Hop In, We're Drinking!

Home brewing gets a lot more fun when you stop treating it like a hobby and start treating it like a craft. Nick Sharkey of Sharkey Rd Brewing shares how a disastrous first attempt nearly turned him off brewing, why kegging felt intimidating at first, and how he built a resourceful setup for brewing through Australia’s heat.From a burned-in propane-burner mishap in Calgary to an electric three-vessel system in Victoria, Nick talks through the lessons that come from making mistakes, fixing them, and brewing again. Along the way, he and Joe discuss home-brew equipment, fermentation, kegging, and how to get more out of each batch.In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why a New England IPA can be a challenging first brew
• Using a simple fridge as a fermentation chamber
• The transition from bottling to kegging
• How preheating a mash tun can affect brewing efficiency
• Nick’s love of New Zealand hops and experimenting with new varieties
• Why brewing a clean lager can be a satisfying test of your process

Nick also shares what’s on tap, the story behind the Sharky Rd Brewing name, and what keeps him coming back to the hobby: creating recipes, learning from every brew, and enjoying something he made himself. Plus, Joe and Nick weigh in on unusual beer ingredients and the welcoming home-brewing community. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your setup, this conversation is full of practical lessons, good stories, and encouragement to keep brewing.

The beer world is changing, and behind every brewery or supplier closure are people and communities who care deeply about beer. In this episode, we sit down with Josh from Trose Brewing to talk about how a simple homebrew kit sparked his journey, the lessons behind brewing better beer, and why encouragement matters for keeping the hobby alive. From brewing experiments and wild fermentation stories to the importance of sharing knowledge, this conversation is a toast to the people who make homebrewing special.

🍻Listen to the full episode and show some love to your local homebrewers!

Beer nerds, homebrewers, and anyone who loves a good side quest in a glass—this one’s for you. Nick and Joe sit down with Demetri from Dim Brewing for a loose, funny, and surprisingly useful conversation about how a college curiosity turned into a full-blown brewing obsession.Demetri shares how a visit to Fieldwork opened up a whole new world of beer, how a professor connected him with a brewing mentor and starter equipment, and why his first five-gallon pale ale got him hooked. From there, the conversation explores the practical upgrades that make homebrewing easier—from temperature control and kegerators to better bottling and fermentation setups.You’ll also hear why finding a mentor can help new brewers, how BJCP training can sharpen your palate, and why sanitation and avoiding oxidation matter so much. Plus: Kolsch, favorite hops, underrated dark lagers, pickle beer, saffron in a blonde ale, and the joy of sharing a brew with friends.It’s a conversation about brewing as both art and science—and about the community, creativity, and good company that make the hobby special.

Join Nick and Joe as they welcome DJ from Tunes Brewing, diving deep into the world of home brewing and what it takes to transform from a novice to a confident brewer. DJ recounts his journey from a casual beer drinker to a passionate homebrewer, inspired by his father’s dream of brewing beer. You’ll discover the pivotal moment that sparked DJ’s interest, the challenges he faced, and how he overcame them to create his own unique brews.

You’ll also hear about the transition from extract kits to all-grain brewing, the importance of experimentation, and the satisfaction that comes from sharing your creations with friends. DJ shares practical tips on how to get started, the best equipment to invest in, and the community of brewers that can support you along the way.

Why does this matter? Brewing your own beer isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the journey, the creativity, and the connections you make. For anyone looking to break into the brewing world or simply enjoy a good laugh, this episode is essential listening.

So grab your favorite pint, sit back, and immerse yourself in the stories and insights that will inspire you to either brew your own beer or simply appreciate the craft a little more. Perfect for aspiring home brewers and beer lovers alike!

Imagine perfecting a homebrew only to serve it to friends who absolutely hate it. This episode dives into that fear and the resilience of brewers who refuse to give up. Nick and Joe are joined by Jose, the mastermind behind Momias Brewing, who transformed his passion for homebrewing into a thriving professional venture.

You'll discover how Jose navigated the ups and downs of brewing, starting from a disastrous extract beer to crafting unique flavors that honor his Mexican heritage. He shares insights into the art of brewing, including the use of unexpected ingredients like Mazapan candy in his stouts, and the challenges of creating standout beers in a crowded market.

