On this Episode, Jimmy Carbone has a "Spirited" conversation with a special collection of guests!Arik Torren of Lot 1 BrandsCourtenay Greenleaf Torren who is a hospitality and cocktail consultantGabriel Velazquez Zazueta, a Creative & Design Professional with  20+ years of experience in Brand, Design, Culture and much more, as well as the cofounder of the confounder of Tuyo.NYCMichael Yarmark, a Spirits specialist from PM Spirits

Today we’re talking malt. From historical British styles to the future, Jimmy and Co. trace the practice of malting grains through time!To dive deep into this germinative topic, Jimmy has brought on three experts: Ron Silberstein, Co-Founder and Director of Sales at Admiral Maltings; Tim Decker, Sales and Marketing Manager at Admiral Maltings; and Josh Wurzbacher, North American Technical Sales Manager for Crisp Malt.This episode has everything you need to know about historical and modern craft malt, so make sure to be taking notes! Plus, get the scoop on Admiral Maltings and Crisp Malt’s new collab! Photo Courtesy of Tim Decker.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Today we’re talking corn! From American heritage to ancient traditions, historical recipes to the modern barbecue, there’s a lot to shuck and boil down here.Two of Jimmy’s favorite minds weigh in on the subject: Amy Halloran is a flour ambassador, a true grains enthusiast, and a writer and advocate for regional grain systems; Ellie Markovitch is a multimedia storyteller, lecturer at the University of Maine, and a recipe expert. She uses food as a tool for community building.Corn is a key crop in our food systems - regionally and beyond. Learn about the significance of corn here! Plus, what’s Jimmy’s corn story? Tune in! Photo Courtesy of Ellie Markovitch.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Joe Carrol, Justin Phillips and Justin's daughter join Jimmy on this weeks episode!Joe Carroll, an nyc restauranteur and early pioneer of boutique indie beer bar, owner of Spuyten duyvil,  Fette Sau and St. Anselms Justin Phillips, Owner of Beer Table, a boutique speciality Beer/bottle store innovated to owning a specialty beer store in grand central station, with Beer Table and Coffee Table, and Soon to open a new Beer Table store at the revived Penn Station councourse in Manhattan  

Jimmy goes on the road with RJ from Amuse News to Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, Having a spirited conversation at the Finger Lakes Cider House to discuss how amazing (and misunderstood) cider wines are, the various wineries, the on-site farm, the local breweries, the gorges- and so much more!Big thanks to Finger lakes cider house, Hosmer Winery, Bet The Farm, The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway team, and most importantly the Visit Ithaca team.Instagrams:The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway!@cayuga_tourism@cayugascenicbywayFinger Lakes Cider House- Hannah & Garrett@flxciderhouse@discoverseneca@visitithacaHosmer Winery - Brooke, GMBet The Farm - Kit Kalfs, co-owner 

This week Jimmy is broadcasting live from Roberta’s with some very talented people to talk about Mexico in NYC.In the studio today are Noah Arenstein from The Cabinet Mezcal Bar in the East Village; Mariana Pelaez, food photographer and former restaurateur in Mexico; and Julia Cuthbertson, owner of Las Chingonas Imports and returning guest.Listen in as this room full of experts share their knowledge on authentic Mexican spirits, cuisine, and more! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

As the temperature drops with the leaves, so too do we fall further into harvest season. And with the harvest comes apples. And with apples… Well, you know where this is going.It’s another juicy cidercast on BSR, with ambassadors from several cider states here to dish out what to expect this cider season. In the studio today is Middletown, CT’s Ronald Sansone of Spoke + Spy Ciderworks and president of the Cider Institute of North America; Jonathan Oakes of Medina, New York, President of the New York Cider Association, and proprietor of Steampunk Cider; Ben Wenk of Three Springs Fruit Farm in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and current board president of the Pennsylvania Cider Guild; and finally Scott Ramsey of Beacon, NY, and executive director of the New York Cider Association.Different state cider associations, competitions, and festivals have grown and changed quite a bit over the past 15 years. Tune in to catch up on the state of cider! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

How has hop farming evolved over the past decade? Jimmy has brought on a roster of experts to bring us up to speed on the state of hops. On the show today are John Condzella, fourth generation farmer from eastern Long Island and president of the Hop Growers of New York Association; Adam Kryder, executive director of the Hop Growers of New York Association; and Megan Wilson, COO of Torch & Crown Brewing Co. in Manhattan.Going on 12 years ago, John was a budding hop farmer in New York in need of a German Hop Harvesting machine. One successful kickstarter and over a decade of farming later, he’s here to tell the tale.Tune in for these stories and more!  Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Get ready to experience one of the coolest beer events Jimmy has ever been to in his life! We’re talking Pils & Love 2024. A Celebration of Pilsner, the event was held on June 29th and featured more than 50 of the world’s best pilsners.While there, Jimmy caught up with two top lager makers: Todd DiMatteo, owner and brewer at Good Word Brewing & Public House in Duluth, GA, and Ashleigh Carter, head brewer and co-owner of Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver, CO.Tune in to get in on the lager love!Photo Courtesy of Chris Weiss. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

In our last episode, Sean Towers from The Seed mentioned running a full cask ale program at The Cricket Club in Cape May, NJ. Naturally, Jimmy had to check it out.Back for this episode are Sean of The Seed Living Beer Project in Atlantic City, and Ryan Brower, former beer editor at Gear Patrol and certified cicerone. Also joining the cask tasting is Kyle Kulkowitz from The Cricket Club.Cask Ale is an integral part of beer culture, and folks are pushing the envelope in various traditions and styles these days. Tune in to keep up with cask!  Photo Courtesy of Pixie Yates.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Beer and BBQ. Can you name a better combination? Today we’re serving up both, live from Wildwoods BBQ in New Jersey!Chowing down (and bringing the brews) to this shindig are Sean Towers, co-owner/founder of The Seed Living Beer Project in Atlantic City, and Ryan Brower former beer editor at Gear Patrol, certified cicerone, and Atlantic City local (and former Bushwickite).Ryan has envisioned Jimmy and Sean’s meeting for some time, and it came together over some great food and drink. Also, tune in to hear how Sean, a marine biologist, turned his attention to his brewery project in NJ! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

As we move through the year into apple season, you know we gotta talk cider! This week, we’re checking in on the cider world, specifically on this year’s competition space.Joining Jimmy for this episode are friends Eric West, the illustrious Cider Guide; Ron Sansone of Spoke + Spy Ciderworks; and Justin Koury of BevFluence.Between Eric, Ron, and Justin, the cider expertise is overflowing from this episode! On the docket today are the topics of judging cider, promoting cider, international cider organizations, and more!Pour up a crisp one and tune in! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Today we are going to regale you with tales of keggers past… Jimmy recently stumbled upon an article in Good Beer Hunting on the rise and fall of the kegger at UM in Missoula, Montana. And there’s a lot more to it than there just having been a lot of beer!Brian Alberts, a historian of beer in context, is joined by Cody Ewert, associate editor at the Montana Historical Society, to break it all down for us. These two storytellers have kept all the juicy lore to paint you a picture of the kegger’s inception.Now tune in and let’s party like it’s ‘79! Photo Courtesy of The Missoulian. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Get ready for something cool and crisp during this hot and heavy Summer… We’re off to Ontario to talk cider!On the show today is Barry Rooke, Executive Director of Cider Canada / Cidre Canada, the budding national association for cider producers. Joining him is returning guest Damin Sawyer of Bone N' Bottle Reviews, lover of all things cider and chicken wings.Jimmy is thrilled to talk about the cider culture spanning from Canada to upstate New York, how it’s growing, and how the 155 producers of Cider Canada are spreading the cider gospel. Pour up a fresh glass of cider and tune in! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy’s summer travels roll on! This week, a stop in Holyoke, Massachusetts to catch up with some malt and grain powerhouses you may remember from past episodes…Chatting with Jimmy are Andrea Stanley, co-owner of Valley Malt and Ground Up Grain; Kyle Fiasconaro, owner and chef at Brewer’s Foods; and Matthew Steinberg, co-founder and head brewer at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing in Framingham, Massachusetts.This episode has been years in the making! Some of the first grain and craft malt stories on BSR were brought to you by Andrea. Plus, what have Kyle and Matthew been up to since we last caught up with them?All of this and more this week on BSR! Tune in! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’re up in Maine and about to try some of the greatest hard ciders of your life! This week Jimmy is at the first CiderFeast in Portland, hanging out with up-and-coming cidermakers from in and around the state of Maine.Joining the party are Joy Cartwright, Marketing Director of Fogtown Brewing Co; Jon Stein, Owner and Cidermaker at Fogtown; Jared Carr, Co-Owner and Cidermaker at Cornish Cider Co; Damin Sawyer, Content Creator of Bone & Bottle Reviews; and Zach Kaiser, Cidermaker at Absolem Cider Co.CiderFeast 2024 took place on May 12 at Oxbow Blending & Bottling, next to Anoche Cider & Spirits, a local cider bar. CiderFeast 2024 featured delicious bites and over 40 hard ciders from more than 15 cider makers.Sample historical and cutting edge flavors from Maine in this week's Cidercast! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Today Jimmy is hanging out and recording in the studio with the gents from OEC Brewing, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary!Joining Jimmy with a full suite of brews to taste are Ben Neidhart, owner of OEC, and Mike Dolan and Tom Pavlich of B. United International Inc., who represents OEC in NYC.Jimmy goes back with these fine folks for ten years! Learn all about OEC and B. United, owned by Ben’s dad, which imports beer, sake, cider, and mead from all over the world since 1995.Tune in for a trip down memory lane and to learn what’s next for OEC! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

On the road again! Jimmy is following up on some more brewers he encountered at last year’s Craft Malt Conference, where the fine folks at Blue Ox Malthouse put together an amazing list of regional beers at Novare Res.In this episode, Jimmy heads to Northwood Brewing Co, way up there in New Hampshire. Experience authentic New England vibes as we delve into craft malt, beer styles, and why you like drinking good beer!On site, Jimmy catches up with Geoff Gyles, head brewer at Northwood; Ian Goering and Joe Ronaldo of Blue Ox; and Steve Schmidt from Northwood. Pour up your favorite local brew and tune in! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’re shaking things up with a cider episode this week! Jimmy is back at Roberta’s with a special guest who he has known since the early days of Cider Week NYC and Jimmys No. 43. Diane Flynt, author of Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South, joins Jimmy to talk all about her apples and making great cider. The two will recount the trajectory of craft cider over the years, and Diane will introduce us to the story of apples in the south with a special reading from her book. Also in the studio today is Kerrie Orrell Ellison to share some stories about picking apples with Diane, and how Diane has taught her to love apples rather than just enjoy them…Pour up your favorite craft cider and tune in! Photo courtesy of Stacey Sprenz Photography. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Today’s BSR is a true session. Jimmy has arranged a soirée at Roberta’s to celebrate local beer bars, craft brews, and traditional German styles: Weissbier, Rauchbier, Pilsner… Attending the evening’s affair are a host of beer bar guests and various experts: some familiar, some fresh, and from all around the globe.Miguel Rivas AKA The Beer Trekker is back with his friend Beinat Gutierrez all the way from the Basque Country; Zack Mack, owner of ABC Beer Co, is also back in the studio for the first time in years; Paul and Anthony Ramirez are here representing The Bronx Beer Hall, who are celebrating their 11th year anniversary; none other than James Tai, THE illustrious BeerAcolyte consultant, is here; Gregg Zaccardi, founder and brewer at Ramstein Beer shows up with a crate of brews for everyone; and Agus Blanco of Lúpulo Digital pops in to add her expert perspective!Tonight’s a party! Grab your favorite local brew and tune in! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

The good times roll like the Rocky Mountains with Jimmy and the Bowl of 'Zole festival! Em Hutto of RadCraft Beer arranged another mighty show while Jimmy was out west, focusing on the good folks at Bruz Beers in Denver, CO.Joining Jimmy today are the two owners of Bruz: Charlie Gottenkieny and Ryan Evans. Em has Jimmy’s trust implicitly after arranging so many interesting BSR rendezvous, and so Jimmy hopped on this show with no questions asked!Tune in to find out how Bruz Beers are doing Belgian beers, one of Jimmy’s first loves. Photos courtesy of Christopher Austin.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Today Jimmy’s celebrating Transmitter Brewing’s upcoming 10 year anniversary with a bunch of friends at the studio in Roberta’s! Join the party to recount Transmitter’s rockin’ ten years: brewing Belgian-inspired farmhouse-style ales, operating a bustling tasting room and beer garden in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and making it all look cool.Today’s starting line-up includes Ian Kalmes, head brewer at Transmitter; Bob Weyersberg, sales guy for Transmitter (and former WFMU DJ); Jen Gratereaux, beer buyer for Craft and Carry; and Miguel Rivas, Jimmy’s favorite beer photographer, AKA The Beer Trekker.Photo Courtesy of Miguel Rivas.Ian has planned a big night and more, tune in and raise a glass!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy’s on the road in Cambridge, Massachusetts! He’s at Lamplighter Brewing Co’s special CX Outpost to bring us the first of two episodes on spent grain! Get the lowdown on everything from the importance of freshness, the fundamentals of upcycling grain, and a focus on craft malt. Joining Jimmy is returning guest Tyler Fitzpatrick from Lamplighter to give us some updates on their work with spent grain over the past couple of years. Also on the show is Kyle Fiasconaro from Brewer’s Foods, an organization bringing chefs and brewers together over a common enemy: food waste!Pour up, bite down, plug in, it’s Beer Sessions Radio!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy is on the horn with Read Spear, President of Origen Imports inc. in Oaxaca, Mexico.  Read is a pioneering mezcal importer, and Origen Imports incorporates several brands including Cuentacuentos Agave Spirits.The key to marketing mezcal made using 400 year old traditions is getting out of the way of those traditions. The philosophy behind the Cuentacuentos “Real Mezcal” brand is to cut out as much of the filler between the consumer and the authentic origins of these agave spirits.Tune in to this spirited episode of BSR! Photo courtesy of Quinn Glabicki. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy serves up an in-depth episode on the history of mouth watering whiskey from Mexico. Learn about the ancient corn that makes the whiskey so special, live with a suite of experts at the HRN studio in Roberta’s!Joining the discussion today are Clay Risen, NYT contributor and author, who reports on whiskey and other spirits; Zack Wangeman, founder and chef at Sobre Masa and Tortilla Factory, proud corn nerd; and Tiffany Collings, a founder of Las Chingonas Imports, who source fine destilados de agave from Guerrero and Durango, Mexico.Tune in to learn some rich history from Ancient Mexico, and how heritage corn is powering modern spirits in the region! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

NYC Beer Week 2024 is off with a bang! Live from the scene, Jimmy is at Gun Hill Publick House at Industry City following the Opening Bash event held on Saturday, February 24. This episode is going to include a barrel of useful information on everything from how to make a good lager to how to open a good brewery.Riding along with Jimmy is returning guest ​Pete Lengyel-Fushimi of Rockaway Brewing Company and Nick Meyer of Eckhart Beer Company, soon to open in Bushwick. Together, they'll try pale ales, pilsners, and more at Gun Hill Publick while diving deep into this episode's topics: how do you open and maintain a great brewery, and what is  the significance of the taproom in 2024?Live from Industry City and NYC Beer Week 2024, it’s BSR!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Like a phoenix from the ashes, the legendary Beer Bar, Deep Ellum in Waltham, MA, has been reborn! Just outside of Boston, Jimmy is at Deep Ellum beer bar to chat about the new location and the myth behind the legendary neighborhood establishment.Here to chat with Jimmy are Max Toste, one of the owners of Deep Ellum, and Matt Steinberg, co-founder and head brewer at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing. The best lagers from Germany, the best cask from England, the best local craft beers. Name it, and they serve it at Deep Ellum. All of this, yet they remain down to Earth as a reliable neighborhood bar. Dive deep into this legendary Boston Beer Bar with Jimmy and Co. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We are live from the mothership for episode 700 of BSR! It’s fitting to be in the place where it all started, Roberta’s Pizza, to bring you this jam packed episode of great food and beer pairings for our 700th Beer Session. Experience tantalizing tastings live with Jimmy and friends as they chow down and pour up, straight from the HRN studio in Bushwick.Here to join the celebration are two Master Cicerones and a familiar Beer Acolyte who have carved out their own spaces in the beer world aristocracy: BSR veteran James Tai, of Beeracolyte; Shane McNamara, Master Cicerone, global beer traveler, writer, and judge; and BSR newcomer Max Finnance, an esteemed mentor and educator in the beer space and Master Cicerone.Please raise a glass as we toast to the next 700 episodes of BSR! Cheers! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We hope you’re hungry! Jimmy is wrapping up his Copenhagen series by chatting with a pastry chef turned innovative hot dog vendor. John Michael Jensen, or Sausage John, makes a hell of a lot of dogs at Johns Hotdog Deli, and hot sauce too!This is a mouth watering episode jam packed with magical street dogs (including Christmas duck confit sausages), beer collaborations, and Copenhagen’s own hot sauce! Get ready for some spice.Also joining John and Jimmy is Lasse Görlitz, or The Hotdogjudge, who will make sure that all of this sausage isn’t just a bunch of bologna.Prepare to chow down and finish off Jimmy’s Copenhagen series strong, with a belly full of street dogs and Danish brews! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’re taking a trip back to Jimmy’s romp through København with our second special ‘on the road’ episode of the year! This week, we’re talking “bean to bar”, as Jimmy visits Friis Holm Chokolade, located on the farm and brewery property of Herslev Bryghus just outside of Copenhagen.There, Jimmy spoke with Mikkel Friis Holm, founder and chocolate maker at Friis Holm, and Nethe Plenge, cookbook author, chocolate lover, and gracious host who introduced Jimmy (chocolate eater!) to many Danish food and drink folks on his recent journey.Learn about Mikkel’s holistic approach to the process of chocolate making, with beans grown in Nicaragua making their way to being roasted and made into chocolate in Copenhagen. Plus, chocolate beer? Tune in to this chocolatey journey now! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

In this episode, brewer meets hop farmer to find what they have in common… and it’s a bunch of goats! Jimmy welcomes Averee Dilday and Darren Baze of Goat Patch Brewing Company, along with Audrey Gehlhausen of Billy Goat Hop Farm.Em Hutto has brought along some great new friends from Colorado for Jimmy to session with. Topics of discussion include beer, farming hops, goat yoga, drinking, and more goats! Learn about what it takes to start up a hop farm from scratch and what it’s like for a brewer to work with local hop farmers.You GOAT to be crazy not to tune in to this hoppy episode of BSR! Photo Courtesy of Goat Patch Brewing Company.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Come along with Jimmy on his trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, as he meets with some interesting folks doing some very Danish things with beer and more! On this stop of the journey, Jimmy sits down with Saimon Skurichin, proprietor of BRØL (Broel) Brewing, where surplus bread from bakeries is converted into amazing craft beers“BRØL” means beer + bread, and since 2007 Saimon and his crew have been merging sustainability and innovation to make quality beverages. Every beer they make incorporates surplus bread, and BRØL is proud to be the world's sole organic circular brewery.Travel abroad with Jimmy on this first episode in a special BSR series live from København!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy is kicking off 2024, the 15th year of BSR, from Roberta’s with a heavy hitting crew! In the hot seats tonight are Brandon Hoy, co-founder and owner of Roberta’s; James Tai, principal of Beer Acolyte Consulting and Gun Hill Publick House; Mike Amidei director of operations at Roberta’s; and Jaime Ojeda, Restaurateur and Brew Pub operator from Chile.What’s hot in New York this year? Roberta’s has been a melting pot and genesis point for food and drink culture since the restaurant opened in 2008, and that is still the case in 2024. Get the lowdown on what’s going to be buzzing in your cup or on your plate this year by taking a look at the history and trajectory of this special eatery.Grab a glass of “Temperance” Dark Mild Ale from New York’s own Wild East Brewing Co. and tune into this preview of what’s good in 2024!Photo Courtesy of Armen Spendjian.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’ve made it to our last episode of 2023, and what a year it’s been for beer! Jimmy has assembled another crew of experts on the ground who helped bring him the favorite beers of 2023, and helped prove once and for all that craft malt is sexy!Find out why from this esteemed group including Tod Mott of Tributary Brewing Co Kittery, Maine; Joel Alex of Blue Ox Malthouse of Lisbon Falls, Maine; Tyler Fitzpatrick of Lamplighter Brewing Co. in Cambridge, Mass; and Ian Goering, Account Manager at Blue Ox.Listen in to hear about the best beers representing science, agriculture, and the key role of craft malt in brewing!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

It doesn’t get much better than a Colorado-meets-New York show. For this week’s episode, Jimmy is diving into IPAs from two spectacular beer states with a couple special guests. Joining Jimmy are Geoff Wenzel, R&D brewer at Industrial Arts Brewing Co in Beacon, NY, and Dave Thibodeau, president and co-founder of Ska Brewing in Durango, Colorado.Great brewers and great guests, Geoff and Dave have sent Jimmy some awesome beers for a remote, coast-to-coast tasting. Each brewer will introduce their beers, starting with IPAs, and then get down to brass tacks regarding hops, brewing methods, and the stories behind the brews.Sip along with this episode of BSR! Photo courtesy of @skabrewingHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Back to Beers! Jimmy has commissioned a convocation of NYC beer bars experts for this very special episode! The point of discussion is Courtney Iseman’s Good Beer Hunting article regarding the scene, and this group of key players from this very special time are here to dive into this retrospective on NYC beer bar history.In the studio tonight are Courtney Iseman, freelance beer writer with Good Beer Hunting; Chris O'leary, editor of Brew York beer blog and newsletter; Jen Maslanka, GM and partner at Spring Lounge in Downtown NYC; and BR Rolya, BSR MVP, beer consultant, formerly of Shelton Brothers Importers, and member of the selection committee for the Good Beer Seal bars.Take a trip down memory lane with the gang and listen in!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

It’s a very special night at the Roberta’s studio! Jimmy is joined by HRN’s The Speakeasy host Greg Benson to co-pilot this ruckus, rockin’ episode! Also joining them are Danny Mena and Arik Torren, co-founders with Jimmy of Bowl of ‘Zole. The group has assembled in honor of October's Bowl of ‘Zole event, along with the recent announcement of HRN’s new executive director, RJ Bee.But that’s not all! It’s truly a party tonight, including Cameron Holck, Arik’s partner at Lot 001 Brands Imports; Courtney Greenleaf Torren, agave spirits and general hospitality lover; Tiffany Collings, one half of Las Chingonas Imports; Julia Cuthbertson, other half of Las Chingonas Imports; and Lou Bank (OH MY GOD!) of S.A.C.R.E.D. Agave. It’s a jam packed episode with tons of tastings and tales. Be sure to listen in, cheers!Image Courtesy of Armen Spendjian.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

One of Jimmy’s favorite guests, Julia Herz, is back to talk about the recent Learn to Homebrew Day Celebration! Julia Herz is the Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association, and has been busy since she last spoke with Jimmy. Having started as a hobbyist before her lauded career in beer, she is still homebrewing today.Held on November 4th, Julia has the lowdown on the Learn to Homebrew Day Celebration. The day is all about fostering community and helping curious homebrewers-to-be get their start. From experimenting with different types of yeasts or fermentables to putting a twist on a classic style, the fun and joy of homebrewing truly never ends. Check out homebrewersassociation.org today to get involved! Listen in and good beers to you! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Joel Shelton is back to take Jimmy and his merry gang on another ICB Tour! Joining the party this week is BR Rolya, BSR MVP and Joel’s partner in crime on Inner Circle Beer Tours; Bob Weyersberg of Transmitter Brewing and ICB co-conspirator; James Tai, advanced cicerone of Beer Acolyte and Gun Hill Publick House, and aspiring attendee of ICB; Pete Lengyel-Fushimi, brewer at Rockaway Brewing Company and ICB special guest; Robin Fowler of Wild East Brewing, Certified LUKR Tapster, and recent Franconia tour participant; and the tour guide himself, Joel Shelton. Some of Jimmy’s favorite beer experts, personalities, importers, brewers, and pourers are here today to talk about, in no particular order: Traditional beer styles, inspirational and historical locations in beer, motorcycle rendezvous, European shenanigans, and more. Who takes the beer crown? Franconia or Czechia? Hop on Pete’s motorcycle, press play, and find out where the tour will take YOU! Photos Courtesy of Peter Lengyel-Fushimi.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

What in the world is scrumpy cider? Close out Cider Week New York 2023 with a history lesson from Elizabeth Ryan, fermenter, pomologist, cider maker, and NY State Cider Pioneer at Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider’s Breezy Hill Orchard; and also Fee Doyle, bartender, beertender, cider drinker, beer writer, folk musician, and Beer Witch ambassador.With Cider Week coming to a close, this episode is a great accounting of all things cider: Growing apples, making, selecting, and selling cider, and general scrumpy education! Learn about Elizabeth’s farms, and get the lowdown on cider’s evolution from Fee, who’s been dishing the stuff out to fermented-apple-beverage lovers for years. Plus, get down with some folk music chit chat!Tune in and get scrumpy!Photos Courtesy of Monika Davis IG: @hopslingingslasher.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Always so good to be back at Roberta’s! Joining Jimmy in the studio today are returning guests Shinobu Kato, sake brewer and founder of Kato Sake Works, and Peter Lengyel-Fushimi, beer brewer at Rockaway Brewing. The crew will dive into all things rice, sake, koji, burgers, fermentation, ABV, pairings, and more!What makes what’s in your glass so good? These craftsmen have some unique insight. From Shinobu’s expansion of the sake brewing scene in NYC, to Pete’s advice to producers on what your business needs to keep revenue growing, it will all be discussed here. Plus, who’s a bigger burger fan, Shinobu or Pete?!Tune in to find out!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Back to Roberta’s! Being in the studio always gives Jimmy a chance to bring in his favorite folks from the NYC beer community. This week he does just that with Brett Taylor, Co Founder and Head Brewer at Wild East Brewing Company, and Ted Kenny, owner of Top Hops Beer Shops. Every brewery is different, and NYC is home to some very special beers. In this episode, learn about the myth behind Wild East, while tasting some great styles beyond the world of hazy IPAs. Easy drinking, very approachable, great beers! Discover new styles and rediscover the great classics like Czech Pilsners. Plus, track Brett’s journey from homebrewer to award winner as Jimmy finally gets to try his beers. Tune in and let the session begin!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Cider Week New York is closer than ever! Want to be ready for the event before ​​October 6? Check out this special episode featuring Paige Flori of Boutique Wine, Spirits and Cider from Fishkill, NY, and returning guest Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association.Get the scoop from these Cider Week veterans on how the changes to the program over the past 12 years have changed the event for the better. Learn about who is at the cutting edge of New York cider. Hear how Scott and Paige pushed each other to make this year’s Cider Week greater than ever.Raise a glass of cider for Cider Week New York 2023!Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Kraisky.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Tune in for another fun on-site recording with Jimmy at New England Dairy in Boston! Joining him are Allo Gilinsky of Craft Beer Cellar and Trinktisch in Belmont, Mass, and Hilary Walentuk, registered dietitian and senior nutrition specialist, of New England Dairy. On the menu are some familiar themes that BSR has been diving into recently, including cider, dairy, farms, pairings, and more. Learn about the importance of farms and experience some great cheese and cider pairings in this deep dive into New England Dairy! They are a non-profit education organization staffed by registered dietitians and marketing and PR professionals who serve as the voice of dairy farms in New England and Eastern New York.It’s sure to be a delicious and nutritious episode!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Cider Week New York is coming up! Want the scoop on quality hard cider and great pairings? Listen in to this special episode featuring Rachel Freier, Cider Week event producer and cheesemonger at large, and a special appearance from Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association.Track the journey of Cider Week here, as the event is set to feature more producers and events than ever before. While the Covid-19 pandemic turned Cider Week on its head, Rachel and Scott used the opportunity to build out the programming over the subsequent years.Stay tuned for a follow up episode featuring more from Scott!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy’s back at Roberta's in Bushwick for an enthralling episode of BSR that intertwines New York's rich history and beer culture. Carlo DeVito, a renowned wine, beers, and spirits writer and editor, joins us to spill on his exciting new book on these very subjects. Get ready to be amazed as Carlo treats us to jaw-dropping New York beer trivia!As the conversation unfolds, Carlo's passion for the craft shines through, and his expertise in the world of libations is evident. From the city's historical roots to the thriving beer scene, this episode is a fascinating journey that connects the past and present. And that's not all! Our talented engineer, Matt, dons his beer brewing hat once again to add some curious questions to the mix.Listen in and then check out Carlo’s previous books Big Whiskey, Drink the Northeast, The New Single Malt Whiskey, and more!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy is joined by some great friends from Colorado for a fun convo. Jason Bell, Founder and Owner of Living the Dream Brewing in Littleton, Colorado, shares his journey and experiences in the beer industry. He is joined by Em Hutto, the founder of beer communications brand RadCraft, proud spokesperson of Living the Dream Brewing, and long time friend of the show! The gang takes some time to reflect on the vibrant lifestyle of the Greater Denver area and discuss the significance of fostering positive industry-consumer relations. As Living the Dream Brewing celebrates its 9th year anniversary, the conversation delves into the brewery's remarkable achievements and contributions to the craft beer community in CO and beyond. Listen in for a delightful brew of stories, insights, and celebration in this not-to-be-missed episode!Photos Courtesy of Living The Dream Brewing.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

In this captivating episode, Jimmy sits down for a one-on-one interview with Greg Engert, the esteemed beverage director at Neighborhood Restaurant Group in DC, NYC, and NOLA. Known for his exceptional hospitality, Greg's ability to create memorable experiences is why people dine out. Despite starting as a "failed academic" pursuing literature in DC, Greg quickly found his passion in the beer world at the iconic Brickskeller, America's first beer bar. Join us as we uncover Greg's remarkable journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming a partner and beverage director at a prestigious Restaurant Group. Plus learn about Brewery St X, Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s latest offering in NOLA.Listen in to discover the fascinating story behind his career and the valuable insights he shares along the way!Photo Courtesy of Randy Schmidt.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Learn about the intricacies of taste from the mouths of the experts themselves! Stepping up to the mics this week on BSR are two esteemed authors and advanced cicerones: Mandy Naglich is a food and beverage journalist, cocktail judge, is certified in several tasting mediums, and is the author of How to Taste; Em Sauter is the founder of and cartoonist for Pints and Panels, an advanced cicerone, author of two books, international beer judge, and co-host of All About Beer podcast. Check out this conversation on how these industry powerhouses got to where they are and learn more about their books!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

On this episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy road trips to Greenland, NH, to chat with Pete Endres,  Cider Maker / Co-Owner of Bird Dog Cider. Tasting right from the tank, they try a handful of Ciders while discussing the storied history of the property. They also touch upon  the culture of agriculture in New England, question how the local climate influences cider-making, dissect which apples are best for what uses, and much more. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy and his cider buddies unite the East Coast and West Coast in a flavorful exploration of the craft. Joining the discussion are Ron Sansone, president of the Cider Institute of North America; Dave Carr, owner and cider maker at Raging Cider & Mead Co; and a drop-in by Anthony Lopez, cider maker (and “yeast babysitter”) at Casa De Oro Cider. The gang discuss irresistible cider varieties and styles, bridging the gap between the coasts as cider pioneers. Tune in for a discussion on everything from climate's influence on cider production, to the triumphs and challenges of making cider in different regions.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Join Jimmy LIVE from Industry City with beer acolyte James Tai, an advanced cicerone and national BJCP beer judge, and Shane McNamara, a master cicerone and Global Director for Beer Passion & Beyond Beer Innovation at AB InBev. Explore the world of beer as a career, while reflecting on Memorial Day and reminiscing about this year’s Rib King competition. Tune in now to BSR for an engaging discussion packed with insights from industry experts and mouth watering inspiration. Cheers to the art of beer, memorable traditions, and exciting career possibilities!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Cask is back! Jimmy is joined by Steve Hamburg of Cask Marque Americas; Neil Callaghan, beer director of Brick Store Pub; and Todd DiMatteo, co-owner and head brewer at Good Word Brewing. Together they delve into the world of cask ale for the second time this month, exploring the joys of being on-premise and the niche cask occupies within the craft beer industry.The show also highlights the influence of Cask Marque, an organization dedicated to maintaining the quality of cask ale. Tune in to gain expert insights as these beer connoisseurs share their experiences and expertise, offering a deeper understanding of this cherished beer style.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Join Jimmy in a special episode of BSR as he celebrates the tenth-anniversary edition of "The Complete Beer Course." With him is Joshua Bernstein, author of the monolithic book in question, and Andrew Thomas, a professional distiller at Halftone Spirits and “reformed” home brewer. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your journey, this episode offers a refreshing look at the evolving beer landscape and the book's content, expert advice, and exploration of trends.Get ready to raise a glass as they toast to a decade of beer appreciation and exploration in this must-listen episode!Photo Courtesy of Union Square & Co.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Embark on another exciting on-location adventure with Jimmy in Boston's Time Out Market. Explore a vibrant beer scene with three local guests: Forrest Pettengill from Aeronaut Brewing, Brandon Keating from Trillium Brewing, and Matt Harding, assistant manager of Time Out Market Boston. Discover the market's 15 kitchen concepts, two indoor bars (with an outdoor bar coming soon), and an impressive selection of Boston's finest local beers.Get ready for an adventurous episode filled with the flavors and stories of Boston’s thriving beer culture. Cheers to an unforgettable pint-filled journey!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy is back in the field, this time at New England Real Ale eXhibition (NERAX) in Boston! He's joined by Mark Bowers, President of CASC; Gary Chopurian, veteran brewer and organizer of the event; and Jan Williams, beer enthusiast and coordinator of the main beers for the festival. Together, they recap the highlights of the event and share their favorite things about cask ale.This event has been going strong since 1997, and Jimmy gets all the history on its local and English roots. It’s Jimmy’s first time at NERAX, and he can really feel the history, heritage, and reverence for the craft.So grab a cold one (not from a can!) and join Jimmy and his guests as they raise a glass to NERAX and all things cask!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy is back in the studio to recap the latest Brisket King with a couple of folks from the event! In the studio we have Misty Banchero, sometimes known as Seattle Butcher's Wife, member of the family-run USDA meat processing facility Mondo & Sons, and Brisket King judge. Joining her is Brisket King competitor and culinary director of Sands Jerk Hut, Darlene Lawrence, to dish on jerk brisket!  Plus Jimmy shouts out a special beer he tried at the event:  Kent Falls and Hindsight BBQ's collaboration, Besmoke Smoked Spelt Lager, uses Connecticut grown spelt that is custom smoked over oak and applewood in the pit at Hindsight.Listen in for all of this and more!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

