Brewers tend to get excited when Jeff Bagby is around. As one of the most awarded brewers in the country and a staunch voice for classic styles and  well balanced beers, he extolls pleasures of creating lagers and ales that lend to a good time. 

After a career that saw him on the brew decks of noted breweries like Stone and Pizza Port, where he was the director of brewing operations, he and his wife opened up Bagby Beer Co. in 2014 in a 8,500 square foot location that is not only home to the brewery but a restaurant, with plenty of areas suited for both meals and long evenings tucked into pints. 

In an interview years ago said that when the brewery opened it didn’t even have an IPA on tap, focusing instead on lagers and other ales. Hoppy beers have come into the mix, but he’s still focused on session beers, drinkability, and keeping traditions alive. 

As he explains on this episode the pandemic has been brutal to the business. There’s no sugar coating it. From government restrictions and unfulfilled promises, to customer interactions, staffing shortages, rising costs of labor and goods, and the day-to-day worry that comes from owning a small business, he’s been knocked around. A lot. 

Bagby walks us through it all and doesn't hold back. 

This Episode is sponsored by:

Stomp Stickers
Stomp Stickers is a proud member of the Brewers Association that produces a wide variety of printed brewery products such as beer labels, keg collars, coasters, beer boxes and much more. Stomp’s website features an easy-to-use design tool, low quantity orders, fast turn times, and free domestic shipping. Visit StompStickers.com and use code CRAFTBEER15 for 15% off your first order.

NZ Hops
NZ Hops, the co-operative of Master Hop Growers are a passionate collective of farms dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Leading the charge in sustainable farm practices, some NZ Hops farms have over five generations of knowledge that inform their composting program, used by growers to promote healthy regenerative growth of hops year upon year. This creates high quality soil, a critical component of healthy growing conditions. At NZ Hops, they feel that sustainability is not only being a steward for the land, but for our future.

Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic Brewing Company’s innovative process allows them to brew great-tasting

craft beer without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts to golden ales and more, they offer a full selection of beers starting at only 50 calories. Now you can keep your head clear and enjoy the refreshing taste of beer anytime, anywhere. Place an order today at

athleticbrewing.com and get free shipping on two six packs or more. New customers

can also get 10% off their entire order with code BeerEdge10. Limit one per customer.

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• Host: John Holl
• Guest: Jeff Bagby
• Sponsors:   NZ Hops, Stomp Stickers Athletic Brewing, and The Beer Edge
• Tags: Beer, Lager, Labor, California, Festivals, COVID-19