detroit brewery in October of 2019 and like many great craft brewers in the area, they are doing things there way, bringing a different flavor to the Bell Isle adjacent neighborhood.

In an article from May's Hour Detroit Magazine, Ryan Patrick Hooper interviewed Harry Weaver III from the Brewz Brothaz to examine what it's like being a black craft beer drinker. Plus, how can things become more inclusive? It's a tough question but Ryan Patrick and Harry did an excellent job of getting the point across. Listen to the pod, read the article and check out the Brewz Brothaz.