The BrewsLine Roadshow: Tasting America’s Craft Breweries

Jason Watson, Founder and Partner  started brewing beer as a hobby, and eventually his home brews become so popular locally that he was persuaded to turn his hobby into a business. Pax Verum Brewing was launched in 2018.  The brewery is located in Lapel, Indiana, a small town with only one stop light.  Jason and his team wanted the brewery to have a distinct and unique vibe that people would seek out as a destination.  Eight years later Pax Verum has become both a local treasure and a nationally known destination. With a beer menu that is known for constantly changing and experimental beers, teamed up with unique events and entertainment, Pax Verum appeals to the Way Out spirit in all of us. Cheers to creativity and staying young at heart!  Learn more at paxverum.com.

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with nearly 700 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free TagaBrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

In our third episode of our Spring 2026 Las Vegas Beer Trip I sat down with Scott Seal, Co -Owner of Modest Brewing Company. Located in the Arts District of Las Vegas,  Modest opened in January 2026. Scott and I  discussed the newest edition to the Las Vegas Beer scene.  Scott outlined Modest's philosophy to brewing simple classic beers that match the market's demand for drinkable lower ABV beers with plenty of flavor. I sampled Southern Nevada An homage to an American classic which was the start of many drinkers craft beer journey. Learn more about Modest Brewing at modestbrewco.com

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with nearly 700 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free TagaBrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

This episode of the Roadshow features an interview with Wyndee Forrest co-owner of Crafthaus, located in Henderson, Nevada. Wyndee and her husband, Dave, got their inspiration from their travels in Europe. Faced with some local legal hurdles to opening, Wyndee became a lobbyist for the city and successfully changed the licensing laws, making it easier for independent breweries to open in the area. Opening in 2014, they are proud to offer the official beer of UNLV. We discuss their journey in opening the brewery and their flagship beers, including their award-winning Czech pilsner called "Czech, Please!" which I had the pleasure of enjoying!  We also talked about the Vegas you don't know, Brewers Row located  in the Arts District.

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with nearly 700 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free Tagabrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

The Beer Zombie brand was created in 2013 as an Instagram page focused on beer. The owner, Chris Jacobs, has a background in art and design. He trademarked the Beer Zombies logo and began selling merchandise, and in 2020, Beer Zombies Brewing was launched.  We discuss the brewery's origins, unique beers, and the challenges of running a small brewery and the growing craft beer scene in Las Vegas.  With large scale distribution and Chris's busy mind, you can expect Beer Zombies to keep the dead alive!

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with nearly 700 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free Tagabrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

Join me in my conversation with Erik Pizer of Flipside Brewing located in Tinley Park, IL in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.  Erik shares his story of closing an opening a brewery in the same location and the importance of having family and community support in making a small brewery successful. 

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with over 650 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free Tagabrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

In this episode I sat down with fellow Northern Illinois University alum Ike Orcutt, Owner and Brewer at Buckle Down Brewing. After sharing our mutual joy of NIU's moment of football fame, beating Notre Dame to start the 2024 season, we got down to beer business. Ike's first order of business was to stress the importance of a solid business partner. In this case, his wife Michelle co-owner of Buckle Down.  We discussed  being nimble in the brewery business and Buckle Down's transition from primarily focusing on distribution to becoming a great community gathering spot.  Join us as we learn more about the Buckle Down's 13 years and what the future holds. To learn more see buckledownbrewing.com

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with over 650 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free Tagabrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

 Tarpon River Brewing Company is a brewery located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The name comes from the Tarpon River, a popular fishing spot in the area. The owner,  Adam Fine, has been in the beer business for almost 30 years and has a history of brewing, distributing, and promoting craft beer throughout Florida, where he became known as the "Beer Pimp". The brewery restaurant hosts community-driven events and is well-connected with local businesses. The atmosphere is family-friendly and dog-friendly. Tarpon River Brewing's founder talks about starting the brewery,  the dedication it takes to deliver every day for his guests, and the unique techniques and ingredients they use when brewing,  Finally, I get a taste of  Honey Love, a unique 9.5 ABV Imperial Cream Ale.

Learn More at tarponriverbrewing .com

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with over 650 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free Tagabrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

Riverlands Brewing Company is a story that captures everything that we love about not only beer, but life. I met Head Brewer and co- founder Eric Bramwell and Taproom Manager Jeremy Teel. The brewey is located in St. Charles, Illinois, is just a couple miles from the Fox River about 45 miles west of Chicago Riverlands goes beyond being a great place to have a fresh craft beer hosting unique events from turtle races to knitting clubs.  In a family friendly environment with a great outdoor beer garden Jeremy and his team make all who enter feel at home. With a focus on supporting the local community and making great beer, Riverlands Brewing Company has become a great new addition to the TagaBrew Illinois Trail. To learn more listen in and visit riverlandsbrewing.com

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with over 650 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free Tagabrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

First Flight Brewery in Key West Florida, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it was the PanAm Airlines ticket office hosting the first passenger flight outside the U.S.  In this episode, we meet Andrew, brewmaster, and Damien, owner, of First Flight. They share the story of how they came to open the brewery in this popular tourist destination. Formerly a restaurant owned by actress Kelly McGillis, of Top Gun fame, it opened as First Flight in 2017. The brewery produces a wide range of popular beers, has a chill outdoor beer garden, and a great selection of island dishes. First Flight is the southernmost brewery in the continental United States.  During my visit, I also tasted two popular beers, the Maverick IPA and the Oreo Cookie Stout and sampled some great local seafood. To learn more visit firstflightkw.com

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with over 650 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free Tagabrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected] 

On a cold Sunday in December your host visited Chubby Mermaid Brewing Company in Southwest Florida  Chubby Mermaid was started by Gary after he retired from the military. He quickly recruited Josh. Originally from opposite coasts, the two met through an online brewing club called BrewTubers, visit brewtubers.com.  We discussed their business, its growth, and the challenges they've faced in their first 13 months of operation. The guys also talked about their commitment to the Bonita Springs community and their initiatives to bring in new patrons. We shared some of their flagship beers and chatted about the importance of finding the right team members. We finished our discussion with a round of "gluten or no gluten", where your host tried to intentify which beers contained gluten and which did not. (Spoiler alert : I failed because they all tasted great!). To learn more visit chubbymermaidbrewing.com

The BrewsLine Roadshow is presented by TagaBrew USA, the nation's largest craft brewery trail with over 650 participating breweries. TagaBrew is a copper memory tag & brewery specific charm you collect from each brewery you visit on the trail. Check out brewsline.com/tagabrew or download the free Tagabrew mobile app on Apple or Android and start your craft brew journey today!  

If you have an idea for a brewery to be featured on the show email me at [email protected]