When Emily Hutto of RadCraft beer heard Jimmy was out in Denver to celebrate the Bowl of ‘Zole mezcal and pozole festival, she knew she had to link him up with Sara and Greg Fetzer of Emporium Brewing. The couple paint a picture of the business and beer climate in Denver, and recount the story of their brewery.Later on in the show Jimmy sits down with some of the folks featured at Bowl of ‘Zole to debrief. Joining the conversation is Eduardo Belaunzarán of Wahaka Mezcal; the Tequila Amatiteña team; Alberto Partida, master distiller; Roman Romaya, importer; and Mike Moreno.The merry gang get on by talking about all things from Denver, to rice lagers, to mezcal vs tequila. Tune in for a taste of spent-grain and agave aroma for breakfast!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We have made it to the third and final live show from the 2023 Craft Malt Conference! Jimmy wrapped up his first trip to the special conference in Portland, Maine, by chatting with two proprietors of the most important ingredient in beer and whisky: Malt!This week the focus is on Maine and how the state’s agriculture stewards great malt. Jimmy catches up with Joshua Buck of Maine Malthouse and Joel Alex of Blue Ox Craft Malt on the heels of their talk at the conference. Join Jimmy as he delves deep into Joshua and Joel’s work to build a local grain-chain in the pine state, as well as their history in agriculture, grains, and malts.The Craft Malt Conference is always an exciting time for Jimmy and all craft malt appreciators, but this year is special: It’s the 10th anniversary of the organization, and the 6th anniversary of the Conference! This is the only conference of its kind that offers workshops and seminars on all topics craft malt.Tune in to hear how it all went down!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week we have Jimmy’s second road-show from The Craft Malt Conference in Portland, Maine, which was held from March 16 to March 18, 2023. Joining Jimmy this time around are three new friends who are making a splash in the malt world.Jeff Bloem is the Founder and Maltster at Murphy & Rude Malting Co. in Charlottesville, Virginia; Jordan Ullrich is with Epiphany Craft Malt, in Durham, North Carolina; and Joe Hamill represents Red Shed Malting in Alberta, Canada.The Craft Malt Conference is always an exciting time for Jimmy and all craft malt appreciators, but this year is special: It’s the 10th anniversary of the organization, and the 6th anniversary of the Conference! This is the only conference of its kind that offers workshops and seminars on all topics craft malt.Tune in to hear how it all went down!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Booyah! Jimmy made it to Portland, Maine for the long awaited Craft Malt Conference, which met for the first time in person in over 3 years! Of course, Jimmy got the people that make it all happen to dish on all things Craft Malt. This week’s episode is the first in a series of recordings from the event.First up we have Branch Rothschild, the brewhouse manager of Allagash Brewing Company, board member of the Craft Maltsters Guild, and the only brewer interviewed in this series; and Ben Clegg, business development specialist at Blue Ox Malthouse with a history in brewing.There’s a lot going on in the world of malt, with experts from all over the world visiting the conference to stew on how to keep pushing craft malt forward. Branch and Ben are relatively green in the podcast world, so Jimmy is here to put them on the spot for some malty secrets.Tune in now!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

BSR always strives to shine a light on people moving the Beer World forward. Writers and editors are often the most thoughtful, impactful people in the worlds of beer, spirits, and hospitality, and we have two great ones on the show this week.Joining Jimmy is Jeff Cioletti, author of Imbibing for Introverts, and editor in chief of Craft Spirits Magazine; and Kate Bernot, Missoula, Montana-based reporter on beer, alcohol, and food, and director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers.This show came together to highlight Jeff’s new book, and more broadly to talk about the state of “beer storytelling” from the past to the future. Plus, find out Jimmy, Jeff, and Kate’s picks for their current favorite “thoughtful” beers that are pushing the scene forward (or taking it back to basics):Jeff: Pilsner UrquellKate: Taras Boulba - Brasserie de la SenneJimmy: Aventinus Weizen-DoppelbockTune in now!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Stop everything you’re doing, it’s a BSR cider episode! Jimmy is in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at The Press Room for the Stone’s Throw Cider Supper - a  hyper-local regional cider dinner with Giff Burnap of Butternut Farm; Chef Zac Cardona of The Press Room; Pete Endres of Bird Dog Cider; and Eleanor Leger of Eden Cider Vermont.This event was inspired by a cider dinner Jimmy attended at CiderDays in Franklin County, Mass last fall with Pete, Giff, and Eleanor. Pete made the connection with the Press Room, and the rest is history!Learn what it takes to put together the perfect cider dinner with friends, expertly crafted pairings, and more! Listen to BSR right here.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

NYC Beer Week 2023 rocks and rolls on with this week’s beer and music themed episode of BSR, inspired by Brooklyn's favorite Japanese-style beer bar, who have been spinning all week for the festivities! Jimmy is joined by friends Chris Maestro, founder and principal owner of Bierwax BK and Queens; legendary brewer and founder of Dogfish Head Brewery Sam Calagione (and one half of the hip-hop duo Pain Relievaz); and Jamie Queli, founder, owner, and CEO of Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing in Cherry Hill, NJ... arguably St. Vincent's biggest fan!Jamie, a veteran of the beer scene, has a hot take: people in the beer industry are the folks who couldn’t hack it in the music industry! Jokes aside, music and beer culture have always been one of the best duos in the game.Listen in to learn about our guests’ musical histories, as well as their perspectives on the intersection of all things beer and music! Cheers!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We are back in the studio at Roberta’s Pizza in Bushwick on the eve of NYC Beer Week 2023! Jimmy is joined by Zack Kinney, co-founder of KCBC brewery in Bushwick, and Louie Catizone, co-owner of St Agrestis distillery in Greenpoint.The gang reminisce on Bushwick’s development into an oasis of food and drink, and what it was like to watch that process blossom from the homey vantage point of Roberta’s. Similarly, NYC Beer Week has grown as local producers and brewers have grown as well.All the jazz of that neighborhood saga has been fermented and distilled down into “A Dance With Death”, a game-changing collaboration between KCBC, St Agrestis, and Roberta’s! This Amaro Barrel Aged Black Lager has layers of allspice, black roast, sarsaparilla, dried mint, oak tannins, and Alpine herbs. A totally unique beer to represent a totally rad community!Grab a pair of headphones and listen in to get ready for NYC Beer Week 2023!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

We’re drawing closer to the Craft Malt Conference 2023! The event is being held in Portland, Maine, from March 16 to March 18, 2023, and Jesse Bussard, Executive Director of the Craft Maltsters Guild, is back with a couple of friends for another Pre-Show! Meet Rob Arnold, President of Advanced Spirits, and author of “The Terroir of Whiskey”; and Mark Sorrells, Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Cornell University, and head of their small grains project.Listen in for Jesse’s breakdown of the process that led up to this year’s conference, and how the stellar lineup was put together. Plus gain access to an archive of science on small grains, as well as how terroir can affect the flavor of distilled spirits, with Mark and Rob’s studied accounts.It’s the 10th anniversary of the Guild, and the 6th anniversary of the Conference! This is the only conference of its kind that offers workshops and seminars on all topics craft malt. Register now for both in-person and virtual options!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, we’re taking a virtual journey to the East End of Long Island! There we’ll meet Amy Zavatto, the Content Director for Southforker Publication; Rory McEvoy, co-owner of Kidd Squid Brewing Company; and Rob Raffa, owner and operator of übergeek Brewing Company.Amy starts the episode by highlighting what’s special about the Sag Harbor community, and how the only thing missing was a great brewery! In comes Kidd Squid, with their charming tasting room where one can enjoy balanced and delicious beers. The brewing community is strong on this end of Long Island, also bolstered by the likes of übergeek, who were licensed just two months before the pandemic shut the world down. They navigated those tumultuous waters to come out strong with their off-the-wall products and brick-and-mortar. Get the scoop on this micro-community of brewers and the awesome projects they’ve got fermenting for the future! Listen to this week’s BSR now!Photo Courtesy of  Doug Young.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Celebrate Black History Month with Montclair Brewery! Meet Denise Ford Sawadogo, co-owner, general manager, MBA, and marketing extraordinaire, and Leo Sawadogo, head-brewer and master distiller, as Jimmy sits down with this power couple to discuss the state of craft beer in the Black community.Jimmy starts the episode by recounting how he was connected with Leo and Denise by Manny Calderon, who aimed to bring Black-owned beers into the New York City market and beyond. Leo spins the yarn of learning to brew from his mom, (women handle most of the beer-making in his home of West Africa), and Denise tracks her journey from corporate America to Montclair Brewery.Every year during Black History Month Montclair Brewery releases a special series of beers inspired by African Culture and Icons. This year they are offering the “Beer is Black History” Black Lager, inspired by the origins of the first known beer recipe dating back to 3900 B.C. Mesopotamia! Whether it's a recipe inspired by traditions, or Jimmy's favorite "National Emergency" hazy NE IPA, Montclair Brewery is a must try.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Season 14 rolls on with a spirited episode on Bowl of ‘Zole fest! Jimmy is one-on-one with Arik Greenleaf Torren, AKA the Cater Waiter-turned-Hospitality Maestro, for a chat about mezcal, bartending, and having a good cocktail.Listen in to this deep dive on Arik’s journey through the hospitality industry as he recalls the experiences that brought him to Jimmy, and how they helped get Bowl of ‘Zole off the ground. Plus, get a crash course on Mexico’s history with the agave plant, known for its complex flavor compounds, and how they make for a fine spirit.This festival was crafted by mezcal aficionados and Mexican chefs. This ever-expanding phenomenon is a celebration of pozole and agave spirits, and will be coming to Denver and Boston soon! Grab tickets and get all the details on the chefs, mezcals, and events at bowlofzole.com. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

It looks like 2023 is going to be another big year for Craft Malt! The Craft Malt Conference is back in Portland, Maine, from March 16 to March 18, 2023. Preview the great lineup of speakers and other participants right here. Joining Jimmy today is Jesse Bussard, Executive Director of the Craft Maltsters Guild; Hillary Barile of Rabbit Hill Farms and Malthouse, and member of the Board of Directors for the Craft Maltsters Guild; Joshua Buck, one of the owners of the Maine Malt House; Sean Towers, one of the founders and brewers of The Seed, a living Beer project in Atlantic City.The Craft Malt Conference is always an exciting time for Jimmy and all craft malt appreciators, but this year is special: It’s the 10th anniversary of the Guild, and the 6th anniversary of the Conference! This is the only conference of its kind that offers workshops and seminars on all topics craft malt. Register now for both in-person and virtual options!Photo Courtesy of Locke Valley Photography.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Welcome back to BSR! Jimmy is hitting the ground running with season 14, on location at the ‘drinks capital of Brooklyn’ - Industry City. Jimmy hangs out with a group of drinks producers, including Josh Morton of Barrow’s Intense Ginger liqueur; James Tai, advanced cicerone; Dave Lopez of Gun Hill Brewing Co and Gun Hill Publick House; and Alex Clark and Amy Grindeland of Fort Hamilton Distillery.Why is Industry City the drinks capital of Brooklyn? Learn the history of this special spot, including “distillery row”, with its wide range of drink producers, and how it gets better every week! Want to warm up your Winter? Grab some Intense Ginger Liqueur, a pint of Gun Hill’s Brewing Rise Up Rye, or a glass of Fort Hamilton’s Single Barrel Rye. Can’t go wrong with any of them!Get cozy, grab some headphones, and join the conversation with BSR! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Rejoice and be merry! It’s the 2022 BSR Holiday Show! Join Jimmy to celebrate with some of his favorite beer people: Joel Shelton, former Shelton Brother and current big honcho at Inner Circle Beer Tours; BR Rolya, consulting pro at Beer Bier Biere; Kevin Brooks, owner, producer, and more at Oasthouse Creative; and Chris DeCicco, head of the beer program at DeCicco & Sons.Catch up with the Shelton Bros alum (plus Chris!) as they recount the special places they helped to put on the American Craft Beer scene map over the years, and how that led to the Inner Circle Beer Tours.Want to try some winter time beers? Try out St. Bernardus’s Christmas Ale, Brasserie Thiriez’s Bière De Noël, and Fyne Ales’s Mills & Hills to bring some spice to your holiday beverage lists.Strap in for this boozy sleigh ride as it takes you on tours to Europe with fun holiday drinks, and more!!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Em Hutto, founder of RadCraft Beer, is back, and she brought company! She joins Jimmy with Mark Youngquist, founder and owner of Dolores River Brewery, all the way from the Western Slope of Colorado.Today our merry gang comes together to talk about something a little bit different: the RadCraft Industry Relief Coloring Book! This rad and crafty book features logos from RadCraft’s partner breweries, distilleries, and malting companies. It was developed by the folks at RadCraft as a fun way to give back to our industry after the 2020 Pandemic brought hard times on us all.The project supports the James Beard Foundation’s Open For Good effort to help independent restaurants thrive, and for the cost of a craft beer on draft, you can give back, too! Get your copy today at radcraftbeer.com/industryrelief.Also on this episode, Mark Youngquist, a self-proclaimed “seasoned veteran” (Jimmy prefers the term “legend”), regales us with the lessons he’s learned brewing since the ‘80s. Spoiler alert: the longer Mark does this, the more he realizes he has no idea what he’s doing! Grab some headphones, some colored pencils, and get lost in the process of creation with BSR!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy welcomes Kyle Larkin, head brewer at Resolute Brewing Company in Centennial, Co, and Jerry Siote, co-owner and director of brewing operations at Lone Tree Brewing Company in Lone Tree, CO, to discuss their recent collaboration. The gang get cozy as the weather cools to talk about everything from the tradition and function of rice in lagers to malted sunflower seeds. First and foremost, the gang dives into Kyle and Jerry’s collaboration: It started loosely, with seasonal, experimental intentions: new malts, new hop, new technique. Called Abundant Forest, this dark lager is made from Leopold Bros. pilsner malt, flaked rice, and chocolate malt, along with Ariana and Callista German hop varietals. The duo are proud of how much of a fluid and collaborative process the project was.Also, Em Hutto, founder of RadCraft Beer and co-organizer of the episode, pops in to give her perspective on Kyle and Jerry’s collab. Grab a cozy lager and warm up with BSR!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Happy Thanksgiving from Jimmy, BSR, and HRN! Today we’re joined by culinary writer and historian John Taylor who calls in from the future, based 12 hours ahead in Cambodia. He’s here to talk about his new anthology book, Charleston to Phnom Penh: A Cook’s Journal, as well as to dish out some Thanksgiving food for thought.To start, John takes Jimmy way back to the ‘80s, when John first moved to Charleston, South Carolina to open Hoppin’ John’s bookstore. There were only a handful of restaurants at the time, and John tracked the city’s culinary renaissance over the years as a culinary historian (he is not a chef, he insists). After initially finding a vacuum, he watched as Charleston’s food scene blossomed by going back to its culinary roots (shrimp and grits, anyone?).Later on in the episode, John goes over some of the recipes you can find in his book. How does roast chicken with butter beans, rice, piccalilli, okra, and mustard greens with a hot pepper and vinegar relish sound for Thanksgiving dinner? Maybe pair it off with your favorite craft cider.We’re thankful for you here at BSR!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Recap this year’s Franklin County CiderDays from western Massachusetts with Steve Garwood, who runs Ragged Hill Cider Company with his daughter in West Brookfield, MA just east of Amherst.Jimmy and Steve reminisce on drinking farm ciders fermented in whiskey barrels, which is an old New England tradition. Steve gives us a little history lesson, explaining how after whiskey distillers were done with them, American oak whiskey barrels would be snatched up by farmers to facilitate the making of something special out of New England apples.From there, Jimmy recounts the spirit of being at this year’s CiderDays - his first time there. He was impressed with how hands-on the event is; there is even specially pressed Apple juice made by local orchards available for cider enthusiasts to start tangy and tart fermentation experiments of their own!Grab your earbuds, pop a cold one, and take a juicy trip through CiderDays! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

On this special episode of BSR, Jimmy is joined by the current USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo Bartender of the Year for the USA, Jessi Pollak!Jessi and Jimmy chat about everything from her seven-year bartending journey, to the arc of the USBG Presents World Class competition, as well as her award-winning cocktail creations. Jessi also gives Jimmy the lowdown on Diageo Bar Academy during this jam-packed episode. DBA equips bartenders, servers, managers, and hospitality professionals with the insights, stories, and tools to be better!Want to try your hand at the biggest bartending competition in the world? All hospitality professionals age 21+ can apply by the November 15th deadline for the 2023 USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo competition! Apply today.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

To celebrate Cider Season, this week we're talking with the Founder & President of Original Sin Cider, Gidon Coll, as well as Damin Sawyer, the creator of Bone N' Bottle Reviews. Together they discuss how the sweetness of early cider imports led Gidon to start Original Sin back in 1996, and reminisce about the early iterations of Cider Week.  Gidon also shares some of the secrets for making a great fruited cider using his own "Black Widow", a blackberry cider, as one example, and illuminates some of the guiding principles he uses to run his own apple orchard. If you're in the Boston area on November 12th, check out Cider Feast.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast

Inspired by the Bowl of Zole Brooklyn festival, this episode is all about corn and Mexican alcoholic beverages. This week Jimmy is joined by Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta, Agave Educator at  TUYO; Tom Pavlich, Division Manager at B. United Importers; and Patrick Dacy, owner of Dukes Liquor Box. Together they go over the foundations of Mexico's craft beverages, including how corn gets processed, which spirits come from which plants, and how we might evaluate "authenticity" in agave spirits.If you're new to Agave spirits and you want the real  101 course, Gabriel and Patrick put together a great article to get you started. Plus, Tom's shares how B. United is applying lessons learned from importing Italian and Japanese beers to their more recent Mexican imports.Beverage List:La Brü, Maíz AzulMonstruo de Agua Cerveceria, NochtliCasa Leon Rojo, Mauthia MezcalHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast

Join Jimmy on his inaugural visit to Buffalo, NY with our guide Ethan Cox, co-founder and co-owner of Community Beer Works. Returning guest Ethan is an esteemed brewer, beer judge, beer history writer, and overall authority on beer in the state of NY.Ethan details the journey from homebrewer to Community Beer Works, which started after he got immersed in Irish pub culture while studying abroad. After coming back to Boston, the next step for Ethan was buying a beer making kit. From there, Ethan trekked up state to Buffalo, NY where he joined local home brewing clubs.There was only one brewery in Buffalo when Ethan moved there - all the historic breweries in town went out of business in the early 70’s - and he saw a gap in the beer scene that needed filling. That took the form of Community Beer Works, which started as a nano-brewery (just 3 half-kegs per batch!), but has grown into an award-winning institution of Buffalo’s West Side.If you want to dig deeper into Buffalo beer, check out “Buffalo Beer: The History of Brewing in the Nickel City”, by Mike Rizzo and Ethan Cox.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This special episode was taped live on location at Flounder Brewing - one of the busiest brewery taprooms in New Jersey. Situated on a 250-year old farm in Somerset County, they share the property with their neighbors Bellemara Distilling and have become an incredible craft beverage destination. Jimmy was joined by “Flounder” himself, Jeremy Lees; Cam Winkelstein, Head Distiller of Bellemara; and Melonie Marano, Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director. They talk about everything from barn historians to smoked beers.Plus, learn how to snag a sweet t-shirt by checking out craft beverage makers around Somerset County through their “Sip & See” program!All this and more, live with BSR in Somerset County, NJ!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on BSR, a Brooklyn rendezvous in Massachusetts! Jimmy is joined by former Brooklynites Sarah Real and Mike Dell'Aquila of Hot Plate Brewing Company in Pittsfield, MA. After listening in to the NYC Beer Bar Buds episode, the pair had to get in on the BSR action! They reached out to Jimmy, and now they’re here to talk about building a brewery from a dream.After some quick shout outs to the Bierwax and Beer Witch bars in Brooklyn, the gang settles in to discuss the journey to Hot Plate Brewing; taking home brewing to pro brewing, coloring outside the lines of technicality, breaking down styles, the excitement and terror of opening a new brewery, and making friends all around the world through brewing beer “potions”! Get away from it all in Pittsfield, Mass - grab some headphones and grab a glass!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy decides to host a book club on Beer Sessions Radio with Claude Jolicoeur — the author of “Cider Planet: Explore the Producers, Practices, and Unique Traditions of Craft Ciders and Perry from around the World.” Inviting Boutique Wines’s Paige Flori and @hardciderguys’s Adrian, the gang will serve you a three-course meal of cider history with a side of Jimmy’s superb French techniques. For our first course, you will be served Claude’s journey as a writer and cider maker from his first book to the stories behind “Cider Planet.” Paige then cooks up a plate of her education as a cider enthusiast/retailer/up-coming certified pommelier and an app of question for Claude titled “Is Cider a Beer?” Claude also shares with us the French and many other traditions around the world, before Adrian jumps in with his intro and how he’s learning to join the big league of cider through the minority scholarship at the Cider Institute of North America. After a short break, entree is now out with a toast to Farnum Hill Ciders — for being on Paige's gigantic apple tree tap and in Jimmy’s hand. We’ll now dig up the possible first apples in the world from Kazakhstan, before talking Roman’s conquest and prohibition along with their impact on cider making. A dish of hand-crusting apples and acidity balance will also sit neatly on our delicious table. Last but not least, ice cider is up for dessert and will be served with the special “Je m’appelle Jimmy” syrup. At the bottom of the bowl, you might be able to find the secrets to how Paige keeps up with all the things she has in store and Adrian’s next location for cider tasting. Grab your spoon and have a taste of our cider planet right now!Photo Courtesy of Claude Jolicoeur.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy returns to Roberta’s studio to chat with the Bushwick All-Stars — Sake King Shinobu Kato, Beer King Jesse Ferguson, and Pizza King Brandon Hoy. The gang gets stared at by newcomers at Roberta’s while talking community spirits and locality in beverage programs in Bushwick/E-Wib/Robertaville.The episode starts off with a standup comedy session about Zoom and the lack of microphones at the studio, before we get to brief introductions by Brandon, Jesse, and Shinobu along with their organizations — Roberta’s Pizza, Interboro Spirits and Ales, and Kato Sake Works. They then dive right into the part of Bushwick where they are all located with the nickname E-Wib and its pre-hospitality history. Jesse also tells us more about his neighborhood tribute Bushburg pilsner, while Shinobu recalls how the local community helped him grow through the pandemic. Brandon also jumps in with the story of the Mahalo At Ya Boi — Interboro-brewed specifically for Roberta’s and its locals. The conversation then moves into the world of Sake, where Jimmy gets schooled on Sake Bomb and gets so nervous that he keeps on touching the mic. Right before the break, Brandon reveals the secrets of the craftsmanship approach at Roberta’s. Last but not least, we’ll dive into the spirits and drinks they are all sipping at the studio. Jesse brings with him on his bike a 3-year-old straight malt whisky and a special amaro, while Shinobu talks more about his upcoming new place that you won’t want to miss out on. Grab your spirits anyway and become a virtual local of Robertaville!Photo Courtesy of Matt Patterson.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on BSR, it’s a studio session! Make that a studio party! Jimmy and friends take Roberta’s. Get cozy and crack a brew with Chris Maestro, co-founder and co-owner BierWax Queens and BierWax Brooklyn; Yahaira Gil-Maestro, co-owner BierWax and BierWax Queens; Kevin Bradford, co-owner of Harlem Hops; Kim Harris, co owners Harlem Hops; and Christa Sobier, owner of Beer Witch.After two years of folks drinking at home, Jimmy and this esteemed group of NYC proprietors discuss the value of a warm, accepting spot to drink and gather. Listen to reflections on other valuable tenets of BSR like partnership, growth, serendipity, community, education, representation, and of course, NYC CRAFT BEER!Grab some headphones and join the party!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy drives down South for an exclusive talk with the influencers of the Black craft beer movement — Ale Sharpton and Mike Potter. While Ale is a beer writer slash expert slash critic slash personality, Mike is also the founder of Black Brew Culture slash Fresh Fest slash Blacktoberfest. The gang will follow the rise of Black craft breweries as well as the details of Ale’s and Mike’s individual projects serving as steps on that ladder.The episode kicks off with a catch-up session with Ale and his journey in the Piano Keys World — his collaboration with New Belgium. He also gives us a peek into the growth of Atlanta’s beer scene through legislation and minority brewing movements. We then get to meet Mike and two outstanding brewers from Blacktoberfest — Dirtbag Ale’s Tito and Beale Street Brewing Company’s Kelvin — along with their paths on the craft beer way and what they are brewing for this upcoming Blacktober. Additionally, we’ll also dive into an analysis of the ups and downs of the Black beer scene in U.S.’s Southern cities, before coming back to Ale’s efforts to shine light on the small guys. After the break, we’ll come back with Kelvin's private session with his exclusive trivias and stories on Elvis. Jimmy attempts to make his endings consistent by going around the room asking people their favorite beers for the week, before Mike closes out with details about Blacktoberfest (October 1st in St. Louis, 15th in Atlanta, and 22nd in Durham). Hop in the car and tune into our show while driving to Blacktober, Jimmy’s waiting for you!Photo Courtesy of Ale Sharpton.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio welcomes back Jaega Wise and her book “Wild Brews” - the only book twice featured - along with biologist Paul Mankiewicz, to spill all about water. We shall start off with a brief re-intro by Jaega, and Paul’s intro of his work with water. Jaega will talk more about her time at water school, before giving you exclusive tips for your first batch. We’ll also discuss alkaline and all the bad things that can happen with beers when you get the water wrong, before Paul jumps in with a history lesson on the NYC water system. Jimmy also tries to get involved with a pretty obvious question about hardness, while Jaega and Paul geek out way too hard on the term “scale.”Later on, we come back to the recipes in “Wild Brews” and Burton-on-Trent unique eggy pale ale. The gang also touches on climate change, with its impact on water and the craft beer scene. Last but not least, Jimmy finally finds a consistent way to end the show by bringing back the question-for-other format, before Jaega tells us the same dumb question everyone keeps asking about her book.Grab your goggles and waterproof headphones before joining us on this deep dive!Photo Courtesy of Miles Willis.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on BSR, Jimmy gets schooled on yeast and the history of bread and beer traditions! We welcome Lars Marius Garshol of Norway, an author and researcher in yeast and traditional farmhouse brewing; Pete Lengyel-Fushimi, NYC-based craft brewer and Jimmy’s go-to scientist; and Eric Pallant of Pennsylvania, Author of Sourdough Culture.We start by diving into Norwegian Kveik Yeast strains, known for their extremely high temperature tolerance. This allows for turbo-speed beer fermentation, which incorporates historically significant, ancient traditions. Eric compares those traditions to tracing back his sourdough starter to the time of the industrial revolution!Later on, Pete applies the scientific method to Eric and Lars to try and pry some of the secrets of fermentation out of them…Grab some headphones, press play, and get ready to break down and bubble up!Photo Courtesy of Lars Marius Garshol.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy talks to Brent Manning from Riverbend Malt House in Asheville, North Carolina, about their process of producing high quality craft malt at a large scale. The duo discuss the trends in craft beer, craft malt, and the future of a more sustainable beer industry. Grab your green headphones and dig in on the convo with us right now!Brent kicks off the episode with a brief introduction of his environmental consultant background, and how he turned to craft malt through his craft beer passion. He’ll also give you a glimpse of the early day struggles with his ‘artisan’ kiln, before introducing us to the fanciest equipment whose name Jimmy can’t even pronounce. Brent continues to present us with a more local and more creative future for malters and brewers nationwide, before diving into Craft Malt Week this Sept. 27, organized by the Craft Malsters Guild, where he is the founder and president.After a short break, we will return to a discussion on distilleries using craft malts and Brent’s experimentations with different types of grains. He’ll also share an exciting trend of brewers converting to using locally sourced and malted grains as a triumph against international maltsters, along with a crazy story about a couple from the Netherlands who came to a Craft Malt Week. Last but not least, Brent closes the show with an amazing growth report for South East craft beer and malt, along with his mission being a bridge between farmers and brewers nationwide. Photo Courtesy of Brent Manning.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio welcomes back Good Word Brewing’s Todd DiMatteo and the author of “The Craft Brewery Cookbook”, John Holl. The gang will talk beer and food in all the ways that you can, accompanied by all the trivia stories that Jimmy can come up with.The episode starts with an introduction for John and his latest cookbook, which is an exciting collection of recipes from brew pubs all around the country. He will also tell us about the experimental nature of beer and food pairings, as well as his travel to Todd’s cozy tap room in Duluth. And that’s when Todd will chime in with his thoughts on John and the cookbook, before our writer goes back to raving over the acoustics at Good Word. The gang then moves on to talking about All About Beer, where John just took over as editor, and their intention to cover all things important to beer pros and drinkers alike. Last but not least, Todd will tell us more about his upcoming festival Les Bon and the beer dinners included in it, before Jimmy shares his exclusive veal brisket carpaccio story. Todd also talks a bit more about his next Little Beer fest on April 15, 2023, before we discuss John’s old book and approach to exploring the world of food and beer that definitely does not involve the tap. Grab your headphones and take over with better beer trivias than Jimmy’s right now!Photo Courtesy of John Holl.HRN is home to transformative exchanges about food. Our 35+ member-supported food podcasts empower eaters to cultivate a radically better world. This month, we’re asking you to join us. Become a monthly sustaining member at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy finally gets a break from the online world with an in-person visit to Plant Pub by the famous Fenway Park. Sitting down with Pat McAuley, one of the pub’s co-founders and a plant-based athlete, they will attempt to show you a new future for pub and pub food that’s growing in Boston. The episode kicks off with Pat’s introduction to the beer world at Russ Heissner’s Barrel House Z and his journey from a meat-eating college football player (who happens to look like Julian Edelman) to a plant-based activist. He’ll then move on to talk about the 350-seat location that they are sitting in right now, waiting for Jimmy’s classic burger and fries made entirely out of plants. Pat will also share more about Plant Pub’s approach with plant-based food, which is focused on making these dishes more accessible through familiar language and menu items. He also shows appreciation for his head chef Mary Dumont and the team along with his partners Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni and Matthew Kenney.After our short break, the gang will talk about Pat’s podcast, where he interviews nutritional experts and people who went through the same journey as he did (with the first episode featuring his own mom). They also discuss the health benefits of a plant-based diet, and just how well it goes with craft beers. Last but not least, Pat shares how he’s supporting local farmers and brewers, as well as his worries for the first Red Sox game at the pub this Friday. Grab your headphones right now and pray for Plant Pub!HRN is home to transformative exchanges about food. Our 35+ member-supported food podcasts empower eaters to cultivate a radically better world. This month, we’re asking you to join us. Become a monthly sustaining member at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Inspired by Lew Bryson’s article, “What Stout Has Become Has Led Me Back To Porter,” Beer Sessions Radio will welcome Lew himself and Todd DiMatteo from Good Word Brewing to talk porter and classic English beer in this week's episode. Lew will be sure to ramble about the thorough story of dark beers, and fulfill Jimmy’s purpose when inviting him, while Todd will add his perspective as a brewer of the classics. Jimmy kicks off the episode by asking Lew his reasons behind an article about porter. Besides being asked by his boss to do so, Lew reveals quite a few interesting memories he had with porters — and his appreciation for how it made Myrtle beach bearable. Todd also shares his take on porter, before publicly apologizing to Lew for sending him the wrong batch of summer ale. We will then move onto a history of English beers in its own lifetime, as well as within the American craft beer movement.Last but not least, the gang goes deeper into porters and styles, as well as the role of a beer critic in the craft beer industry. Lew shares his thoughts on why people read his writing, before Todd explains why he prefers sending beers to writers for organic marketing. Todd will also share a glimpse into his Little Beer Festival this past April, before the gang come back to the discussion of, "why English beer?" Grab your headphones right now and be a part of our lively discussion on Beer Sessions Radio!HRN is home to transformative exchanges about food. Our 35+ member-supported food podcasts empower eaters to cultivate a radically better world. This month, we’re asking you to join us. Become a monthly sustaining member at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy adds to a cidery summer with an intergenerational conference where the legends meet rising stars in the New England cider world. In this episode, we will welcome Steve Wood from Farnum Hill Ciders and Eleanor Leger from Eden Ciders — the legends — along with Bird Dog Cider’s Peter Endres and Easthampton Cider Project’s Josh Bromage — the legends-to-be.The episode kicks off with a brief introduction for our guests before we get to know Steve, who has been in the industry since 1965. We then move on to Eleanor’s collaboration with Steve as well as her own cider journey. The newbies finally chime in with their origin stories, with Josh’s time in Ireland and Pete’s childhood in the heart of New York state’s apple country.The gang finally geeks out on one another and turns the episode into a Q&A session. Paradoxically, the rising stars ask legends about the industry’s future outlook, while Steve and Eleanor learn more about Pete’s and Josh’s love for classics and communities. Grab your headphones and sit down with us in this cozy discussion right now! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio welcomes two homeschooled brewers — Jeff Lyons from Endless Life Brewing in Brooklyn, and Jaega Wise from Wild Card Brewery in East London, who also happens to be the author of “Wild Brews.” The gang will bang out lessons on homebrewing and sour beers, before revealing the secrets to the water section of Jaega's latest book. The episode starts with Jaega’s and Jeff’s introduction to the homebrewing world as well as their backgrounds outside of the beer industry. While Jaega grew up in the Midland region in UK, noted for Burton-on-Trent, with a CAMRA beer festival as her first, Jeff hung out with the Beer Judge Certification Program gang in the back room of Jimmy’s No. 43. Jaega also shared her unexpectedly perfect journey to beerdom, studying chemical engineering and going to water school for her previous job in water treatment. She went on to explain the keys to controlling what she considers the most underappreciated ingredient in brewing — water. The gang then goes deeper into sour beer and the history of homebrewing, with Jimmy admitting to only being able to make “the no hygiene beer” inspired by the Victorian era’s Tudor. They also discuss the revival of cask beers along with the brewing scene in London, with a tiny surprise about water in Scotland and whisky distilling. Grab your headset and listen in on the secrets right now!Photo Courtesy of Jaega Wise.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes the legends of the cider world — James Asbel from Ciders of Spain, Peter Mitchell (not British) of Headwater Cider Company and Ronald Sansone from Spoke + Spy Ciderworks, who just so happens to also be the president of the Cider Institute of North America. The gang will discuss Spanish cider and its making methods, before traveling through space and time to investigate the historical and geographical developments of ciders.The episode kicks off with a vivid introduction into Peter’s 2000 trees orchard and his motto of “grow what you press, press what you grow,” James’ discovery of Spanish ciders, along with Ron’s love for dry still cider. The group also talks about cider making in different regions from Spain, to the Pacific Northwest, to Franklin County and the overall New England area. Last but not least, Ron leads us down the history of cider in the United States — how it started out as “the bad boy” in prohibition and became the outcast when people were rewriting the law of alcohol. James also digs deeper into Spanish cider making, the ubiquity of ciders in Spain and how he chooses his products, before Jimmy declares his running for office with the slogan, “chickens in every pot, ciders on every corner.” Catch us right now and vote for Jimmy 2024!            Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy flies spirit to Europe for a meeting with three European cider makers — Oliver’s Cider and Perry’s Tom Oliver, Pilton Cider’s Martin Berkeley from the United Kingdom, and Berryland’s Vitalii Karvyha from Ukraine, who recently lost his cidery. The gang sit down to talk cider techniques and tasting, as well as discuss the cideries, community, and events in the UK. Help rebuild Berryland with the American Cider Association here.The episode starts with the three sharing their cider making ingredients and techniques, along with their experience at the Bristol Cider Salon. While Tom and Martin are the events’ organizers, Vitalii is among the most beloved vendors with his distinct wild fermentation along with his variety of apples and peels. Tom shared their journey from attending the Franklin County Cider Day and seeing the reception that cider got, to coming back and receiving the blessing for their name, before inviting international vendors including Bausman Cider’s Christine Walter, Seattle Cider’s Scott Katsma, and Eden Cider’s Kris Kazaks. We also dive deep into what makes for good ciders with Tom’s tannin cider talk, Martin’s keeving techniques, and Vitalii’s abundance of resources and skills.Last but not least, Tom goes into the making of London Cider House, a UK cider bar/retail shop in the historic Borough Market. Martin will also share more about his strategy of collaborating with your competitors in business, while they both tell us their favorite bottles. Grab yours and join us right now on Beer Sessions Radio! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio welcomes Dave McLean from Admiral Maltings in Alameda, California. Founding Magnolia Brewing Company in the 1990s and Admiral Maltings in 2017 with Ron Silberstein and Curtis Davenport, Dave proves to be among the ranks of fearless pioneers in the wild world of craft beer.Jimmy kicks off the episode turning back to Dave’s early days in the industry. Discovering craft in the parking lot of a Grateful Dead concert, Dave moved to the West coast and learned how to brew through the UC Davis Brewing Program. He then takes us through the craft beer landscape at the time, while talking about Magnolia, cask beer, and the community spirit of the industry. The gang then goes deeper into craft malt and beer styles. Dave shares his journey to becoming a maltster along with his true goal of localizing beer production and connecting breweries, maltsters, and farmers into one welcoming community. Last but not least, he will share the three best beers and whiskies made out of premium malts from Admiral Maltings. Grab your headphones and find out what they are!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we return to our live studio at Roberta’s Pizza upon our guest’s special request. Jimmy sits down uncomfortably before he welcomes Em Sauter, the author of ‘Hooray for Craft Beer!,’ and James Tai, a ‘random guy sitting at the bar’ who is helping local bars and restaurants improve their service. The episode kicks off with Em’s and James’s background in the beer world and their experience with the Cicerone Certification program. Em also shares her cartooning background with an MFA from the Center for Cartoon Studies, along with her first beer job selling cigarettes and Budweisers to cement factory workers while dusting the Belgian beers that no one ever bought. Jimmy props them to give away their ‘legend’ Master Cicerones, but will he reveal his?We’ll then dive deeper into the content of Em’s book, ‘Hooray for Craft Beer!,’ as well as her illustration and research on Pints and Panels, a website providing materials for levels 1 and 2 of the Cicerone certificate. Em tells Jimmy more about the history and the importance of beer in our world, as it has inspired so many technological developments. Finally, the gang talks more about Fox Farm Brewery where Em works part-time, while tasting their Altra Volta Three-Year Blend paired with Roberta’s Beesting and Beastmaster.See more of Em’s illustration on her Instagram and read her rants about the Red Sox on her Twitter! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy tunes into the Ska network with co-founders Bill Graham and Dave Thibodeau from Ska Brewing in Durango, Colorado. The gang will listen to Dave's and Bill’s latest album about their brewing, growing, and drinking process.For the first track, we have the story of Bill and Dave. Growing up together by the Front Range of Colorado, the duo started home-brewing to Ska music in high school. They then moved to Durango partly to create the Ska Brewing Co. we now know, but mostly to ski. The second track is an intro to the three waves of Ska and their favorite bands like The Toasters and The Pietasters, who might be performing at their 27th anniversary this Labor Day Weekend.Track three and four are more complex, with Bill and Dave diving deeper into the company and their beers, as well as weed legalization in Colorado and the challenges it creates for local growers and brewers. Track five increases in tempo as the gang talks about home-brewing and the importance of enjoying the process. They also touch briefly on the words written on the lips of the cans with Jimmy’s challenge for their next one. To end the show, track six takes us gardening and into Dave’s backyard for a mini-lecture on how to grow carrots.No wonder this album is top 1 on Billboard right now!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes back Jerard Fagerberg from Episode 603: From Jack Kerouac to British Coal Miners, The History of The Workingman’s Drink. Two renowned beer culture writers, Pete Brown and Dave Infante also join us for a conversation about unionizing in the craft beer industry. The episode kicks off with Pete’s description of the pubs and private clubs in Britain, along with his solid argument about how Shakespeare, Beyonce, and Charles Dicken all share a favorite spot in London. We also get to listen to Pete’s upcoming book, “Clubland,” and the inspiration behind it. The discussion then moves back to the States with Dave and Jerard talking about unions among craft breweries, and interindustry solidarity in organizing. While Jerard brings up Fair State Brewing Cooperative as a shining example of successful unions, Dave talks about the struggles and failures that workers might face in this uphill battle. Last but certainly not least, the gang dives deep into class consciousness and its education among mainstream discord, talking about Kim Kelly’s “Fight Like Hell,” football, and what Pete calls football. Pete also talks more about the Working Men’s Club and his working-class background.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes award-winners Peter Yi from Brooklyn Cider House and Ray Sheehan who created the “Best BBQ Sauce in the World” for an in-depth discussion on the classic American pairing of cider and BBQ. The gang will introduce not only insights into the makings of cider and BBQ, but also guide us to fully draw out their flavors by pairing them together!The episode will start with Ray’s gradual yet monumental growth in the BBQ world that led him to the top of the sauce chain today, in contrast to Peter’s big swift shift to cider from the old wine palate that all started in Spain. Ray goes on to tell how he learned the fundamentals by helping local BBQ teams with the most menial tasks, before diving deeper into his book “Big Green Eggs Basics from a Master Barbecuer,” while Peter reminisces his discovery of the lost apple cider tradition that led him owning an apple orchard, providing the source materials for all his products. Sipping an old-world-style OEC pilsner, Ray will take us through his lists of BBQ-beer pairings, ranging from ribs with porters to hot wings with IPAs. He then grabs the mic to interview Peter on how to pair cider with smoked pork loin, and reveals hot takes on food-alcohol pairings and pourings that are only available to those who stay till the end!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes mad scientist/artist/poet Sean Towers from Atlantic City’s The Seed: A Living Beer Project, and New Jerseyan beer appreciator/Gear Patrol’s beer guy Ryan Brower. In Sean’s lair, the gang will devise their master scheme to prove there's so much more to Atlantic City than casinos.Step one: Thinking inside the box. With Sean’s background in marine biology and microbiology and his lifelong sidekick Amanda’s in sociology, The Seed utilizes the traditions in beer making to elevate their saisons, lagers, pub porters, and IPAs. These are the trusted four you can always find on draft at their AC taproom. Step two: Keeping it local. As Ryan opens up bottle after bottle of lagers and pub porters like as simple as patterns? and all tucked away, Sean discusses their devotion to local ingredients such as grains from New Jersey’s premier malter Rabbit Hill Malt, and the bustling revitalization of the city in arts, culinary as well as entertainment. Step three: Adding the artistry. Sean will now dive deep into The Seed’s naming conventions with lowercase and question marks which pains Ryan as an editor while exciting him as a mad beer fan. But the artistry does not stop there, as Sean reveals the story behind poetry in motion and his basketball career.Last but not least, the plan will finish off with a commitment to keeping the locality, following the traditions, and adding the culture here at The Seed, along with a dandelion secret waiting to be revealed. Catch the episode right now and be in on this genius plan!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy will drive North to Amesbury, Massachusetts, where package stores are cordially called "packey," to visit RMA Craft Beer and Wine packey store for an exclusive tasting and on-site recording session with Rockport Brewing Company. Jimmy is always on the lookout for top-notch retail beershops, and Rockport is a north-of-Boston top-selling local brand. Despite being a small-scale contract brewer, Rockport is committed to quality, community, and unity among workers alike!The conversation kicks off with the unconventional journey of Rockport’s founder and sales manager, Ray Pickup, and Tyler Johnson, with a glass of Whale Cove white ale for Jimmy. The gang continues sharing their perspective of the brewing community, emphasizing their appreciation for the local support. Ray will go on to reinstate the Rockport identity in his brand design and marketing, along with an anecdotal history of all his beers, before Tyler reveals the secrets of his top-notch salesmanship. Last but definitely not least, Ray’s no-longer-hidden day job as Business Representative for International Union for Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35 and his mission to turn Rockport into the first fully union-affiliated brewery in the country. Jimmy then circles back to the difficulty of small-batch brewing, with an in-depth case study of Ray’s tribute to his great grandfather — the Mcateer’s Dry Irish Stout!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

