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The DC Beer Show episodes

October 22Award-winning Eden Town Brewing in Denton, Maryland
EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publish

Maryland's newest brewery just proved it can beat the best in the country. Matt Dahl of Eden Town Brewing reveals how a first-year taproom in Denton turned a tiny Eastern Shore town into a destination, why an American lager and a Citra-packed hazy IPA became instant favorites, and how a carefully entered goza helped bring home hardware from the biggest beer competitions.

Jake, Mike, and Jordan dig into the real story behind Eden Town's fast rise, from serving a community that once asked only for something "like Mich Ultra" to winning people over with beer that expands what local drinkers think craft can be. Matt shares what it takes to build a brewery in Caroline County's first and only taproom, how he and brewer Don learned from a bad competition entry, and why packaging, category selection, and style definitions matter more than most drinkers realize.

You'll discover:
Why Eden Town's American Corner lager became the taproom's best seller
How Low Viz evolved into a shelf-stable, all-Citra hazy IPA with pineapple-forward notes
What went wrong with their first World Beer Cup submission and what they changed for GABF
Why fruit-forward gozas keep showing up on medal boards
How self-distribution works when your market radius is only about 30 minutes
Why taproom sales, festivals, and smart collaborations can matter more than broad distro early on

Matt also opens up about the economics of small-batch brewing in a rural market, the tension between staying local and getting your name out, and what's next for Eden Town as the brewery approaches its one-year anniversary.

Barrel-aged saison in white wine barrels, bourbon-barrel stout, and a November pour alongside Other Half at The Wildset in St. Michaels all point to a brewery with momentum.

If you care about craft beer, brewery growth, competition strategy, or just want to hear how a small Eastern Shore operation is punching above its weight, this episode is essential listening. It's especially for anyone who loves hearing how smart beer, local roots, and a little medal-worthy precision can change the game.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to the show and what everyone is drinking
01:29 - Introducing Matt Dahl, owner of Eden Town Brewing
02:39 - Opening in Denton, Maryland, and being first in Caroline County
04:50 - Building a craft beer audience in a small county
06:19 - Best sellers in the taproom: American Corner and Low Viz
07:46 - How Low Viz was built with Citra hops
08:41 - Matt’s personal go-to beers: hazy IPA, Irish stout, hazy pale ale
09:36 - Why Eden Town entered beer competitions so early
11:15 - Choosing the right style category for Tiki Pontoon
12:05 - Learning from a wrong category entry on Lady Caroline
13:07 - Why competition entries still matter despite the fees
14:07 - Why fruit-forward contemporary gose stands out
14:37 - The beer style and packaging strategy behind competition submissions
16:09 - Shipping beer to Colorado for judging
17:29 - What recent medal counts say about the region
18:53 - First-year barrel expectations and production volume
20:17 - Current self-distribution plans and future possibilities
24:54 - Why many breweries treat distribution as marketing, not margin
26:58 - Interest in collaborations and possible Bay Viz ideas
28:40 - Festival etiquette and why pretzel necklaces do not belong in porta-potties
31:06 - Eden Town’s first anniversary beers and December celebration
32:26 - Upcoming event at The Wildset in St. Michaels
34:08 - DC Beer event rundown, upcoming festivals, and November plans
37 min
October 08Snallygaster Podcast Stage Preview
Snallygaster is about to turn Pennsylvania Avenue into a beer nerd’s dream, and this preview of DC Beer's festival panels gives you the map to the beers, brewers, and rare pours worth chasing.

If you care about hops, smoked lagers, Eastern European oddities, or what’s actually exciting in craft beer right now, this is your playbook. Jake, Jordan, Brandy, Mike, and Richard break down what they’re most excited to taste at the 14th year of one of DC’s biggest beer weekends. The conversation moves fast through panel lineups, festival strategy, and the kind of out-of-market bottles and cans that only show up when the whole beer world descends on the city.

