Learn how Soundgrowler’s beers draw inspiration from a variety of art forms, resulting in a blend of rare styles, death metal, and yoga.

Head Brewer Jacob Hutcheson and Brewing Operations Manager John Halek showcase Soundgrowler’s vibrant and eclectic brewery, where beer, doom, and tacos come alive in Tinley Park, Illinois. Jacob begins by sharing his passion for the Grodzinski, a rare Polish-style beer that won Soundgrowler a medal at the World Beer Cup — in addition to an even more coveted prize from Weyermann Malting Company out of Bamberg, Germany. He also explains the story behind the beer’s name, “Good Familiars,” and the wide range of art forms from which he draws inspiration for his beers.

Jacob and John then discuss some of the brewery’s more unique features, such as its artwork and events like metal yoga. They also discuss death metal subculture, the variety of music they listen to, and how they inspire new beers. Plus: their mission to create an inclusive atmosphere, the challenges of crafting beers that satisfy both brewer and consumer, and what it was like to craft a beer in someone’s memory.

About Soundgrowler: Craft brewery in Tinley Park, IL with a taproom and taco window serving up Mexican street food. Learn more on their website at https://www.soundgrowler.com/ 

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You can learn more about Crafty Brewers and get in touch with us on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Polish-style beer, World Beer Cup, red overalls, German maltster Weyermann, metal yoga, heavy metal music, beer and tacos, beer labels, smoked beers, Rauchbier, oak smoked malt, sour beers, recipe refinement, Grodziskie style, doom metal, metal and classical music, metal music subculture, kettle sours, ESB (Extra Special Bitters), Helles Lager, Tortilla Hands Mexican Lager, beer brewing process, low ABV beers, and metal yoga events.

What makes a cider a cider? Explore the fruits and chaos-inspired ingredients behind ERIS’ biggest hits in this cider science deep dive.

Michelle Foik, co-owner of ERIS Brewery and Cider House, shares her journey to opening her historic establishment before delving into the art and science of cidering. She starts by discussing how her career took her from Goose Island Brewery and Revolution Brewing to opening the first female-owned brewery and cider house in Illinois in a historic Masonic temple. She also discusses the history of cider in Chicago and in the United States, the cultural revival of cider post-Prohibition, and how cider is actually made.

After the beer break, Michelle delves into how Amburana barrels impart a variety of spice flavors into beverages, why beer brewers aren’t allowed to make cider, and how ERIS combines ciders and beers to make unique snakebites. She also shares the incredible story behind their GABF award-winning hazy IPA Foiken Haze, the unique characteristics of their Pepper Jam cider, and their barrel-aged Malort cider. 

ERIS Brewery and Cider House is a women-owned brewery, cider house, and restaurant in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago. Learn more on their website at https://www.erischicago.com/ 

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You can learn more about Crafty Brewers and get in touch with us on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Chicago cider house, Illinois craft beer, cider brewing techniques, balanced ciders, cider history, cider apples, Van Van Mojo cider, mosaic hops cider, Pepper Jam cider, arbol pepper cider, Euphoria cider, Umbriana barrel-aged cider, cider festivals Chicago, CiderCon, Cider Summit Chicago, Michigan apples, cider fermentation process, cider vs beer, semi-sweet cider, dry cider, blending cider with beer, culinary cider flavors, craft beer trends 2025, Chicago brewpub, Malort cider, unique Chicago beverages, collaboration brews Chicago, barrel-aging cider, and cider food pairings.

Master Brewer Hagen Dost delves into Dovetail Brewery’s traditional brewing techniques, from open fermentation to coolships.

Hagen starts by sharing his journey of getting into brewing, with an emphasis on his German heritage growing up and the sensory class that helped him develop skills that he feels would benefit any brewer. He then explains how he became a Certified Master Brewer and discusses traditional European brewing methods, including decoction and the use of a coolship. Plus: the art of identifying fermentation flaws, the science behind crafting classic European beer styles, the significance of the German beer purity law, and the shelf life you can typically expect from beer you buy at your local craft brewery.

After the beer break, Haagen discusses their Wet-Hopped Hopfenlager, a lager brewed with freshly picked hops from Michigan, characterized by subtle hop flavors and a lack of bitterness. He also explains what a coolship does and why it’s so rare, why some brewers prefer to serve full pours over flights, and the history of the lauter grant faucets behind Dovetail’s bar. Plus: what piece of equipment is Dovetail actively using that used to belong to the oldest brewery in the world (and how did they acquire it)?