As Earth Day approaches, this week’s Beer Sessions Radio welcomes two environmental defenders in the brewing world — Michael Kowalski from Berkshire Mountain Distillers and Sean Lawson from Lawson’s Finest Liquids. They will be coaching us on how to take the waste out of getting wasted!Opening the episode, Sean presents his pioneering Green is Grand project before spilling all about the Sunshine Canopy, Vermont’s largest free-standing solar power structure, and its ribbon-cutting event on April 22. Michael joins the conversation with the “wasting not and wanting none” approach at Berkshire, which involves repurposing their used ingredients, remodeling their cooling system, and reusing their wastewater. The discussion then took a citrusy detour for you to take a sip of Sean’s Double Sunshine and Michael’s Grey Lock Gin.Do stay sober as we close the show with Sean emphasizing the holistic mentality when it comes to sustainable brewing, and Michael diving deeper into water and energy conservation. Finally, the gang comes down to a naming competition for the canopy, with top contenders currently being: Jimmy’s “Curious George” and Sean’s “Store of Sunshine.”  Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy will drive all the way to Kittery, Maine for an in-depth lecture on beer styles and beer history. This exciting course is currently taught by Woody Mott, son of Tod Mott the New England brewing legend, and Horst Dornbusch, editor and contributor for The Oxford Companion to Beer, at Tributary Brewing Company. The class will start off with Woody’s journey from the finance world to the brewing world, explaining his deep involvement and understanding of every step in the beer-making process. Horst will then join us and kick off the lecture with a dive into the history of pilsner, the Californian Common, New York Cream Ale, all before introducing us to Tributary’s favorites like the flagship Pale Ale, the Dinkelator, and the soon-to-run-out Imperial Stout that will be available April 23. Lastly, Woody will go deep into his approach to recipe writing and his adoration for Aventinus, whereas Horst will emphasize the importance of ingredients and agriculture in the making of the beers, along with a climate change industry report. Woody will then leave a final appreciation for all the brewers that came before Tributary, and assure every student attending: “You’re just gonna have a damn good beer!”Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, whiskey will take over Beer Sessions Radio! Chris Weld and Michael Kowalski from Berkshire Mountain Distillers – Massachusett’s first legal distillery since prohibition – grab the mic to tell us about the Craft Brewers Whiskey Project, and all that brews into the best beer-based whiskey. Also on this episode is Nick Smith of Otter Creek Brewing Company – one of the project’s collaborators. Nick reminisces on the day he got a bottle back from Berkshire before discussing with the gang what the best beer is for making whiskey, and how distillation brings out the best in beer. Jimmy finally gets his job back with a conversation on corn whiskey, revealing Chris’s secret at his distillery. Last but not least, Michael will expand on Berkshire’s collaborator approach with their retailer and restaurant partners, along with his efforts to show off their whiskey through engaging tasting sessions. Chris will also introduce us to their on-premise charity event, which features barrels from local brewers.Are you a business owner? Become an HRN business member! For $500 HRN will shine a light on your work AND you will help sustain our mission to expand the way people think about food. As a thank you for this tax-deductible donation, your business will receive on-air mentions, social media posts, listings on our website and more. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/biz to become a business member todayHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy will drive by cider town to discover a young and bustling community for Open That Cider Bottle Day. Recently created by the American Cider Association (ACA) to engage the cider enthusiasts and educate the interested winemakers, the occasion gathers to the show Michelle McGrath of ACA, Anne and Steve Garwood of Ragged Hill Cider Company, Paige Flori of Boutique Wines and Spirits, and Anne Shelton of Albemarle Ciderworks.The episode will start with Open That Cider Bottle Day’s origin story by Michelle, before the gang share with us the bottles they have been saving on air. Steve will then take the wheel to a comprehensive discussion of ciders’ potentials for aging and collecting, accompanied by advice for newcomers from Paige and aging experiments at Albemarle. The conversation comes to an end as the group shares their marketing plans for this day next year, with a culinary pairing focus and vertical tasting menus. Last but not least, our guest Michelle will leave you with a poetic cider-appreciation quote:“Friendly reminder: there’s nothing finer than deglazing the pan with your favorite cider” Are you a business owner? Become an HRN business member! For $500 HRN will shine a light on your work AND you will help sustain our mission to expand the way people think about food. As a thank you for this tax-deductible donation, your business will receive on-air mentions, social media posts, listings on our website and more. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/biz to become a business member today. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio will introduce you to the world of lagers and beer-food pairings. Jimmy and our guests Mirella Amato, Todd DiMatteo, along with Luc “Bim” LaFontaine will have a lively discussion about pairing techniques and considerations, as well as the light beer scene around the world. The episode breaks off with Todd from Good Word Brewing and Public House promoting his upcoming Little Beer Fest on April 9 with 65 breweries gathering in Duluth, Georgia. Godspeed Brewery’s Luc then talks about his time in Japan and Czech exploring the world of craft small beers, before explaining his process when it comes to pairing beers and food at his retail shop house. All these conversations happen as Mirella from Beerology took us through a demo of her new course Mastering Beer & Food Pairing, brought to you by Beerology® by using Todd and Luc’s examples to demonstrate her technique-focused curriculum!Photo Courtesy of Andrew Budziak.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Beer Sessions Radio, food radio, Shelton Brothers, beer, drinks, deep ellum beer bar, delaware supply bar, European beers, imported beers, shelton brothers nycThis week, Beer Sessions Radio is dedicated to the Shelton Brothers, America’s most influential importer of Belgian and European beers. With the appearance of Joel Shelton himself, Jimmy and our guests Max Toste, BR Rolya, along with Lauren Slezak and Colin Pratt, talk about their memories with the brothers’ products and show appreciation for their legacy.Everyone will start reminiscing about their interaction with the brothers’ beers. Max Toste from Deep Ellum Beer Bar retells small anecdotes that made him geek out on the brothers as artisans. Lauren and Colin from Delaware Supply Bar explained how they were inspired to collaborate with foreign brewers. In addition, BR from Shelton Brothers NYC expressed admiration for the brothers’ Belgium and Franconia selections. Finally, Joel talks about Inner Circle Beer Tours — the brothers’ latest project. Our guests who have attended these tours will share their experiences and invite listeners onto the exciting adventures!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio in celebration of NYC Beer Week, Jimmy teams up with local brewers from Gun Hill Brewing Co., the Pony Bar NYC, Daleview Biscuits and Beer NYC, 18th Ward Brew, NYC Brewers Guild, and Alewife Brewing Co. to discuss the in-person return of the festival after 2 years.All of our guests will introduce their beers along with how they weathered the pandemic. Ann V. Reilly, Executive Director of NYC Brewers Guild reestablishes the importance of breweries in the city while promoting NYC Beer Week after detailing the hardships brewers have gone through as a result of COVID-19. In addition, Jimmy and the gang talked about the efforts to draw in NY state breweries to compete with festivals in neighboring areas. Finally, Dan McLaughlin from the Pony Bar NYC introduces the OG Beer Night at the Bar on March 1st, which will be part of the NYC Beer Week taking place Feb 27 till March 5 all around the city!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Craft Malt Conference Weekend is here! Kick back and chat Craft Malt with Hannah Turner, Director of The MSU Barley and Malt Quality Lab in Bozeman, MT; Hillary Barile of Rabbit Hill Farms in New Jersey; and Jesse Bussard, Executive Director of the Craft Maltsters Guild.Hannah tracks her journey through plant science to studying brewing at MSU. Jesse recollects her own history with agriculture and homebrewing that led her to the Craft Maltsters Guild. After some serious suspense, Hillary dishes on Rabbit Hill Malt House winning Best of Show at the Craft Malt Cup Awards. Cheers to celebrating excellence within the Craft Malt community! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy is continuing with this month's Craft Malt Conference theme, speaking with Dennis and Jeanette Nesel and Mike Renganeschi of Hudson Valley Brewery, and Sam Merrett Captain of Schooner Apollonia. The gang talks about the project Sam has relentlessly or passionately (depending on who you ask) led over the past few years to transport malt, among other products, in an entirely carbon-neutral way. From transporting malt down the original superhighway of the Hudson Valley River on Schooner Apollonia to biking it from the shore to the brewery to making malt the old-fashion way, Captain Sam and the crew at Hudson Valley Brewery are reshaping what it means to brew local beer. Grab your favorite eco-friendly brewed beer and give it a listen!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