You’ll hear:
Brandy’s panel lineup, including Em Solder from Pints and Panels, Sebastian Sauer of Freigeist, and Daryl Pouller of Brainstorm
Jake’s deep cut Eastern European focus, from Lithuanian brewer Linas of Dumu to Ruslan from Siberia in the Czech Republic, and Scott from Alternate Ending
Jordan’s hop-forward panel, with Foam and Ocelot in the mix and a tease of surprise guests
Mike Stein’s Denver recon mission, including the broader history of hop harvest, GABF buzz, and why breweries like Live Oak, Firestone Walker, and Von Trapp matter
Richard’s wish list of smoked beers, European imports, Henceforth, Human Robot, and Dovetail
Other panels at Snallygaster led by Josh Chapman and Andy MacWilliams.

There’s also a fascinating snapshot of where beer is headed right now: The newer Kiwi hops, Citra showing up in an eye-popping share of festival beers, and the ever-changing conversation around vanilla, adjuncts, mixed fermentation, and modern IPA culture. Add in Chris Bonnell’s live illustration, a 1940s sci-fi-inspired Snally aesthetic, and a post-festival beer share at Right Proper, and you’ve got an episode that feels like the official pregame for the whole weekend.

Perfect for anyone attending Snallygaster, following DC beer culture, or just wanting to know which beers are worth the hype before the festival crowd arrives. Come for the panel previews, stay for the hop nerdery, brewery gossip, and the promise of a very full suitcase on the way home.
23 min
September 24 Snallygaster 2026!
Snallygaster 2026 is bigger, smarter, and more joyful than ever - and Greg Engert reveals exactly why beer fans should not miss it

The East Coast's biggest beer festival is back, and this year Snallygaster isn't just bigger - it's better planned, more diverse, and packed with the kind of rare pours, music, and DC energy that turns a beer event into a full-day experience.

Greg Engert breaks down what makes the 14th year so special, from the 170 to 175 hand-selected brewers to the new layout tweaks designed to improve flow, shade, seating, and the all-important ability to keep the lines moving.

You'll hear why Snallygaster's reputation keeps growing with serious beer nerds and first-timers alike: rotating in 50 new breweries every year, balancing local, national, and international talent, and dropping the beer list only days before the festival to let the anticipation build. Greg also teases this year's standouts, including first-time arrivals like Horus, returning favorites like The Test, and the kind of hard-to-find brews that make people plan their entire day around a few coveted stops.

Brandy, Jake, and Mike dig into the festival's culture too - the laminated power rankings, the podcast stage, the family-friendly atmosphere, the sensible-shoes survival strategy, and the way Snally has evolved from parking-lot beginnings to a full Pennsylvania Avenue takeover. Greg shares what it means to host thousands of people in a space that feels like a citywide celebration, and why the crowd's joy makes the years of behind-the-scenes work worth it.

We also get the bigger story behind the festival: Snallygaster is a fundraiser for the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, the nonprofit that supports mobile markets, food education, and veteran farming programs. Every ticket helps power that mission, so the party comes with real impact.

And then there's the music.

With Trouble Funk headlining and 2026 marking the 50th anniversary of Go-Go in DC, this year's festival leans into its roots in a way that feels both historic and perfectly on brand. Add in new festival beers like Snally Weekend and Snally Cats, and you have an episode that will get you planning your weekend before it even ends.

Perfect for beer lovers, festival regulars, DC locals, and anyone who wants the inside track on one of the most unique beer events in the country. If Snallygaster is on your calendar, this is the preview you need.
46 min
September 10Jack Snyder's on the Farm at Wheatland Spring
In this episode of the DC Beer Show, the crew welcomes Jack Snyder of Wheatland Spring for a deep, lively conversation about beer, brewing, and the move from Ocelot to the farm.

Jack shares what it’s like to step into a new production space, learn Wheatland’s systems, and work with estate malt that gives the beers a distinct sense of place. The discussion ranges from low-ABV lagers and smoked ales to IPAs, decoction-style brewing, and the creative challenge of translating terroir into beer.

