The Beer Hour with Johnathan Wakefield

It's man's best friends on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Jay Jones, co-founder and Head Brewer of Woven Water Brewing Co., telling us all about the Tampa brewing scene and how they create beers that are three different colors!  Plus, how did the pandemic affect them, and how difficult would it be to start a brewery today?

Then Dee Hoult of Magic City K9 joins the show to discuss her amazing work providing incarcerated individuals the chance to train dogs for adoption from shelters.   Teaching an important professional skill that can be used when reentering society, we'll hear all about their story plus learn about some amazing pups! 

We're going from homebrew to Peru on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Weathered Souls Brewing's Co-Owner and Head Brewer Marcus Baskerville about getting his start with home brewing, his Black is Beautiful project, and what's on the horizon for the brewery.   
Then we chat with Itamae's renowned chef and owner Valerie Chang Cumpa about their Peruvian inspired dishes, the family history in restaurants, and the work ethic that drives her. What's led to the success of their multiple restaurants, and how does sofrito differ by country? Listen in!

We're going worldwide on The Beer Hour this week! Voli 305 Vodka CEO and Co-founder Priscilla Perez joins the show to share her story of growing the brand with Armando C. Perez, better known as Pitbull. She gives her insights on how to persevere in a tough industry and knock on every door, and what makes a great vodka. Plus, Johnathan and Maria take a taste test of different vodkas! 

We're getting ready for summer on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Veterans United Craft Brewery Founder Ron Gamble about his journey as a veteran and the important work the brewery is doing in hiring military veterans.  Ron shares what makes Jacksonville special, and why great fundamentals are the key to making great beer.

Then Drinking Pig BBQ founder Raheem Sealey shares his story of starting a small-scale barbecue spot during the pandemic, and the amazing growth and success they've seen since then. Plus, how should you grill this memorial day weekend? Listen in and find out!

We're getting nano on The Beer Hour this week! First up Off Site Nano Brewery & Kitchen's Adam Darnell joins the show to talk opening a combo restaurant and brewery during the pandemic, and just what makes their chicken sandwiches "Super Good".  Plus, what types of beers are starting to come back into style after the dominance of hazy IPAs? 

Then Beverage Director and Partner at the Neighborhood Restaurant Group Greg Engert joins to take us through the history of the organization, what it means for restaurants in various cities to work together, and where it might go in the future. 

We're headed to the beach on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Brooke and Mike Malone of Walking Tree Brewery to hear all about their unique Vero Beach location, how they got their start, and what it was like to win a gold medal for their brew.  

Then 'Heal For Us' founder Nedal Ahmad joins the show to discuss the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month, his own journey with mental health and ways to stay social and active during tough times.  Whether it's in the restaurant business or on the kickball field, community and support are important towards taking care of yourself. 

It's a beneficial Benedictine Beer Hour this week! We speak with Father Martin Grassel of Benedictine Brewery, housed in Mount Angel Abbey and owned and operated by monks. We'll get a lesson in the history of beer, what it means to be a monk, and what makes Belgian beer so delicious. What's it like working in an abbey? And how does the surrounding landscape and climate influence the brewing? Listen in! 

It's pies, gaming, brews and more on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got Davy and Jaime Martin from Orchestrated Minds Brewing to talk the history of their Florida brewery and the commitment it took to switch careers and become a brewer.  

Then Fookem's Fabulous Key Lime Pie owner Josh Abril discusses selling pies from a bicycle, the prospect of expanding into brick and mortar stores, and just what makes a perfect pie.  What goes well with guava? And when should you use fresh fruit versus extract? Listen in and find out!

Get your dye ready for The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll speak with Horus Aged Ales founder Kyle Harrop about what it's like to work as a dual accountant-brewer, and what drew him to Oceanside, California.  How is the trend towards taprooms changing the industry? And how does climate play a part in the success of a brewery?
Then we'll get ready for Easter with Lorin Borba, Director of Insights at Signature Brands, the company behind PAAS dyed Easter Eggs! Find out the fun history of this Easter tradition, and the inventive ways PAAS is eggsperimenting for the future. From volcano eggs to growing crystals, you'll be all set for Easter morning. 

It's all about community on The Beer Hour this week! First up Schilling Beer Co.'s John Lenzini and Jeff Cozzens join the show to discuss brewing in Germany, current beer trends and how they aim to contribute to all of Littleton, New Hampshire by the Ammonoosuc River.  Find out how pilsners and lagers can be so important to the community of a small town!
Then the Florida Brewers Guild's Executive Director Sean Nordquist briefs us on the important legislation paving the way for more convenient business for brewers in the state, and some of the roadblocks they face.