Rod J BeerVentures Podcast

What's happening across the beer industry, and what should beer drinkers be paying attention to? Join Rod J from Rod J BeerVentures and co-host Dave Zalatoris from Beer In Front for another edition of the Midwest Beer Show, where we catch up on the latest beer news, brewery developments, new releases, and changing trends shaping the beer world.

In this episode, we're talking about the winners of the 2026 Great American Beer Festival, including an impressive showing from Ohio breweries and Goose Island. We also discuss Summit Brewing's financial challenges and potential lifeline, Goose Island's latest Bourbon County release, changes affecting THC beverages in Illinois, Sapporo's U.S. production strategy, and what's happening with Stone Brewing's former Escondido location.

There's plenty more to discuss, including Boulevard Brewing's future direction, new seasonal releases, the growing popularity of lighter beers and lagers, and whether breweries are rushing Christmas beers onto shelves a little too early. Along the way, we're enjoying some beers of our own, including Three Floyds Zombie Dust and Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest IPA, while sharing our thoughts and catching up with the live beer community.

Whether you're interested in craft beer news, brewery business, beer festivals, or just discovering something new to drink, pull up a chair, crack open your favorite beer, and join the conversation!

🍻 Get your beer on!

Be sure to subscribe to Rod J BeerVentures on YouTube, follow Beer In Front, and check out the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast for more beer conversations, reviews, industry news, and beer education.

Find us here:

Rod J BeerVentures: https://www.rodjbeerventures.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RodJBeerVentures

Beer In Front: https://beerinfront.com/

Rod J BeerVentures Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/23AbXUhoToqaNVyos6ZxK6

Watch the original livestream: https://youtube.com/live/NjM4oDLxMvk

#MidwestBeerShow #BeerNews #CraftBeer #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront

This October 3 Midwest Beer Show brought Dave from Beer In Front and me back together to work through another busy stretch in beer.

This time the conversation centered on an industry that keeps sending mixed signals: breweries are closing, other operators are acquiring brands and expanding into former brewery spaces, nonalcoholic beer keeps growing, and breweries are still finding ways to create excitement through seasonal, barrel-aged, and collaborative releases.

We also had plenty of new beer to talk about, including major fall and specialty releases from Midwest breweries and beyond. It all raises a bigger question: is craft beer simply shrinking, or is the business changing shape around the breweries and brands that can adapt?

Listen in, then let me know where you think the beer industry is headed next.

And remember, you can also always catch the full YouTube replays or, even better yet, join us live via either YouTube channel during the live streams:

https://www.youtube.com/@RodJBeerVentures and https://www.youtube.com/@beerinfront.

The Midwest Beer Show is hosted by Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z from Beer In Front!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

Email Rod J for business inquiries or to have your story told and shared at [email protected], and find all Rod J socials at https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventure.

Cheers and Get Your Beer On!!!

This episode, Dave and I catch up over Oktoberfest beers before digging into several changes reshaping beer—from Ohio’s effort to reform brewery-distribution rules and Summit Brewing’s financial fight to Middleby winding down three major brewery-equipment brands.

We also discuss brewery succession, Lost Coast heading to auction, Triple Rock’s planned closing, Athletic Brewing adding NFL quarterbacks as owners, MadTree’s environmental work, and whether AI-personalized beer is useful innovation or unnecessary complication.

It is a wide-ranging conversation about the pressures facing breweries, the opportunities still available, and what all of it could mean for beer drinkers.

Grab a beer, settle in, and join us as we talk through the latest happenings in the beer world.

And remember, you can also always catch the full YouTube replays here at any time as well: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/0-WRlHg4YqI?feature=share⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Or even better yet, join us live via either YouTube channel during the live streams: https://www.youtube.com/@RodJBeerVentures and https://www.youtube.com/@beerinfront.

The Midwest Beer Show is hosted by Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z from Beer In Front!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

Email Rod J for all business inquiries or to have your story told and shared:

[email protected]

🚨 All Socials: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventure

In this episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast from 9/5/26, I’m sharing the podcast replay of the latest Midwest Beer Show, originally streamed live on YouTube.

I am joined once again by my co-host, Dave from Beer In Front, as we jump into the latest beer news, trends, and conversations happening across the Midwest and beyond.