Along the way, the group gets into favorite styles, the realities of brewery life, and the events shaping the local beer calendar, including Oktoberfest season and Snally. It’s a warm, funny, and beer-nerd-heavy conversation full of practical brewing insight, local beer love, and a preview of what’s ahead at Wheatland Spring.

If you love craft beer, brewery stories, and the people behind the pint, this one is for you.

Jack Snyder on leaving Ocelot for Wheatland Spring, brewing lower ABV beer, and finding purpose in the farm brewery

Key topics
Jack Snyder explains why he left Ocelot after about 9.5 years and returned to brewing at Wheatland Spring.
The hosts cover his background in coffee, hospitality, grad school, and how he first got pulled deeper into beer through retail beer selection and homebrewing.
Jack describes the shift from Ocelot’s larger production footprint to Wheatland Spring’s more compact, farm-oriented brewery layout.
He talks about the differences in batch size and workflow, including how Wheatland’s 10-barrel system changes brew day rhythms.
The group explores how Wheatland’s malt program, especially Murphy and Rude and estate-grown barley, influences flavor and aroma.
Jack highlights the estate pale malt in Yeoman and the white grape and grape-skin note he picked up during fermentation.
They discuss lower-ABV beers as a growing preference, including 3.5-4.5 percent lagers, milds, and pale ales.
Jack shares his appreciation for more technical brewing days, including stepped mashes and decoction-style approaches.
The conversation also touches on IPAs, with Jack saying he still likes brewing them and that Wheatland has more IPA plans in the works.
The episode wraps with a full local events roundup, including Wheatland Spring Oktoberfest and several DC beer happenings.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro, fall beer talk, and everyone’s pours

01:33 - Jack Snyder joins and introduces Wheatland Spring’s Paddock

03:17 - First beer Jack brewed at Wheatland Spring

04:13 - Why Jack left Ocelot after a decade

05:48 - How Wheatland Spring reconnected him with brewing

07:47 - Grad school connection and the Ocelot to brewery transition

08:17 - DC Beer exclusive on Wheatland beers headed to Arlington Brew Shop

10:17 - Northside Social, homebrewing, and the path to Saycraft and Ocelot

12:10 - Moving from a big production space to a farm brewery

16:16 - Wheatland’s compact layout and how batch sizes compare

18:48 - Favorite beer styles to drink, make, and Snally Gaster excitement

20:04 - Why Jack likes brewing stepped lagers and more technical styles

22:28 - Lower ABV lagers and pale beers as everyday favorites

25:04 - Malt, terroir, and how Wheatland’s inputs shape flavor

27:04 - Estate pilsner, estate pale, biscuit malt, and grape-like malt character

28:58 - Working with Murphy and Rude, Epiphany, and old friends in malt storage

30:37 - Poetry, farm inspiration, and whether more IPAs are coming

32:57 - Looking ahead to 2026 and 2027 beer plans

34:24 - Oktoberfest, Wheatland Spring weekend plans, and visiting the farm

35:38 - Upcoming DC beer events and malt-focused gatherings

37:07 - Malt sensory workshop at the Hyrick House Museum

38:08 - Public health reminder: flu and COVID boosters 3

9:50 - Lederhosen, Oktoberfest jokes, and closing banter
41 min
August 27High Side + Sojourn Fermentory: Jinson Chan Brings the Love
September is packed with beer events, but this episode cuts through the noise with the one you do not want to miss: Jinson Chan’s return to break down Tiny Summer Fest at High Side in Fairfax, the evolving Sojourn Fermentory cider program, and the brewing philosophy that turned him into one of the DMV’s most connected beer people.

Jinson Chan, owner of High Side in Fairfax and partner at Sojourn Fermentory in Suffolk, shares how Tiny Summer Fest has grown from a beer-only gathering into a broader community festival with 20 craft beers, tiki drinks, sake, wine, live music, a dunk tank, and a very real, very ridiculous “dad bod” splash-off.

