In this episode, Katy and Chris are joined by a True Craft Podcast veteran, Adam Robbings of Reuben’s Brews. We catch up with Adam to discuss what he is seeing as a Pacific Northwest craft leader in both the taproom and distribution.

In particular, we discuss:

• What the heck is happening with distribution? Is draft really losing the game?
• How pricing and inflation are impacting both breweries and consumers.
• Predictions for 2024 and how craft beer can still find its way despite the changes in the industry. (Hint: Rock solid finances are non-negotiable).

Links:

Reuben’s Brews - Website
Reuben’s Brews - Instagram
The Taster Tray

Contact Adam:
[email protected]

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In this episode of The True Craft Podcast, Katy and Chris welcome Greg Parker from Iron Horse Brewery to challenge the mainstream understanding of brewery team organization.

At the end of the day, every person on your team is just that… a person. How are you as a leader facilitating the health and growth of your team? 

Join as we discuss why self-awareness in leadership is critical, the most common ways brewery owners waste their time, and how not to kill your culture.

Links:

Iron Horse Brewery - Website
Iron Horse Brewery - Instagram

Greg’s email:
[email protected]

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In this episode, Chris and Katy sit down with Zak Koga from Karben4 Brewing out of Madison, WI to explore the blunt realities of contract brewing in the craft beer industry. 

Are the headwinds in craft at least in part a product of a mature industry? Could Canabev just maybe be the answer to our capacity issues? How can breweries adapt with the use of contract brewing?

All this and more in this episode of The True Craft Podcast.

Links:
Karben4 Brewing - Website
Karben4 Brewing - Instagram
Karben4 Brewing - Facebook

For inquiries about contract brewing:

Zak’s email: [email protected]

Book a Discovery Call
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We’re back with Season 5 of The True Craft Podcast!

Join co-hosts Chris Farmand and Katy Noel as they dive into a new era of conversations with brewery owners and operators. Chris and Katy discuss the vision for season five and kickoff with our first guest, Bill Tressler, CEO and Co-Founder of Hinterland Brewery out of Green Bay, WI.

We unpack challenges the craft industry has faced over the years and the mindset changes brewery owners have had to make in order to stay adaptable and profitable in the face of headwinds.

We are thrilled to be back!

Links:

Hinterland Brewery - Website
Hinterland Brewery - Instagram

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When we started the true craft podcast, our goal was to continue our sharing of expert insight and knowledge of the craft industry, but in an audio format.

Over one year, four seasons, and fifty episodes later, we feel like we’ve accomplished that goal. In light of this realization, and with our focus shifting to other initiatives, we’ve decided this was the final season of The True Craft Podcast.

A big thank you goes out to our amazing co-host and guests. Of course, we want to thank YOU for coming along for the ride.

We have some links below to connect and continue the conversation.

Once again, we are incredibly grateful for your taking the time to listen to our podcast. We would like for this to act as an archive of audio knowledge, and we hope you will find it valuable.

Links:
Subscribe for more insight
Producer Josh's LinkedIn
Producer Josh's email: [email protected]

We’re at the end of season 4 and we can't thank you enough for another great season. We thought it would be fitting to cap things off with a friend of the show…

Today’s guest is Jason Sleeman, a National Craft Beverage Lender from United Community Bank out of Atlanta, Georgia.

Chris and Jason both give their perspective on current start-ups and expansions, the practicality of having no food program, and the potential future opportunity for contract brewers.

Enjoy!

Links:
United Community Bank
Jason’s LinkedIn

Today’s guest is the founder of a brewery with a built-in distribution company, helping other Iowa breweries distribute their beer throughout the entire state.

We’re talking with John Martin from Confluence Brewing Company out of Des Moines, Iowa.

John explains the distribution company Confluence has built over the years, their early days of packaging and how that’s changed, along with their “Dad beers” and the unique event that accompanies them.

Enjoy!

Links:
Confluence Brewing Company

Today’s guest is a familiar voice in the podcast world and a leader in the brewery space in general.

We’re welcoming Augie Carton from Carton Brewing Company and Steal This Beer out of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey.

We take a look at Carton Brewing's direct-to-consumer delivery system, we have a discussion on the public view of agriculture versus manufacturing and some of the repercussions these perspectives have on the brewing industry, along with a look at the nuance of the flavor and function of beer.

Enjoy!

Links:
Carton Brewing Company
Steal This Beer
Beer is cuisine: Augie Carton at TEDxNavesink

Today’s guest is an innovator in the hazy beer space, and an innovator in the brewery space in general, with their efforts of sustainability, inclusivity, and community.

We’re talking with Jen Kimmich from The Alchemist out of Stowe, Vermont

We talk about how they became a Certified B Corp in 2017, the details and effort behind their 2020 Action Plan, along with a trip back to the early innovation days of their hazy beer, The Heady Topper.

Enjoy!

Links:
The Alchemist
2020 Action Plan

Today’s guest is the CEO and Founder of an urban farmhouse brewery that sources their ingredients from local farmers in their area.

We’re talking with Josh Patton from Wooden Robot Urban Farmhouse Brewery out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

We talk about their self-distribution efforts throughout their entire state, how they are investing in the longevity of the brewery team along with nailing down the proper scale of the operation, and, of course, we talk about what it means to be an urban farmhouse brewery.

Enjoy!

Links:
Wooden Robot