Kuumba "Smitty" Smith of Smittox Brewing joins us to discuss Black Eyed Peas' 1998 debut album, Behind the Front. Smitty also shares about his collaborations currently at Oak Cliff Brewing, Balanced Rock Brewing, and False Idol as we prepare for his brewery's grand opening.

In our Tasting Notes segment, Collin Zreet discusses flavors and pairings from three stouts - oatmeal, foriegn extra, and tropical. Be sure to get your tickets for Zreet's craft beer and craft chocolate pairing at Central Market on July 8, 2025.

Tony comes with a new Top Five segment listing his favorite Biggie guest verses in celebration of what would've been The Notorious One's 53rd birthday. Plus, Collin Zreet provides food pairing suggestions for American Stout beers.

Additional notes from the show:

Jazzanova - In Between Live

Mariah Carey celebrating 20 years of The Emancipation of Mimi

Vicki Sometani & MAX RAD

Jeff is a Certified Cicerone based in the Dallas area, a hip-hop fan, and he's one of our "day one" supporters. On episode 223, he shares his experience with coffee classes from White Rock Coffee, and we discuss the sensory comparisons between beer and coffee. In this week's Tasting Notes segment, Collin Zreet shares delicious foods you can pair with American Porter beers. Additional conversation notes include:

Big Cuppa

Bentonville Brewing

Eiland Coffee Roasters

Black Milk and Fat Ray

Bamily

A Tribe Called Quest

And finally, shout out to LaTreace Harris, The Beery Godmother, for the opening tag.

On episode #222 of Modern Brews + Beats, our special guest is B. Bass, CCO and Co-Founder of BVP Coffee Co. Find how this Texas A&M and Howard University alum is making a difference for HBCU students one bag of beans at a time. Plus, Collin Zreet joins us to talk about pairing notes for California Common beers.

New York-based jazz bassist, band leader, and educator Alex Tremblay joins us for episode 221. We discuss (and hear selections from) his latest recording, People and Places on La Reserve Records. Plus, Collin Zreet brings pairing suggestions for American Brown ales.

Tony brings a Late-Ass Album Review segment on Gil-Scott Heron's 1981 album, Reflections. Also, Jerry talks about his experience at Little Beer V in Duluth, GA, and Collin Zreet talks food pairing with American Amber Ale.

We did have some garbles in the show due to connection issues. We tried to remove as much of that as possible and apologize for any interruption in your audio experience.

Additional discussion notes

Yukimi - For You

Jack J - Opening the Door

Smokin' George from Bluejacket (actually 6% abv)

All About Beer

Butcher Brown - Letters From the Atlantic

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - IC 02 Bogota

This audio tour from Kansas City, Missouri's Vine Street Brewing was originally shared with our Patreon audience last year. We decided to share here on the main feed for two reasons. One, our recent experience with Autonomous Society Brewpub's Saturday Night Spin honoring Phife Dawg was a blast. We brewed a small batch just for the event that the crowd really enjoyed. Also, we wanted to interest you in supporting what we do at Patreon. Enjoy the audio tour, Sounds Around Hip Hops Hooray.  Special thanks to Jeff and Greg for their support, Vine Street Brewing, Funkytown Brewing, Friction Brewing, Red Crow Brewing, and all who attended and shared on the podcast. 

This week KooTonyD takes the interviewer seat to speak with Mike Williams of Wild Revival Craft Cocktails in Denton, TX. Mike shares how he and business partner Andrew Martin developed the concept of Wild Revival and what makes them unique in the Dallas / Ft. Worth bev-alc scene. Listen to find out where you can grab some cans locally as well as their distribution spots outside of Texas.

For this episode's Tasting Notes segment with Collin Zreet, you'll get some great pairing suggestions for American Pale Ale beers.

Additional conversation notes:

Union Bear Brewing Company - Denton

Alulu Brewpub

Moor's Brewing Company

Run the Jewels

DJ Shadow

De La Soul

Cozy Cole G

Quiktastic

Bass Angels

Episode 217 takes us to Autonomous Society Brewpub in the historic Cedars neighborhood of Downtown Dallas. Jerry speaks with Assistant Brewer / Bartender / all-around-handy man Tom Graybael, and cellarman / marketing assistant Preston Grigsby.

Along with learning how they connected with brewpub owner and founder, Dean Weaver, we discuss the inspiration behind our draft-only IPA collaboration release for this month's Saturday Night Spin vinyl night on March 22.

Plus, learn what foods pair best with American Blonde Ale in our Tasting Notes section with Advanced Cicerone Collin Zreet.

Additional conversations include these links:

Houndmouth

Chatpile

Delvon Lamarr Trio

The station Preston references is Boom 94.5 FM (2014-2017)

Conversations 1 and 2 with Jim Waskow of Craft Beer Cellar

In 2021, Jerry and Tony were featured on Joel Geier's podcast, Brewery Travels. Now, we're interviewing Joel about his new book, Flights Across America: A Brewery Lover's Journey. Plus, Collin Zreet joins us for the Tasting Notes segment on the style, cream ale. Additional show links.

Live Oak Brewing

False Idol Brewing

Point Remove Brewing

2025 Texas Craft Brewers Cup Winners

Durand Bernarr BLOOM

Michael Kiwanuka Small Changes