From changing consumer habits to brewery challenges, style trends, taproom culture, and the ongoing evolution of craft beer, the Midwest Beer Show is always about more than just headlines. It is about looking at what these stories may mean for those of us who enjoy beer, support local breweries, and follow where the industry is headed next.

In this episode, we dive into these:

• Revolution Teaming up with Virginia Distilling
• Eight Wisconsin breweries unite for tornado-relief beer
• Aluminum tariffs continue flowing through to brewery costs
• And much, much more

Grab a beer, settle in, and join us as we talk through the latest happenings in the beer world. And remember, you can also always catch the full YouTube replays here at any time as well: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/0-WRlHg4YqI?feature=share⁠⁠⁠⁠

Or even better yet, join us live via either YouTube channel during the live streams: https://www.youtube.com/@RodJBeerVentures and https://www.youtube.com/@beerinfront.

The Midwest Beer Show is hosted by Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z from Beer In Front!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

Email Rod J for all business inquiries or to have your story told and shared:

[email protected]

🚨 All Socials: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventure

In this episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast from 8/8/26, I’m sharing the podcast replay of the latest Midwest Beer Show, originally streamed live on YouTube.

I am joined once again by my co-host, Dave from Beer In Front, as we jump into the latest beer news, trends, and conversations happening across the Midwest and beyond.

From changing consumer habits to brewery challenges, style trends, taproom culture, and the ongoing evolution of craft beer, the Midwest Beer Show is always about more than just headlines. It is about looking at what these stories may mean for those of us who enjoy beer, support local breweries, and follow where the industry is headed next.

In this episode, we dive into these:

• Budweiser using Beechwood baseball bats
• Firestone Walker Releases Third Release of the 2026 Brewmaster’s Collective: The Bridge
• Politics or Bad Ownership Leading to Possible Minocqua Shutdown?
• And much, much more

Grab a beer, settle in, and join us as we talk through the latest happenings in the beer world. And remember, you can also always catch the full YouTube replays here at any time as well: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/0-WRlHg4YqI?feature=share⁠⁠⁠

Or even better yet, join us live via either YouTube channel during the live streams: https://www.youtube.com/@RodJBeerVentures and https://www.youtube.com/@beerinfront.

The Midwest Beer Show is hosted by: Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z from Beer In Front!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

Email Rod J for all business inquiries or to have your story told and shared:

[email protected]

🚨 All Socials: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventure

In this episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast from 7/25/26, I’m sharing the podcast replay of the latest Midwest Beer Show, originally streamed live on YouTube.

I am joined once again by my co-host, Dave from Beer In Front, as we jump into the latest beer news, trends, and conversations happening across the Midwest and beyond.

From changing consumer habits to brewery challenges, style trends, taproom culture, and the ongoing evolution of craft beer, the Midwest Beer Show is always about more than just headlines. It is about looking at what these stories may mean for those of us who enjoy beer, support local breweries, and follow where the industry is headed next.

In this episode, we dive into these:

• A ranch-style cream ale as well as a corn dog beer being released
• New booze tariffs to hit Canada
• 2026 Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Releases
• U.S. Open Beer Championship Winners
• And much, much more

Grab a beer, settle in, and join us as we talk through the latest happenings in the beer world. And remember, you can also always catch the full YouTube replays here at any time as well: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/0-WRlHg4YqI?feature=share⁠⁠

Or even better yet, join us live via either YouTube channel during the live streams: https://www.youtube.com/@RodJBeerVentures and https://www.youtube.com/@beerinfront.

The Midwest Beer Show is hosted by: Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z from Beer In Front!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

Email Rod J for all business inquiries or to have your story told and shared:

[email protected]

🚨 All Socials: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventure

In this episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast from 7/2/26, I’m sharing the podcast replay of the latest Midwest Beer Show, originally streamed live on YouTube.

I am joined once again by my co-host, Dave from Beer In Front, as we jump into the latest beer news, trends, and conversations happening across the Midwest and beyond.

From changing consumer habits to brewery challenges, style trends, taproom culture, and the ongoing evolution of craft beer, the Midwest Beer Show is always about more than just headlines. It is about looking at what these stories may mean for those of us who enjoy beer, support local breweries, and follow where the industry is headed next.