The week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy is gearing up for the Craft Malt Conference and heads to Farmingham to speak with Matthew Steinberg at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company. Matthew talks about how local ingredients and partnerships are central to beer production at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing, and details a few initiatives including the Square Foot Project and Square Foot Saturdays to Build Better Beer. He also talks about all the wonderful support Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing received from their neighbors, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, to the local maltsters and grain roasters, to Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing’s own incredible staff. Finally, Jimmy and Mathew paint a picture of Framingham from its breweries to its great tacos and Brazilian restaurants. Give it a listen on the train from Boston to Framingham and enjoy all that Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing has to offer!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Session Jimmy is talking about locally sourced grains with June Russell, Director of Regional Food Programs at the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming, and Joel Alex, of Blue Ox Malthouse. Both June and Joe talk about their experience promoting local grains in regional markets from baking to brewing. Joel explains the process of floor malting. June talks about how much of a commitment it can be for farmers to start growing new grains. Finally, the gang talks about their plans for the upcoming virtual 2022 Craft Malt Conference on February 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26nd. Grab a beer made with local grains and give it a listen!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Jimmy is talking about homebrewing and The American Homebrewers Association with Julia Herz, executive director of The American Homebrewers Association; Ethan Cox of Community Beer Works; and Jeff Lyons of Endless Life Brewing. Julia talks about her role as being a voice and advocate for the hobby she loves. She also covers everything from the history of homebrew since Mesopotamia to the styles of beer and homebrewing popular today. Jeff talks about how homebrewing compares to working in a brewery and the unique styles of beer homebrewing helps to develop. Ethan and Jimmy talk about their all New York State beer in the works. And Ethan details New York State's rich history with hops production. Grab your homebrew, and give it a listen!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on beer sessions radio Jimmy is talking to some warmer weather breweries with Jordan Gardenhire, founder and brewmaster of Baja Brewing Company, and Katie Lowe brewmeister of Koko’s Bavarian. Katie talks about the vision of Koko’s Bavarian led by people like the Prince Koko of Bavaria and celebrity chef Tim Love. Jordan tells some crazy stories like lifting brewing equipment out of the roof of a building and weathering some of the most severe hurricanes that have impacted the business. Both Katie and Jordan describe what makes their homes from the breweries of Austin to the shores of Baja unique and how that comes through in their beers. Grab a beer from your favorite warm-weather brewery and give it a listen!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Jimmy is talking cider with Brighid O'Keane, executive director of The Cider Institute of North America (CINA); Christine Walter, head cider maker and owner of Bauman’s Cider; Ryan Burk, head cider maker of Angry Orchards and board member of The Cider Institute of North America; and Kira Bassingthwaighte, head cider maker for Western Cider. Brighid O'Keane introduces the Cider Institute of North America and its mission. Ryan talks about how the American cider scene has grown and where it might be heading. Christine walks through how her family farm as well as her scientific background has shaped her cider production. Kira talks about Montana's culture of grain as well as the unique diversity of apples. The episode finishes with recommendations for in-person and virtual courses offered by the Cider Institute of North America for aspiring cider makers. Grab your favorite cider and give it a listen.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy is talking about distribution in New York City with Ken Landin and Patrick Sylvester of Crossroads Brewing, James Zinkand, owner of Misguided Spirits, and Megan Rickerson, owner of Someday NYC. The gang highlights the challenges Covid has brought to the industry. James talks about his experience from Eataly to Miller Coors to Revolution Brewing and how it led him to open Misguided Spirits. Megan explains how relationships with local producers and distributors have become more meaningful than ever. Kenny talks about the choice to do business upstate versus in the city. And Patrick highlights the way IPA’s have evolved over the years and offers some local liquor and beer pairings. Support a local brewery or distiller and give it a listen!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions (the last Beer Sessions of 2021!) Jimmy is talking about the greatest hits of 2021 and beer dessert pairings with Julia Herz, executive director of the American Homebrewers Association and author, Jerard Fagerberg, freelance beer writer, and Jessie Sheehan, recipe developer and author of The Vintage Baker. Jessie details some of her newest recipes, including some that will appear in her upcoming cookbook, Snackable Bakes: 100 Easy-Peasy Recipes for Exceptionally Scrumptious Sweets and Treats. The group talks about some of the best changes 2021 has brought to the beer world. Julia talks about how The Brave Noise Project is helping to eliminate bias and harassment in the beverage industry while offering an accessible homebrew recipe. Jerard talks about the resurgence of unions. Finally, the gang takes on the beer and dessert pairing challenge. Look no further for holiday dessert inspiration and their respective drink pairings. Grab a beer and a sweet treat and give it a listen! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy is talking about giving back with Karen Lawson of Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Vermont, Erin Maciel of Honesta Coffee, and Richard Thomas of Argyle Brewing Company. Karen talks about how Lawson’s Finest Liquids has used their Sunshine Fund to help support causes in their community from the Vermont River Conservancy to Pathways Vermont. Erin details Cafe Honesta’s support of local farms in Brazil and the steps they’ve taken to empower female entrepreneurs. And Richard explains how hosting community markets has helped bring their community together while supporting local artisans. Grab a beer from your favorite brewer that gives back, and give it a listen!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy puts down the beer to light up the conversation about marijuana with Max Bookman, partner at Pesetsky & Bookman, and Andrew Mutty, co-owner of Beantown Greentown. Max covers what's been holding up the establishment of dispensaries in New York City, and what you need to know if you’re looking to open your own dispensary. Andrew points out some lessons from Massachusetts that can help guide the way for New York. The gang discusses how new laws are striving to empower marginalized groups to lead the way in the legal distribution of weed, and how the requirements of those laws might play out in practice. They touch on why your local dispensary feels so different from your local bar, and how a change in federal law might dramatically change the marijuana industry, from allowing cross-state distribution to empowering veterans with more medicinal alternatives. Swap your beer for a joint this week and give it a listen!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Happy Thanksgiving from the BSR family to yours! Instead of turkey and beer pairings, Jimmy takes the road less traveled this week, diving into fermentation. On the show is Gabe Toth, distillery manager, former brewer, and author of the Fermentation Kitchen for the Brewer’s Association, and Brandon Buza, a connoisseur of all things yeast, bacteria, and the tasty stuff they can produce. Gabe talks about his personal journey from fermenting for the first time as a homebrewer to writing a cookbook on fermented foods, and Brandon weighs in on the importance of curiosity, passion, and community in the world of fermentation. Kick back and get ready for a few surprises on this funky, fermented episode!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy is talking doomsday drinking with Chris Maestro, owner of Bierwax, Thomas Gaulkin, editor at The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientist, and  Aaron Goldfarb, journalist, and author of Hacking Whiskey. From nuclear apocalypse to climate change, how might a disaster affect your favorite beer? Thomas talks about some of the little-known science of the food industry, including the radiation that might be used to produce some of your favorite foods. Chris gives an exciting window into the history of Japanese record bars and the opening of Bierwax’s new location in Queens. And Aaron talks about some of the more creative developments in the whiskey world. Grab your desert island beer and give it a listen!Support Bierwax's IndieGoGo campaign.  Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy sits down with Tim Webb and Steven Beaumont, co-authors of the 3rd Edition of The World Atlas of Beer. Tim and Steven detail their paths to becoming some of the most renowned beer authors. They talk about the enormous growth the world of craft beer has seen in the past twenty years with now 45 countries having booming beer scenes. And they touch on what defines local variety. Of course, the gang gives recommendations for their favorite beers and pubs. And finally, they dive into what changes we can expect to see in the beer world looking forward. Grab your favorite beer from anywhere around the world and give it a listen.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy dives into the history of working-class drinking with PJ Mercier, founder of Navigation Brewing in Lowell, Massachusetts, BR Royla, national judge for BJCP, Peter Brown, British journalist and writer, and Jerard Fagerberg, writer and journalist. From Jack Kerouac to British coal mines, the gang pieces through where pub myth and legend meet reality. The writers attest to the dangers of writing drunk. The group explores how beer and drinking have been such an integral part of working-class community and culture from Lowell to Minneapolis to England. And they touch on what it means to reconcile those identities today through their taprooms and writing. Grab your favorite porter and give it a listen!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy heads up to Cambridge to have a tasting with Soham Bhatt at Artifact Cider Project. Jimmy and Soham talk through the brief history of northeast cider as well as the founding of The Artifact Cider Project. They touch on how Artifact Cider Project has created cider deeply connected to both the landscape and the history of the Northeast. And finally, how through offering a knowledgeable staff as well as unique and casual bar food pairings, Artifact Cider Project is helping more consumers than ever enjoy all cider has to offer. Pick up your favorite cider and enjoy learning more about the world of Northeast cider!Cider List:Wolf at The DoorFeels Like HomeNo New FriendsMagic HourGold Rush Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy explores the local sourcing and supply chains that bring you some of the best beers with Geoff Wenzel, R&D brewer at Industrial Arts Brewing, Mike McManus, director of brewing operations at Industrial Arts Brewing, Phil Neumann with Mainstem Malt, and Kevin Kain, beer blogger @Casketbeer. Kevin and Mike start us off diving into the local sourcing of ingredients from New York State and highlight Industrial Arts Brewing’s landscape series. Everyone emphasizes how local farm partnerships, as well as storage and production techniques, have dramatically improved our access to high-quality local ingredients over the past ten years. Phil notes how despite the challenges of Covid in the craft malt industry, a surprising benefit might be that the average consumer now knows the word supply chain. Crack a locally sourced beer and have a listen!Beer List:Industrial Arts Brewing Company - Autumn Landscape Festbier Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy heads to Boston for the 600th episode of BSR! We catch up with Chris Lohring, founder of Notch Brewing, to talk pilsner traditions, decoction, as well as the new Notch Tap Room and Brewery at the Charles River Speedway in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. For the second year in a row, Jimmy is tapping and tasting the extremely limited, Pitch Lined Pils. Take a journey through history as Chris walks us through the process of bringing this old-world technique back, from sourcing to brewing. This is the ultimate Beer Geek episode! Crack a Bavarian Lager and have a listen.A special note: Our hearts go out to the beloved Anne Saxelby, who passed this week. In the words of Jimmy, “Her legacy is in everything around us: The food we eat, the people we know, the memories of tastes like “Comersdale” and “Moses Sleeper”. We will never forget. Much love.” Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions, a celebration of Cider Week! Jimmy talks about everything Cider with Steve Selin, owner of South Hill Cider; Mike Reis, owner of Redfield Cider; Karl du Hoffman, owner of Orchard Hill Cider; and Paige Fiori, owner of Boutique Wines and Spirits in Fishkill NY. Steve and Mike dive into the exciting experimentation happening in cider, from exploring new spices and fruits to fire pressure in California driving many winemakers to explore the possibilities of cider. Mike and Paige talk about what it takes to get consumers interested in cider and break down how they choose the selection of ciders they offer from shelves to tasting rooms. Speaking of unique ciders, Karl and Jimmy dive into the novelty of the pommeau, from its minimum aging time of three years to the unique depth and fruitiness one can expect. Finally, the episode concludes with the gang trying to summarize New York cider in three words. To quote Jimmy, “Oh boy wow!”Cider listSouth Hill Cider, PackbasketSouth Hill Cider, GoldwinOrchard Hill, VerdeOrchard Hill, Ten66 PommeauOliver's CiderRoss On Wye CiderTilted Shed CiderBlack Diamond Cider Domaine Dupont Pomm Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is all about lagers! On the show, Jeff Alworth, author of The Beer Bible, and Jack Hendler, the co-owner of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham, Massachusetts, talk about everything from the brewing process to the history and future of craft lagers. Jimmy kicks us off by asking Jack why he chose to brew lagers. Jack dives into the real lack of lagers on the American craft beer market today. Jeff explains how a rise in Hazy IPAs among other things necessitated a refresh of The Beer Bible. He also dives into the process of decoction and how a single vs. triple decoction beer might differ. Jack and Jeff both launch into a discussion of Hoppy Lagers, including those brewed at Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers and those written about in The Beer Bible. Jimmy notes the Craft malt conference in Portland, ME, on February 18th and 19th. Then, the gang discussed how locally grown barley is shifting the malt scene. After the break, Jack shares 200+ year old breweries in Germany are starting to create IPAs inspired by American craft beer. Jeff encourages the beer connoisseurs of the world to travel to England, Germany, and more surprisingly Lithuania. Jeff chronicles his journey from university research all the way to receiving his (self-proclaimed) Ph.D. in beer. Jeff asks Jack if he has a cold IPA, and Jack asks Jeff his view on the future of Lagers. Jack and Jeff finish off the episode admiring the joys of enjoying a lager in a pub. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy talks about the growing trends of second-use fruit, farmhouse ales, and natural carbonation with guests Jake Endres, cofounder of Crooked Run Fermentation, Ian Kalmes, head brewer at Transmitter Brewing, and Mandy Naglich from @Beerswithmandy. To kick things off, Jimmy dives right into the benefits of the increasingly popular technique of second-use fruit in crafting beers. Mandy explains the benefits of second-use fruit as creating a beer with a subtle fruity flavor while also being a sustainable way to reuse produce. Jimmy then asks Jake about the evolution of Crooked Run Fermentation, previously known as Crooked Run Brewing. Such a transformation, as Jake explains, came about as they experimented with blends of fruit wines and realized they wanted to expand into new fermentation territory. Jake goes on to talk about Crooked Run’s first exploration into second-use fruit with the use of pomace in their Newfangled Farmhouse Ale. Mandy chimes in with her experience and explains how hardier fruits like apricots, peaches, and even some raspberries are ideal when it comes to second-use fruit. Jake notes that they’ve even had some success with blueberries. When asked to delve further into the technical aspects of his process, Jake explains the process of carbonic maceration. Mandy follows up with a more basic process that the average homebrewer might use to incorporate peaches into their brewing process. Jimmy stumps everyone with a question on how exactly grappa is made. Ian delves into the nuance of Transmitter Brewing’s production of kettle sours using fresh and frozen fruit. Ian also touches on the importance of terminal gravity and the history of fresh fruit beers turned bottle bombs. After the break, Jimmy asks how second-use fruit is going to affect the palate of the consumer and Jake explores how fruit is reduced while flavor is enhanced. Ian explains Transmitter Brewing’s process of creating their own Belgian sugar. Mandy talks about how the lines between a sour, farmhouse ale, and Saison might be blurring. Ian spells out the benefits of natural carbonation in producing tighter smaller bubbles. Finally, Jimmy even delves into the potential health benefits of a well-made beer.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio is very special because it’s the first episode recorded in HRN’s studio at Roberta’s Pizza since March 2020! Talking beer, and drinking beer, on the radio! Jimmy is joined in the studio by Fee Doyle from Beer Witch in Park Slope BK, NY; Claire Matern from Hiller & Moon in Park Slope, BK; and the stars of the episode, Lev Katsouba and Angela Steil from Draft Choice in BK, NY.The gang gets comfortable and talks about the “living systems” that need to be maintained, much like your car, to keep draft beer running clean and to cut back on waste at your bar or pub. Jimmy and co. reflect on how the industry has changed in the past year and a half, and how it continues to change in the face of the slow march toward recovery through the pandemic. After the break, the Brooklynites go into more depth on the reopening boom of Spring 2020. All of a sudden, every pub wanted their draft systems up and running again, and the Draft Choice folks are still playing catch up. Recent shortages and supply chain issues haven’t made things easier. Still, Jimmy and friends have observed how bar and pub owners took the shutdown as an opportunity to revamp their establishments and systems and keep pushing craft beer culture toward a brighter future. Until next time, keep chasing the dream of, “good draft, in a good pub, on-premise…”Beers:• Wild East Brewing• Finback BrewingHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, the Beer Geek All-Stars talk beer! Starting the fall season off strong, Jimmy welcomes Sean Lawson, of Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield, VT, and Kevin Kain, AKA @CasketBeer, beer writer and blogger in Westchester, NY.To kick things off this season, Jimmy decides to get back to the big picture: talking beer. Sean delves into his 9 state distribution initiative on exporting the taste of Vermont craft beer to the rest of the nation’s beer market, and the new specialty releases that are coming out of Lawson’s Finest every month. Kevin fills us in on his Casket Beer project, which highlights the humbler beers that deserve the same level of hype as bigger names. He also reminisces on a lifetime of snowboarding and family trips to Vermont, and how a pack of Sip of Sunshine can light up a party. As the show goes on, Jimmy and Sean lean into the Kiwi Double IPA, which is made using hops from New Zealand. The Beer Geek All-Stars continue to ponder Vermont’s “little sprinkle of magic”, and the surprising flavors of real sap and maple. Later on, the gang goes deep, dishing out some wisdom for novice brewers (quick tip from Sean: brew with SAP!). Beer List:Lawson’s Finest Liquids - Scrag Mountain Pils, Little Sip IPA, Kiwi Double IPAHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy catches up with Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon! Closing off the season with a family-oriented brewery established in 1988, Jimmy welcomes Veronica Vega, Director of Product Development at Deschutes, and Robin Johnson, the Head Brewer at the Deschutes Brewpub.Deschutes was the first craft brewery in Bend, and started as the humble pub at which Robin still works. Veronica paints a scenic picture of Bend as an “Outdoor Mecca”, with mountain biking, hiking, water sports in the alpine lakes, and more! And after a long day of enjoying Bend’s outdoor activities, locals and tourists choose Deschutes Brewpub as the first gathering point to quench their thirst.The gang reminisce and discuss how working in craft brewing for the long haul has given the Deschutes crew a unique perspective on changing styles such as West Coast IPAs, Hazys, and more. But Robin and Veronica agree that the main highlights of that long career are the relationships formed between brewers, patrons, and the town.Beer List:Deschutes brewery, Squeezy Rider IPADeschutes Brewery X Xicha Brewing Collab- Catharina Guava SourDeschutes, Haze Tron Imperial Hazy IPADeschutes, Chasing Freshies, Fresh Hop x Bitburger collabDeschutes, Black Butte Porter Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, the summer of craft malt continues! Jimmy talks hops, malt, and more with Jeff Lyons from Endless Life Brewing in Crown Heights BK, NY; Ted Hawley from NY Craft Malt in Batavia, NY; Chad Meigs from The Bineyard Hop Growers in Cazenovia, NY; and Chris Holden from the NY Hop Guild in Elmira, NY.To kick things off, Jimmy asks Jeff what New York ingredients mean to him as a brewer. Ted chimes in with his knowledge of the quickly evolving New York malt industry, while Jimmy cracks open a beer brewed by Jeff that was made with Ted’s malt and Chad’s hops. Chad tells us about meeting Jeff at a “grower-meet-brewer” event in NYC and almost dropping everything to go to a Kruder and Dorfmeister concert with him. Then Chris gives us the lay of the land for the NY Hop Guild, who get their hops from New York farms on the shores of Lake Erie, through the Finger Lakes, all the way to Oneonta, and beyond.After the break, Jeff details the “beer for a year” program at Endless Life Brewing: a CSA-like membership where you can pick up a four-pack of lagers or a bottle of mixed-fermentation/sour beer once a month. Ted and Jeff chat about the importance of experimentation and feedback, and how forming local working relationships in New York helps to push their craft forward by promoting that dynamic. Chad details the ups and downs of hops in recent years, but is confident in the future of the crop. Hop Growers of NY, a group he and Chris are a part of, secured money from the state to start a hop breeding program over the next few years with the ultimate goal of growing a hop specific to NY state. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Lyons.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is keeping the summer of craft malt going with Jesse Bussard from the Craft Maltsters Guild in Bozeman, MT; Vince Tursi from Dssolvr Brewery in Asheville, NC; Erik Youngren from Skagit Valley Malting in Burlington WA; and Brent Manning from Riverbend Malthouse in Asheville, NC.To kick things off, the gang introduces us to the South by Northwest project, spearheaded by Erik and Brent. As maybe one of the first malt collaborations ever, the two explain how the exchange has helped educate on the different growing seasons across the country. Brent then gives us some context with how he got started, and he and Erik highlight some of the first beers to feature their malt. Vince also chimes in to highlight the underlying malt presence in some of his lagers. After the break, Jesse shouts out the annual craft malt conference and how breweries can get in on the craft malt certified seal. Working towards that seal starts with a good quality crop, and Erik and Brent both explain how weather and regions pose lots of challenges. Vince also chimes in to explain how he extracted flavor profiles from the Talisman malt. To wrap things up, Vince almost makes Erik cry, and the gang gives us a sneak peek into future plans for the rest of the year.Photo Courtesy of Erik Youngren.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy has a full house. On the show is Dana Ball and Dave Walton from Upward Brewing in Livingston Manor, NY; Brad Vogel and Sam Merrett from the Schooner Apollonia in Hudson, NY and Gowanus, NY; Daric Schlesselman from Van Brunt Stillhouse in Brooklyn, NY; Eric Austin from Viking Draft Co in Canaan, NY; Laura Webster from Poor Devil Pepper Co, and Nika Carlson from Greenpoint Cidery in Hudson, NY.To kick things off, Dana and Dave reflect on their recent success at the NY State Craft Beer Competition and how far things have come in the last year. Switching gears a bit, Jimmy then quotes Brad’s infamous line, “what the heck is sail freight?” and Sam launches into a wonderful introduction to the Schooner Apollonia. Brad then tells us how he’s involved down in Gowanus, and shouts out Strong Rope Brewery, a local spot they support. Brad also explains how the Schooner Apollonia makes “transport transparent,” and inspires consumers to think about how they get their products. After the break, Jimmy brings on Laura, Eric, Daric, and Nika, who all get products from the Schooner Apollonia. Everyone reminisces on how they first met Sam and how their collaborations have grown through the years. Nika tells a story of how she gets her cider from Sam’s crew, and Sam chimes in to explain how he stays carbon neutral with the help of a bike and trailer. To wrap things up, Sam summarizes the amazing partnerships, products, and sustainable distribution methods that have come out of the Schooner Apollonia as “good ideas that actually happen.”Photo Courtesy of Sam Merrett.If your food media diet is fueled by HRN, sustain the future of food radiol. Become a monthly sustaining donor at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is diving deeper into the world of craft malt. On the show are Phil Neumann and Kether Scharff-Gray from Mainstem Malt in Walla Walla, WA; Brandon Howard from Amalga Distillery in Juneau, AK; and Emily Hutto from Rad Craft Beer. Brandon introduces us to Alaskan grown barley, starting with the legendary “Failed Barley Experiment.” Kether then gets us up to speed on the Mainstem “hub,” which extends way beyond just a malthouse. Phil explains why Mainstem is a bit of an odd duck in the craft malt community, and what supply chain management looks like day-to-day. Then, it’s Emily’s turn to piece the puzzle together, projecting Mainstem and Amalga’s vision and relationship out into the world. After the break, Phil explains what it means to be “Craft Malt Certified,” and the resources the Guild provides to make storytelling easier. American farmers are essential to both the story and the malting process, and Brandon speaks to how important it is to be the stewards of the story. To wrap things up, the gang talks about crowdfunding, scaling exports, and judging craft malt quality professionally.Photo Courtesy of Phil Neumann.If you count on HRN content, become a monthly sustaining donor at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, summer is in full swing! On the show is Angela Steil, Advanced Cicerone in NYC; Chef Richard Knight from London, England; and Emree Woods from Rightside Brewing in Lawrenceville, GA.To kick things off, Richard introduces us to his cooking background, which has taken him to quirky spots all across the world. Angela, a master in food and drink pairings, then offers up a couple of contrasting suggestions for beer and barbeque pairings. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, Emree has some ideas for summertime drinks.Richard gets our mouths watering talking about rabbit paella and pork bellies, and then Jimmy challenges Angela to figure out the right drink pairing. As Richard intricately describes different dishes and Angela rattles off pairings, we start to really get a gist of which flavors in beers can help enhance a meal. To wrap things up, Jimmy learns a bit more about nonalcoholic beers from Angela and Emree, who explain how pairings depend more on carbonation than alcohol. Beer listSchlenkerla, Helles( Germany)Urban Chestnut, Zwickl Lager, St. LouisAllagash, kriek. MaineBells, Oberon. ( wheat), Michigan Rightside, Citrus Wheat NAGrimm Weisse, BrooklynDovetail, Hefeweizen, ChicagoThrees, Short Fuse, Brooklyn Brooklyn Brewery, Black Ops Imperial Stout, BrooklynRockaway, Black Gold Nitro Stout, Queens Photo Courtesy of Richard Knight.Celebrate HRN’s new look and invest in the future of food radio. Become a monthly sustaining donor at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is highlighting the powerful women defining the craft malt industry. On the show is Jesse Bussard from the North American Craft Maltsters Guild in Bozeman, MT; Kether Scharff-Gray from Mainstem Malt in Walla Walla, WA; and Hilary Barile from Rabbit Hill Farms & Malt House in Shiloh, NJ.To kick things off, Jesse introduces us to her role at the Craft Maltsters Guild. Then, Hilary walks us through Rabbit Hill Farms and Malthouse, where they grow and malt all their grains themselves. The agriculture side of growing barley is very important, and Hilary discusses the challenges of weather, seasons, and supplying locally. Kether also reflects on the climate out in Washington and the complications of growing dry land grain.Jesse then highlights the quality control process, which takes place in labs across the country. This work helps develop regionally adapted barley varieties, matching the crop to the environment where it would have the best chance of growing. Speaking of grains, the gang then names an iconic beer with flavor dependent on its malt, and reflects on reeducating the brewing community about the agriculture side of beer. To wrap things up, Jesse, Kether, and Hilary explain the strong role women have played in the development of the craft malt industry, and the task force the Guild is creating to help work towards more diversity and inclusion. Beer List:1. Tonewood brewery ( Rabbit Hill Farm and Malthouse)2. Wormtown brewery, Be Hoppy3. Kent Falls, Be-SmokePhoto Courtesy of Jesse Bussard.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is learning all about building a brewing system in upstate New York. On the show is Dieter Gehring and Scott Veltman from Indiana Ladder Cidery and Brewery in Albany County, NY and Melanie Fronhofer from Fronhofer Design in Glen Falls, NY. To kick things off, Melanie gives us Fronhofer’s backstory, taking us all the way back to her dad’s machine shop. Fronhofer has come a long way, and recently, they teamed up with Indiana Ladder Cidery Brewery to build a completely new brewery, helping them to create “The Traveler” system out of 100% New York State equipment. Scott and Dieter explain the pros to having small and big systems, and walk us through what design differences they were looking for in each. Dieter and Scott also explain the brand and identity behind running a brewery and cidery. After the break, the gang continues to geek out over brewing systems, including weather-proof outdoor fermenters and swinging shipping containers. Dieter also tells us about Farming Man Fest, their take on Burning Man, and Melanie talks about the challenges of refurbishing versus starting from scratch.Photo Courtesy of Melanie Fronhofer Weber.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is learning all about Dogfish Head. On the show is Sam and Mariah Calagione, Co-founders of Dogfish Head in Milton, DE and Andrew Greeley, Inn Keeper at Dogfish Inn in Lewes, Delaware. Jimmy takes it back to highlighting the core of Dogfish, starting with the origin of the 60-minute IPA. Andrew then tells us how he got his start running the Dogfish Inn, and Mariah introduces us to what Dogfish calls “beer and benevolence.” As a leader in creativity, Andrew reflects on incorporating unconventional ingredients into beer, such as oat milk and even bird seed. Keeping up with supply is a big challenge, so Jimmy asks of instances when Dogfish has ever had to improvise. The early days seemed full of improvising and learning on the job, and Mariah tells us some fun, but definitely stressful stories. Andrew then lets us in on what its like participating in a Dogfish staff brewing competition, and his team’s beer creation using...snails! The gang also answers a couple surprise questions from Ben Keene and talk black limes, monk fruit, super gose beer, and low-calorie drinking. Jimmy then asks if there’s anything more they can do to shock beer drinkers, and Andrew reflects on push and pull between boundaries and shock value. Finally, Jimmy wraps by highlighting the book coming soon from Dogfish Head.Drinks List: Hazy-O IPA 60-minute IPA Slightly Mighty lo- cal IPA Sea Quench AlePhoto Courtesy of Mariah CalagioneHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is highlighting Green Man Brewery. On the show is Green Man’s co-owner Dennis Thies and Taproom Manager Eric MacDonald from Asheville, NC. Dennis starts by taking us back to 2008 when he first discovered the Asheville craft beer scene. He then lets us in on who the mythical “Green Man” truly is, and how he polished the brand up once he became the new owner. What separates Green Man from other breweries is that they actually have two taprooms side-by-side, offering very different experiences. Eric walks us through the Green Mansion, a 3-story taproom offering a completely new experience of drinking craft beer. The two discuss how a brewery can really change a neighborhood, and Dennis even gives us a craft beer walking tour itinerary to make sure you hit all the spots. To wrap up the show, Dennis reminisces on growing up in a beer sales family and highlights some of his oldest distribution and customer service memories, inspiring us all to take a leap of faith and get into the world of brewing. Beer list:Green man brewery, porterGreen man brewery, trickster IPANightshift brewery, THE 87, New England DIPAPhoto Courtesy of Green Man Brewery.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.​

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is breaking down the Brewers Association style guidelines for craft beer. On the show is Chris Swersey from the Brewers Association in Salmon, ID; B.R. Rolya, formerly with Shelton Brothers Importers and a BJCP nationally ranked judge; and James Tai, an advanced cicerone, and BJCP certified from New York, NY.Chris kicks off the show with an introduction to the Brewers Association, offering a bit of history into the key power players behind the style guidelines. BR gives an inside look into what it’s like to be a judge, and the two discuss Kentucky Common beer, a great example of a historic style that had fallen out of favor but recently reemerged. Chris breaks down the pillars to judging beer, breaking down the process, and each event and category a beer can qualify for. Jimmy even challenges him to classify his double IPA from Kills Boro, which Chris aces easily. After the break, James hops on the show with lots of curiosity about how different beer style guidelines lean on each other. James is an advanced cicerone with a certificate in Advanced Brewing Theory from the Siebel Institute and is currently working towards his Master Brewer standing. After a lively conversation about how style changes can happen, James asks Chris for any insight into which direction craft beer is heading in the next five years, and Chris’ answer does not disappoint. Beer List:Sierra Nevada Juicy Hazy Session IPAWild East Brewing, Temperance, English Dark MildFifth Hammer Brass BonanzaKills Boro Brewing Company, The One With Sabro Kills Boro Brewing Company, Jumping to Conclusions, DDH Double IPA (Style: Juicy Hazy Imperial IPA)Photo Courtesy of James Tai. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is getting excited for Memorial Day Weekend grilling and drinking. On the show is Paul Dlugokencky from Blind Bat Brewery in Long Island, NY; Ray Sheehan from BBQ Buddha, and Todd DiMatteo from Good Word Brewing and Public House in Duluth, Georgia.Paul tells us about how he incorporates beer into his food program at Blind Bat Brewery, and Todd introduces us to Good Word Brewing, where he jokes that the food is almost as good as the beer. Ray then previews a couple of recipes he has coming for his new cookbook, including a mouth-watering smoked queso and beer dip. There’s plenty of techniques when it comes to cooking with beer, and Ray walks us through how to get the best flavor for grilling, smoking, and the low-and slow-method. Sauce is also a secret weapon, and Todd has an extensive selection to pair with all his dishes. Finally, Paul tells us how smoke can enhance beer flavor, and the gang revisits Ray’s queso recipe that they can’t seem to get enough of.Photo Courtesy of Todd DiMatteo.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy brings in Brad McQuhae and Balbir Sidhu from Konig Brewing Systems in Abbotsford, BC, and John Legnard from Blue Moon Brewing at the Molson Brewery in Montreal, Quebec. In January, Jimmy had Brad on episode 565 to talk about all things craft beer in British Columbia. Back on the show for round two, Brad came with tons of hysterical stories, including dealing with snakes and rats in breweries, working just below the arctic circle, eating out in Japan, and mastering a brewing system in a 100-year-old baseball stadium.Alongside Brad, Balbir tells us how he got started as an engineer, and about a very special project he worked on in a hockey arena early in his career. The gang has been in the industry for decades, taking us back in time for a glimpse of what early craft brewing looked like in the 90s. John also reveals the secret weapons Brad and Balbir bring to the table, as well as the highly detailed checklist you need to map out before building a brewery.After taking us from Japan to the Caribbean, Jimmy brings the show back home by asking the gang what refreshing beer he should try out this summer, and John offers a couple of mouth-watering recommendations.Photo Courtesy of John Legnard.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is celebrating American Craft Beer Week with a great group of guests. On the show is Brian Strumke from Stillwater Artisanal in Seattle, WA; Ryan Brower from Gear Patrol in Brooklyn, NY; and Jean Broillet from Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore, PA. To kick things off, Brian introduces his pandemic project: Fast Fashion with Matt Storm (The Masonry Pizza), in Seattle, Washington. Brian and Jean then quickly veer off course, offering a preview into their epic, convertible-style road trip planned across the Pacific Highway. Switching gears, Ryan asks Jean to reflect on the current American beer palette, which Jean feels is in a bit of a recoil period. Brian agrees that everyone is leaning into comforting, obvious flavors right now, but is hopeful that tons of experimentation will soon break-through the cracks. As an example of obscurity, Jean tells everyone the hidden secret in the Tired Hands Milkshake IPA, and explains how he gets away with having a strange recipe but a great-tasting end product. To wrap things up, Brian gives us a preview of an upcoming music project, Jean declares that the new trend in beer isn’t beer, and Jimmy asks the gang what a 21-year-old, new beer drinker should try out this summer.Photo Courtesy of Jean Broillet.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is focusing on all things cider. On the show is Eleanor Leger from Eden Specialty Ciders in Newport, VT; David Thornton from James Creek Cider House in Moore County, NC; and Craig Cavallo and Dan Pucci, co-authors of “American Cider: A Modern Guide to a Historic Beverage.”To kick the show off, Dan and Craig tell the story of how they came together to create “American Cider.” With the book paying special attention to regions, Eleanor and David both explain how their regions play a role in cider making. Dan and Craig also highlight two very unique cider regions, Colorado and Arizona, and explain the two different untold histories of cider making that exist within the southeast. After the break, David defines the term “harvest-based cider” and reveals the influence North Carolina’s climate and land have on cider production. To wrap things up, Dan and Craig bust a couple of cider myths, and Craig declares “the sky's the limit” when it comes to the cider community.Cider List:Brut Nature: Eden Specialty CidersPhoto Courtesy of Craig Cavallo and Dan Pucci.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy is introducing Beer Sessions Radio to the Craft Brewers Whiskey Project. On the show is Chris Weld from Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield, MA; Rich Eyering from Harpoon Brewery in Boston, MA; and Jack Hendler from Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham, MA. Chris kicks off the show by explaining where the project first came from, as well as introducing us to his passion for distilling. As a participating brewery, Jack introduces us to Jack’s Abby and the impressive list of lagers he’s brewing. Taking it back to the beginning, Chris tells the story of when he made his first still, which surprisingly was at a very young age. Then, Rich explains how UFO was originally selected as a participating beer, and Chris takes us through the selection process for the other 11 breweries. Finally, Rich and Jack highlight a couple of new things coming from their breweries, and if you ever find yourself looking for a beer at Fenway Park, Harpoon Brewery has you covered!Photo Courtesy of Jack Hendler.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is learning about the craft beer industry in Atlantic Canada. On the show is Chris McDonald from Atlantic Canada Beer Blog in Atlantic Canada; Chris Reynolds from Bar Stillwell in Halifax, Canada; Craig Pinhey, a writer from Rothesay, Canada; and Jeremy White from Big Spruce Brewing in Baddeck, Canada. The group kicks off the conversation with an introduction to Atlantic Canada, focusing on the remarkable cask ale, which has been pouring since 1985 and later influenced the East Coast craft beer scene. Jimmy is completely new to Atlantic, so the gang also tosses in travel tips and recommendations for when things start opening back up. To try and get a gist for the history, Jimmy then sparks a lively conversation about old traditions and strange rules within the Atlantic beer scene. For the second half, Jeremy joins in to talk about Big Spruce Brewing, and praises Bar Stillwell for trendsetting across Atlantic. Bringing the conversation back to cask ale, the gang describes the subtle texture and unique carbonation that makes cask ale so appealing. And finally, Chris shouts out a new bar opening this week in Newfoundland, getting everyone excited for summer. Drink list:Evolution Barrel Aged Saison by Niche BrewingPriority Pale Ale from North Brewing Benedict Arnold ESB from Big TideBig Spruce Brewing Kitchen Party Pale AlePhoto Courtesy of Jeremy White.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio is all about Vermont hops. On the show is Bob Grim and Sam Keane from Foam Brewers in Burlington, VT; and Julian Post and Max Licker from Champlain Valley Hops in Starksboro, VT. The conversation begins with all things hops. Julian introduces everyone to Vermont agriculture, explains just how niche the hop industry is, and wows the gang with some impressive hops statistics. Then, Bob and Sam offer a brewer’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of sourcing quality, local ingredients, and collaborating with your community to create a unique atmosphere within a brewery. For Bob and Sam, using local hops offers an exciting end result, with tropical, unexpected tasting notes people have never tried before. At the end of the evening, the gang asks Julian for a couple of short and long-term projections. Julian offers a preview into what he’ll be growing this season, and then also reflects on his biggest fear in the next ten years.Photo Courtesy of Max Licker.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is diving into the world of flavor intelligence. On the show are Jean van Damme from ESTER in Belgium and New York; Suzanne Schalow from Craft Beer Cellars and Trinktisch in Belmont, MA; and Emily Hutto from RadCraft. Jean kicks off the show by introducing us to ESTER, which uses flavor intelligence to help inform producers, retailers, and consumers. Understanding flavor is an individual experience, and ESTER helps retailers navigate consumer’s preferences to find the exact beer for them. From a retailer’s perspective, Suzanne explains how ESTER also helps build loyalty and trust with her customers, which has accelerated Craft Beer Cellars to launch multiple stores, and most recently, Trinktisch. Finally, Emily wraps up the show with one final shout out to ESTER, which has helped retailers and producers boost profit and trust while also helping people find their perfect beer.Photo Courtesy of Jean Van Damme.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is spotlighting New York City Hospitality. On the show is Mitch Banchik from Eat, Drink, & Be Merry Hospitality in New York; Rachel McGown from Boston Beer Company and Coney Island Brewery in Brooklyn, New York; and Andrew Rigie from the NYC Hospitality Alliance in New York. Rachel introduces Jimmy to Hops for Hospitality, an initiative through Coney Island Brewing that is running through May, aiming to give back to the NYC Hospitality Alliance and help revive the city. According to Andrew, restaurants and bars are at the core of recovery, and while he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, there is plenty more work to be done. Recapping this past year, Mitch highlights how essential the NYC Hospitality Alliance was in helping bills and laws get passed. The Alliance built credibility for the city, offering crucial information to hospitality workers while also enacting direct support from the government. Looking towards the future, the gang discusses how temporary successes such as outdoor dining can be turned into permanent additions to the city. After Andrew makes a great point about giving people a reason to come back, Jimmy asks each guest to shout out their favorite neighborhood doing big things at the moment. And finally, the gang reveals where they’re all headed to get their next beer.Photo Courtesy of Andrew Rigie.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