He also talks about why event planning has gotten harder in an overcrowded festival landscape, and how adapting the format helps keep the energy high and the crowd engaged. You’ll discover:
How High Side’s tiny footprint forced Jinson to build a hyper-curated tap and can program
Why Sojourn is leaning hard into cider, and what it takes to keep a cider lineup balanced, local, and not overly sweet
How Jinson went from disliking beer in Malaysia to building a company culture around a Friday beer club that became a “health club”
Why lager still rules his personal drinking life, and how that shapes the way he thinks about beer menus
How beer festivals and collaborations helped connect brands like Shilling, Lost Generation, and others across the DMV

The conversation also gets into the real stakes behind running events in 2026’s crowded beer scene: if you are not offering something memorable, local, and community-driven, it is easy to get lost.

Jinson’s approach is a blueprint for creating festivals people actually show up for, and for building beer spaces that still feel personal, surprising, and worth the trip.

Perfect for anyone who loves Fairfax beer culture, wants the inside story on a smartly run festival, or just enjoys hearing how one brewer-operator keeps finding new ways to make the DMV beer scene more connected.
31 min
August 13He's A Soul Mega Man: Elliott Johnson
Mike and Brandy talk with Elliott Johnson III, the owner of Soul Mega, about how the brand blends beer, art, music, and community into one culture-first project.

They cover his collab-heavy brewing approach, the story behind Mega Fest, and what winning Sam Adams’ Brewing the American Dream competition could mean for Soul Mega’s next stage of growth.

In this episode:
Elliott Johnson III explains that Soul Mega is a brand centered on creative culture and the pursuit of passion, not a traditional brick-and-mortar brewery.
The conversation kicks off with recent beers, including Soul Mega’s Echo Bloom with Cinderlands, a dry-hopped pilsner with Simcoe, Superdelic, Motueka, and orange blossom honey.
Elliott reflects on Barrel and Flow in Pittsburgh and how beer festivals are evolving into broader beverage festivals with mead, cider, cocktails, sours, and seltzers.
He walks through several notable collaborations, including work with Port City, Stone, New Belgium, Trogues, Green Bench, Funky Town, Blue Jacket, City State, Lost Gen, Red Bear, and others.
Elliott says the most memorable collab experience was the Port City and Stone project because it gave him a behind-the-scenes look at Stone’s production facility in Richmond.
The group discusses how Soul Mega “remixes” beer and city culture by combining beer-fest energy with block-party energy, music, and visual art.
Elliott describes Mega Fest as Soul Mega’s answer to the lack of spaces where beer culture, DJs, house music, and socializing naturally overlap.
He says each Soul Mega can label features local mural artists, reinforcing the brand’s link to creative communities.
Elliott shares that he started homebrewing in 2011, officially launched Soul Mega in 2019, and chose contract brewing as the lowest-barrier way to enter the market.
He talks candidly about challenges from launching just before COVID to navigating capital constraints, logistics, and shifting consumer behavior.
The Sam Adams competition win is presented as a growth opportunity, with a collab beer with Boston Beer Company planned for Q1 2027.
Elliot tsays the story people miss most is Soul Mega’s meaning and the intentional way he prepares brand messaging for the press.
36 min
July 3030 Years of Brewer's Alley
Join us as we explore the rich history and vibrant craft beer scene at Brewer’s Alley in Frederick, Maryland. From its building's historic roots dating back over 240 years to its modern craft-brewing innovations, this episode features conversations with brewer Karl Knoop and explores the legacy of a pioneering brewpub that’s shaped Maryland’s beer culture.

