The True Craft Podcast

In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, we sit down with Eric Ruta, owner and founder of Magnify Brewing, to talk about his side project that’s making a big impact: the Craft Brewery Purchasing Organization (CBPO).

Eric started CBPO to help breweries (including his own) score better pricing on raw materials, packaging, and labels.

Some highlights include:

• How CBPO members are cutting costs by up to $40K a year
• The shift from limited releases to core beers—and what that means for your bottom line
• What potential tariffs could mean for the immediate future of the brewing community

Eric breaks it all down, from bulk-buying benefits to how breweries of all sizes can make smarter purchasing decisions in 2025.

Links

Craft Brewery Purchasing Organization - Website
Magnify Brewing - Website

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In this episode of True Craft, we are chatting with Nicole Smith, CFO of South Lake Brewing Company out of Lake Tahoe, CA, about how she took on the financial reins of her business and why knowing your number is just as important as brewing great beer.

Highlights include:

• How open book management helps South Lake’s team make smarter money moves
• The growing pains (and financial gains) of scaling a brewery
• When it’s time to bring in a CFO (and what to do before you hire one)

If cash flow, KPIs, and P&Ls make your head spin more than a triple IPA, join us for this insightful (and fun) chat with Nicole!

South Lake Brewing Company - Website
South Lake Brewing Company - Instagram

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In this episode, we’re sitting down with Chris Creech of The Glass Jug Beer Lab out of Durham, NC, to uncover how they’ve stayed ahead of industry trends and built a loyal community. Starting as a humble bottle shop in 2014—just after North Carolina eased growler regulations to allow retail stores to fill them—Glass Jug has grown into a powerhouse with two locations, a 3.5 bbl brewery, and a bottle shop that carries an impressive 600 SKUs at any given time!

Highlights include:

• A surprise beverage category that’s stealing the spotlight (and boosting profits)
• How to turn your taproom into the local hangout with community-focused experiences
• Why thinking beyond beer might be your best move in 2025

We also explore Glass Jug’s distribution strategy, how they’re navigating flattening craft beer growth, and why reinvesting in your space could be the key to long-term success.

Curious? Pour yourself a pint, hit play, and get inspired!

The Glass Jug Beer Lab Website
The Glass Jug Beer Lab Instagram

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We're kicking off 2025 with Phil Humphrey, Founder of 608 Brewing Company in La Crosse, WI. From launching a lean startup in 2018 to opening a second suburban taproom in 2023 (that is outperforming their original location 20%-40%!), Phil shares his story of determination, creativity, and pushing boundaries in craft beer.

Some highlights include:

• How Phil got 608 Brewing off the ground with a budget under $500k (!)
• The operation behind brewing 400+ unique beers in six years while trying to stay ahead of industry trends
• An inside look at 608’s thriving suburban taproom and their bold leap into hemp-derived THC beverages

Phil’s journey shows that combining the charm of a suburban pub with bold vision, creative recipes, and a knack for adapting can transform a lean startup into a thriving craft beer success story. We hope that you enjoy this episode and we look forward to bringing you more True Craft in 2025!

Links
608 Brewing - Website
608 Brewing - Instagram

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For our 100th episode, we’re taking a trip down memory lane.

Host Chris Farmand revisits 10 standout moments from past conversations, sharing new commentary and reflecting on lessons that continue to shape the craft beer world. Whether you’ve been here since the start or just joined the journey, this episode is a celebration of the stories, insights, and ideas that have brought us to this milestone. Cheers to the next chapter!

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In this episode, we’re cracking open some good vibes with Michele and Tom Bulington from Crasian Brewing Company—a family-owned microbrewery out of Brookston, Indiana that’s all about their local community.

Some highlights include:

• How their medal-winning beers, like the jalapeño cream ale, keep people coming back
• Why their self-distribution game actually helps keep the focus on their taproom
• Tips to creating a taproom no one wants to leave, from their community-tailored events to an epic pizza collaboration

Plus, hear how their “Coaster Club” regulars stepped up to help them pull off a wild 22-day location move!

If you’re into award-winning beer and the magic of small-town brewing, this episode is for you.

Links
 "Moving the bar top" video
Crasian Website

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Running a brewery is tough—but doing it from 1,000 miles away? That’s next-level. Adam Draeger, owner of Inventors Brewpub in Port Washington, Wisconsin, spills the hops on how he pulled off a massive expansion to a 20,000 sq ft facility while living in Colorado. From humble beginnings in an American Legion hall to managing a brewery remotely, Adam shares the wins, the lessons, and the wild ride of building a business with purpose and process.

In this episode:

• How Adam grew Inventors from a nano brewery to a 20,000 sq ft destination—all from another state
• The systems and strategies that keep his team running like clockwork without him on-site
• The power of intentional branding and design to craft a one-of-a-kind customer experience

Inventors Brewpub - Website
Inventors Brewpub - Instagram

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In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Closson, Co-Founder of Ivanhoe Park Brewing in sunny Orlando, FL! Glenn shares the incredible journey of how Ivanhoe Park transformed from a cozy 4,000 sq ft home to a booming 14,000 sq ft powerhouse by acquiring Deadwords Brewing’s facility—all in a lightning-fast 60-day timeframe! (Quick heads up: this kind of rapid M&A is rare, so don’t set your expectations too high!)

Glenn details this bold move and shares a behind-the-scenes look of what a brewery acquisition looks like in 2024.

Highlights include:

• Why thorough valuations matter, no matter your timeline (60 days or otherwise!)
• How to approach local breweries about potential deals
• Advice on offloading equipment, winding business down, and navigating bankruptcy

This M&A chat is perfectly timed, and Glenn’s one-of-a-kind experience is packed with valuable insights you definitely won’t want to miss!

Ivanhoe Park Brewing - Website
Ivanhoe Park Brewing - Instagram

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In this episode, we chat with Brad Benson, Co-Owner and Head Brewer of Stoup Brewing, about the evolving business model that’s driven their growth and operations over the past decade—plus, how it inspired Stoup Brewing to launch their very own distribution company!

Highlights include:

• A behind-the-scenes look at their unique distribution company that operates without a sales team or holding inventory
• How Stoup Brewing strikes a balance between brewing what they love and responding to market trends
• The secrets behind running a taproom, pub concept, beer hall, and distribution company (Hint: it takes a village!)

Brad and his team have navigated the craft beer boom of the 2010s and the over-saturation that followed. As Stoup celebrates eleven years this fall, Brad has a ton of insights to share that you won’t want to miss!

Stoup Brewing - Website
Stoup Brewing - Instagram

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Get ready for a lively chat with Marty Ochs, President of Resident Brewing in San Diego! Marty’s been around the block in the craft beer world, from on-premise at Miller Brewing to helping Ninkasi explode in size (from 4,000 BBLs to 90,000 BBLs in just four years!), and now he's sharing his behind-the-scenes stories and sharp business insights.

What’s on Tap:

• The self-distribution hustle—why it’s a smart move for small breweries, but not without its headaches.
• Craft beer’s big shift: Can the industry juggle killer beer and smart business, or is the balance tipping too far?
• How brewery partnerships are changing the game (and saving some serious cash in overhead efficiencies).

With over a decade in the industry, Marty’s wealth of experience offers a unique perspective on navigating today’s tough market. Don’t miss the chance to hear his invaluable insights!

Resident Brewing - Website
Resident Brewing - Instagram

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