Please help us make our podcast better by taking our listener survey at https://craftybrewerspod.com/survey 

About Dovetail Brewery: Located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, Dovetail Brewery specializes in continental European styles and traditional methods. Learn more on their website at https://www.dovetailbrewery.com/ 

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You can learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com — and support the show by picking up our amazing merchandise!

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, traditional European brewing, Chicago craft beer scene, Reinheitsgebot, coolship, double and triple decoction, sensory training, fermentation flaws, Reinheitsgebot, World Brewing Academy, Certified Master Brewer pin, Franconia breweries, Bavaria breweries, family-run breweries, Lagers, Hefeweizens, Wet Hopfenlager, Michigan hops, Czech-style Pilsner, Helles, Kolsch, Vienna, Maillard reactions, caramelization, direct fire kettle, trans-2-nonanol, open fermentation, Wet Hopfenlager, horizontal lagering, maltiness, ferulic acid rest, Lautergrant, Siebel Institute, Munich, Lambic, and beer sensory analysis.

Hop up your spirits with a barrel of laughs as we close out 2024. Plus: a major announcement that you don’t want to miss!

Brian, Katherine, and Cody get together via the internet to have some fun to close out the year, sharing reviews of local beers, making some major announcements, and looking ahead at what’s to come in 2025. Brian starts things off by sharing the huge news that the next episode of Crafty Brewers will feature Dovetail Brewing on January 2, 2025 — mark your calendars! Then, Cody plugs his science-heavy review of the 2024 lineup of Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout, which you can read on the Crafty Brewers website here: https://craftybrewerspod.com/2024-bourbon-county-brand-stout-review-first-impressions-goose-islands-newest-craft-beer-variants/

Katherine describes her Peanut Butter Porter by Fort Myers Brewing Company and talks a bit about the beer scene in Florida, before Brian talks about Hop Butcher’s Minted Imperial Stout made with chocolate and Frango mint oil. Cody then plugs a VERY IMPORTANT listener survey that you should take if you’re ever listened to the show, which you can find at https://craftybrewerspod.com/survey

Then, stick around to hear what the crew is looking forward to in 2025, learn about their go-to drinks for the holidays, get a quick update on what Chris Valleau is brewing these days, and get the inside scoop on why we all have strong feelings about Taco Bell.

You can learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com — and support the show by picking up our amazing merchandise!

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Looking for podcasts to listen to during the holiday season while you’re waiting for Crafty Brewers to come back on January 2, 2025? Then check out this four-part series from Freakonomics Radio called “Is America Switching from Booze to Weed?” https://freakonomics.com/podcast-tag/is-america-switching-from-booze-to-weed/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you!

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Crafty Brewers Podcast, dark beers, peanut butter porter, Fort Myers Brewing Company, adjunct-heavy stouts, remote production challenges, beer industry trends 2025, Florida ballot issues, alcohol industry, marijuana legalization, holiday beer pairings, Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout, peanut butter porter review, craft beer insights, beer and social media, tariffs on beer prices, beer style guidelines, Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer, Freakonomics Radio, small business challenges, craft beer community, cannabis industry economics, off-the-clock beer favorites, holiday ales, eggnog and brandy recipe, beer and food pairings, supporting local breweries, holiday season brews, and podcast humor.

Learn how BubbleHouse Brewing ensures they have “something for everyone” and the story behind the best pub game you’ve never heard of.

John and April Miller, owners of BubbleHouse Brewing Company, discuss crafting a diverse beer portfolio, providing unique taproom experiences, and their journey from corporate life to brewing. They discuss the challenges and rewards of brewing clean, simple beers without relying on heavy adjuncts and the importance of community engagement by creating an inclusive taproom atmosphere. John, who is also BubbleHouse’s brewer, also shares his experience getting Level 1 and 2 Cicerone Certifications from College of DuPage’s Business of Craft Beer education program and explains why Skeleton Key Brewery’s Spare Keys incubator program was instrumental in making BubbleHouse what it is today.

After the beer break, the Millers delve into specific beers including their Isle of Lyle Mexican Lager, 10 Second Hug Double Dry Hopped Hazy IPA, and Smoky Poofs Rye Smoked Porter, highlighting their balanced flavors and the brewing techniques that emphasize quality and authenticity. And stick around to hear about crokinole, the best pub game you’ve never heard of!

You can find our amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Bubblehouse Brewing Company: Having opened their doors in fall 2021, BubbleHouse prides itself on its welcoming community that offers something for everyone. Located at 2121 Ogden Ave., Unit A in Lisle, IL, you can learn more on their website at https://www.bubblehousebrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you!