In this episode:
The historic significance of the Brewer’s Alley building and its role in Frederick’s story
The evolution of craft beer styles over 30 years, including traditional styles like Kolsch and modern hazy IPAs
How Brewer’s Alley balances historic brewing methods with contemporary trends and food pairing
The importance of community, collaboration, and supporting local breweries in Maryland
Insights on beer ingredients, including the debate over rice and corn in brewing
The brewery’s approach to menu diversity, from light lagers to Fruited Sours and American Pale Ales
Special events like weekly lobster nights and the upcoming Maryland Mead Works visit
Legacy and future of craft beer in Maryland, including notable figures like Phil Bowers and breweries like Heavy Seas and Brewer’s Art
Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Brewer’s Alley’s historic roots and community impact 00:12 - Discussions on popular beers and personal favorites 01:09 - Behind the collaborations: Pilsner Urkel and local brewing scenes 02:17 - Brewer’s Alley’s anniversary beer: 30th Pale Ale and ingredient insights 03:38 - History behind brewing styles and the approach to classic and modern beers 04:13 - The brewery’s food pairing philosophy and menu evolution 05:01 - Ingredients debate: rice, corn, and efficiency in brewing 06:22 - The blend of traditional and innovative brewing practices 08:11 - Food and craft beer pairings, including lobster nights 09:29 - Customer preferences: bitterness vs. aromatics in craft beers 10:02 - Emerging trends: Fruited Sours and lower ABV options 11:19 - Community and camaraderie among Maryland breweries 12:22 - Brewer’s Alley’s dedication to historic styles and local ingredients 13:27 - Weekly lobster nights and unique event offerings 15:51 - The building’s history, including Frederick Douglass and Civil War significance 17:46 - Brewing in a historic setting and the importance of legacy 19:36 - Connection to wider craft beer movements and industry leaders 21:15 - The community spirit in Maryland’s craft brewing scene 22:34 - Celebrating milestones, birthdays, and upcoming events 24:41 - Invitation to upcoming tastings, beer shares, and special occasions 26:20 - Final thoughts on supporting local breweries and brewery’s future 27:15 - Cheers to history, community, and good beer!Resources & Links:

Brewer’s Alley - Official website for upcoming events and history

Support the Show:

Patreon - DC Beer - Become a member to support and get exclusive content

Enjoy learning about Maryland’s brewing legacy and the artisans keeping craft beer vibrant! Cheers to another 30 years of brewing excellence. Thank you for tuning in! Follow what's happening in the DC scene at DCBeer.com and @dcbeer on social media. Support us at Patreon.com/DCBeer

Thanks to our monthly supporters
SARA S GEIST
Marshall Akers
Deborah Ort
Chris Sadler
Brian Dauernheim
Quinten Patterson
C Sandoval
Gilbert Glickstein
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Sean Whipkey
Randy Mills
Ryan
Llalan Fowler
Michael Losi
Adam Heisenberg
Brian
Jeff Lucas
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Lauren
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johnna infanti
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Alyssa
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Peter Jones
Blue2026
Brad Stengel
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Jordan Harvey
Stephen Claeys
Julie Verratti
28 min
July 16Bear Branch: Malting in Maryland
Dive into the world of craft malt, regional ingredients, and sustainable agriculture as we chat with Brad Humbert, owner of Bear Branch Malt in Maryland. Discover how local grains and farming practices shape the beer landscape in the Mid-Atlantic.

Main Topics:
The journey of local and craft malting in Maryland
Bridging agriculture and brewing through regional ingredients
Sustainability and farm-to-brew relationships
Challenges and opportunities for grain and hop growers in the Mid-Atlantic
Upcoming events and collaborations for craft malt month>
In this episode:
Brad shares his background and the history of Bear Branch Malt, a family farm with roots dating back to 1937
Discussion on the transition from engineering to craft malting, and love for regional ingredients
The significance of local grains like Avalon barley and their terroir impact
How farm practices, including growing soybeans and cover crops, support sustainable malt production
The relationship between local brewers and maltsters, and the importance of supporting regional grain economies
Challenges faced by hop growers in Maryland and the scalability issues of hop cultivation
Strategic growth and expansion plans for Bear Branch Malt, including collaborations with breweries outside Maryland
Highlighting upcoming craft malt and beer events, Oktoberfest releases, and the return of Sally Gaster
The importance of community support and supporting local ingredients in the craft beer scene>
Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to the DC Beer Show and introductions