We break down the importance of branding, as Jose explains the story behind his brewery's name and logo, inspired by the mummies of Guanajuato, Mexico. Learn about the creative process behind his eye-catching can designs that reflect both his roots and his love for all things spooky.

This conversation is not just for fellow brewers; it's for anyone who's ever faced rejection and thought about quitting. Jose's journey serves as a testament to perseverance and creativity in the face of adversity. Don't miss this chance to gain invaluable insights from a brewer who is pushing the boundaries of flavor and tradition.

Perfect for aspiring brewers and craft beer enthusiasts alike, this episode will leave you inspired to pursue your passions, no matter the challenges you face. Tune in and raise a glass to creativity and resilience in brewing!

Jose is the founder of Momias Brewing, known for his innovative takes on traditional styles and commitment to quality.

Ever wondered what keeps a homebrewer passionate for over 30 years? In this episode, Joe speaks with the seasoned homebrewer Wheatie Jen from Vonderwell Craft Brewing, who shares her journey from a humble brewing kit to crafting award-winning beers. Whether you’re a novice looking to start your brewing adventure or a seasoned pro seeking to refine your craft, this conversation is packed with insights that will inspire you to elevate your brewing game.

Join us as Wheatie Jen recounts her first brewing experiences back in 1995, highlighting how the evolution of homebrewing has transformed her hobby into an art form. You’ll discover:

• The importance of quality ingredients and how the availability of hops and grains has changed over the years.
• Practical tips for avoiding common brewing disasters and the lessons learned from them.
• How modern resources, from YouTube channels to social media, have revolutionized the homebrewing community, making it easier than ever to succeed.

Jen also shares her secrets behind brewing styles like English IPAs and the role of fermentation temperatures in enhancing flavor profiles. This episode emphasizes the thrill of experimentation—a testament to why homebrewing remains the greatest hobby in the world.

Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from someone who’s not only witnessed the transformation of homebrewing but has also thrived in it. Perfect for aspiring brewers and beer enthusiasts alike, this episode is essential listening for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of craft beer. Tune in and raise a glass to the art of homebrewing!

Forget everything you thought you knew about home brewing! In this episode, Nick, Joe, and special guest Sam of Hanging Hat Brewing share captivating stories and insights that will transform your brewing journey. Ever heard of a German woman who turned to selling drugs to get back at her cheating husband? Buckle up as Nick kicks off the episode with a wild, real-life tale that sets the tone for a conversation filled with laughter, authenticity, and unexpected life lessons.

Join Sam as he dives into the origins of Hanging Hat Brewing, a name that embodies the spirit of relaxation and creativity after a long day. He shares how he transitioned from a high-stress tech career to crafting his own beers, emphasizing the joy of letting go of rules and embracing the freedom of home brewing. You'll discover the importance of finding your own unique brewing style and how creativity can flourish in an unstructured environment.

You’ll also learn:

- The backstory behind Sam's first brewing experience and how it shaped his passion for craft beer.

- Essential tips for new home brewers to avoid common pitfalls and enhance their brewing skills.

- Why the brewing community is more than just a hobby—it's a lifestyle that fosters connection and creativity.

The stakes are high if you’re looking to brew your own beer: miss out on the fun and camaraderie that comes with home brewing and risk sticking to the mundane. This episode opens the door to a vibrant world where creativity meets tradition, and where every brew tells a story.

Perfect for aspiring brewers and experienced enthusiasts alike, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who craves inspiration and a good laugh. Tune in for a delightful blend of humor, wisdom, and the occasional wild story that will leave you eager to grab your brewing kit and start experimenting!

Are you intimidated by the idea of decoction mashing? Join Nick and Joe as they break down the complexities of this brewing technique with special guest Philip from Kingston Abbey Brewing. Discover how this method can elevate your home brewing game and why it’s worth the extra effort.