With beautiful weather hitting the east coast this week, Beer Sessions Radio is gearing up for spring and summer with Lawson’s Finest. This week, Jimmy catches up with Sean Lawson from Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield, VT, and Katherine Kyle, formerly the longtime general manager of Blind Tiger Ale House in New York City.The conversation kicks off around Sip of Sunshine, which has grown tremendously popular since it launched a few years ago. Sean explains the process of scaling up, and where the magic comes into play during small, artisanal production. Sean and Katherine then get into a lively conversation about hops, and Sean gives us a great preview of the Super Sessions series. With the warm weather getting everyone excited for spring, Katherine and Sean both give us an update on how their breweries fared in the cold, and what exciting plans they have for customers looking to enjoy beer all summer long. Sean also introduces us to the “little cousin” of Sip of Sunshine, the Little Sip IPA! Finally, the gang wanders down a sweet sap rabbit hole before shouting out a few great summer classics they look forward to trying this year.Photo Courtesy of Sean Lawson.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is following the grains trail from before the beer to way after. On the show is Tyler Fitzpatrick from Lamplighter Brewing Co. in Cambridge, MA; David Brand from Blue Ox Malthouse in Lisbon Falls, ME; and Kyle Fiasconaro from Brewer's Crackers in Somerville, MA. Kyle takes us back to his first memory noticing a dumpster full of spent grain left outside a brewery, coincidentally right across from a bakery. As a brewer, Tyler explains just how difficult it can be to handle spent grain, especially when you are in a city with limited space. According to Tyler, it’s every brewer's fantasy to have somebody easily take all the spent grain off your hands, and one day, Kyle made that a reality. Jimmy then takes it back to the beginning, having David walk us through a day in the life at the malthouse. David falls at the intersection between brewing and agriculture and is able to connect local brewers with regional farmers. David, Tyler, and Kyle explain just how much effort goes into the grain, and how much potential is still left over after the beer has been bottled or canned. Finally, the gang wraps up with a quick conversation about rye, and David predicts what we can expect from the next generation of “beer nerds.”Drink list:Orbiting Blue Ox- Wormtown BreweryDubliners- Lamplighter Brewing Co.Photo Courtesy of Kyle Fiasconaro.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is taking us to Toronto, Ontario. On the show is Stephen Beaumont, an international beer writer from Toronto, Ontario; Jordan St. John, a beer writer and co-author of The Ontario Craft Beer Guide; and Mary Beth Keefe from The Granite Brewery in Toronto, Ontario. An avid traveler, Stephen has found that staying put this past year has helped him rediscover his home beer market. In Toronto, there have been tons of new experiments and innovations, but Stephen also praises brewers' loyalty to classics, including Belgian style beers, brown ales, and saisons. Mary Beth is also a fan of the classics, which may be why she prefers to steer clear of “hype” beers. However, Granite Brewery does a fantastic cask ale called “Cask in a Box,” and Jordan chimes in with the historical context surrounding cask ales and the Cask Beer Festival.While Ontario has tons of different beer styles to offer, Jordan also praises the locally grown hops, which can add unique flavors to beer. Finally, the gang all raise a glass to their favorite Ontario breweries and their wonderful city of Toronto.Photo Courtesy of Stephen Beaumont.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is covering one of the best weeks of the year, NYC Beer Week! For the first part of the show, Jimmy welcomes Ann Reilly from the NYC Brewers Guild; Jim Betz from Coney Island Brewery in Brooklyn, NY; and Jeff Lyons from Endless Life Brewing in Brooklyn, NY. Then in the second half, Jimmy catches up with Kat Telesca and Vic Pitula from Coney Island Brewery; Meg Rickerson from Someday Bar NYC in Brooklyn, NY; and Fee Doyle from Beer Witch in Brooklyn, NY. Ann starts the conversation by highlighting the beer boxes created by the NYC Brewers Guild, both as a way to celebrate beer week and also share NYC beer with customers outside of the city. Jim gets everyone excited about the special beer Coney Island Brewing is featuring in a beer box, and also explains how they are supporting the NYC Hospitality Alliance. Ann then offers us an update on the state of NYC craft beer, and Jeff highlights a couple of special moments from the past year. The second part of the show is all about the women. Opening her own bar just seven months before Covid-19 hit, Meg explains how the pandemic was a real crash course in bar ownership, forcing her to master everything from staple guns to small business loans. She also recently founded Save NYC Bars as a method to communicate the ripple effect that the pandemic has caused throughout the entire community. The gang all agrees that the history of beer is closely tied to women, and Kat, Vic, and Fee all chime in with interesting stories about the connection between beer, women, and witches. Finally, we hear about some exciting new beers and favorites, and Meg shouts out a special beer that supports lesbian-run bars, which is another underrepresented community that is struggling in the beer scene.Photo Courtesy of Ann Reilly.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy bridges the gap between wine and beer. Back on the show is Jake Endres from Crooked Run Brewing in Sterling, VA; Patrick Rue from Erosion Wine in Napa Valley, CA; and long-time Beer Sessions Radio favorite, BR Rolya.Patrick kicks off the show with an introduction to Erosion Wine. With prior training as a Master Cicerone, Patrick brings craft beer methods to winemaking and explains the differences he witnessed between the beer and wine worlds. Back East in Virginia, Jake walks us through his mixed fermentation beers that are a part of Crooked Run’s Native Culture series, which aims to challenge people’s ideas of what beer can taste like. BR agrees that mixed fermentation opens the range of flavors you can get, and explains how the language to describe beer and wine flavors has evolved through time. Then, Jimmy poses a hot take about wine drinkers versus craft beer drinkers, and the gang walks us through their favorite food pairings. Even after diligent training, Patrick still maintains a lax approach to food pairings, and BR concludes that beer is much more forgiving than wine when looking for the right food-drink match. Drinks list:Druplet from Crooked Run BrewingSecret Handshake from Erosion WineryDe Ranke, Cantillon BreweryPhoto Courtesy of Erosion Wine.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is taking center stage to highlight the "Curtain Up" initiative with the Happy Hour guys and a couple of special brewmasters. On the show is Dave Lopez from Gun Hill Brewing Company in the Bronx, NY; Jon Zerivitz from Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore, Maryland; Kris March from Slickfin Brewing in Fort Edward, NY; and Jimmy Ludwig and Mark Aldrich from The Happy Hour Guys. For the first half of the show, Jimmy, The Happy Hour Guys, and Dave catch up with Jon down in Baltimore. Jon highlights Baltimore’s rich art scene and all the support his Curtain Up beer has received from the Baltimore community. He also credits Covid-19 for helping him refocus and slow down a bit, reworking his brewing process and recipes so that everything is in great shape for an early March reopening. Jimmy and Mark speak candidly about how hard the past year has been for anyone in the live performance industry, and how the Curtain Up Initiative is adding any sort of stimulus they can to people’s lives. In the second half of the show, The Happy Hour Guys and Dave bring on Kris, who has a unique family connection to the Broadway scene. While he’s only a couple of years into owning his one-barrel brewery, Kris has been experimenting with fermentation since he concocted a “toilet wine” while serving in Afghanistan. Now much more established, Kris reveals some super exciting news to the gang and shouts out his upcoming new beer inspired by Girl Scout cookies.Photo Courtesy of Mark Aldrich.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is hearing from three experts in barrel aging. He welcomes previous co-host Ben Keene, a beer, cider, and travel writer from Seattle, WA; Matt Lincoln from Fremont Brewing in Seattle, WA; and Jake Endres from Crooked Run Brewing in Sterling, VA. Ben kicks off the conversation by explaining the differences barrel aging can make, highlighting the complexity and bold intensity the process brings to beers. Matt emphasizes the layering of flavors that barrel aging offers, as well as the unique characteristics of each individual spirit barrel. Then, Jake lets us in on a couple of brewing secrets, including why Black Friday is such a big day for new beer releases, and how aged hops should be your best friend. Plus, the group walks Jimmy through the aging process from brew to bottle, or more recently, cans, which they all agree have accelerated in popularity during Covid-19. Finally, Ben, Jake, and Matt offer up a couple of barrel-aged inspirations for anyone looking to try out a new brewery.Beer List - Ben: Ferment Brewing CompanyJake: Pen Druid Brewing and Allagash Brewing CompanyMatt: Perennial Artisan AlesPhoto Courtesy of Ben Keene.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio is heading out west! Jimmy sits down with Joanne Marino from the Bay Area Brewers Guild in San Francisco, California, and Kim Sturdavant from Pacifica Brewery in Pacifica, California, to hear about California Craft Beer Week, running from February 12-21. Having to pivot due to COVID-19, Joanne explains why the guild expanded SF Beer Week into a collective, calling it California Craft Beer Week. This February, leading stars from all over the California region have joined together to share their passion for craft brewing and regional ingredients with their communities. For Kim at Pacifica, customers can enjoy a variety 4-pack paired with spectacular food to celebrate Beer Week. In addition to Beer Week, Kim gives us a sneak preview of an IPA he’s working on with a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reference, as well as some beer-wine hybrids he’s excited about. The brewing scene in the Bay Area is definitely eclectic, and each neighborhood has its own unique identity. Joanne says the Bay Area Brewers Guild is always working to support and celebrate the diversity of the region, and Kim agrees that craft beer has become a great tool to help start conversations about inclusivity within the industry. Beer list:Pacifica Brewery, Faction Brewing, Social Kitchen & Brewery, Drake's Brewing Company Photo Courtesy of Ali Werner.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, to celebrate Dry Cider January, Beer Sessions Radio is diving into the cider scene in the Finger Lakes, NY. Jimmy welcomes Autumn Stoschek from Eve’s Cidery in Van Etten, NY; Melissa Madden from Open Spaces Cider in Trumansburg, NY; and Deva Maas from Redbyrd Orchard Cider in Trumansburg, NY. Autumn, Melissa, and Deva each work on cideries and orchards that practice regenerative agriculture. To start the show off, they each offer Jimmy a run-through of exactly what this buzzy term means. In fact, despite its recent popularity, regenerative agriculture is actually working to revert back to a more traditional method of farming - one that creates an abundance of product, but also repairs and improves the land. Autumn explains how the legacy of problems existing on land and within society are all interconnected, and committing to reparations is crucial in order to make agriculture more inclusive. The cideries have become starting points to help members of the community engage and take steps towards making reparations. All three agree that there is a lot of emotional labor that goes into navigating the best approach. But members of the community and thoughtful customers have shown up, proving demand for wanting to create a better future. Cider list: Eve's Cider, Autumn’s Gold Redbyrd Orchard Cider, Star Blossom Open Spaces Cider, FLX Forest Pet Nat 2020 (not yet available).Photos Courtesy of Melissa Madden and Deva Maas.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio is heading up to Western Canada to explore BC’s craft beer scene. Jimmy talks to Brad McQuhae from König Brewing Systems in Abbotsford, BC; Rob Liedl from Applied Brewing and Malting Solutions in Vernon, BC; and Joe Wiebe, author of Craft Beer Revolution: The Insider’s Guide to BC Breweries, co-founder of Victoria Beer Week, and director of content for BC Ale Trail. The group starts off with a brief history of Canada’s craft beer scene during the 80s and 90s. Rob takes us down memory lane with the crazy story of how he was introduced to Brad, who helped land Rob an interview and eventually a job running a malthouse in BC. In the early 90s, there was hardly any demand for malt, but Rob explains that malt eventually grew into a push-pull relationship as more brewers entered the scene. Brad and Joe agreed that everything began to accelerate in the late 90s. In the manufacturing world, Brad has witnessed first-hand the innovations and trends overtaking the craft brewing scene, such as a steep rise in pricing for equipment, and the monumental move from direct fire to steam. Even in the malting world, Rob praises the extensive knowledge of oxygen in relation to barley that just didn’t exist 20-30 years ago. For Joe, all the innovation and success became obvious when he found himself struggling to keep up with all the new craft breweries open. Unable to update his book fast enough, he pivoted to creating an online BC Ale Trail to guide visitors and locals through the scene, and feels confident that Covid-19 has helped breweries strengthen their business models. Rob and Brad are also hopeful for 2021 and the future, with Brad anticipating a very good summer and Rob envisioning another wave of the roaring 20s. Drinks list: Jet Fuel IPA from Ace Brewing Company, Courtenay, BCHigh Frequency IPA from Category 12 Brewing Blue Buck from Phillips Brewing Company Photos Courtesy of Joe Wiebe and Brad McQuhae.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by  Simplecast .

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is highlighting a new variety of New York state barley, following it from development at Cornell University to utilization in breweries across NY. On the show this week, Jimmy welcomes Paul Leone from the NY State Brewers Association in Rochester NY; Jason Havens and Dave Johnson from Rusty Nickel Brewing Company in West Seneca, NY; and Daniel Sweeney, a PhD student at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Paul introduces the New York State Farm Brewery License passed in 2012, which encourages breweries to create beers made with locally sourced hops and ingredients. The initiative plans to increase demand for locally grown products, stimulate the economy, and create new business opportunities for breweries. Right now, breweries with the license are producing beers made with no less than 60% of ingredients grown in NY state. To understand the development process of creating barley that can withstand tough NY conditions, Jimmy brings in Dan, who is studying plant breeding and genetics at Cornell University, specializing in malting barley breeding for NY. The process of growing grains for livestock and barley is very different. But after years of research, Dan and his team have landed on the Excelsior Gold, the first variety of spring malting barley bred by Cornell to support NY’s craft beer industry. The Excelsior Gold is easy enough for farmers to grow, and also neutral enough for brewers to create tons of new beers with. For Jason and Dave, the barley encourages them to experiment and test out all new beers, to incorporate local and fresh NY ingredients, and to get as close to 100% NY state grains whenever possible. Thanks to the license, Jason is able to educate his community about the beer industry from an agriculture standpoint, boost the economy, and also serve as a model for other states to hopefully follow in NY’s footsteps. Beer list: Ohhh Fudge - Imperial Fudge Porter Drowned Lands Gather House Wit Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA Honorable mention: Ithaca Beer Co. Flower Power with Mosaic hopsPhoto courtesy of Paul Leone .Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes in Michael Opalenski from B United Imports; Justin Philips from Beer Table in Grand Central Terminal, NYC; and William Lees-Jones from J.W. Lees Brewery in Manchester, UK. The group welcomes the holiday season with a winter beer tasting, starting with JW Lee’s 2002 and 2015 Harvest Ales, and finishing with De Dolle’s Stille Nacht. Before tasting the aged beers, Michael explains the rising trend of “vintaging” beers. Later on, Justin explains that vintage ales actually launched his interest in craft beer. For William on the other hand, his family has been brewing beer since 1828, and it was his father who took on the challenge of brewing a strong beer with natural fermentation. The group takes a stab at food pairings, starting with the 2015 Harvest Ale. Michael suggests a creamy caramel with a hint of orange and Justin recommends a butterscotch pudding with sea salt. Switching to the De Dolle Stille Nacht, which translates to “silent night,” Justin described this classic beer as a Belgian winter warmer. Finally, William wraps with a toast, thanking retailers like Justin for pushing the boundaries and Michael and his team for launching his beers to the US.Then, Jimmy brings on Dave Lopez from Gun Hill Brewery in The Bronx, NY; and Jimmy Ludwig and Mark Aldrich from The Happy Hour Guys. Jimmy and Mark walk us through the Broadway Brews project, where they created one-off beers paired with Broadway shows. Their sixth and final beer hit just as 2020 kicked in, so the duo decided to launch a new project called Curtain Up. Casting Gun Hill Brewery for help, they now have a 6.5% hazy IPA that is being brewed across the country with proceeds supporting the entertainment industry across all fronts. BEER LIST:J.W.Lees, Harvest Ale 2002J.W.Lees , Harvest Ale 2015De Dolle, Stille Nacht.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, enjoy a conversation recently recorded during Cider Week with Autumn Stoscheck and Ezra Sherman, who are partners in life and at Eve’s Cidery. When Autumn started out in cider, there weren’t many people doing it. She shares memories from the past 21 years since she started her orchard. Plus, Ezra and her talk about some of Eve’s Cidery’s big breaks - from getting their cider on the menu at Savoy to receiving a farm winery license. Hear about their take on a classic bitter sweet cider, the cider pet nat they have in the works, and the geological diversity that draws so many cider makers and cider lovers to the Finger Lakes. Cider List:Eves Cidery, Autumn’s GoldEves Cidery, Northern SpyHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Beer Sessions is heading down the Hudson River. Jimmy welcomes Sam Merrett and his carbon-neutral sail freighter Schooner Apollonia; Dennis Nesel from Hudson Valley Malt in Germantown, NY; Matt Curtin from Sing Sing Kill Brewery in Ossining, NY; and Jamie Bishop from Mill House Brewing Company in Poughkeepsie, NY. Sam and Dennis lament on how things used to be, citing the “Flintstones” method of making malt and the old trade routes up and down the waterways. Now up against the climate crisis, Sam is hoping the Schooner Apollonia will become the future of transporting malt and other products around New York. Jamie, who already uses Hudson River water to make his beers, emphasizes just how cool it is to see his malt supply unloaded from the river. He also declares maltsters the “heroes of brewing,” since every malt has a unique signature that creates all different craft beer styles. Matt says he always aims to formulate his beers with close to 100% New York State ingredients, and the Schooner Apollonia has helped put a special story behind his beers. Sam, who controversially admits he’s “not a beer guy” also talks about the special connections he’s fostered with the group and the endless possibilities that can come with establishing more trade routes along the water in the future.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy talks all things Cider Days with Anne and Steve Garwood of Ragged Hill Cider, Peter Mitchell of Headwater Cider, and Ben Watson of Chelsea Green Publishing. They discuss seasonal blends and suggest holidays pairings, while also diving into cider apples. Steve highlights some of his favorite apple varieties and Peter shares how he has grown 40 varieties at his orchard after starting out with only two. Plus they talk about terroir, ice cider, and the reasons why they believe cider should be included in the wine category, as opposed to beer. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week Beer Sessions is all about the Czech side pour. Jimmy welcomes Chris Lohring of Notch Brewing in Salem, MA; Todd DiMatteo of Good Word Brewing in Duluth, GA; and Ben Middlemiss of Ben Middlemiss Brewing in New Zealand. Chris and Todd talk about when they got their side-pull faucets installed as well as the learning curve that comes with using one. Chris has his staff do quarterly competitions to see how well (and how fast) they can pour a lager and both brewers give a big shout out to Pilsner Urquell’s training videos. The group talks about the benefits of a side-pull for carbonation, mouthfeel and more, plus they dive deep into techniques like spunding and triple decoction. Image courtesy of John Andrews.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.  

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes participants from Sauce King NYC, a virtual sauce competition he founded to determine the best barbecue sauces, hot sauces, marinades and more. Together they hone in on the intersection of beer and barbecue, sharing ideas for cooking with beer and pairing it with meals. Hear from Sauce King NYC Champion, Ray Sheehan of BBQ Buddha, Fubz of Just Add Beer Sauce and Marinade Mix, Brad Jungles of Rufus Teague, and Sauce King judge Alyssa Levine of Totally Forked. Brad shares the hurdles and rewards of creating a canned barbecue sauce in partnership with Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing, while Fubz talks about why the complexity of flavor found in craft beer can lead to endless culinary combinations. The group also discusses beer can chicken, the differences between Memphis and Kansas City sauces, marketing strategies and more. Beer ListGood Word Brewing, Drink Time Lone Pine Brewing, Brightside IPA Lone Pine Brewing, Oh-JImage courtesy of Rufus Teague.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy catches up with NYC Breweries, 18th Ward and Bridge and Tunnel. Jordan Beldner talks about how he transitioned from being a bar owner to opening 18th Ward, while his new brewer Will Arnaiz shares his vision for future styles and flavors. They also discuss their transition to delivery during Covid-19 and Rich Castagna of Bridge and Tunnel shares how he used the space in his taproom to build a canning system. Together they talk about what equipment they wish they had, how much they subscribe to seasonal beer trends, and they swap stories including one from Rich about how Putin ended up next to a shark on a recent Bridge and Tunnel can.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy talks with Jean Broilet of Tired Hands Brewing, Jesse Ferguson of Interboro Spirits and Ales and Ryan Witter-Marithew of Casita Brewing Company about the I Voted Today IPA. This collaborative beer project was started at Tired Hands and has spread to about 45 breweries who are helping to raise awareness about the information people need to vote and donate money to nonprofits like the ACLU and Democracy Works. These guests talk about their spin on Tired Hands’ recipe, why voting matters, and the laws that impact breweries from taxes to shipping regulations. They also talk about what it’s like working with artists on can graphics and share stories about some of their craziest beers - including a quintuple IPA, a tomato basil ale, and a beer made with fresh oysters.Beer ListInterboro Sprits and Ales, I Voted Today IPAJester King Brewery, I Voted Today IPASparkling Artisanal, Ritual Pineapple Hard Seltzer Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.  

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Terence Sullivan, who has worked for Sierra Nevada for 26 years, to talk about this year’s Oktoberfest Lager and their Dankful IPA. Sierra Nevada has been hosting virtual Oktoberfest celebrations that include sharing recipes online, providing party kits, and even offering yodeling lessons. They are joined by Zach Mack of Alphabet City Beer Co. and Ted Kenny of Top Hops Beer Shop, who share what fall beers they are enjoying right now. The group also dives deep into e-commerce, discussing how they’ve each expanded to offer subscription services, shipping across states and more. Lastly, they talk about german hops, what beer descriptors like dank really mean, and the charitable causes Sierra Nevada is raising money for. Beer listSierra Nevada, Oktoberfest Sierra Nevada, Dankful IPA Image courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.  

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Sam Richardson of Other Half Brewing and Brandon Hoy of Roberta’s Pizza. Both of these Brooklyn-born businesses are nearing the opening of new outposts in Williamsburg’s Domino Park. In the first half of the show, the guests dive into their establishments’ pasts and talk about how they have adjusted to Covid-19. In the second half they talk about their plans for Domino Park, what experimental beers Other Half is planning to brew there, and how the aesthetic of the development will affect their design plans. Plus, Sam delves deep into the hop varieties he’s excited to be brewing with and Brandon offers suggestions for Roberta’s pizzas to pair alongside Other Half’s hop-forward beers. Beer ListOther Half Brewing, Riwaka Chroma Right Proper Brewing, Baron CorvoSchilling Beer, Alexandr  Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes guests from Asheville, North Carolina. He talks to Leah Wong Ashburn, the second generation family owner of Highland Brewing, which in 1994 was the first brewery to open in Asheville since prohibition. Mike Rangel from Asheville Brewing joins the conversation to share his memories of brewing in Asheville in the ‘90s and Vincent Tursi of DSSOLVR provides an alternative perspective as one of the newest breweries in the city. Leah talks about Highland’s flagship Gaelic Ale and discusses the importance of branding, while Vincent shares DSSOLVR’s strategy of ditching flagships altogether and brewing beers inspired by pop culture trends like Tiger King and WAP. Together, the group talks about the agriculture, community, and deep consumer knowledge that give Asheville its nickname as Beer City. Beer ListAsheville Brewing Company Ninja PorterDSSOLVR, Thank You For Existing Kolsch Highland Brewing, Gaelic Ale  Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast. 

This week Beer Sessions is all about selling cider and Jimmy welcomes guests who are experts on the subject matter: Paige Flori of Boutique Wines, Spirits and Cider, Seth Jones of East Hollow Cider, Dave Urbanos of Sugarburg BK, and Brandon Buza of The Fermented Life who recently served as a judge for the cider category of the Good Food Awards. Seth talks about the relationships he’s built by selling at the Union Square Greenmarket and Paige shares how she decides to add a new cider to her store shelves. The group also discusses the role awards play in drawing attention to cider as a category. Plus hear about this fall’s harvest, whether cans or bottles are more popular, and some of the guests’ favorite ciders to sip on right now.Image courtesy of Paige Flori.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.  

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Carol Pak, the founder of Makku, a new brand of makgeolli, or Korean rice beer. Blake Crawford of Alementary Brewing also joins the conversation to talk about his collaboration with Kimchi Smoke on Seoul Brothers, a Korean rice beer that is being re-released this fall. Martin Johnson brings his perspective about where Makku fits into the beverage landscape as the director of the craft beer program at West Side Market’s East Village location. Together they talk about Makku’s flavor profiles, what it’s like to brew with rice, and how to educate consumers about a new category of beverages as well as get their feedback. Beer ListMakku OriginalMakku Mango Image Courtesy of Makku .Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.  

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy brings together brewers from Buffalo, New York and Atlanta, Georgia. Mike Shatzel of Thin Man Brewery, Todd DiMatteo of Good Word Brewing, and Dennis Malcolm Byron AKA Ale Sharpton share the connections and collaborations that have brought them together as well as what they love about the cities they are based in. Mike and Todd discuss what they learned running beer bars before starting breweries and talk about the unexpected challenges their businesses have faced. Ale Sharpton shares the success of a consultation with New Belgium Brewing that led to the Piano Keys Imperial Stout, which is now being packaged for distribution. The group wraps up the episode by sharing what beers they would like the others to try and telling the stories behind them.Beer ListGood Word Brewing, We Are America IPAPiano Keys Imperial Stout, New Belgium BrewingHeritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.  

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy talks 'Biscuits and Beer' with Christopher Gandsy of DaleView Biscuits and Beer and Chef Jesse Jones, author of Pow!: My Life in 40 Feasts. They both share family recipes for delicious Southern food and discuss how Black chefs and brewers can move forward in these industries. Plus, Christopher talks about expanding his biscuit production and Jesse shares some of his greatest hits from Jimmy's annual Pig Island NYC event. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.  

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Pete Brown from London to talk about his newest book, Craft: An Argument. As some breweries and guilds lean into descriptors like “independent breweries,” “good beer,” or “micro-breweries,” Pete makes the case for why craft still has meaning. His book was written in quarantine and draws on a wide range of resources from Garrett Oliver to Michael Jackson and even Descartes. Toronto-based beer writer, Stephen Beaumont joins the conversation as well, along with B.R. Rolya of Shelton Brothers. Together they talk about the meaning of craft beer to breweries internationally, discuss draft versus cans, and talk about some of the biggest beer sales that have called the meaning of craft into question. Beer List:Godspeed Brewer, Ikinuki Fifth Hammer Brewing, Piñata BeBOPImage courtesy of www.petebrown.net.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy dives into the Portland, OR brewing scene with Ben Edmunds of Breakside Brewery, Paul Reiter of Great Notion Brewing, and Jeff Alworth of The Beervana Blog. Ben and Paul share what brought them to Portland and Jeff talks about the city’s beer history. Their location gives these brewers access to the best ingredients including fresh hops and hood strawberries. They talk about their plans for brewing fresh hop beers this fall and the Strata hop that they’re excited to see entering the wider market. Plus the group talks about East Coast IPAs that inspire them as well as the local culture among brewers in Portland and how it’s bolstered by the Oregon Brewers Guild.Beer ListBreakside Brewery, WandejackThrees Brewing, Kicking & Screaming Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

On this episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by Basil Lee, Niko Krommydas, and Andrew Said Thomas. Together they discuss all the happenings at Finback's Brooklyn location, as well as beer cocktails, craft beer collaborations for social justice, gin and tonics and more. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Tom Acitelli who authored the new book Pilsner: How the Beer of Kings Changed the World along with Chris Lohring of Notch Brewing and Matt Levy from Threes Brewing. Tom began his latest book project in a search to understand what laid the groundwork for the craft beer movement and argues we wouldn’t have the beer marketplace we do now without pilsner. He talks about the history of style and how it evolved along with innovations in roasting, while the brewers offer their perspective on the technical demands of making pilsner (especially with the space limitations of NYC). Matt discusses the evolution of the lager program at Threes, including recent beers they are aging in oak, while Chris shares why he has chosen to stick with sessionable beers even while the industry leans towards high ABV IPAs. Beer List:Schilling Beer Company, Alexandr 10° Czech-Style PilsnerGreen Man Brewery, Licensed to Haze Double IPAImage courtesy of Saadia Sumrall.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy revisits the question of ‘what came first beer or bread?’ and dives deep into the history of milling. Joining him are guests, Lavada Nahon, a culinary historian and interpreter for African American history for NYS Department of Parks; Amy Halloran, flour ambassador and the author of The New Bread Basket; and Bryan Ford, of Artisan Bryan and the author of New World Sourdough. Starting with when settlers brought wheat, barley and rye from Europe and turned New York into a bread basket, Lavada helps paint a picture of early New Amsterdam and unearth a whitewashed history that has left out the critical role enslaved people played in the grain economy. Amy and Lavada talk about the types of bread recipes that were common at the time, while Bryan shares how he is learning to break the mold we have surrounding bread today, which still uses a European standard. Beer ListKCBC, Robot Fish Citra Smash In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.Keep Beer Sessions Radio on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy talks about the whirlwind of changes that have been made to New York’s alcohol laws during the pandemic and considers what the future may hold. He is joined by Max Bookman of Pesetsky & Bookman, PC, a law firm specializing in alcohol licensing in New York state. Beer bar owners, Anthony Ramirez II and Paul Ramirez of The Bronx Beer Hall add their perspective to the conversation as well. Although canned beer could be legally sold to-go before the pandemic, beer bar owners have still had to make a major pivot after losing their indoor seating capacity. Anthony and Paul share the creative decisions they have made - including buying a slushie machine - while Max gets into the nuts and bolts of what requirements exist for bars and how recent developments surrounding the sale of food have developed. In the second half of the show, the group considers how recent changes may have permanently altered the landscape for policy making and the guests share their wishlist for future reforms including open container laws, changing the legal drinking age, and keeping to-go beverages legal. Beer ListBronx Culture Series, Gun Hill Brewery x Uptown Beer Society x The Bronx Beer Hall x Beer Kulture, Coco Cherry Mango SourDestihl Brewery, Flanders Red Wild SourMill House Brewing, PK Pale Ale In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.Keep Beer Sessions Radio on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes the collaborators behind Pa’lante, a cream ale inspired by the Puerto Rican rice pudding, Arroz Con Dulce. The beer is flavored with coconut, raisins, and vanilla beans and aged in Pitorro barrels. Pa’lante means “Move Forward” in Spanish and proceeds from the project go to Friends of Puerto Rico. Hear from Kelly M Coffey from Big Alice Brewing who came up with the idea, as well as Joel Suarez and Matt Negron from Uptown Beer Society who have worked on many collaborations spotlighting Latinx culture. Rafael Barbosa of Port Morris Distillery and Cesar Andrade of Craft Culture also join the first half of the conversation and Paul Ramirez and Anthony Ramirez II of The Bronx Beer Hall join for the second half. Together they talk about what it means to be Boriqua, other recent collaborations inspired by their childhoods in the Bronx like Mister Stoutee and the Coco Cherry Mango Sour, as well as the importance of using beer to lift up one’s community through collaborative work and donations.   Beer ListCoco Cherry Mango Sour, Bronx Culture Series, Gun Hill Brewery x Uptown Beer Society x The Bronx Beer Hall x Beer KulturePa’lante Cream Ale, Big Alice Brewing x Port Morris Distillery x The Bronx Beer Hall x Craft Culture x Uptown Beer SocietyMister Stoutee, Bronx Culture Series, Gun Hill Brewery x Uptown Beer Society x The Bronx Beer Hall x First Boro Brewing x Beer KultureIn March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.Keep Beer Sessions Radio on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Marcus Baskerville the founder of Weathered Souls Brewing and the creator of the Black is Beautiful Stout, a collaboration centered on racial justice that has reached nearly 1,000 breweries worldwide. Marcus initially thought he would just make the stout at his own brewery but challenged himself to think bigger. He talks about the whirlwind he has experienced since launching the project on a large scale. Also joining the conversation to talk about their relationship to the collaboration are Jesse Ferguson of Interboro Spirits and Ales, Alisa Bowens-Mercado of Rhythm Brewing and Matt Tanaka of Stout Collective. Together they discuss the stout recipe itself, the value in raising money as well as awareness, and what the future holds for diversifying the beer industry. Beer ListInterboro Spirits and Ales, Ring the Alarm IPARhythm Brewing, Rhythm LagerWeathered Souls Brewing, Black is Beautiful Stout In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.Keep Beer Sessions Radio on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

This week Beer Sessions Radio spotlights three women who met a year ago at the 2019 Beer Without Beards Festival. Jimmy welcomes Kim Harris of Harlem Hops, Katherine Kyle of Blind Tiger Ale House and Sara Hagerty of Origin Malt. They offer their various perspectives from the retail side of the industry, from Sara’s view of the supply chain to the criteria Kim and Katherine consider when curating the menu at their beer bars. They give shoutouts to other women working in beer, share the stories behind their careers, and consider what it means to drive beer culture forward. Beer ListNon Sequitur Beer Project x Harlem Hops, Love Your Friends (Die Laughing)Santa Adairius, Saison BerniceWolf’s Ride Brewing, Heartlandiav In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.Keep Beer Sessions Radio on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy hosts Joel Shelton of Shelton Brothers to take a (virtual) tour with him across European breweries. We hear from Casey Wellman of Brouwerij De Ranke in Belgium, Jim “Bocky” Barnes of Braumanufaktur Hertl in Germany, and Elliot Konig from Edge Brewing in Spain. These American expats talk about their respective journeys abroad and their perspectives on Europe’s craft beer boom. From the traveling craze of hazy IPAs to the value of sourcing local ingredients like Belgian hop flowers, these brewers bring the best of US and European craft brewing to the conversation. Beer ListEdge Brewing Piña Colada Sour Berliner Weisse In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.Keep Beer Sessions Radio on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate. Beer Sessions is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by guests from both New York and abroad. He’s talking about Crafted Exports with co-owners Qurban Walia and Peter McNulty, who export American craft beer to Europe. They also invited a few of the breweries and distributors they work with to join the conversation. Andrew Reed of Galatea calls in from Sweden, Todd Matteson of Mondo Brewing calls in from London, and Scott Vaccaro of Captain Lawrence Brewing joins the conversation from Elmsford, NY. Together they share information about the differences in distribution, drinking culture, and coronavirus policy in the guests’ respective cities. They cover everything from how Crafted Exports has expanded over the past five years to a collaborative beer event that coincided with a Yankees-Red Sox game in London. Beer ListAlewife Brewing, Distraction IPACaptain Lawrence Brewing, Achieving GrapenessCaptain Lawrence Brewing, Freshchester Pale AleCaptain Lawrence Brewing, Juicy WhiteFolksbier, Home ListeningLawson’s Finest Liquids, Little Sip IPAMondo Brewing, Leelo Double IPA Mondo Brewing x Three Chiefs Brewing, Green Room Double IPA In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rely on HRN to share resources and important stories from the world of food each week. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but right now HRN is asking for your help. Every dollar that listeners give to HRN provides essential support to keep our mics on. We've got some fresh new thank you gifts available, like our limited edition bandanas.Keep Beer Sessions Radio on the air: become an HRN Member today! Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.Photo Courtesy of Qurban Walia & Peter McNulty Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by Sean Lawson of Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Vermont. Katherine Kyle from Blind Tiger Ale House and beer writer, Ben Keene also join the conversation to talk about the IPA that made Lawson’s famous and the newest beer being added to the Sunshine series. Together they talk about what hops Sean is working with, the relationship between Lawon’s Finest Liquids and Two Roads Brewing, and what came first, New England IPAs or Vermont IPAs. Sean also shares his journey from somewhat reluctantly expanding his one-man operation to developing the strong set of HR policies and the impactful philanthropic program that guide the brewery’s work today.Beer ListAslan Brewing, Tateyama Japanese LagerLawson’s Finest Liquids Little Sip IPALawson’s Finest Liquids, Sip of Sunshine IPALawson’s Finest Liquids, The Space in BetweenHRN will be donating 10% of our membership drive proceeds from now until June 15 to the Philando Castile Relief Foundation. Visit heritageradionetwork.org/donate to make your gift.Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy speaks with Lars Marius Garshol all the way from Norway. He is credited with discovering and cataloguing kveik yeast and is the author of Historical Brewing Techniques: The Lost Art of Farmhouse Brewing. John LaPolla of Bitter & Esters and Pete Legyel-Fushimi of KCBC join the conversation as well. Lars provides the history of how kveik yeast has been passed down by home brewers in Norway for centuries, while Pete shares how he is using the yeast at KCBC today in everything from fruited sours, to IPAs, and even stouts. Learn about how kveik yeast can shave time off of a strict brewing schedule, the extensive research Lars did to understand traditional brewing techniques, and the reason why people scream when they pitch yeast.Beer ListFramgarden, Bygland For The Love of Kveik Series No. 10Industrial Arts Brewing, Spring LandscapeKCBC, Robot Fish SimcoeSanta Clara Brewing Company, Electric tower IPABeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy welcomes Geriz Ramirez, the general manager at Other Half Brewing and the man behind All Together, a global beer collaboration generating support for hospitality industry professionals in need. Basil Lee of Finback Brewery and Tim Besecker of Twin Elephant Brewing join the conversation as well to talk about how they got involved in what Jimmy calls the “#1 hope project of 2020” that is now 800 breweries strong and counting. Beer writer, Niko Krommydas chimes in too as the discussion ranges from where relief efforts are going, to how homebrewers are getting involved, and what Geriz’s favorite versions of this open source recipe have been. The second half of the show focuses on the standstill many breweries, bars, and festivals are facing as stay-at-home orders continue. Kate Levenstien of the Bacon and Beer Classic shares her perspective on the future of events and Basil talks about the effects of postponing the opening of Finback’s second location. Beer List:Barrier Brewing, All Together District 96 Beer Factory x Equilibrium Brewing, Stimulus Package Finback Brewery, Six YearFinback Brewery, Archipelago Breeze Other Half Brewing, Forever EverTen Bends Beer, Luminous Series #5 IPA Photo Courtesy of Niko KrommydasBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy talks to Evan Watson of Plan Bee Farm Brewery, Barry Labendz of Kent Falls Brewing, and Derek Dellinger AKA The Fermented Man, who has worked with both breweries. Evan has always said he constructed an “apocalyptic” brewery and COVID-19 has certainly put that to the test. Evan and Barry share the strength of their local supply chains. Evan is sourcing mixed culture from the spring honey at his farm, has a field of danko rye and is seeing his best hops yet. Barry recently rolled out Kent Falls’ Superscript IPA, which has been in the works for five years and is made with locally grown malt and hops. They talk about how they are working to maintain community ties during the pandemic, Evan shares his plan to simplify his beer styles and build a lager cave, and Derek discusses his passion for smokey beers. Beer ListPlan Bee Farm Brewery, Barn BeerKent Falls Brewing, Superscript IPAPhoto by Miguel Rivas 2017Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.  