00:14 - Mike Stein shares his drink: Liquidity Aleworks Patapsco Pale

00:34 - Jordan's Canadian triple hazy IPA from Colorado

01:09 - Brandy’s smoked beer from Elder Pine

02:00 - JB’s concentration on Port City Schwarzbier and West Coast IPA

03:01 - Introduction to Bear Branch Malt and Brad’s drink: German-style red lager

03:25 - Brad shares his journey from engineer to maltster and farm-to-brew philosophy

04:46 - The evolution of the farm’s malting system—from half-ton to 8-ton setup

05:10 - Brad discusses what drives his passion for local agriculture and malting

07:01 - Discussion on supporting local malting and regional ingredients

07:32 - Clarifying that Bear Branch Malt sells malt, not animals

08:21 - Connection between spent grain, livestock, and sustainability practices

08:45 - The farm’s integrated approach with cattle, sheep, and crop rotation

09:19 - Potential differences in beef fed on malted grains

09:39 - Local breweries’ use of spent grain and farm practices involving malting byproducts

10:36 - Exciting crops like Avalon barley for next year’s harvest and terroir studies

11:14 - The farm’s crop cycle, planting seasons, and interesting cover crop experiments

12:08 - The challenge of growing spring vs. winter grains like barley and wheat

14:00 - The competitiveness of malting industry and regional grain support

15:02 - The impact of commodity malt prices and value of local grains

16:11 - The scope of grain farming and malt production in Maryland and neighboring states

16:40 - The scale of craft brewing versus large-scale barley and hop production

17:04 - Industry competition and collaboration among craft maltsters

19:05 - Family farm history and historic ownership since 1937

20:10 - Community and event plans for Craft Malt Month and collaborations

21:17 - Potential for regional hop growing and the limitations faced in the Mid-Atlantic

22:25 - Challenges of growing proprietary hop varieties in Maryland

23:39 - Yields and considerations for hop farming at small and larger scales

25:42 - The significance of regional grain and malt industries across Maryland, DC, Virginia

27:29 - Growth plans for Bear Branch Malt and expansion into neighboring states

28:51 - Collaborations with local breweries like Monument, Union, and Guinness

29:07 - Upcoming events at Other Half and local craft beer highlights

30:36 - The role of cocktails versus beer and local bar culture

31:12 - Celebrating Oktoberfest releases and upcoming beer festivals

33:45 - Sally Gaster returning and upcoming fall events including the World Cup final

34:17 - Closing remarks and support for local ingredients and community engagement

Resources & Links:

• Bear Branch Malt - Maryland-based craft maltster and farm

Thank you for tuning in! Follow what's happening in the DC scene at DCBeer.com and @dcbeer on social media. Support us at Patreon.com/DCBeer

Thanks to our monthly supporters
SARA S GEIST
Marshall Akers
Deborah Ort
Chris Sadler
Brian Dauernheim
Quinten Patterson
C Sandoval
Gilbert Glickstein
Ethan Sapperstein
Sean Whipkey
Randy Mills
Ryan
Llalan Fowler
Michael Losi
Adam Heisenberg
Brian
Jeff Lucas
Micaela Carrazco
Lauren
Sean Moffitt
Anthony Scipione
johnna infanti
Catherine Ramirez
Adam Frank
Tyler Lynch
Jared Prager
Jeff
Michael O'Connor
Favio Garcia
Josh
Ellen Daniels
Juan Deliz
Mike Lastort
James Wisnieski
Chris Frome
Sam
Chip
Tory Roberts
Chris DeLoose
Lauren Cary
Clifton B
Scott Pavlica
Greg Antrim
jeffrey garrison
Alexis Smith
Dan Goldbeck
Anthony Budny
Greg Parnas
Frank Chang
Kim Klyberg
Chris Girardot
Alyssa
jeffrey katz
Andrew MacWilliams
Jamie Jackson
Meegan
Mike Rucki
Nick Gardner
Amber Farris
Sarah Ray
Peter Jones
Blue2026
Brad Stengel
Bill and Karen Butcher
Jordan Harvey
Stephen Claeys
Julie Verratti
35 min
July 02The Resilience of Murphy & Rude Malting
In this episode of the DC Beer Show, the hosts delve into the recent ups and downs Murphy & Rude Malting has faced, highlighting its journey through near-closure, innovative solutions, and its commitment to local agriculture. Jeff Bloem shares insights on how craft malting is evolving amidst climate challenges, industry camaraderie, and the future of purpose-grown grains.