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, brewing techniques, craft brewing, inclusive taproom, crokinole, Lisle, craft beer creativity, experimental hazy IPAs, clean simple beers, brewing process, taste-testing, College of DuPage Business of Craft Beer program, Cicerone program, beer quality, beer authenticity, family-friendly brewery, pet-friendly brewery, non-beer drinkers, Canadian pub game, lactose in beer, dietary restrictions, beer pairings, brewing principles, brewing challenges, community engagement, seasonal beers, pub games, beer styles, beer flavor balance, beer brewing courses, and beer adjuncts.

Learn how Horse Thief Hollow became the most award-winning brewery on the south side of Chicago, having won 10 major awards (and counting).

Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co’s Jake Nelson (Head Brewer) and Adrian Morrison (Brewer and Sales Manager) discuss the fascinating legacy of Horse Thief Hollow Brewing in Chicago's historic Beverly neighborhood, exploring the origins of the brewery's name, its cultural significance, and why the Illinois militia had to run off horse thieves in the very early days of Chicago. They also share their humble beer origin stories, including Andrian’s rising through the ranks in order to get to where he is at Horse Thief Hollow. They also talk about what “cellar work” actually means when working in beer before they discuss how Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co. has become the most award-winning brewery on Chicago’s south side, including a deep dive into how they overcame the challenge of brewing high-quality Pilsners consistently in order to come up with their award-winning Little Wing Pilsner. 

After the beer break, they discuss Annexation, a West Coast IPA, including an explanation of what makes an IPA a West Coast IPA specifically and why West Coast IPAs are making a comeback. Jake also talks about when a beer is “done” and he doesn’t feel like he needs to keep changing a recipe. Then, they discuss Horse Thief’s Soul Train Sour Ale, which they insist Brian try, even though Brian is outspoken about the fact that he doesn’t normally like sours. Did he love it or not? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Today’s Featured Merchandise: Celebrate the art of beer diversity with the "Taste the Grainbow" muscle tank. Featuring a colorful design of four unique beers, this tank is perfect for craft beer enthusiasts who embrace variety, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs. Find it here: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/gals-grainbow-tank?_pos=1&_sid=fd3f273a5&_ss=r 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co: Located in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s South side, Horse Thief earned its 10th craft beer award in its 10th year of brewing: Little Wing Pilsner captured gold medals at the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival in 2023. Learn more on their website at https://horsethiefbrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Pilsner, West Coast IPA, East Coast IPA, Sour Beer, Milkshake IPA, Slushy Sour, Farmhouse Ales, Saison, Kolsch, Lager, craft beer, Chicago's South Side, Soul Train Sour Series, Mango Tahini, beer pairings, craft beer trends, German hops, brewing consistency, Lagering process, brewing techniques, cellar work, award-winning beer, beer SOPs, South Side beer market, brewing philosophy, sourcing beer ingredients, beer clarity, American malts, German malts, Tettnanger hops, beer fermentation, craft beer enthusiasts, Miller High Life, Allagash White, Pistachio brown ale, Brewing innovation, Beverly neighborhood, Illinois militia history, Chicago history, and horse thieves.

Learn how Burning Bush Brewery crafts its unique brews, including their spruce tip IPA named after a true story of “tree wrestling.” 

Burning Bush Brewery’s Brent Raska, owner and brewer, and Scott McElhenney, head brewer, discuss their unique transition from meeting at church to brewing together, the surprising similarities between running a church parish and running a brewery, and the art of crafting kettle sours. They also delve into why they typically have about 12 of their own beers on tap, ranging from lagers to stouts to IPAs to seasonal brews, and how they became known for their sours and IPAs in particular.

After the beer break, Brent and Scott discuss their signature beers, such as the fruit-forward Red Sea Raspberry Kettle Sour and the spruce-infused Tree Wrestler Spruce-Tip IPA. They explain the difference between a regular sour and a kettle sour and the difference between a regular and a hazy IPA. More importantly, Brent shares the unbelievable story of “tree wrestling” that inspired the Tree Wrestler Spruce-Tip IPA and how actual spruce tips are involved in its brewing process. Plus: the unique use of hops like Mosaic in creating distinct flavors, growing basil on-site to use in their beers, the science behind crafting Hazy IPAs with specific yeast strains for desired haziness and flavor profiles, and how to strike the right balance with additions like peanut butter, as experienced in their St. Peter Peanut Butter Porter.