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by Joe Lipa, who is retiring after a 40 year career in the craft beer industry, working for specialty beer importer, Merchant du Vin. He shares the stories behind the efforts to introduce Americans to four iconic breweries: Samula Smith, Lindemans, Ayinger, and Orval Trappist. Along for the ride are Robert Hodson from Sheehan Family Companies and Ben Keene, a writer for Beer Advocate. When Joe helped launch Samuel Smith in the US, it was twice the price of the most expensive beer on the market. He talks about how he worked to educate consumers, starting with sales to high end restaurants, before these beers made their way into wine shops and then ultimately grocery stores. Learn about why these beers are best in class and why Merchant du Vin has focused on sustaining their relationship with centuries old family breweries rather than expanding. Beer ListOrval Trappist AleSamual Smith, Yorkshire StingoWestmalle Trappist Ale DubelBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy talks saisons with Phil Markowski of Two Roads Brewing who literally wrote the book on farmhouse ales. Anthony Accardi of Transmitter Brewing offers his perspective as a brewer who aims to bring saisons to New York’s beer scene. B.R. Rolya of Shelton Brothers discusses the European farmhouse breweries she works with and shares her experience translating portions of Phil’s book. Together they talk about some special collaborations, the strains of yeast they are using to brew saisons today, and Two Road’s new Table Terroir which harkens back to the history of low ABV beers traditionally consumed by farmworkers.Beer List:Transmitter Brewing,  Harvest 7Sante Adairius, Saison BernicePhoto Courtesy of Miguel RivasBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy welcomes Clay Risen and Theresa McCulla to the studio to discuss what beer Americans were drinking in 1898. Clay is Deputy Editor of The New York Times Opinion Page and the author of “The Crowded Hour: Theodore Roosevelt, The Rough Riders, and the Dawn of the American Century.” Theresa McCulla is a beer historian at The Smithsonian, who is currently working to archive homebrewing and craft beer history for the museum. Together they talk about the first era of consolidation for American brewing, what styles of beer were popular at the time, and the ways in which beer shapes community and culture. Beer List:Rothaus Pils Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy shares an interview from NYC Beer Week, when he visited KCBC to talk with head brewer Bobby Rolandi along with Ian Kalmes of Transmitter Brewing. The two met when they were starting out in the brewing industry washing kegs and have stayed friends. They share their respective career paths, compare the operations at the two breweries, and talk about the rewards for making good beers that take time.Beer List:KCBC, Cosmic ZombieKCBC, The Hour of DeathTransmitter Brewing, BNY1 Pre-Prohibition LagerBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy talks with Ben Neidhart of OEC Brewing, Michael Opalenski and George Flickinger of B. United International, and Gavin Murphy from Beer Table. Ben discusses the traditions and mysticism that have inspired OEC from its start as well as the “old school” system he operates, which includes a Beaudelot Chiller. He also explains the importance of balance in brewing sours and lets drinkers know what they can expect next from the orchards at OEC. The group shares memories of time spent at OEC in Oxford, CT  and talks about the virtues of vintage beer while sipping on OEC’s Coolship Black Lager.BeerGrimm Artisanal Ales, Invisible Touch LagerOEC Brewing, Æther Dry Hopped Sour AleOEC Brewing, Coolship Lager AmericanaOEC Brewing, Coolship Lager BlackOEC Brewing, Coolship, Coolship LagerOEC Brewing, Oudilis Cerasus 2016 VintagePhoto Courtesy of Furman FotoBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy talks to Sofia Barbaresco and Geoff Wenzel from Industrial Arts Brewing. Plus, beer writer at large Ben Keene joins the conversation from Seattle. Sofia and Geoff provide an update on Industrial Arts’ second location in Beacon, NY, explain the flexibility they have to experiment with raw ingredients and various grains with the brewery’s new mash filter, and marvel at how far New York State ingredients have come. They dive into the ingredients behind Industrial Arts’ Landscape series, which are sourced entirely from New York State producers like Hudson Valley Malt and Pedersen Farm, and they discuss the brewery’s well-known Wrench series. The guests also share their experience adapting to the COVID-19 crisis, from canning 100% of their product to implementing pick-up and delivery. Sofia shares her perspective as a New York State Brewers Association board member about what it could look like for the beer industry as a whole if loosened government restrictions continue.  Beer List:Dutchess Ales, Auger PorterIndustrial Arts Brewing, Pocket Wrench NEPAIndustrial Arts Brewing, Spring Landscape Helles BockIndustrial Arts Brewing, Impact Wrench Industrial Arts Brewing, Wrench NEIPASweetWater Brewery, Guide Beer Transmitter Brewing, Pre-Prohibition LagerBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy puts the spotlight on cask ales. He is joined by Michael Paul Messenie of Dutchess Ales, Paul Pendyck of UK Brewing Supplies, Steve Hamburg of Cask Marque, Greg Engert of The Grand Delancey, and Tony Forder of Ale Street News. They discuss what made each of them fall in love with cask ales, and why they nevertheless remains “a niche of a niche of a niche.” From their lower ABV, soft mouth feel, natural fermentation and enhanced flavor, cask ales are great to enjoy in large portions but require proper attention and care. The group discusses what tools and practices are necessary for good cellarmanship, how to make cask ales more accessible in the US, and the organizations and festivals like CAMRA and NERAX that help highlight what’s special about this type of beer. Beer ListSamuel Smith, Imperial StoutHigh Point Brewing Company, Ramstein MaibockHair of The Dog Brewing, Otto from the Wood 2013Fullers Vintage Ale 2009Off Color Brewing, Golden Milk Stout Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy nerds out about beer and more with Jeff Cioletti, author of Drink Like a Geek. Jeremy Cowan of Shmaltz Brewing, Doug Campbell of Brewery Ommegang, and beer writer, Ben Keene join in as well to try and put a finger on the genre of geeky beers they all love. Jeremy shares the process he underwent getting the rights to sell Star Trek beer and Doug describes how the flavor was developed for Ommegang’s Game of Thrones series. They also discuss the connection between craft beer and Comic Con, what butter beer would really taste like, and their craziest projects to date including a Pastrami Pilsner. Joel Suarez and Matt Negron of Uptown Beer Society pop in to talk about their latest beer for the Bronx Culture Series: Mister Stoutee. Beer ListAlphabet City Brewing, Sugar Plum FairyBrewer Ommegang, Idyll Days PilsnerBrewer Ommegang, Game of Thrones Valar Dohaeris Tripel AleFirestone Walker Brewing, Flyjack IPARevelry Brewing, Gullah Cream AleShmaltz Brewing, Babka Loves Rugelach

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy hones in on beer business trends. For this remote recording on Saint Patricks Day, Jimmy is joined by Sean McNulty of Selling Craft Beer Podcast, Cat Wolinkski of Vinepair and Zach Mack of ABC Beer Co. They talk about the beer trends they anticipated going into 2020 and how much has changed in recent days as a result of the coronavirus. While there has been an uptick in sales as people stock up for periods of self-quarantine, there is a grave concern that business will drop off for local breweries. The group also covers the growing market space for non-alcoholic beer, the merger between Untappd and Beer Advocate, and what styles are seeing a rise in popularity.Beer ListSamuel Smith - Taddy PorterThrees Brewing - Logical Conclusion Common Roots Brewing - Party Shirt Fridays,Fifth Hammer Brewing - Year of the Shwarz GuinnessBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

The Torch and Crown team meets with Jimmy in the studio as they prepare to open Manhattan's first brewery along with a taproom and restaurant in SoHo. Torch and Crown's co-founder, Joe Correia discusses the challenge of brewing in a place where space comes at a premium. He is joined by Torch and Crown's restaurant partner, Christian Pappanicholas, and the brewery's marketing director Chris McClellan. They discuss pairing food with beer, how they built their team, and the removable staircase they need in order to move tanks in.  Beer List: Torch & Crown Brewing Company's Runner Up, De Struise Brouwers' Pannepot - Old Fisherman's Ale Aged on Oak (2008), Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus AG's Rothaus Pils Tannen Zäpfle, Geuzestekerij De Cam's Oude LambiekBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Brewers from around New York State join Jimmy in a jam-packed studio to talk about making beer north of the city. Adam Krawczak and Patrick Sylvester of Crossroads Brewing; Stuart Morris, Dieter Gehring, and Alex Gill of Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery; Ryan Demier of Bound by Fate Brewing, Dana Ball of Upward Brewing; and Aaron Krawczak of Grotta Azzurra are all on hand for a lively discussion of brewing in a more rural environment. They cover using local ingredients, the importance of water in beer, and their favorite brewers that not enough people know about.Beer List: Crossroads Brewing Comapany's Crossroads House Lager, Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery's Rockin' Like Dokken, Interboro Spirits & Ales' Super Local Remix, Upward Brewing Company's Ascension Pilsner, Upward Brewing Company's Opiate Sun, Community Beer Works' That IPA, Buttonwoods Brewery's PilsnerBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

With NYC Beer Week in full swing, Jimmy talks all things lambic with Greg Engert of The Grand Delancey who is preparing to host a rare bottle tasting and screening of the film Lambic: About Time & Passion. B.R. Rolya of Shelton Brothers, Ryan Brower of Gear Patrol, and Sadaf Asmolvoa of Beer Town NYC are also on hand to discuss the meeting of art and science in lambic brewing. The group tastes the holy trinity of lambics while chatting about spontaneous fermentation, how lambic production is affected by global warming, and the differences between beer trends in NYC and DC.  Beer List: 3 Fonteinen's Zenne y Frontera, 3 Fonteinen's Oude Kriek, Cantillon's Lambic D'Aunis, de Garde Brewing's Violet BuVeaux, Gueuzerie Tilquin's Oude Myrtille Sauvage Tilquin à l'ancienne, New Belgium's Transatlantique KriekBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Visiting from Sweden, Jonas Hjalmarsson of Brewski sits down in the studio with Jimmy to talk about working at a brewery that prides itself on being different. They are joined by Beer Sessions regular B.R. Rolya of Shelton Brothers as they discuss the fun in sharing beer across cultures as well as the brewery's plans to expand in the US. Jonas shares the philosophy behind his fruited sour ales as well as the business as a whole. Beer List: Brewski's Blueberry Pie, Brewski's Cherry Pie, Brewski's What Does the Fox Say?, Threes Brewing's Vliet, KCBC's Robot Fish IPA Mosaic Smash, Fifth Hammer's FoederbräuBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

In honor of the upcoming Bowl of 'Zole Festival, Jimmy talks about the festival's featured food and drink: pozole and mezcal. He is joined by one of Bowl of 'Zole's curators, Arik Torren of Fidencio Spirits, in addition to Leslie Vinyard of Roberta's Pizza and Chris Crowley of Grub Street. Arik draws on his experience importing spirits as the group talks about the traditional process of making mezcal and how increased demand has affected farmers in Oaxaca. They also discuss their favorite places to get pozole in New York and compare mezcal with natural wine. Learn more and get tickets to Bowl Of 'Zole here.Beer List: Sierra Nevada's Fantastic Haze Imperial IPA, Del Maguey's Wild Papalome Single Village Mezcal, Del Maguey's San Jose Rio Minas Single Village MezcalBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

On the eve of their fourth year in business, the team from Hopewell Brewing comes to the studio from Chicago. Jimmy talks to married couple Samantha Lee and Stephen Bossu of Hopewell about building an inclusive environment in the taproom and having a brewery that supports its staff. Tom Pavlich of Remarkable Liquids is also on hand, as is Katie Cochrane of Carton Brewing who once wrote a thesis based on Crooked Stave founder Chad Yakobson's research. The group discusses the taste of sea buckthorns, brewing mixed fermentations, and Stephen's world-best brewing test score. Beer List:Carton Brewing Company's Appose IICarton Brewing's BoatCarton Brewing Company's Café Y' ChurroCarton Brewing Company's Caffé CorrettoCarton Brewing Company's LagomCarton Brewing Company's This TownHopewell Brewing Company's Going PlacesHopewell Brewing Company's Lil BuddyHopewell Brewing Company's Neon: Apricot StrawberryHopewell Brewing Company's Off BlackHopewell Brewing Company's Table SaltBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

In anticipation of Beer Boom, the upcoming documentary on New York City brewing, Jimmy talks to the people who made the movie possible. Filmmakers Eric Schleyer and Andrew Coury, and producer Aaron Bell of Canataro Park Avenue Financial join Jimmy in the studio alongside one of the documentary's main characters, Rich Castagna of Bridge and Tunnel Brewery. The five years Schleyer and Coury spent filming Beer Boom gave them a firsthand look at the city's rapidly changing beer scene. They talk about how Castagna grew a brewery out of his garage, and the ten thousand pounds of rocks he had to move before he could open his current location in Ridgewood, Queens.Beer List: Bridge and Tunnel Brewery's Mango New England IPA, Bridge and Tunnel Brewery's "Lobstah" Lobster SaisonBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy talks to his guests about the challenges of owning a craft beer bar in New York City. He is joined by Kyle Radzyminski of The Baroness Bar, Gerry Leary of One Mile House, Megan Rickerson and Brian Winget of Someday Bar, and Ryan Brower of Gear Patrol. Hear them discuss the ups and downs of their labor of love, as well as the value of independent craft beer seals and lasting effects of hurricane Sandy. Beer List: Other Half Brewing's Double Vanilla Boysen Berry Crun Chee Threes Brewing's Kicking & Screaming Nightmare Brewing's Exposure Dutchess Ales' Ghost Beer Non Sequitur Beer Project's You Should've Seen This Coming Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

Bronx brewers come to Brooklyn to discuss a new collaboration: Mama's Candied Yams Imperial Ale. Jimmy talks with Joel Suarez and Matt Negron of Uptown Beer Society, Rey Cortez and Oscar Santiago of First Boro Brewing, Paul Ramirez and Anthony Ramirez of The Bronx Beer Hall, and Dave Lopez of Gun Hill Brewing. Dom Cook, the founder of Beer Kulture and author of This Ain't the Beer That You're Used To: A Beginner's Guide to Good Beer also calls in from Tampa, Florida. They speak about the clash between authenticity and cultural appropriation in the beer world, the importance of giving back to the Bronx community they grew up in, and how learning about beer can be a positive force in a person's life.Beer List:Mama's Candied Yams, Gun Hill Brewery CollaborationBeer Kulture and Green Bench Brewing Company's Kulture Khronicles Vol. 1Barrier Brewing Company's Bronx Dance PartyGun Hill Brewing Company's Maple Bacon Void of LightGun Hill Brewing Company's Antigua MoonGun Hill Brewing Company's FelixSeparatist Beer Project's Strange Landscape: Sauvignon Blanc Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Recording at Top Hops Beer Shop, Jimmy is joined by Bill Shufel, the founder of Athletic Brewing, a non-alcoholic beer company. Some of his early supporters are around the table as well: Ted Kenny of Top Hops, Dan Lamonaca of Beer Karma, and Josh Bernstein the author of Drink Better Beer. Top Hops started serving beers from Athletic Brewing when they didn’t have a liquor license, but what began as a consequence of circumstance has become an intentional choice to serve non-alcoholic beer on tap. These beer industry experts discuss some unexpected production challenges in making NA beer, the retail appeal of this product, and the history of sessionable beers.   Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy welcomes the Beer Table team for a surprise tasting of 10 Belgian Trappist Ales. Justin Phillips, Gavin Murphy, Noah Levin, and Evan Rose are in the studio to share the history and flavor profiles of these beers as well as to discuss the naming of dubbels and tripels, the smell of De Dolle's beer, the kinds of beer that abbeys made hundreds of years ago, the popular image of monks with beer, and drinking Belgian abbey ales as opposed to cocktails at a bar. Beer List:Trappistes Rochefort 10The Bruery's MischiefTransmitter Brewing's A4 QuadChimay's Première (Red)Beer Table's Table BeerSt. Bernardus Abt 12Westmalle's Trappist Ale TripelDe Dolle's Stille NachtBrasserie d'Orval's Orval Trappist AleKiuchi Brewery's Hitachino Nest XH The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy talks about starting a beer brand in New York City with Gage Siegel of Non Sequitur Beer Project, Tara Hankinson and Johnny Osborne of Talea Beer Co., and Eric Shulz of Little Blind Beer. Hear them discuss barriers to entry in the New York brewing scene, supporting immigrants through beer, building brands that reach more women, holding tastings at Bloomingdale's and Elle Magazine, the way millennials want brands that share their values, and the use of art on a beer can. They also delve into new ways to create a beer brand such as Non Sequitur's pop-up events and Little Blind's one-off beer projects. The holiday season is all about food and community. There’s no better time to show your support for food radio by becoming a member! Lend your voice and help HRN continue to spreading the message of equitable, sustainable, and delicious food – together, we can change minds and build a better food system. Go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate today to become a crucial part of the HRN community.Beer List:Freethought's TemporalGun Hill Brewing Company's Mean Mean BeanTalea Bear Co.'s Tropicberry Tart DecoTalea Bear Co.'s Double DateLittle Blind's Third WaveLittle Blind's Zone ExpansionNon Sequitur Beer Project's Begging for Attention Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Christian Weber of Common Roots Brewing and Melanie Fronhofer of Fronhofer Design return to talk about how Common Roots has recovered from the fire at the brewery.  They discuss keeping everyone employed during the rebuild, designing a canning line, holding a workshop on rebuilding pumps, improving the sustainability of the brewery, and night skiing.  They also ask if there is American "lambic" and try the last batch of beer to survive the fire, a coolship founder farmhouse bottle conditioned ale.Beer List:Common Roots' In BloomCommon Roots' Good FortuneCommon Roots' Coffee Cup Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy welcomes Josh Bernstein to talk about his latest book Drink Better Beer. Jason Sahler of Strong Rope Brewery and Drew Kostic of Circa Brewing join them in the studio as well. The group begins by talking about quality control, before moving on to the special moments that propelled them into beer, and diving into a discussion about food pairings. Their conversation continues to return to industry trends, as the guests remember forgotten styles and seek to identity what’s meaningful in the NYC beer scene today.Beers The Ripe & Ruin, Strong Rope Brewery Trophy Cat Blonde Al, Strong Rope Brewery Captain Lawrence Palate Shifter Samuel Adams FestbierBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

In this Cider Week NYC bonus episode, Jimmy hosts Eleanor Leger of Eden Cider; Dan Wilson of Slyboro Cider House and Hick’s Ochard; and Cathryn Gaylord, a farm apprentice at Eve’s Cidery. Jimmy awards Eleanor with the third annual Scion Award to honor her leadership in the cider industry. Dan and Eleanor discuss their decade long journey making orchard-to-glass cider, which has spanned various styles, changes in language, and marketing mechanisms, while Cathryn offers a fresh take on industry trends. The group concludes by discussing their favor cider and food pairings, which include cured meat and cheese, spiced desserts, and a unique bone marrow dish from Jeepney in the East Village. Ciders:Brut Nature, Eden Dry Heritage CiderAlbee Hill Still and Dry Cider, Eve’s CideryRose & Sky Imperial Sparkling Cider, Slyboro Cider House

After the Shelton Brothers' festival in Buffalo, Jimmy debriefs with Joel Shelton and BR Royla of Shelton Brothers; Amber Watts and Ron Extract of Garden Path Fermentation; Casey Wellman of Brouwerij De Ranke; Xavier Bailleux of Au Baron; Stefano Marin of Casa Bruja; Pete Lengel-Fushimi of KCBC; and Miguel Rivas, The Beer Trekker. Hear them talk about the beer scene in South America, the philosophy of the festival, using a local malt source, Belgian beer culture, their thoughts on saison, and the history of the festival's venue in Buffalo. Beer List:Casa Bruja's Diez ManosDe Ranke's SimplexDe Ranke's Vieille ProvisionGarden Path Fermentation's The Subtle Blend Raspberry BarrelsGarden Path Fermentation's The Dry Hopped Streams WellKCBC's Polkageist Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

In celebration of New York City's Cider Week, Jimmy talks to Melissa Madden of Good Life Farm; Rachel Freier of New York Cider Weeks; Maria Kennedy who writes the blog Cider with Maria; Jahil Maplestone of Descendant Cider Company; and Page Fiori and Gennaro Fiori of Boutique Wines, Spirits and Cider. They discuss why the Finger Lakes are the promised land for growing apples, the debate about the word heritage, the demand for New York State cider, the complicated history of land in New York, and the graf (cider/beer hybrid) that Descendant made with Big Slice Brewing for Cider Week. Plus, hear them react to cider made from the fruit of a single perry tree.Cider List:Ross on Wye's HolmerDescendant Cider Company's DryDescendant Cider Company's PommeBig Alice Brewing's Queens Graf Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

This week, Jimmy sits down to talk about Justin Kennedy's new book The Bucket List: Beer: 1,000 Adventures, Pubs, Breweries, Festivals with Katherine Kyle of Blind Tiger, Evan Watson of Plan Bee, and Justin Kennedy himself.  They discuss their personal beer bucket lists, Michael Jackson's writings on beer, Kennedy's previous book The Scratch & Sniff Guide to Beer: A Beer Lover's Companion, the Shelton Brothers' Festival, the beer scene in Maine, and the idea of never meeting your heroes. Beer List:Plan Bee Farm Brewery's HuitlacochePlan Bee Farm Brewery's Barn BeerThe Lost Abbey's Deliverance AleLost Abbey Brewery and Brasserie Dupont's Deux AmisSierra Nevada's Celebration3 Fonteinen's Oude KriekAllagash Brewing Company's Coolship Red Join Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy travels to Blind Bat Brewery in Centerport, Long Island to talk about the Choose L.I. initiative, which is encouraging investment in local farms and makers. That includes farm breweries as well as seafood! Jimmy is joined by Augie Ruckdeshel from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning; Check Westfall, the owner of Thatch Island Oyster Farms; Paul Dluglokencky the founder of Blind Bat Brewery; Jamie Adams of Saint James Brewery; and Anthony and Melissa Caggiano, the co-owners of Jamesport Brewery. Together, they discuss the myriad ways that uplifting local farmers - through policy and community support - can lead to better tasting food and drink and a stronger local economy.Beer:Haborfields Hefe Weizen, Blind Bat BreweryJoin Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy talks all things Rye with journalist Liza Weisstuch, Tom Potter of The New York Distilling Company, Daric Schlesselman of Van Brunt Stillhouse, Christopher Briar Williams of Coppersea Distillery, and Raphael Lyon of Enlightenment Wines Meadery.  Hear them discuss the role of rye in New York State history, drinking tap water in different regions, and how terroir affects rye.Beer List:Half Acre's OktoberfestJoin Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy sits down with Joe Grimm of Grimm Artisanal Ales, Sebastian Sauer of Freigeist, and Joel Shelton of Shelton Brothers.  Hear them discuss carbonic maceration, a hat called a bollenhut, and how they use labels to market their beer.Beer List:Grimm's Gathering Quetsch PlumsGrimm's Gathering Red Currants & Peaches Grimm's TraceryJoin Heritage Radio Network on Monday, November 11th, for a raucous feast to toast a decade of food radio. Our tenth anniversary bacchanal is a rare gathering of your favorite chefs, mixologists, storytellers, thought leaders, and culinary masterminds. We’ll salute the inductees of the newly minted HRN Hall of Fame, who embody our mission to further equity, sustainability, and deliciousness. Explore the beautiful Palm House and Yellow Magnolia Café, taste and imbibe to your heart’s content, and bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tasty gifts for any budget at our silent auction. Tickets available now at heritageradionetwork.org/gala.Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy talks all things cider with Ron Sansone of Spoke + Spy Ciderworks; Gidon Coll of Original Sin Cider; Paige Flori of Boutique Wines, Spirits and Cider; Tyler Graham of Kings Highway; Petra Paredez of Petee's Pie; and apple photographer William Mullan. Hear them discuss the market for single varietal ciders, the unidentified apple varieties living in the Hudson Valley, and the founding fathers' love of cider.Beer List:Original Sin's Fuji Unfiltered CiderOriginal Sin's McIntosh Unfiltered CiderPine Hill Orchard's Redfield CiderSpoke + Spy's Kingston Black CiderKings Highway's Wickson CiderBeer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. 

Jimmy sits with visiting guests 2 days before the 10th annual Pig Island NYC event in red hook, brooklyn. He is joined by Heritage pig farmer Tank Jackson, from Holy City Hogs; Phil Wingo, from Pork Mafia; & Mauro Chiefari, the reigning brisket king of NYC, from Juicy Lucy BBQ in Staten Island. Together they discuss how BBQ is collaborative and how low and slow wood smoking is like baking. Plus, Heritage Pigs.Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.  

In a crowded studio, Jimmy talks about the Shelton Brothers' upcoming festival in Buffalo, NY with Joel Shelton and BR Royla of Shelton Brothers, Peeter Keek of Põhjala Brewery, Bobby Carlo of Barrier Brewing Company, Yvan De Baets of Brasserie De La Senne, and Jamie Cruickshank of Naparbier. Hear them discuss the brewing culture in Belgium, Estonia, and Spain; what The Festival means to them; and treating yeast as human being.Beer List:Põhjala and To Øl's TaanilinnPõhjala's TormBarrier Brewing Company's New England India Pale AleBarrier Brewing Company's Kickin' Knowledge PumpkinPõhjala, To Øl, Taanilinn, Torm, Barrier Brewing Company, New England India Pale Ale, Kickin' Knowledge Pumpkin, Kickin' Knowledge, Shelton Brothers, Brasserie De La Senne, Naparbier, The Festival, Joel Shelton, Peeter Keek, Bobby Carlo, Yvan De Baets, Jamie Cruickshank, Belgian stouts, Tallinn, Estonia, Belgium, Brussels, Spain, Buffalo, Yeast, Jimmy Carbone, Beer Sessions Radio. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

For the 500th episode of Beer Sessions, Jimmy discusses the business of food and beverage with Matt Archambault of Fifth Hammer Brewing and Brewed in New York, brothers Danny and Luke Bruckert of Groundlings Pizza, and Shinobu Kato of Kato Sake Works. Hear them talk about pairing food with beer and sake, how the food truck culture in New York compares to Portland, and the state of sake in America.Beer List:Kato Sake Works' Pilot Batch 60% CalroseFifth Hammer Brewing Company's Sonic ArchitectureSixpoint Brewery's SpritzerBeer Sessions Radio  is powered by Simplecast. 

This week, Jimmy talks homebrewing with Jeff Lyons of Keg & Lantern Brewing, Brett Taylor of Wild East Brewing, and John Lapolla of Bitter and Esters. Hear their thoughts on what makes the homebrewing scene in New York City different, how homebrew shops have changed over time, and the best way to talk to a homebrewer when you don't like their beer. Beer List: Keg & Lantern's The Other Way of Stopping Keg & Lantern's Saphir Pils Hornindal Citra Homebrewing, Jeff Lyons, Brett Taylor, John Lapolla, Bitter and Esters, Wild East Brewing, Keg & Lantern, The Other Way of Stopping, Saphir Pils, Hornindal Citra, Jimmy Carbone, Beer Sessions Radio Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

On the heels of the tenth annual Pig Island Festival, Jimmy sits down with chefs Danny Mena of La Lonchería and Cenobio Canalizo of Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue, and spirits importer Arik Torren of Fidencio Mezcal. They talk about what inspired their Pig Island dishes, Danny’s new book, Made in Mexico: The Cookbook, the challenges of importing authentic Mexican ingredients, the unique subtleties of Mexico City’s cuisine unique among Mexican food, and how different agave varietals and different regional origins create unique mezcal flavors. Beer List: KCBC’s #PizzaGate2 Margherita’s Revenge, Rice Lager La Venenosa’s Raicilla Sierra del Tigre de Jalisco, a mezcal from Jalisco Sotol La Higuera Mezcal Tags: KCBC, La Loncheria, Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue, Fidencio Spirits, Danny Mena, Cenobio Canalizo, Mezcal, Arik Torren, Roberta’s, PizzaGate2 Margherita’s Revenge, Rice Lager, Pig Island NYC, Mexico, Mexican Food, Jimmy Carbone, Beer Sessions Radio Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Long Island City is home to six breweries, all in a two-mile radius. Five of them joined Jimmy in the studio: Kaitlyn Acosta of LIC Beer Project, Pat Fondiller of Alewife Brewing, Mark Hirst of Big aLICe Brewing, Laszlo Fodor of ICONYC, and Matt Archambault of Fifth Hammer Brewing and the Emmy Award-winning TV series Brewed in New York. They shout out their fellow LIC brewery, Rockaway Brewing Company, talk about local yeast strains, and take Jimmy on a virtual tour of the trail, including tips on where to eat—and bowl—along the way. Beer List: Fifth Hammer’s Sonic Architecture IPA Big aLICE’s Brunch Crusher Tangerine Pineapple Sour ICONYC’s Cucumber Saison Alewife’s Dimensional Observer #2 IPA Alewife’s Alien Technology, Russian Imperial Stout LIC Beer Project’s Back Back to Cali IPA LIC Beer Project’s Radiant Peach Vanilla Sour Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Sara Hagerty of Origin Malt in Columbus, Ohio and Ivan Dedek of LIC Beer Project join Jimmy to talk about the annual Beers With(out) Beards event, LIC Beer Project’s American craft lager made with Origin’s two-row barley malt, how specialty crops like barley can revive agricultural communities, and why they predict that beer lovers will one day say “I can’t wait for Marden season!” Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

The day after the 9th Annual NYC Brewers Choice, a.k.a. the Slow Grains edition, Jimmy sat down with some of the Northeast’s leaders in the regional grain market. Maltster Andrea Stanley of Valley Malt, June Russell of GrowNYC Grains, Barry Labendz of working-farm brewery Kent Falls, and Evan Watson of Plan Bee Farm Brewery tell the backstory on reviving regional grains in the Northeast with malt and beer, their work getting regional malt into New York City-area breweries, and the power of integrating grains into our understanding of a local food system. Beer List: Kent Falls Brewing’s The Hollow, Pilsner made with Endeavor barley from Valley Malt Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy’s got a full studio, with seven guests from across New York City’s craft beer scene: Mickey Alexander of Taproom 307, Kaitlyn LeLoup of Interboro, Chris Maestro of Bier Wax, Alex Munoz of Harlem Hops, Matt Negron of Uptown Beer Society, Juan Perez of Bar 180 and Bar 177, and Joel Suarez of The Sampler. They talk with Jimmy about Not My Pres, the third in their Pres series collaboration, which brings the flavors of popular beers like Presidente and Dos Equis to local craft beer. They talk about how they started collaborating to make beer celebrating the flavors of popular Carribbean beers, working with bars and businesses owned and run by people of color, the value of good beer bars and shops, and reclaiming fruits like guava, chinola, and tamarind. Beer List: Interboro’s Not My Pres Lager Interboro Premiere IPA Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Joel Shelton of Shelton Brothers Imports, Pete Lengyel of KCBC brewing, and brewer Ulrike Genz of Berlin’s Brauerei Schneeeule (Snowy Owl Brewery) join Jimmy to compare notes. Tune in to hear their conversation about American versus German beers, kettle versus slow sours, ugly fruit versus fruit puree, and Ulrike’s work reviving traditional 200-year-old methods for making Berliner Weißes or, as Napoleon called it, “the champagne of the north.” Beer List: Brauerei Schneeeule’s Kennedy Brauerei Schneeeule’s Irmgard Brauerei Schneeeule’s Yasmin Brauerei Schneeeule’s Marlene Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy turns from the art of brewing to the art of...art. He’s joined by author and writer Joshua M. Bernstein, AJ Keirans of the 16 Oz. Canvas podcast, and graphic designers Earl Holloway of KCBC and Daniel Birch of Barrier and Alewife Brewing. They talk about the expanding market for beer label art, the difference between designing for 750 ml bottles and for cans, their artistic inspirations, Easter eggs hidden in beer can art, and Can Jam. Beer List: KCBC’s Purgatorio Pilsner KCBC’s Strap Lite Lime Lager KCBC’s Strap Lite Lager KCBC’s Superhero Sidekicks IPA KCBC’s Penguins in Paradise Session IPA Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy checks in with two of New York’s new breweries. Co-founder John Dantzler and sales director Keith Sansone of Torch & Crown Brewing Company join Jimmy to talk about how they got started. John explains how he and his co-founder went from childhood friends to homebrewers to business partners, their flagship beers, and learning the skills (chemistry know-how, business savvy) they needed to succeed. They’re also joined by Cortlandt Toczylowski, owner and head brewer of King’s Court Brewing Company, who tells the story of serendipitously discovering his brewery site in Poughkeepsie. Beer List: Torch and Crown’s Slightly Sour Torch and Crown’s Almost Famous IPA Torch and Crown’s Sub Rosa Lager Torch and Crown’s Intersect: Simcoe + Idaho 7, Session IPA It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy crunches the numbers with Ted Kenny of Top Hops, Gage Siegel of Beer Menus and Nonsequitur Brewing Project, David Steinman of Craft Brew News, and Ethan Siegler, author of a recent study on Los Angeles beer consumer choice. They talk about what kind of beer data they’re interested in, the dominance of the “hazy IPA,” the geographic differences in craft beer offerings, highlights from Ethan’s thesis study, and what exactly the “mobility gap” is. Beer List: Flora’s Tiki, Pineapple Wine Spritzer Industrial Arts’ Tools of the Trade, Pale Ale It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy talks malt with Jeff Lyons of Keg and Lantern and Max Ocean and Zane Coffey, co-founders of Catskill, NY’s Subversive Malting and Brewing. Tune in for a preview of NYC Brewer’s Choice 2019 and to learn more about the rise of New York’s malt industry, brewing tasty ingredient-driven beers, sourcing up-and-coming hop varieties, and the surprising smells of malting. Beer List: Subversive’s Drinkenbier Keller Lager Subversive’s Body Double IPA Keg and Lantern’s White Noise Pilsner Keg and Lantern’s Longer Days Saison It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This, week, Jimmy talks about the Good Beer Seal all-stars with the owners of three NYC beer bars: Andreina Uribe of The Bronx Beer Hall, Chris Maestro of BierWax in Prospect Heights, and Joel Suarez of The Sampler in Bushwick. They talk about bar and brewery collaboration, the important role of Good Beer retailers and bars in the craft scene, and taste a special early sneak peak of Sierra Nevada’s fall seasonal Octoberfest. Beer List: Sierra Nevada’s Octoberfest, 2019 Fall Seasonal Sneak Peak KCBC / Roberta's Collab, Pizzagate Margherita's Revenge It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