Main Topics:
Murphy & Rude’s recent near-closure and subsequent revival
The impact of climate change on barley farming and malting
The importance of regional grains and heritage varieties in craft brewing
Industry camaraderie and healthy competition among malters
Future visions: grain-focused facilities and purpose-grown crops
Upcoming events: DC Beer Share and Womxn’s Brew Culture Club
Timestamps: 00:06 - Welcome to the DC Beer Show at DC Beer Across Social Media 00:14 - Mike Stein reviews Mount Vernon Rye Porter and Murphy & Rude malts 00:50 - Brandy shares her Wheatland Spring Stay in the State pills 01:26 - Jeff Bloem introduces his beer choice: Einger Dunkel 02:26 - Jeff discusses balancing Munich malts in Einger Dunkel 04:37 - Murphy & Rude’s recent close call and the emotional roller coaster 05:56 - The grain storage mishap and its impact on malt production 07:14 - Scaling challenges and co-manufacturing struggles 08:51 - Germination failure and its effect on production viability 10:02 - The emotional decision to nearly shut down 11:11 - Murphy & Rude’s second chance via sustainable reorganization 12:12 - Plans to support homebrewers and grain store accessibility 13:33 - Murphy & Rude's regional presence and community impact 14:26 - Transition to collaborative brewing with Chili Hollow 15:27 - The importance of regional hops and malts in craft beer 16:04 - Industry camaraderie among maltsters—rivalry vs. collaboration 17:20 - The evolution of craft malting from basement startups to scaled operations 18:52 - The balance of competition and camaraderie in the industry 21:13 - Impacts of drought and climate change on mid-Atlantic barley 22:27 - Harvesting strategies and weather considerations in Virginia 24:27 - The influence of climate change on growing seasons and pests 26:31 - Jeff praises local malts and discusses the future of heritage grains 28:56 - Ideas for purposefully grown grains and supporting regional agriculture 30:11 - Infrastructure needs for a non-commodity grain market 33:17 - The importance of local malt in breweries and how consumers can support 34:10 - Upcoming community events: DC Beer Share and Women’s Brew Culture Club 35:21 - SnallyGaster festival and celebrating craft beer milestones 36:25 - Closing remarks and encouragement to appreciate local maltsters

Resources & Links:
Murphy & Rude Malting
Common Grain Alliance
Chilly Hollow Brewing
Bear Branch Malt
Thanks to our monthly supporters
SARA S GEIST
Marshall Akers
Deborah Ort
Chris Sadler
Brian Dauernheim
Quinten Patterson
C Sandoval
Gilbert Glickstein
Ethan Sapperstein
Sean Whipkey
Randy Mills
Ryan
Llalan Fowler
Michael Losi
Adam Heisenberg
Brian
Jeff Lucas
Micaela Carrazco
Lauren
Sean Moffitt
Anthony Scipione
johnna infanti
Catherine Ramirez
Adam Frank
Tyler Lynch
Jared Prager
Jeff
Michael O'Connor
Favio Garcia
Josh
Ellen Daniels
Juan Deliz
Mike Lastort
James Wisnieski
Chris Frome
Sam
Chip
Tory Roberts
Chris DeLoose
Lauren Cary
Clifton B
Scott Pavlica
Greg Antrim
jeffrey garrison
Alexis Smith
Dan Goldbeck
Anthony Budny
Greg Parnas
Frank Chang
Kim Klyberg
Chris Girardot
Alyssa
jeffrey katz
Andrew MacWilliams
Jamie Jackson
Meegan
Mike Rucki
Nick Gardner
Amber Farris
Sarah Ray
Peter Jones
Blue2026
Brad Stengel
Bill and Karen Butcher
Jordan Harvey
Stephen Claeys
Julie Verratti
37 min
June 18Kristi Griner on NA Beer, the Hazy Debate, and 20+ Years Atop the Mash Tun
After two decades in the brewhouse, Kristi Mathews Griner quit drinking and became, in her own words, an NA beer snob. She joins Jake, Brandy, and Jordan to argue that non-alcoholic beer has finally gotten good and to explain how brewers are achieving it with newer yeast strains, hotter mashes, and smaller batches.