Today’s Featured Merchandise: Buy our merchandise that says “I just want beer flavored beer,” available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Garment-dyed Heavyweight T-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-garment-dyed-heavyweight-t-shirt-1 

Long Sleeve T-Shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-long-sleeve-t-shirt-1?variant=44283749236976 

Premium Crewneck Sweatshirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-premium-crewneck-sweatshirt?variant=44281814745328 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Burning Bush Brewery: Located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, their mission is to provide high-quality Craft Beer, generous hospitality, and to serve their neighborhood and the greater Chicago community. With 12 rotating taps, there are always a variety of styles available including IPAs, lagers, sours, stouts and seasonal and unique offerings like an apple ale, a spruce-tip IPA and an amber ale brewed with homegrown basil. Learn more on their website at https://www.burningbushbrewery.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: St. Peter peanut butter porter, Hazy IPAs, brewing techniques, spruce tips, spruce-infused beer, beer flavor balancing, peanut flour, powdered peanut butter, basil-infused amber ale, St. Basil Amber Ale, maple bacon imperial red ale, craft beer community, brewing innovation, home-grown basil, beer naming, India pale lagers, cold IPAs, brown IPA, growler sales, beer pairing, beer and food pairing, River Room event space, brewing equipment, fermentation, dry hopping, lactobacillus, Brettanomyces, and the brewing process.

Learn how Twisted Hippo recovered from a devastating fire and found a way to thrive while brewing their unique beers.

Karl and Marilee Rutherford, co-founders and owners of Twisted Hippo, share the story of their humble beginnings from a homebrewing beer kit from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, to opening a brewery. They explain how they recovered from a devastating fire in 2022, after which the Chicago craft brewery community rallied around them to help them get back on their feet, and the innovative way they found a way to maintain a physical presence at District Brew Yards.

After the beer break, Karl and Marilee delve into the brewing techniques and flavor profiles of their honey-infused cream ale and award-winning Golden Lasso beer and talk about honey as an adjunct in beer. They also discuss the importance of embracing individuality in brewing and the significance of water chemistry in beer production. Plus: a whimsical look at their mascot, Pinky, and insights into balancing innovation with financial sustainability.

Today’s Featured Merchandise: Show off your Pride with our “Beer is for Everyone” merchandise, available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Beer is for Everyone soft style tank: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-soft-style-tank 

Beer is for Everyone Uni-Sexy Heavyweight Tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-uni-sexy-tee 

Beer is for Everyone Uni-Sexy Soft Style Tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-is-for-everyone-uni-sexy-soft-tee 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Twisted Hippo: Funky brewpub with creative eats paired with house beers and oversized cans to-go. Now pouring at District Brew Yards: 417 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago IL. Learn more on their website at https://www.twistedhippo.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.

Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Twisted Hippo Brewing, craft beer, brewing systems, beer pairings, Mr. Beer Kit, ADHD creativity, honey-infused cream ale, Golden Lasso beer, brewing equipment, water chemistry, brewpub, collaboration with District Brewery Yards, craft beer industry, Pinky mascot, resilience, financial sustainability, homebrew, beer innovation, unique beer styles, Belgian IPA, Old St. Augie's, California common, Bee’s Sleaze, roasted beets, Kolsch, electrical brewing elements, boiler system, direct fire kettle system, steam systems, Lake Michigan water, fermentation, hops, Pilsners, IPAs, buckwheat honey, ESB, food and beer pairings, bourbon, Malort, craft beer community, beer festivals, brewing challenges, and water in beer.

Learn how Revolution Brewing grew from a small brewery to Illinois’ largest independently-owned brewery — and what makes their beer so special.

03:51 Beer Myth: Do all yeasts ferment the same way? Katherine challenges the idea that top fermenting and bottom fermenting yeasts function in the same way. Learn what yeasts actually do and the role they play in the fermentation process.

09:03 Revolution Brewing Interview: David Blackford, Lead Brewer at Revolution Brewing, explains the difference between a head brewer and a lead brewer, reminisces about his first impressions of Revolution Brewing and the first beer he ever got to work on, and discusses the development of signature beers like Eugene Porter and Anti-Hero, his journey from a packaging specialist to lead brewer, and what it was like for the brewery to transition from a small brewery to a large-scale operation, including the use of new technology like centrifuges to increase production capacity.

Then, David talks about Revolution’s latest favorite, the Cold Time Lager, and explores the growing trend of lighter, less complicated beers making a comeback, emphasizing the appreciation for quality brewing with fewer ingredients. David and Katherine discuss the difficulty (and fun!) of naming beers before Cody jumps in with questions about Revolution’s Deep Wood Series of barrel-aged beers, including what inspired Revolution to release such high ABV beers year-round. The discussion also touches on memorable yet discontinued brews, such as the Bottom Up Wit, discussing its unique qualities and why it's no longer a staple despite its popularity. David also clarifies the differences between Wit wheat beers and Hefeweizens, focusing on yeast's role in defining their distinct flavors. 