The teams behind Marz Community Brewing in Chicago and Mash Tun journal stopped by the studio on June 20 to talk with Jimmy before heading off to Mash Tun’s Issue #13 release party at KCBC. Joining Jimmy on air were founder of Marz Brewing and Mash Tun journal Ed Marszewski, Marz head brewer Tim Lange, former editor of BeerAdvocate and summer 2015 Beer Sessions co-host Ben Keene, KCBC’s Pete Lengyel, and photographer Miguel Rivas, who guest edited the latest issue of Mash Tun. They crack open some Gay IPAs for Pride while talking about community brewing, their creative heroes, the Marz monthly drink and draw event, and the Chicago craft beer scene. Beer List: Marz’s Gay IPA, Double Dry Hopped India Pale Ale with Lactose, a Pride special Marz’s Chela Negra, Black Lager KCBC’s Strap Lite, Rice Lager It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy finds out more new beer and cider distributors in town with Lars Dahlhaus of Baldor Specialty Goods, Brown's Brewery of Troy, NY, Lisa and Rich Costagna from Bridge and Tunnel Brewery, and Jahil from Descendant Cider. It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Beer and Cider List: Bronx Brewery's Strobe Light - Gose w/ Straberry & Rhubarb Bridge and Tunnel's Bagel IPA Descendant Cider's - Pomme w/ Pomegranate & Hibiscus Descendant Cider's - New World Heritage Cider Descendant Cider's - Wilderness - Wild Pippin & Forgotten Orchards Brown's Brewing Nice to Meet Me - Revolving IPA Brown's Brewing Strobe Light - Gose Brown's Krush Golden Lager Brown's IPA Brown's Brewing Cherry Razz - Brown's Carla IPA La Parisienne Rouse La Parisienne Blonde Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate A few months ago, the experts from Beer Table made their way down into the cellar at Jimmy’s No. 43—Jimmy’s old East Village bar, which closed almost two years ago—to unearth the bottles that were left behind. In this episode, the team—Justin Philips, Megan Saxelby, Noah Levin, Gavin Murphy, and Evan Rose—join Jimmy to uncork the bottles and talk about what they found. Find out what old favorites, unexpected treasures, and surprises they found while they explore what happens when certain beers age, the importance of good beer retailers, and what we can do to encourage more experimentation with aging. Beer List: Mikkeller and Lindeman’s SpontanBasil Saison de Pipaix, 2003 South Hill Cider’s Packbasket, Wild Cider Schneider Weisse’s Aventinus, Tap 6 Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA Dogfish Head’s 90 Minute IPA Goose Island’s Christmas Ale Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Aaron Burr Cidery’s founder, farmer, and fermenter Andy Brennan joins Jimmy to talk about his new book, Uncultivated: Wild Apples, Real Cider, and the Complicated Art of Making a Living. Also in the studio are the book’s editor Ben Watson of Chelsea Green Publishing and the annual CiderDays celebration in Franklin County, Massachusetts, and Ron Sansone of Connecticut’s Spoke and Spy Ciderworks. They talk basement brewing, place-based apples, the history of Andy’s homestead farm—including how Aaron Burr was involved—and the true meaning of “Scrumpy.” Cider List: Spoke and Spy Ciderworks’ Kingston Black, a single varietal cider Spoke and Spy Ciderworks’ Pink Lady cider, made with blood orange and pomegranate It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

For farmers in New York State, how does hemp stack up against hops? Laura Ten Eyck of Indian Ladder Farms and Dietrich Gehring of Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery—who grow hemps and hops are co-authors of The Hop Grower’s Handbook—join Jimmy to weigh in. Attorney Max Bookman tells the story of New York state’s slow trek towards adult-use marijuana legalization, and whether we might . They talk about annual hemp versus perennial hops, CBD, the role of the gubernatorial primary in marijuana legalization, the multitude of uses of hemp, and, if hemp is so useful, why it’s been illegal for so long. Beers: Indian Ladder’s Homie Haulers, India Pale Lager Indian Ladder’s Golden Boy, Golden Russet Cider Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Tonight Jimmy uses the upcoming Rib King (May 30th) to talk BBQ! With guests including Blake Crawford of New Jersey’s The Alementary, Rob Cho of Kimchi Smoke in NJ, and Cenobio, Eric, and Penny from Morgan’s BBQ right here in Brooklyn. Together they tackle the supremacy of Texas-style BBQ, the value of "burnt ends," the New Jersey brewing scene, and how smoke affects beer / food pairings. Beer List: The Alementary's Island Life, Gose w/ Calamansi The Alementary's Random Placement of Things, Extra Pale Ale The Alementary's Seoul Brothers, Blonde Rice Ale w/ Korean Pears   Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Tonight on Beer Sessions Jimmy talks about exporting New York State beer with guests Qurban Walia and Peter McNulty of Crafted Exports, Dave Lopez of Gun Hill, Kelly Taylor of KelSo, and Keith Fekete of Captain Lawrence. They discuss the separation of duties between exporters and brewers, the intricacies of exporting to particular countries, and how to care for the quality of beer shipped overseas. Beers: Gun Hill's Spreadsheet Mafia, Helles Lager Gun Hill's Buena Onda, Mexican Lager Gun Hill's Broadway Boogie, American Amber Ale KelSo Brewing w/ Queens Brewery's , Belgian Session Brut IPA Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jeff Alworth, author of The Beer Bible and the Beer Tasting Tool Kit, joins Jimmy to talk about craft brewing in Portland, Oregon. His latest book, The Widmer Way: How Two Brothers Led Portland’s Craft Beer Revolution, chronicles Kurt and Rob Widmer’s journey from humble homebrewers to craft beer pioneers and purveyors of the iconic Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen. Jeff and Jimmy also talk with New York brewers Jeff Lyons of Keg & Lantern and Brett Taylor of Wild East Brewing about the satisfaction of a simple beer, whether bread or beer came first, and what ancient beer history can tell us about being human. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy checks in on the future of beer in the state of New York with Paul Leone of the New York State Brewers Association, Stefan Fleming of Empire State Development, and Jason Sahler of Brooklyn’s Strong Rope Brewery. They talk about the challenges and benefits of owning a brewery in New York City, how fast the industry has grown in recent decades, the long-term outlook for craft in New York, and how New York’s beer fans compare to other states’. Beers: Strong Rope Brewery’s Seeds of Love and Outrage, IPA Strong Rope Brewery’s Field Drinker, IPA Strong Rope Brewery’s Young Lion of the West, Cream Ale Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week, Jimmy and his guests talk about the pernicious Instagram phenomenon known as the #BossPour, where a glass is filled to the rim without any head, at the expense of taste and aromatics, and all for the sake of a good pic. In the studio weighing in are Dan Lamonaca of bar and bottle shop Beer Karma in Williamsburg, James Tai of Beer Acolyte, and Joel Suarez and Matt Negron of The Sampler and Uptown Beer Society. Mirella Amato, Master Cicerone and author of the award-winning book Beerology calls in to talk about the many obstacles to excellent beer photography and later in the show, Julia Herz from the Brewers Association breaks down best practices for pouring and keeping draft lines clean. Tune in to find out how experts are thinking about beer presentation, helping customers find a beer they will love, and what a real boss pour would look like. Beer List: Finback Brewery’s Lounge, Saison Transmitter Brewing’s B6 American Porter Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

On this special episode of Beer Sessions Radio, recorded during NYC Beer Week 2019 at Brooklyn craft beer stronghold The Gate, Jimmy and Curator of Beer Sean McCain sat down with some of the earliest brewers, bar owners and beer shop founders in New York’s craft beer scene. They talk about their hidden talents, their communities, old-school beer bars, and how and why how why they got into craft beer, from camaraderie to chemistry. Guests, in order of appearance: Sean McCain, Curator Of Beer Dave Gardell, Owner, The Ruck in Troy, NY Kevin Mullen, Owner and Head Brewer, Rare Form Brewing Company James Langstine, Owner, Bronx Alehouse and Kingsbridge Social Club Patrick Donagher, Founder, Alewife Brewing Company Pat Fondiller, Alewife Brewing Company Bobby Gagnon, Owner, The Gate Alan Rice, Manager and Owner, City Swiggers Marianna Ruth Torres, Social Media and Press Manager, Covenhoven Adam Fletcher, Head of Sales, Finback Brewery Beer List: Rare Form’s Raisin In the Dark – Schwarzbier, with smoked raisins, caraway, and urfa-biber chile Thin Man’s Minkey Boodle – Sour Ale, aged on raspberries Alewife’s Alien Technology – Imperial Stout Finback’s BQE – Brooklyn Queens Espresso Imperial Stout, aged in tequila barrels Alewife’s Death to Ego – IPA Equilibrium’s and Alewife’s Entente – Double IPA

Description: This week, Jimmy sits down with Jon Kielty from Big Alice Brewing, Christian Weber from Common Roots Brewing, and Melanie Fronhofer from brew system design company Fronhofer Design. In late March, a fire destroyed much of Common Roots’ father-son brewery in South Glens Falls, New York. Right away, Jon and others from the craft brewing community got together to figure out to help Christian and his father rebuild. Jon, Christian, and Melanie talk with Jimmy about the Big Alice-Common Roots collab beer, brewing on the three-barrel system that survived the fire, and the benefits of working with a small, local design company. To donate to Common Roots’ rebuilding effort, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/ywac3-common-roots-brewing-company Beer List: Big Alice / Common Roots collaboration, Cholaca Maraca, Chocolate Chili Stout

What do you drink when you smoke...brisket? Tune in for a preview of Jimmy’s annual Brisket King NYC competition! Three of this year’s competitors, John Gower, John Patterson, and Matt Abdoo, join Jimmy to talk about spice rubs, pig breeds, HACCP plans, and what drinks pair best with BBQ. John Gower of Quiet Waters Farm in North Devon in the UK will team up again this year with Michigan’s John Patterson, founder of the Facebook group The Salt Cured Pig. The duo took 2nd place last year. Matt Abdoo will compete this year for Pig Beach. Later this week, Pig Beach will also host the Jeff Michner BBQ Benefit in memory of Matt’s brother-in-law, on Saturday, April 13 from 12 - 4 p.m. The event will feature legendary pitmasters, with meat donated by NY Prime Beef, and funds will benefit Jeff’s family. Buy tickets or donate here: https://www.pigbeachnyc.com/jeff-michner-bbq-benefit/ Beer List: Hudson Valley Brewery’s Feel No Way, German Pilsner (Beacon, NY) Interboro’s Premier, Double IPA (Brooklyn, NY) Plus a special cameo by Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon, the recommended Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy talks (and drinks) lagers with Svend Lindbaek from Millerton’s Svendale Brewing Co., Pete Lengyel from Bushwick’s KCBC Brewing, and Jeff Lyons and Alex Biedermann of Greenpoint’s Keg & Lantern Brewing. They cover New York state malts and hops, secret German brewing methods, the virtues and vices of Rolling Rock, Danish beer culture, and who’s putting lagers in barrels. Beer List: Keg & Lantern’s Stolen Valor, Bohemian Pilsner Keg & Lantern’s Nelson Helles, Pale Helles Lager Keg & Lantern’s Stop Whispering, Dortmunder Lager KCBC’s Luna Lupulus, Keller Marzen (collaboration with Jack’s Abby) Svendale’s Same Thing, Keller Marzen Svendale’s Born too Loose, Unfiltered Lager Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Hear about what makes New York cider special, the question of canning, the truth about dryness, and the definition of endangered apples while Jimmy checks in on the state of New York cider. Jennifer Smith talks about the New York Cider Association’s new label for ciders brewed in New York state with New York-grown apples; Jordan Werner Barry describes the language we use to talk about cider; Dan Pucci shares his cider sommelier expertise; Paige Flori calls in to recommend some ciders she has on tap at Boutique Wines, Spirits, and Cider in Fishkill; and the group tastes ciders from Original Sin with Gidon Coll, and from Kings Highway Fine Cider with Tyler Graham. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast. Cider List: Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Harrison (unreleased) Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Wickson (unreleased) Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Ashmead’s Kernal (unreleased) Kings Highway Fine Cider’s New York Burt Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Lil Scrumpy Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Rosé Cider Kings Highway Fine Cider’s Ginger Snap Original Sin’s McIntosh Original Sin’s Rosé Cider

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy checks in with beer importers BR Rolya and Joel Shelton to talk about their latest venture, Shelton Brothers Insider Tours. Alex Zolli, general manager of Spuyten Duyvil bar in Williamsburg, also joined them to talk about Péché Mortel (French for “mortal sin”), the Imperial Coffee Stout from venerable Montreal brewpub, Dieu du Ciel! Each year, the brewery celebrates the release of Péché Mortel by sending a slew of special variants to select beer bars across the globe. This Saturday, March 23, Spuyten Duyvil will host the fifth annual Dieu du Ciel! Péché Mortel Day simultaneously with the fourth annual Trappist Orval Day. Tune in to find out more about Péché Mortel, this spring’s Shelton Brothers Insider Tours to France, Belgium, and Barcelona, and whether or not Montreal bagels are really bagels. Beer List: Edge Brewing’s Apassionada, Berliner Weisse brewed with passionfruit (Barcelona) Edge Brewing’s Padrino, Porter (Barcelona) Dieu du Ciel!’s Isseki Nicho, Imperial Dark Saison (Montreal) Brasserie Thiriez’s Extra, Dry-hopped French Farmhouse Ale (France) Brasserie de la Senne’s Taras Boulba, Extra Hoppy Ale (Brussels) Cervesa del Montseny’s Mala Vida, Imperial Stout (Barcelona) Naparbier’s Hop Doom, Imperial IPA (Spain) Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy explores the phenomenon sweeping Brooklyn: Rothaus Pilsner. He is joined by Tobias Holler of Black Forest Brooklyn, Josh Van Horn of Gold Star Brewing, Kim Mercado from Brouwerij Lane, and Aaron Goldfarb, a writer from Punch. Rothaus Pilsner is an unpasteurized beer imported fresh and cold from Germany. Tobias is originally from the Black Forest region in which this beer is made and explains why he wanted to share his culture with New Yorkers. From the beer’s iconic logo to it’s short shelf life, these guests talk about why Rothaus Pilsner is good enough to compete with local brews. Beer List Rothaus Pilsner Andechser Vollbier Hell, Klosterbrauerei Andechs Palatime Pils, Suarez Family Brewery Homespun, Suarez Family Brewery Purple Haze, Abita Brewing Co. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy is joined by Jamie Adams to discuss an expedition by Saint James Brewery to rescue old beer bottles from an 1886 shipwreck. Jamie is accompanied in the studio by the team of divers he has worked with over the past several years: Captain Patrick Rooney, Captain Andy Favata, and Captain John Bricker. Not only have these divers discovered a number of bottles still perfectly intact, but Saint James Brewery has extracted the yeast from those beers to create new brews. Beer writer, Pete Brown calls in from the U.K. to offer his historical expertise on what beers this team may have discovered. As these guests share stories about how they got involved in this project and pose questions about how to continue their exploration going forward, they enjoy the fruits of their labor – three ales with yeast dating back over 100 years. Beer List: English Pale Ale Test Batch, Saint James Brewery Fleur de Lees, Saint James Brewery Deep Ascent Pale Ale, Saint James Brewery Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Beer Sessions assistant producer Dylan Heuer attended Coney Island Brewery’s Beer + Cheese Tasting for NYC Beer Week. An interview with Coney Island’s head brewer Matt McCall and cheese expert Christine Clark delves into their process for finding complementary pairs, why they believe beer pairs better with cheese than wine, and how you can create tastings like this at home. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by leaders in the New York beer scene who started small but expanded rapidly. Kyle Hurst from Big Alice Brewing is in the studio; along with the head brewer at Coney Island Brewing, Matt McCall; and the founders of Island to Island Brewery, Danii Oliver and Kevin Braithwait. These brewers recall their first brews and the initial challenges they faced in small spaces. As their businesses grew, they had the freedom to host more guests and hold events. Plus these guests discussed the ability to become more adventurous with their craft over time. They round out the show with a conversation of NYC Beer Week and the NY SMASH (state malt and state hops) beers these breweries are excited to showcase. Beer List Big Alice Brewing, Jalapeno Rye Big Alice Brewing Agri/Culture IPA Coney Island Brewing, Chocolate Ryezome Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by Matt McCall of Coney Island Brewing Company, Pat Fondiller of Alewife Brewing Company, and James Tai, a beer consultant. NYC Beer Week is around the corner, and more breweries from upstate and out of state will be attending than ever before. These guests provide insight on what to expect and how to navigate the bounty of breweries attending. Their best advice: try out a lager, kolsh, or pilsner before moving to an IPA. These styles aren’t masked with additional flavor so Pat and Matt agree they serve as a good test for new breweries. Danii Oliver of Island to Island Brewery stops by as well to share her thoughts on the differences between social media culture, and what customers actually want. Tune to hear what events and beers these guests are most excited about as NYC Beer Week approaches. Beer List Alewife Brewing Company, Death to Ego Alewife Brewing Company & Equilibrium Brewery, Entente Double IPA Coney Island Brewing Company, Cream of the Cropsey Coney Island Brewing Company, Midnight Troller Milk Stout Coney Island Brewing Company, Chocolate Ryezome Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy focuses on what it really means to be ‘local.’ Joining him is Andrew Preston the owner of Hicksville Beer & Soda and the founder of the Local to Locals Program. Local to Locals is a certification mark that affirms both a product and its retailer are locally owned. Andrew founded the enterprise to help consumers invest 100% of their money into local businesses, rather than shopping for local products in big-box stores. Right now Andrew’s priority is expanding his network and some of his partners join the conversation as well. Ken Landin, the owner of Crossroads Brewing, Anthony Tartaglia and Joseph Mele from Coastal Kitchen & Daiquiri Bar, and Matt Archambault from Brewed in New York are all in the studio. Together they discuss educational efforts, collaborations, and where they like to eat and drink locally. Beer List: Crossroads, Black Rock Stout Crossroads, New Normal Unfiltered IPA Destination Unknown, Milkshake IPA Fifth Hammer, Cashmere Kid Fifth Hammer, Iron Orchid Imperial Stout Fifth Hammer, Pineappledactyl Fifth Hammer Solar Lemur Spider Bite, Chocolate Coconut Porter

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by Rafael Espinal, a New York City Council member running for Public Advocate in the upcoming special election. Danii Oliver of Island to Island Brewery, Heather Rush of Pine Box Rock Shop, and Chris O’Leary of Brew York, New York also join the conversation about how New York politics are affecting brewers. Danii and Heather talk about the strong role local government plays in the management of their breweries and taprooms. They discuss the difficulty of being labeled as “vice” businesses and argue breweries should be valued for providing manufacturing jobs, creating a local product, and supporting other local businesses in the process. The conversation ultimately comes down to the question: Why should breweries do business in NYC? Beer List Boulevard Brewery Space Camper Cosmic IPA Sixpoint Party Hat New England IPA Big Alice Boisonberry Current Sour Hudson Valley Brewery Pilsner Photo Taken by Miguel Rivas @THEBEERTREKKER Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Jimmy is dedicating the show to an issue that affects all breweries, but is rarely discussed: wastewater. Water is integral to making beer but a lot is wasted. Typically one pint of beer requires seven pints of water. For this conversation, Jimmy is joined by John Bedard of Kushner Studios, a brewery architect; Paul Mankiewicz, a biologist from the Gaia Institute; and Evan Bowles, a wastewater engineer. These experts discuss various policies surrounding the issue and the diverse challenges brewers face from New York to California. They divulge to talk about the importance of environmentally conscious design from green roofs to solar panels and imagine how they would construct a sustainable brewery from the ground up. Episode Beer List: Evil Twin, Ridgewood Resurrection Evil Twin, By The End of the Day Burial, Bone Digger Pale Ale Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy hosts Justin Phillips and his team from Beer Table for a special tasting. Jimmy and Justin along with Megan Saxelby, Noah Levin, and Gavin Murphy taste a handful of distinct beers, which all share one ingredient: smoked malts. The origin of the beers ranges: from Bamberg, Germany, the world’s largest supplier of malts; to Scandinavian countries like Norway and Finland; all the way to Vermont where one beer was made by the Von Trapp family of the Sound of Music. The conversation covered the delicacy of smoky flavors, which varied from rich and meaty to the woodiness one might recognize in a scotch. As everyone tried to pinpoint the evocative sensation a smoked malt beer can provide, some suggested that looking to writing on cocktails, wine, and even perfumes can help anyone working to train their palette. Tasting List: Threes Short Fuse Von Trapp Trösten Lager Schlenkera Urbock Haandbryggeriet Bestefar Prykmestar Savu Kataja Hair of the Dog Adam Del Ducato Verdi Anniversario 200 Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy welcomes Matthias Neidhart, the founder and owner of B. United International Inc. along with George Flickinger and Michael Opalenski, who manage sales for the company here in New York. They talk about the innovation that finally allowed B. United to import traditional lagers from the Czech Republic without interfering with the flavor or freshness of the beer. Their temperature-controlled containers convinced some of the most historic breweries in the world to ship their beer across the Atlantic Ocean. Matthias believes the market for traditional lagers will continue to grow in the US, recalling how dramatically attitudes have shifted over the past few years. Chris McClelland, founder of the Brew Enthusiast joins the conversation as well, contributing his passion for the culture, history, and high quality of Czech Lagers. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio the bar owners and brewers behind popular beers, El Pres Pilsner and Dead Pres Lager come together to discuss this collaboration and their stories as bar owners of color. To create these beers individuals from Bar 177, Bar 180, BierWax, The Bronx Beer Hall, The Sampler, and Uptown Beer Society worked with Interboro Spirits and Drafts. This group talks about the desire to create a beer that would resonate with the Latinx community. They express that their passion for creating and selling beer goes beyond making money, these men strive to represent the local businesses and culture of their neighborhoods. Many of these bars were the first to sell craft beer in their community and the conversation covers how they continue to thrive as New York City changes around them. Guest List Chris Maestro, BierWax Jesse Ferguson, Interboro Spirits and Ales Joel Suarez and Leo Tineo, The Sampler Juan Perez, Bar 180 and Bar 177 Matt Negron, Uptown Beer Society Paul Ramirez and Anthony Ramirez II, The Bronx Beer Hall Shane Monteiro, Carmine Street Beers Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

In this very special New Year's episode we went into the archives, way back to 2015 for a conversation recorded at the Cornelia St Cafe. Sadly, due to rent increases, the Cornelia St Cafe - a West Village institution - will be closing soon. Joining Jimmy on this evening were: Robin Hirsch, co-owner and co-founder of Cornelia st cafe; Daric Schlesselman, the Founder of Van Brunt Stillhouse in Brooklyn; Allison Patel of Brenne Whiskey; and Liz stretch, from Slow Food NYC and NYU's Food Studies Program. Together they discuss the history of Cornelia St Cafe, the local distilling movement, huge change in American palates over the past four decades, and much much more. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy greets Stefan Hansen all the way from Norway this week on Beer Sessions Radio. Stefan manages domestic and international sales for Haanbryggiert Brewery. BR Rolya and Bib W join in too. They are both NY sales representatives for Shelton Brothers Inc., an importer of Haand beers. Haand Brewery specializes in sours, stouts, and farmhouse ales, but what really sets them apart is Kveik, a strain of yeast unique to Norwegian brews. Homebrewing in Norway has regained popularity over the last decade but we learn the practice is rooted in the country’s history. Stefan shares about his tour of the NYC beer scene. By combining his own knowledge with what he's learned, Stefan hopes the partnerships he has formed will bring him back to the city in the near future. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy is joined by Jason Sahler of Strong Rope Brewing, Chad Zimar of Steuben Brewing, Kara Johnston from Chimney Bluffs Hoppery and Chris Holden of Crooked Creek Hops. Currently New York Farm Breweries are required to source 20% of their ingredients from NY State, but in 2019 this will increase to 60%. These guests are ahead of the curve though and have traveled from across New York to talk about their commitment to local ingredients. The first beer they pour is Steuban’s Mount Pleasant, part of the brewery’s local liquid series and made from 100% NY ingredients, including a hop from Seneca Falls called ‘New York.’ Efforts are underway to learn more about NY hops through genetic research. It’s agreed upon that good beer is dependent on high quality ingredients and these brewers are committed to educating their customers about the hops, malts, and farmers contributing to their brews. Community in the beer industry is strong inside New York and across the globe. Ken Grossman, the owner and founder of Sierra Nevada calls in to talk about his most recent project: Resilience IPA. This beer is being brewed and sold across the country and the world to raise money for those affected by the California Wildfires. Listen to the full episode to learn more about how this movement spread so quickly and check out Sierra Nevada’s website to find a brewery selling Resilience near you. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

The marriage of food and beer is at the heart of Beer Sessions Radio this week. Jimmy welcomes Hutch Kugeman and Waldy Malouf from the Culinary Institute of America. Hutch is the CIA’s brewmaster and Waldy is the senior director of Food and Beverage Operations. They are currently preparing for the CIA’s annual Beefsteak event, which involves several courses of beef, lamb, seafood, and unlimited beer. Jamie Adams from Saint James Brewery, John Condzella from Condzella’s Farm, and Tony Forder from Ale Street News join in on a discussion about where the beer industry is headed. Local ingredients are a focal point of the conversation. John was one of the first farmers in New York State to grow hops and the local ingredients he provides to beer makers doesn’t stop there. Everyone sips on Saint James Brewery’s Myrtille Ale, made with blueberries grown at Condzella’s. Hutch and Waldy have witnessed the integration of local food into the menus and curriculum at the CIA and agree this movement is here to stay. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Wild East Brewing is coming soon to Gowanus, Brooklyn and the whole team joins Jimmy on Beer Sessions Radio this week. Brett Taylor, Lindsay Steen, Tyler March have taken on this project as founding partners. Jeff Lyons is in the studio as well talking about his experience brewing at Keg & Lantern in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He is also currently assisting with the opening of their new location. Everyone talks about the decision-making required by the process of opening a brewery, from recipes to logistics and self-image. The founders of Wild East discuss their inspiration and share how their conception for the brewery has changed. One lesson they’ve carried with them is the importance of thinking big! It’s clear that these guests’ dedication to the beer industry stems from the genuine joy that arises from collaboration, learning, and creation. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week Jimmy welcomes Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso back to Beer Sessions. Jeppe has made many memorable beers over the years, but today’s discussion is focused on his newest project: opening Evil Twin Brewery in Queens. This will be an opportunity for Jeppe to re-launch some of his favorite past brews and to experiment with small batch styles. Corey Gaguilo has a background in restaurant operations and will be assisting Jeppe in this endeavor, serving as Evil Twin’s general manager. Together they talk about their plans for outreach and education in the local community. Matt Archambault shares their enthusiasm for introducing people to craft beer. This is reflected in his most recent undertaking: Brewed in New York, a series airing on PBS now. Check out the show Sunday nights at 7:30pm and get excited for the launch of Evil Twin, coming soon to Ridgewood. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

It’s a full house this week on Beer Sessions Radio! Brewers from Interboro, KCBC, Indian Ladder Farms, Greenpoint Beer & Ale, Cerveceria Rancho Humo, and Just Add Beer are here to talk about collaborations while they enjoy the products that have resulted from them. Partnerships stretch across New York State connecting brewers with the farmers growing hops and malts. But the local market is still developing and the brewers and farmers around the table discuss the challenges they currently face in working together. As they continue to taste, these brewers take us through the process, ingredients, and inspiration behind their beers. Everyone shares about the events, travels, and coincidences that have led to exciting collaborations in craft brewing. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio Jimmy welcomes Pete Lengyel of Kings Country Brewers Collective and Katarina Martinez of LineUp Brewing. Recently, both Pete and Katarina travelled to experience the beer scene in Europe and they have lots to share! Pete attended the Gothenburg Beer festival in Sweden and tells us what he learned about Kveik, which Jimmy calls the “magic yeast” from Scandinavia. Katarina was just in Germany on a scholarship through the Pink Boots Society. She talks about the German Purity Law, the only brewing nun in the world, and the support she witnessed for local brewers. Alexander Korobkov from Zagovor Brewery stops by to chime in on the discussion as well! Everyone shares how an international perspective will impact their brewing back home. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

The excitement of Cider Week NYC continues. Jenn Smith, Eleanor Leger, Kyle Sherrer, Gidon Coll, and Ron Sansone stay in the studio to continue their conversation about the trajectory of the cider industry, cider’s variation across regions, and cider’s role in the food and agriculture sector. Reverend Nat calls in from Portland Oregon. He recognizes how unique Portland’s cider scene is but has a clear message for the industry at large: ‘Educate, educate, educate!’ This will be made possible by new organizations like CINA: the Cider Institute of North America. Nick Gunn, the co-founder of Cider Con calls in to tell us more about it. In the meantime the question remains: what is the market ready for and what path will this developing industry follow? Check out “The State of Cider” Parts 1 and 2 on Beer Sessions Radio. *Beer Sessions Radio* is powered by [Simplecast][1]

It’s Cider Week in NYC and Jimmy talks to a number of industry experts. Jenn Smith from the NY Cider Association, Eleanor Leger of Eden Cider, Kyle Sherrer from Graft Cider, Gidon Coll from Original Sin, and Ron Sansone of Spoke and Spy Cider gather around in the studio. They have lots to say about celebrating orchards, pairing cider with food, and the relationship between cider, beer, and wine. Michelle McGrath, the Executive Director of the US Cider Association, calls to talk about the support cider needs to grow as an industry. Mike Beck from Uncle John’s Cider Mill in Michigan dials in next to discuss what styles and marketing strategies are gaining traction. When people think cider, usually one style comes to mind and that’s what these industry leaders want to change. Tune in to The State of Cider: Part 2 to learn more about cider’s diversity. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week Jimmy and his guests went on a 11-country European tasting tour with Miguel Rivas, the Beer Trekker who documents his world travels on Instagram. They were joined in the studio by international and domestic beer importers BR Rolya, Joel Shelton, and Lars Dahlhaus. The conversation got deep. It dove into the current state of European and American craft brewing, exports, and imports. Decades ago Jimmy was only drinking German beers, but American craft beers have exploded onto the scene. So much so that a lot of brewers are making IPAs in places like Barcelona. More traditional countries like Germany or Belgium, that are already saturated in rich brewery and beer culture, continue to produce lager and pilsners among other brews that are harder to make with the same quality in the states. They tell colorful stories of the villages and towns that treat beer like it’s part of the family and not just a business. Tastings range from the earthy La Moneuse from Blaugies, Belgium to the 2017 Historical Thomas Hardy’s barley wine from England. Powered by Simplecast https://simplecast.com [1]https://www.goodbeerhunting.com/authors/miguel-rivas/ [2]https://www.sheltonbrothers.com/team/b-r-rolya/ [3]https://www.sheltonbrothers.com/beers/blaugies-la-moneuse/

Scott Ungermann the Brewmaster for Anchor Brewing in San Francisco joins Jimmy on Beer Sessions this week. Jen Maslank from Spring Lounge, Kirk Struble of 4th Ave Pub, and Bobby Gagnon from The Gate also take a seat around the table. A sequence of tastings from Anchor Brewing commences with the Anchor Steam, followed by Anchor’s 2018 Christmas Ale, and then the Fog Breaker IPA. At a moment when new and local beers garner the most attention, these beer veterans get to the heart of what Anchor brings to the table. Times are changing though and Anchor plans to keep up. After 122 years in business, Anchor made a major change last year by launching a bar and a pilot brewery. Ungermann promises that Anchor will preserve the traditional beers everyone loves, but with the option to brew on a smaller scale we can expect exciting new innovations as well. Beer Sessions is powered by Simplecast https://simplecast.com