Kristi started waiting tables at Hops Grill & Brewery in Alexandria in 2002 and worked her way into the brewhouse, eventually leading brewing operations at Capital City and serving as technical brewer at Beltway, where she brewed contract batches for Grimm and others. Along the way, she watched the Virginia beer scene grow roughly fivefold before the boom collapsed back toward the brewpub model it started with.

She's blunt about the haze craze. She was "very begrudging," she says, and still kind of is, though she'll happily praise a haze that earns its place. She's also full of stories, including the time Charlie Papazian tasted her Pilsner at Savor and nearly talked himself into moving to Leesburg to drink it all the time.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Go Brewing (Naperville, IL) — "The Story" DIPA and their pilsner
Sierra Nevada Trail Pass
Athletic Brewing
Other Half "All-N-All"
Wheatland Spring (Liberty Estate Ale, Consequent)
Bottle Logic (Recursion IPA)
Grimm Artisanal Ales;
UPCOMING DCBEER EVENTS:
Urban Garden Brewing grand opening on Juneteenth — DC's first Black woman-owned brewery, with a ribbon cutting around midday
Women's Brew Culture Club in July: a mahjong night at Lucky Danger and an event at Diamondback Brewing
July beer share at Other Half on Sunday, July 1
Thank you for tuning in! Follow what's happening in the DC scene at DCBeer.com and @dcbeer on social media. Support us at Patreon.com/DCBeer

Thanks to our monthly supporters
SARA S GEIST
Marshall Akers
Deborah Ort
Chris Sadler
Brian Dauernheim
Quinten Patterson
C Sandoval
Gilbert Glickstein
Ethan Sapperstein
Sean Whipkey
Randy Mills
Ryan
Llalan Fowler
Michael Losi
Adam Heisenberg
Brian
Jeff Lucas
Micaela Carrazco
Lauren
Sean Moffitt
Anthony Scipione
johnna infanti
Catherine Ramirez
Adam Frank
Tyler Lynch
Jared Prager
Jeff
Michael O'Connor
Favio Garcia
Josh
Ellen Daniels
Juan Deliz
Mike Lastort
James Wisnieski
Chris Frome
Sam
Chip
Tory Roberts
Chris DeLoose
Lauren Cary
Clifton B
Scott Pavlica
Greg Antrim
jeffrey garrison
Alexis Smith
Dan Goldbeck
Anthony Budny
Greg Parnas
Frank Chang
Kim Klyberg
Chris Girardot
Alyssa
jeffrey katz
Andrew MacWilliams
Jamie Jackson
Meegan
Mike Rucki
Nick Gardner
Amber Farris
Sarah Ray
Peter Jones
Blue2026
Brad Stengel
Bill and Karen Butcher
Jordan Harvey
Stephen Claeys
Julie Verratti
32 min

About The DC Beer Show

From the publisher's feed

The official podcast of DCBeer ! Everything you need to know about the people, places, and brews that make the DMV America’s best beer scene, including the best local places for eats, brews, trivia,…