53:56 Beer Behavior: What’s up with hop waters? David discusses the intricacies and challenges of making hop water, a non-alcoholic beverage gaining popularity among beer enthusiasts, including insights into their process for creating Super Zero. He discusses the benefits of hop water as a non-alcoholic alternative that allows breweries to showcase their craftsmanship, its role as an excellent palate cleanser at beer festivals like FOBAB, and its versatile suitability for various settings, from work lunches to outdoor activities. 

1:00:12 Today’s Featured Merchandise: “Drink a Stout” tee (if you can drink coffee, then you can drink a stout!), available in multiple colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Drink a stout tee: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/drink-a-stout-tee?variant=44583864369392 

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Revolution Brewing: Revolution is Illinois' largest independently-owned brewery. Learn more on their website at https://revbrew.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, Chicago breweries, fermentation science, ale yeast, lager yeast, craft brewing trends, hop water, craft beer industry, beer fermentation, top fermenting yeast, bottom fermenting yeast, signature beers, Eugene Porter, Anti-Hero IPA, Big Star, brewing challenges, beer naming, hop trends, brewing stories, craft beer community, beer recipes, craft beer collaborations, hop waters, non-alcoholic beer, brewing innovation, fermentation process, beer myths, Chicago craft beer, beer quality checks, beer technology, centrifuges in brewing, and year-round barrel-aged beers.

Learn how Old Irving became so successful, it needed to open a new production facility — and what went into the expansion.

02:18 Beer Myth: When brewing sour beers, is kettle souring lazy? Katherine has some HOT TAKES about this, and Trevor from Old Irving Brewing Co. explains the science behind what actually creates sour beers. Discover the facts behind this common misconception and learn how kettle souring is a legitimate and skillful method that produces some of the best-tasting sours. Bonus: learn how a “West Coast Pilsner” is different from a regular Pilsner and what it has to do with a thing known as a Cold IPA.

10:08 NAME OF BREWERY: Old Irving Brewing Co. Head Brewer and Co-Founder Trevor Rose-Hamblin shares the back story of his move from restauranteur to brewer, including an appearance on BrewDog that led to him brewing in Scotland for 3 months. Trevor also explains how after just 2 years of development, his Citra & Mosaic hopped Hazy IPA Beezer won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2019 and another gold at the World Beer Cup in Las Vegas in 2024 (both in the Hazy IPA category). 

After the beer break, Trevor and Brian crack open a Della, which won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2021 in the German-Style Kölsch category. Della is a Kölsch-Style Ale brewed with high-quality Pilsner, a touch of Vienna malt, and lightly hopped with Zuper Saazer, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, & Tettnang. Trevor also talks about Old Irving’s new brewing facility, what compelled them to move into a new facility, and the craft beer community in Chicago that helped spur their growth. Brian also coaxes Trevor into doing his hilarious impersonation of one of his Chicago craft beer community colleagues (but you’ll have to listen to find out which one!).

58:35 Beer Behavior: How does scarcity work when it comes to beer? Does it drive sales even when it’s obviously manufactured? Brian talks about how Wisconsin breweries were featured during a recent convention and Katherine presents her “barbecue festival philosophy” of scarcity.

You can find our amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com 

About Old Irving Brewing Co: Located in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, the brewers behind Old Irving Brewing Co. were brewing in their garage with aspirations of crafting beer for their local community all the way back in 2014, two years before they opened their doors. Today, they’ve created hundreds of ales and lagers—earning a few GABF and World Beer Cup medals along the way—and now distribute their beers throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. Learn more on their website at https://oldirvingbrewing.com/ 

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email [email protected]. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod 

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: Chicago craft beer, craft beer scene, award-winning beers, West Coast Pilsner, Cinnamon Prost, Hazy IPA, Beezer IPA, Great American Beer Fest, brewing techniques, Pipeworks collaboration, BrewDog Scotland, Flossmoor Station, Home brewing, Craft beer myths, Beer trends, Moto Restaurant, brewery expansion, collaborative brewing, beer labeling, Lagers popularity, brewing science, brewing process, Omega Yeast Labs, Chicago's best beers, craft brewing success, brewing industry, culinary arts to brewing, beer production, and Chicago beer landmarks.