In this episode, we kick off with a light-hearted chat about Nick's recent trip to Nag's Head, where he enjoyed some of the best local breweries. But the real treat comes when Philip shares his expertise on decoction mashing—a technique that many home brewers shy away from. You’ll learn the step-by-step process of a decoction mash, how it can enhance the flavor profiles of your beers, and why it’s particularly beneficial for brewing traditional Czech lagers.

You’ll discover:

- The specific steps involved in a decoction mash and how to execute them without fear.

- The surprising efficiency gains you can achieve by brewing smaller batches.

- Why certain beer styles, like Czech pale lagers, benefit significantly from this method.

- Tips from Philip on how to make decoction mashing accessible and manageable, even for beginners.

- Personal anecdotes that highlight the community aspect of brewing and the joy of sharing your craft with friends.

Not knowing how to master decoction mashing can lead to missed opportunities for enhancing the depth of your beers. This episode opens up new avenues for flavor development that could set your brews apart in a crowded market.

Perfect for home brewers looking to refine their skills or anyone curious about the intricacies of beer making, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will inspire your next brewing session. Tune in now and transform your brewing practice!

Discover the compelling journey of homebrewing with David from Students Brewing as he shares the unique story behind his craft. This episode dives deep into the heart of brewing, revealing how a simple grad school hobby transformed into a decade-long passion. Learn why brewing is not just about the beer but the connections it fosters and the creativity it inspires.

Join hosts Nick and Joe as they welcome David, who recounts his first brew—a Cascadian Dark Ale that strayed into Imperial Stout territory—and the lessons learned along the way. You’ll discover:

- The surprising connections between brewing and complex statistical methods, as David explains the inspiration behind the name "Students Brewing."

- The debate between extract and all-grain brewing, where David shares his thoughts on the evolving quality of extract kits and how they can produce world-class beers.

- Insights on the importance of homebrew clubs and community in honing your craft and pushing your brewing boundaries.

Why does this matter? The brewing community is rich with camaraderie, innovation, and shared experiences. Failing to tap into this supportive network could mean missing out on invaluable knowledge and inspiration that could elevate your brewing game.

With an engaging mix of anecdotes, practical advice, and a few laughs, this episode is perfect for both seasoned brewers and those just starting their homebrewing journey. Join us for a toast with David’s favorite IPA and unlock the secrets of successful homebrewing.

What if the fastest way to better beer is to stop overcomplicating it? In this roundtable, Nick, Joe, Ben from Reanimation Brewing, Adam from One Floor Below Brewing, and Josh from Trose Brewing pull back the curtain on the real decisions that shape great homebrew - from brew-in-a-bag vs. false bottoms to pressure fermentation, AI-assisted recipe design, and why a “cheat code” yeast like Kveik is changing what’s possible. The conversation starts with a simple question and quickly turns into a full-on gear, process, and philosophy session. Josh explains why brew-in-a-bag made all-grain brewing easier to enter, Ben breaks down how he built a hazy that won medals with a last-minute Kveik batch, Adam talks through his purpose-built setup and why he still reaches for the simplest solution that works, and Nick and Joe weigh how much of brewing is technique versus just knowing your system. You’ll discover:

• Why brew-in-a-bag can be a game changer for new all-grain brewers
• How pressure fermentation, spunding, and closed transfers change the hazy IPA game
• Why AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Beer Builder are already helping brewers calculate water chemistry, hop usage, and recipe structure
• How Beersmith, Tilt data, and cloud logging turn brew days into trackable experiments
• Why Kveik yeast keeps coming up as a shortcut to fast, flavorful beer
• What actually matters more than equipment: sanitation, consistency, and repeatability

But this episode goes beyond process. The crew also gets honest about what’s hurting homebrewing right now - rising costs, shrinking shop access, gatekeeping in clubs, the shift to seltzers and canned cocktails, and a new generation that socializes differently than the one that built the hobby. They dig into why some clubs turn people away, why younger brewers may not see homebrewing as approachable, and what the community can do to make the hobby feel welcoming again. If you care about brewing better beer, building smarter systems, or keeping the homebrew community alive, this one is packed with useful ideas, hard-earned opinions, and a few unforgettable flexes along the way. Perfect for homebrewers, gear nerds, and anyone who wants the real story behind what keeps the hobby going.