In this episode, we dive into these:

• Budweiser Buying You A Beer

• Anchor Workers File for Reinstatement
• Underrated Macro Beers
• And much more...

Grab a beer, settle in, and join us as we talk through the latest happenings in the beer world.

You can also always catch the full YouTube replays here at any time: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/0-WRlHg4YqI?feature=share⁠

Hosted by: Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z from Beer In Front

Get your beer on!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

Email Rod J for all business inquiries or to have your story told and shared:

[email protected]

🚨 All Socials: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

In this episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast from 6/20/26, I’m sharing the podcast replay of the latest Midwest Beer Show, originally streamed live on YouTube.

I am joined once again by my co-host, Dave from Beer In Front, as we jump into the latest beer news, trends, and conversations happening across the Midwest and beyond.

From changing consumer habits to brewery challenges, style trends, taproom culture, and the ongoing evolution of craft beer, the Midwest Beer Show is always about more than just headlines. It is about looking at what these stories may mean for those of us who enjoy beer, support local breweries, and follow where the industry is headed next.

This episode, we dive into these:

• Scottish fans drinking Boston dry during the current World Cup chase
• Dark Lord 30th Anniversary
• Wisconsin Cheese Curd and Beer Pairings
• 12 Light Beers That Aren't Worth The Cooler Space
• And much more...

Grab a beer, settle in, and join us as we talk through the latest happenings in the beer world.

You can also always catch the full YouTube replays here at any time: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/0-WRlHg4YqI?feature=share

Hosted by: Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z from Beer In Front

Get your beer on!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

Email Rod J for all business inquiries or to have your story told and shared:

[email protected]

🚨 All Socials: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

In this episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast from 6/6/26, I’m sharing the podcast replay of the latest Midwest Beer Show, originally streamed live on YouTube.

I am joined once again by my co-host, Dave from Beer In Front, as we jump into the latest beer news, trends, and conversations happening across the Midwest and beyond. The beer world continues to shift, and this episode gave us a chance to talk through what we are seeing from breweries, taprooms, beer drinkers, and the industry overall.

From changing consumer habits to brewery challenges, style trends, taproom culture, and the ongoing evolution of craft beer, the Midwest Beer Show is always about more than just headlines. It is about looking at what these stories may mean for those of us who enjoy beer, support local breweries, and follow where the industry is headed next.

This replay brings the same casual, conversational feel of the live stream to the podcast side, so whether you missed the show live or just want to catch the discussion again while you are on the go, this episode is a great way to stay tapped into the beer conversation.

Grab a beer, settle in, and join us as we talk through the latest happenings in the beer world.

Can also watch the full YouTube replay here:⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/X-G0kkEArd8?feature=share⁠⁠⁠

Hosted by: Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures and Dave Z from Beer In Front

Get your beer on!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

To contact Rod J for business inquiries:

Email [email protected]

🚨 Key Social Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures

In this episode of the Rod J BeerVentures Podcast from 5/17/26, I’m sharing the podcast replay of the latest Midwest Beer Show, originally streamed live on YouTube.

I am joined once again by my co-host, Dave from Beer In Front, as we jump into the latest beer news, trends, and conversations happening across the Midwest and beyond. The beer world continues to shift, and this episode gave us a chance to talk through what we are seeing from breweries, taprooms, beer drinkers, and the industry overall.

From changing consumer habits to brewery challenges, style trends, taproom culture, and the ongoing evolution of craft beer, the Midwest Beer Show is always about more than just headlines. It is about looking at what these stories may mean for those of us who enjoy beer, support local breweries, and follow where the industry is headed next.

This replay brings the same casual, conversational feel of the live stream to the podcast side, so whether you missed the show live or just want to catch the discussion again while you are on the go, this episode is a great way to stay tapped into the beer conversation.

Grab a beer, settle in, and join us as we talk through the latest happenings in the beer world.

Can also watch the full YouTube replay here:
https://youtube.com/live/X-G0kkEArd8?feature=share

Hosted by: Rod J of Rod J BeerVentures
Co-host: Dave from Beer In Front

Get your beer on!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #MidwestBeerShow #RodJBeerVentures #BeerInFront #BeerNews #BeerCommunity

To contact Rod J for business inquiries:

Email [email protected]

🚨 Key Social Links: https://linktr.ee/rodjbeerventures