New York Rye Week inspired Beer Sessions to look to another unique New York State farm beverage: mead! Jimmy hosts Raphael Lyon and Patrick Dacy. Lyon is the founder of Enlightenment Wines Meadery and Honey’s Brooklyn. Dacy is the owner of Duke’s Liquor Box, an early retailer of Lyon’s meads. Although mead is often associated with ‘dungeons and dragons’ given its roots with vikings in Northern Europe, meads are made around the world and range in flavor from bitter to sweet, floral to herbal. Some meads resemble table wine whiles others mix well in cocktails. Lyon and Dacy delve deep into how meads are made and discuss the pull between tradition and experimentation. Dacy has always valued the story behind the products he sells and his partnership with Lyon came naturally. The two have plans to collaborate on mead cocktails in the near future. If you want more background on NY State Grains & Rye, make sure to check out Beer Sessions Episode 409, wherever you get your podcasts! Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Jimmy is joined by Chris McClelland, founder of The Brew Enthusiast, Angela Steil, manager of education at Murray’s Cheese, and Anthony Malone, a partner at Swift and director of operations at Pier A. They start the show off with a pint of Half Acre, Oktoberfest and discuss what makes a beer high quality. One word that’s thrown around is “more-ish” which describes the feeling of instantly wanting more of something. Jimmy wants to know how to find more great beers and less that are just “eh.” Given beer’s finicky nature, these experts—two of whom are Advanced Cicerones—delve into the rabbit hole that is the draft system and emphasize the importance of cleanliness, cool temperature, and correct carbonation. While everyone desires a clear industry standard, in the meantime these guests strive to make the draft beers they serve taste like the brewers intended. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

Women in New York’s beer scene dominate this week’s discussion on Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy is joined by Kat Martinez, the founder of LineUp Brewing, Katherine Kyle, managing partner at the Blind Tiger, Ann Reilly from 5 Boroughs Brewing, and Lindsey Ronchi of Fool’s Gold. As they sipped on a raspberry sour they talked about the need to further categorize this broadly defined type of beer, among other things. Community was a recurring theme in the conversation, from social media networks, to the New York Brewers Guild, and the Pink Boots Society. Everyone dwelled on the many connections between beer and art as well. A strong argument was made for greater diversity in the beer industry and many believed local businesses, especially in New York City presented a good opportunity for this. Any one who listens to this episode will walk away with new events on their calendar like Beer without Beards and Blocktoberfest. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone hosts a group of New York Beer Retailers including Kevin Heald from Malt & Mold, Zach Mack from ABC Beer Company, and John O’Donnell from Radegast Beer Hall, in addition to Vince Turse and Mike Semenec from DSSOLVR, a brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. This group of guys talks about everything that goes into owning a beer shop: from the beer itself, to the food served, and the atmosphere. Many discuss their journey from positions as bartenders, home-brewers, or sales representatives to opening their own beer shop. And Vince and Mike tell us about their current journey across the east coast collaborating with various breweries. Everyone chimes on difficult questions about how to seek out sustainable business and the ways in which breweries and retailers influence each other. Growing beer scenes like that in Asheville and subcultures like oat beer, excite the whole group, who agree we are really witnessing the golden age of beer. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

"This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy Carbone makes a long awaited return to the studio! He is joined by John Holl, an award-winning journalist covering the beer industry and author of the newly published book, Drink Beer, Think Beer: Getting to the Bottom of Every Pint. We also hear from Justin Phillips, Megan Saxelby and Noah Levin who make up the team at Beer Table, a specialty beer shop in New York City. Jimmy and his guests discuss trends in the beer industry, trying to get to the bottom of which are meaningful and which may be fleeting. John Hull argues we should step away from modifiers like ‘craft’ and ‘independent.’ Everyone is interested in the ways the local food movement is impacting breweries as many begin to grow their own grain and malt. What seems to matter most, is how consumers are making personal connections with the beer they drink. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

In the first hour of Beer Sessions Radio broadcast from the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, host Jimmy Carbone cracks into four special brews with Cameron Read and Timmons Pettigrew of Edmund's Oast. Lucky audience members have the chance to sample Gilded, their Belgian-style table beer, and learn about local oyster seasons, Charleston history, and of course, brewing. Special guest Randall Goldenberg, Chairman of the Festival, jumps in for a history lesson and a bit of trivia. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

In the third hour of Beer Sessions Radio broadcast from the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, host Jimmy Carbone welcomes Morgan and Edward Westbrook from Westbrook Brewing in Mount Pleasant, SC and Chef Adam Sappington from The Country Cat in Portland, OR to talk beer and butchery. For the Westbrooks, brewing is a family affair (their kids very patiently hung out for their interview). Morgan shares stories about taste-testing local donuts before using them in their collaboration with Evil Twin Brewing: Imperial Donut Break. Adam Sappington is known for his whole hog butchery and American craft cooking. His passion for food dates back to his upbringing on the central Missouri farmlands, where he spent hours with his mother in the kitchen and attended the local farmers markets with his grandmother. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

In the final episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio Season One, host Jimmy Carbone travels to the Finger Lakes. He visits The Farmhouse Brewery in Owego, the first malting house in New York State in over a decade and one of only a handful also brews in-house. You’ll hear from a top grains farmer about the challenges he faces to produce and distribute unique, artisanal grains to brewers. You’ll also meet the experts who support him in his work. Up in Ovid, Jimmy visits Blackduck Cidery and meets the whole family behind some of the best cider in the state. Plus, meet the community behind New York cider at Finger Lakes Cider House. The Farmhouse Brewery Marty and Natalie Mattrazzo are the visionaries behind The Farmhouse Brewery in Owego, NY. Their motto is “farm fresh from ground to glass." Their delicious brews are a combination of the freshest ingredients, and Marty’s refined palate creates art in every pint. Diligent small grains farmers from all over New York State grow their barley. Only the highest quality grain makes its way to their on-site malt house, where they malt each batch of barley using a time-tested artisanal process. Their hops are of the highest quality that they can source from seasoned hops growers with New York State. The New York hops industry is currently expanding to again become a major supplier of hops varieties to the entire Northeast United States. Oechsner Farms Located in Newfield, New York, just south of Ithaca, Oechsner Farms is a feast for the senses. Thor Oechsner, owner and multi-talented, is the grandson of a German baker. As a teenager he was able to convince his parents to allow him to turn their suburban yard into his first cornfield. Oechsner graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Cornell and by 1991 had started a three-acre vegetable farm while also running a Volkswagen and Audi repair business. Oechsner now farms approximately 600 acres of certified organic grains on rented land throughout the Finger Lakes region. In addition, as part owner of Wide Awake Bakery, Oechsner sees a similar benefit to the bakery business as he does the milling operation. He is more interested in the role that the bakery serves as a tool for marketing for the unique and heritage grain varieties that he produces. Blackduck Cidery We visited Blackduck Cidery in the town of Ovid, NY in the Finger Lakes region. It’s a family run orchard that produces cider, Perry, and vinegar in small batches, using ambient yeast fermentation. John Reynolds and Shannon O’Connor run the operation of the cidery along with their two beautiful redheaded daughters, Idunn and Pippin. They have been growing fruit in the Finger Lakes region of New York for well over a decade. They sell fresh fruit using organic standards through farmer’s markets, restaurants, natural groceries and their farm stand. John is expert in his knowledge about orchards, apples, fruits and anything cider-related. A former student of Cornell University and later employed as a field technician, John actively supports professors in their research of orchards, harvest and post-harvest work. Shannon is more focused on the smooth running and operations of the business, along with the grunt work in the field, while juggling being a mother of two. In her “free” time she also is the Director of the Edith B. Ford library in Ovid, NY. Idunn, the elder daughter, is the master fruit tester and critic. Pippin is the youngest and newest member of the clan; she is just very cute and very skilled at flower picking. Finger Lakes Cider House The Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm in Interlaken, NY is a certified organic farm and a full diet CSA. The Finger Lakes Cider house is a collaborative multi-cidery tasting room. Melissa Madden and Garrett Miller started the operation in 2008 after purchasing 69 acres of land, mostly growing corn, wheat and soy. Since them it has transformed into a diverse ecological farm, they have planted bushes and trees and bought turkeys, geese, beef cows, and draft horses. They produce their Good Life Cider, a distinctive American style and creatively blended with international influences. Their range is based on traditional bittersweet apples and sharp, acidic heirloom fruits. At the Cider House, they feature their own cider as well as amazing ciders from other cidery friends. Each of these dedicated grower-producers live and work in the Finger Lakes region, and their ciders are true Finger Lakes originals.

In this episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone travels to the Capital region near Albany, New York. You’ll hear from the farmers of Indian Ladder Farms about how they became leaders in the region for growing hops, and about how the farm brewery license, created by lawmakers in the nearby capital, has enhanced their business and made their farm more viable. The license to brew and serve beer on site has allowed local beverage producers to prosper. In the nearby town of Rensselaerville, you’ll meet the people behind a brewery that is primarily dedicated to learning the best ways to use New York State grains and hops in beer. Finally, we visit the capitol building in Albany and a nearby brewer who has chosen not to source completely locally-- for some unexpected reasons. Carey Institute / Helderberg Brewery Helderberg Brewery is a project of the Carey Institute’s Sustainable Communities Program, located on the Carey Institute’s 100-acre estate in Rensselaerville. It is a fully operational farm brewery and brewery incubator led by Rebecca Platel, the Sustainable Communities Program and Brewery Manager, and Greg Hostash, the Head brewer. Helderberg works to build a farm-to-glass supply chain connecting farmers, malt houses and craft beverage producers in the Capital Region. They've hosted workshops since 2013 for farmers interested in growing hops and small grains, and provide frequent hands-on learning and technical workshops for the region’s many craft beverage producers. Indian Ladder Farms Laura Ten Eyck, the great granddaughter of Indian Ladder Farms founder, Peter Ten Eyck, and her husband, Dietrich Gehrig, are continuing their family’s century-old tradition of living close to the land. What began in 1916 as a dairy farm with Guernsey cattle has developed over four generations to become a prolific apple orchard that yields delicious cider. Indian Ladder Farms now grows its own hops and barley, much to the delight of those who have a passion for the beer they brew. Their vision is to stay “hyper-local,” growing ingredients and making their own products for the Albany community while preserving the pristine landscape via a land trust. Laura and Dietrich recently published The Hop Grower’s Handbook, which provides an inspiring account of the history of hop cultivation on the land surrounding their farm as well as practical guidance for those who would like to join the ‘farm to glass’ movement. C.H. Evans Brewing Co. / Albany Pump Station Now located in the original water pumping station for the Albany Water Works, C. H. Evans Brewing Co. has been the work of the Evans family for three generations. Their original brewery was built in Hudson, NY in 1786 and it continued production until prohibition in 1920. In 1999, Neil Evans decided to revive his family’s historic brewery. Today, Neil and Head Brewer Scott Veltman, formerly of Brewery Ommegang, are rebuilding the Evans' beer legacy by sourcing ingredients from local farmers as frequently as possible and recreating historic early 19th century recipes like Albany Ale. C.H. Evans also has developed new classics; such as their Award-winning English style Kick-Ass Brown Ale, a real crowd pleaser.

In the second episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio, travel with host Jimmy Carbone to the Edge of the Wild! In the Catskills region of New York State, you'll meet a former racetrack veterinarian who uses his chemistry background to distill unique buckwheat liquor and whole wheat vodka, a cider maker who takes his cues from texts written about apples in the 1800s, a brewery owner who was part of saving New York City’s water through anti-fracking advocacy, and one of the first (legal) absinthe producers in the United States. photos by Miguel Rivas, the Beer Trekker Aaron Burr Cider Andy Brennan, the visionary behind Aaron Burr Cider, makes bold moves - much like those of his cidery's historic namesake. Also a painter and architectural draftsman, Andy uprooted his life in Brooklyn and traded it for the quiet sanctuary of Wurtsboro, New York. Just as his cidery is situated on a homestead that dates back to the early 19th century, Andy draws inspiration and practical guidance from old farming almanacs, citing the wisdom that was recorded 100 years ago about apple cultivation to be the most trustworthy. There is no comparing apples to apples when it comes to ciders: The variety of apples required to make delicious cider are not the apples typically available to consumers. Aaron Burr Cider specializes in foraging wild apples for its ciders, creating heavenly blends of Golden Russet, Empire, Idared and crab-apple varieties. The Catskill Distilling Company The Catskill Distilling Company is a labor of love for Monte Sachs, its founder. Distilling and fermentation had long been a hobby for Monte. While studying to be a equine veterinarian in Italy, he became fascinated by the art of making traditional grappa. After many years pursuing his passion for working with horses at the Monticello Raceway, Monte again pursued distilling as a pastime, bringing The Catskill Distilling Company to life. His full-bodied, delectable buckwheat liquor is the only liquor of its type produced in the United States. Fascinatingly, buckwheat liquor is a special variety of "whisky" made from buckwheat malt, a non-grain plant of the sorrel and rhubarb family. Catskill Brewery Catskill Brewery is a thriving example of what is possible when four friends have a dream and work together to achieve it. The founders live by the "leave no trace" principle of outdoor exploring and aspired to build a green brewery - an operation that is completely energy-efficient, community-centered and environmentally friendly. In 2014, they accomplished their goal: The internal temperature of the brewery is maintained by geothermal energy and the entire facility is powered by solar energy. Visitors to the Catskill Brewery will also notice its green roof, permeable driveway pavers and electric car charging stations. Locals love Catskill's beers, their ongoing partnerships with local farmers and the recently-established food co-op. All of these sustainability-minded contributions make Catskill Brewery a valued presence in the Hudson Valley community. Delaware Phoenix Distillery When the United States Department of the Treasury relaxed their position on the sale of absinthe in 2007, Cheryl Lins, a former computer programmer and water colorist, was the first distiller in New York State to make two versions of the spirit at Delaware Phoenix, her micro-distillery. After receiving several orders for the green fairy liquid from European enthusiasts, Cheryl procured a distilling copper-pot from Portugal and Pierre Duplais Bible of 19th-century distillation techniques book and began to experiment. Cheryl cherishes the mindful pace of Delaware County life as she distills, designs the labels and delivers her exquisite absinthe to local markets and to her customers. This episode featured music by The Hollows, Lobo Loco, Doctor Turtle, Chris Zabriskie, Bad Citizen, James Beaudreau, and Mary Lattimore Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

In the first episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio, you will travel with us to the Hudson Valley region. Although it’s only about an hour’s drive from New York City, you feel like you’re in a different world. The Hudson Valley is an historic beer-making region, but with the rise of industrialization and cheap transportation, breweries virtually disappeared for most of the 20th century. Then, in the last few years, locals again began to appreciate and demand craft, local beer, which attracted experienced brewers to the region to open their first ever breweries. The brewers wanted to make their beer in a traditional ways with ties to the community and local products, like it was made in the region over 100 years ago. Thus, Beer Sessions host Jimmy Carbone dubbed them “the new primitives.” From The Ground Brewery: From The Ground Brewery is a labor of love for Jakob Cirell, owner and brewer. A mechanical engineer by trade, Jake pursues his passion brewing at the Migliorelli farm in Red Hook, New York. Hudson Valley ingredients and produce from the Migliorelli Farm play a starring role in Jakob’s beers. What's most extraordinary about From The Ground brewery is its small-batch operation. As a one-man operation, Jake's hands are in every step of the making process. The beers can be found at Hudson Valley restaurants and bars, local farmers' markets and a couple of farmers' markets in New York City. Migliorelli Farm: The farms in the Hudson Valley region of Upstate New York increasingly supply local breweries with the fine ingredients required to brew world-class beer. In 2013, the Migliorelli Farm, a third generation family-owned operation that specializes in vegetables and fruits, began growing barley with brewers in mind. Ken Migliorelli runs the show at the farm and shared the rich history about his family's farming practices with us. Barley has been both an investment and a passion project, and Ken has an expansive vision for it in the years ahead. Hudson Valley Malt: After the grains have been selected and harvested at the farm, the next step in the beer making process is to allow the grains to germinate by soaking in water. Then, they are halted from germinating further by drying with hot air. This process is called malting. Dennis and Jeanette Nesel converted part of their horse barn into a malting facility a year ago. They convert the barley into malt the way it was done over a hundred years ago. Mr. Nesel likes to refer to the process as “old-school heritage malting”. The husband and wife team have been working very closely with local Migliorelli Farm and From the Ground Brewery in a beautiful symbiosis. Suarez Family Brewery: Opening a brewery is no easy task; it’s a gigantic endeavor with many things that are out of the brewer’s control. Dan and Taylor Suarez are facing all of these obstacles, but that has not changed his calm nature even a little bit. We met Dan and Taylor at their brewery and tasting room. Together they have been working hard for the past year to get their space up and running and sorting out unexpected delays. Taylor has been taking care of the operations and business part of the brewery while also attending to her own company, Good Food Jobs. Dan’s reknowned in the beer world through his experience at breweries such as Sixpoint Brewery in New York City, Hill Farmstead in Vermont and OEC in Connecticut. His brewery, opening this summer, is highly anticipated. Plan Bee Farm Brewery: Located inside a barn built almost 200 years ago in Poughkeepsie, New York, we arrived to Plan Bee Farm Brewery’s 25 acre farm. Everything grown on the farm is used to make Evan and Emily Watson’s beer. Equipped with a 10 barrel brew house, they have been brewing their beers since October 2015 in their new home. Evan and Emily are a husband and wife team who specialize in farmhouse ales, or as Evan likes to call them “Barn Beer,” as well as coolship or open fermentation beers. Evan and Emily Watson are the owners and masterminds behind Plan Bee Farm Brewery. Evan is also an accomplished musician and has toured with Heart and Def Leppard. He named his brewery both after the bees that provide the microflora open fermentation for his beer as well as the fact that beer-making was a second choice career path for him. Daughters Fare and Ale: Daughters Fare and Ale is a culinary partnership between Ryan and Rachel McLaughlin, local restaurateurs offering simple, delicious food and a lineup of seasonal, locally-brewed craft beers. Ryan and Rachel share a background in the culinary industry, having worked in several well renowned restaurants in New York City before making the move to the Hudson Valley. They both appreciate good beer and thoughtfully select a short, solid draft list that is constantly in rotation. Valuing their community, Ryan and Rachel source foods for their restaurant from Hudson Valley producers as often as possible. They're committed to buying from neighboring farmers and maintaining relationships with nearby brewers to serve their beers fresh, on draft. Daughters Fare and Ale is an ideal gathering place for locals and passers-by to gather around the table for a nice meal and to sit back and enjoy a beer or two. It has a friendly, welcoming vibe that has a way of making everyone feel right at home.

Keeping it metal, one brewery at a time. Craft beer and heavy metal fans are two of the most passionate audiences in the world, two distinct industries with the same rebel spirit; our goal is to connect those working on each side. Both homebrewers and guitar heroes start in the garage with dreams of turning pro – we’ll tour cross country to the six most hardcore breweries expressing themselves like rock stars, pairing craft beer with heavy metal today. Follow Advanced Cicerone® Adam Zuniga, along with a creative team of hopheads and metalheads, as we visit every region in America where brewers raise their horns. We’ll go behind the scenes at metal breweries, drink a beer; join for brew day, drink a beer; launch exclusive beers with local bands and venues, then of course, drink a beer. Taking pit stops along the way, let’s tap the heavy metal culture in your hometown. 'The Six Most Metal Breweries' is a lifestyle series made for TV that puts you in the band, on the bus. And Brewski, from Sweden, is not a normal brewery. We want to explore and set new limits for what can and cannot be done. Just because nobody did this kind of beer before. Doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight, including Sarah Howat from Denver’s Black Project Wild & Spontaneous Ales, Cat Brackett from Ivan Ramen, and BR Rolya from Shelton Brothers. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simpelcast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Chris and Joe DeCicco from DeCicco & Sons in Westchester, Joe Turco from Sloop Brewing, and Yvon Pasquarello from Bells. Mike Amidei and Ralph Perrazzo will also be joining us later in the show to talk about an exciting new project they’re working on in Las Vegas. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight to talk about the Cicerone program and more specifically the Master Cicerone level. Master Cicerone is the fourth and highest level of the Cicerone Certification Program. It recognizes an exceptional understanding of brewing, beer, and pairing — combining outstanding tasting abilities with an encyclopedic knowledge of commercial beers. The Master Cicerone exam challenges individuals to master every technical and aesthetic aspect of beer. Candidates must converse with professional brewers and chefs as a peer, demonstrate the tasting ability of a seasoned quality control panel member and yet also speak with consumers using easy-to-understand but vividly descriptive language. Those who possess these skills serve the industry as consultants, educators, and knowledge leaders in various organizations. We have two Master Cicerones from AB InBev’s The High End division, Max Bakker and Ryan Daley. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

It’s Long Island Beer Week! We’re celebrating with two of the best breweries on the Island, Sand City and Destination Unknown. We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight, including Kevin Sihler and Bill Kiernan of Sand City Brewing, Chris Candiano of Destination Unknown Brewing, and beer writer Niko Krommydas. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight to talk about brewing with lactose including Matt McCall from Coney Island Brewing, Jesse Ferguson from Interboro Brewing in Brooklyn, and Sean Torres from Kills Boro Brewing in Staten Island. Lactose/milk sugar is wholly unfermentable by brewer's yeast. Because of this, a lactose addition lends additional sweetness and body to a beer. Although lactose can be used with many beer styles, it turns out that the flavors in a stout (roast, chocolate, coffee, toffee) pair incredibly well with a heightened level of sweetness. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Qurban and Peter from Crafted Exports and Patrick, Patrick, and Keir from Alewife Brewing! Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

For this special episode, Jimmy sat down at Haven's Kitchen with chefs Adam Dulte, co-author (along with HRN host Michael Harlan Turkell) of The Beer Pantry, Gavin Fine of Fine Dining Restaurant Group in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Steve Redzikowski, chef/owner of OAK at Fourteenth in Boulder, Colorado. talking food and beer, favorite recipes from the cookbook. The chefs were in NYC prepping for the annual Brewers Association Press Dinner. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Josh Bernstein who has a brand new book out today as well as Jason Sahler from Strong Rope Brewery in Brooklyn and Svend Lindbaek from Svendale Brewing. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsoe from Evil Twin Brewing and a bunch of Cicerones too! Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

Alex from Spuyten Duyvil invited Crooked Stave founder Chad Yakobsonto host a tasting event. From Colorado to Williamsburg...Beer Sessions Radio tagged along... We met up at The Well in Brooklyn, where Chad was making a sales call with Ian Ljundquist. We talked deep about sour, brett, and wild ale beers. Chad is "the brett whisperer," according to Jimmy. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Brian Strumke from Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Master Cicerone Rich Higgins, and Dan Lamonaca from Beer Karma in Williamsburg. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight from Brooklyn Cider House including co-owner Susan Yi and cidermaker Lindsey Storm. Also sitting in is David Cascione, president and founder of Barrika Basque Country Cider. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight to talk about nightlife and culture here in Bushwick, including Rafael Espinal, NYC Council member for Bushwick; Brandon Hoy, Roberta’s co-founder/owner; Bim Lafontaine of Godspeed Brewery; and Tony Bellis, Pete Lengyel, and Zack Kinney of KCBC Brewing. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We're coming down from Beer Week 2018, and we’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Jens Reimer from To Øl Beer in Denmark, Mike Amidei from Torst, and BR Rolya from Shelton Brothers. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We've got some great guests joining us this week to talk about 2018 NYC Beer Week, including most of the new breweries that opened in NYC in 2017. We'll be tasting the collaboration beer they made, and discussing the changing beer scene and culture in NYC, the challenges of opening a brewery within the five boroughs, getting beer in the right bars and retail locations, and much more! Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week, we talk about the upcoming TRVE Brewing Launch Crawl and 2018 NYC Beer Week with our guests Cory Bonfiglio from Beer Street, Ian Ljungquist from The Well, Anthony Accardi and Rob Kolb from Transmitter, and Joel Ford, Matt Levy, and Justin Israelson from Threes Brewing. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us this week, including BR Rolya from Shelton Brothers, Alex Zolli from Spuyten Duyvil, and Donovan Stewart from E9 Brewing in Tacoma, Washington. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Clay Risen of the New York Times, Sean Torres of Kills Boro Brewing, John Lapolla of Bitter & Esters, and Brian Kulbacki of Departed Soles Brewing. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

On this special episode, Jimmy sits down with Toshiyuki Kiuchi of Hitachino Nest Beer and Kiuchi Brewery, as well as George Flickinger and Michael Opalinski of B. United International importers. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio we’ve got some great guests including our friends Ken Landin, owner of Crossroads Brewing, Phil Markowski, Master Brewer at Two Roads Brewing, and Em Sauter, Communications Director at Two Roads. Ken discusses what it's been like to be one of the first New York craft breweries on the scene, Phil share some details from the pre-History of Two Roads, and Em talks about upcoming Two Roads releases. They also talk ingredients, souring techniques and the rise and fall of certain beer styles. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast.

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including our friends Zach Mack from ABC Beer Co., Mike Amidei from Torst, Brad Kesler from Clinton Hall, and Master Cicerone Rich Higgins all the way from San Francisco. Tune in to hear everyone discuss the importance of clean draft lines! Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

It's our first show of 2018! Joining Jimmy and producer Justin Kennedy in the studio are chef Brandon Grimila from Hotel Fauchere in Pennsylvania, and Sean Donnelly of Port Jervis’s Fox 'N' Hare Brewing. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

It's the season finale, and we’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including our friends Jeff “Chief” O’Neil from Industrial Arts Brewing and John Segal from Segal Hop Ranch, plus Leslie Vinyard from Blanca with the industry perspective. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some special guests joining us tonight including our friends Tony Forder and the crew from Ale Street News! We’ve also got Danii Oliver and Kevin Braithwaite from Brooklyn’s Island to Island Brewing/House of Juice. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

We’ve got some special guests joining us tonight including our old friends Christian DeBenedetti from Oregon’s Wolves & People and Evan Watson from Plan Bee Farm Brewery in the Hudson Valley. Beer writer Josh Bernstein is here as well! Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some special guests joining us from the New York City Brewers Guild including its president, Basil Lee of Finback, vice president Kyle Hurst of Big Alice, and events and marketing committee members Kaitie Lynch and Gabe Barry of Brooklyn Brewery. Also sitting in is beer rep Grace Weitz. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio we’ve got some special guests joining us including pizza chef of Ribalta and author of The Pizza Diet, Pasquale Cozzolino, Robert Michael Jones of Ribalta and Birra Antoniana, and Kenny Gould of Hop Culture, who will be telling us about his upcoming NYC beer festival. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio we’ve got some special guests joining us, including author Jeff Cioletti, and our good pal Justin Philips from Beer Table, who’s brought the entire Beer Table crew with him! Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

It's a big show this week on Beer Sessions Radio, and we’ve got some special guests joining us to talk about New York State rye, including farmer Thor Oeschner, author Amy Halloran, June Russell from Grow NYC, distiller Chris Williams from Coppersea Distilling, Chris Murillo from NY Distilling, Daric Schlesselman from Van Brunt Stillhouse, and Steven Baird from Cardiff Giant. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

It’s Halloween! We’ve got some special guests joining us tonight on Beer Sessions Radio, including Tom Oliver of Oliver’s Cider, Perry and Ryan Burk of Angry Orchard, and Francesca Slattery of The Five Points Brewing Company in the U.K. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

On this special Cider Week NYC edition of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined in studio by Jen Smith, the Executive Director of the New York Cider Association, Ezra Sherman, owner of Eve's Cidery, and Dan Wilson from Slyboro Cider House in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Tune in to hear them talk about the impact of apple varieties and terroir on the cider being produced in New York state. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

Tonight we’re celebrating Cider Week NYC and we’ve got some great guests joining us including Steve Selin from South Hill Cider in the Finger Lakes, Maria Kennedy from The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes, and Peter Li from Brooklyn Cider House. Our good pal Brendan Palfreyman is also joining us today all the way from Syracuse. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we have a special guest joining us today all the way from London, beer writer Pete Brown! We’ll be talking about Pete’s new book, Miracle Brew, and we also have Jason Sahler from Strong Rope Brewery in the studio. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

On this special episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy sits down with Bronwen and Francis Percival, authors of the new book Reinventing the Wheel: Milk, Microbes, and the Fight for Real Cheese. Also joining them are Greg Blais, host of Heritage Radio Network's Cutting the Curd, Steve Millard of Murray's Cheese, and Nina Stein White of Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse. Tune in to hear them talk milk, microbes, and the fight for real cheese. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’re talking about the upcoming Cider Week and we’ve got some great guests joining us in the studio. including Dan Pucci from Wallabout Hospitality and Ariel Lauren Wilson from Edible Manhattan.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we've got a rowdy bunch in the studio with us, including Sylvester Schneider from Zum Schneider, Katarina Martinez from Line Up Brewing, and Lars Dahlhaus from Reinheits Boten.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio we’ve got some great guests joining us, including Lars Dahlhaus from Reinheits Boten & The Porterhouse, Danny Bruckert from Circa Brewing, and Marco from Paulaner NYC. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

It's the 400th episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Joining Jimmy in the studio are Nick, Kevin, and Blake from the brand new Five Boroughs Brewing, as well as Merlin Ward from Wartega Brewing, also in Industry City. And our good friend Anne Becerra is back in the co-host chair tonight!

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight including Ethan Long of Rockaway Brewing, Pete Lengyel of KCBC Brewing, and Joel Shelton of Shelton Brothers Imports. And later on the the show, we’ll be taking a call-in from Jacob Gram Alsin, Operations Manager of Mikkeller in Denmark, about the upcoming Copenhagen Beer Celebration happening in Boson later this month.

On this special episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy travels to Washington County, New York, northeast of Albany on the Vermont border. The county is largely agricultural in nature, and has no cities within its borders. The New York state farm brewery and cider license programs have had a positive impact on this community. Tune in to hear Jimmy speak with Matt Stewart of Argyle Brewing, Nate and Eric Darrow of Saratoga Hard Cider, Chef Adam Bigelow, congressional candidate, Don Boyajian, Michael Yezzi of Fllying Pigs Farm, Ashley Bridge of Fortunate Ewe Farm, and farmer & educator Jared Woodcock.

On this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, we present a special recording with Diane Flynt of Foggy Ridge Cider in Virginia. As a part of the American fine cider movement, Foggy Ridge aims to revive the artisan cider-making tradition, and improve on that model with modern cider-making tools. We first met Diane at the first Cider Week NYC in 2011, and the event has since expanded to Virginia. This interview was recorded at Jimmy's No. 43 in 2015. Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

On the season finale of Beer Sessions Radio, we've got Evan Watson from Plan Bee Farm Brewery, Barry Labendz and Derek Dellinger from Kent Falls Brewing, and Blake Arrowood, Jacob Meglio, and from Arrowood Farms Brewery. Tune in to hear us talk about working on farms, the Hudson Valley being hailed by some as "the new Sonoma," terroir for beer, and more! Beer Sessions Radio is powered by Simplecast

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we've got a special episode featuring Allagash Brewery Founder and Brewers Association chair, Rob Tod. We talked about important, timely issues relevant to all independent craft breweries in the country, including the importance of local breweries, their impact in their communities via local jobs and support of local charities, building community, and independent craft beer seal initiative, and how consumers really do identify with the term "independently owned."

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we're joined in the studio by Heather and Jeff Rush of Pine Box Rock Shop, Jesse Ferguson and Jay Steinhauer of Interboro Spirits & Ales, and Gage Siegel of BeerMenus.

It's July Good Beer Month here in NYC, and we’ve got some great guests joining us today on Beer Sessions Radio, including Dan McLaughlin (Pony Bar), Robert Sherrill-Moss (Covenhoven), Alicia Mekelburg (Mekelburgs), and Kyle Kensrue (Randolph Beer).

On this episode of Beer Sessions Radio, we're joined by Mikkel Borg Bjergsø (Mikkeller), Jim Raras (Mikkeller), Hannah Goldman (Mikkeller), and BR Rolya (Shelton Brothers) to talk about Mikkeller opening a brewery at Citi Field – the home of the New York Mets – the Haven Festival in Copenhagen, Denmark, and more!

This week on Beer Sessions, we have Steve Pominski (Barrage Brewing Company), Mike Descarfino (Barrier Brewing Company), Paul Komsic (BrickHouse Brewery), and Luke Schmuecker (Shacksbury Cider) to talk about Long Island breweries and much more!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we've got Lew Bryson (Beer Writer), Rich Castagna (Bridge & Tunnel), and Pete Tripp (Homebrews & Handgrenades) in the studio to talk about AB InBev (aka "The Evil Empire") and the beer supply chain, home-brewing, and more!

This week we’re recording a very special live show with our friend Steve Hindy of the Brooklyn Brewery to discuss beer manufacturing and zoning issues in New York City. We’ve also got some great guests including Steve, John Bedard from Kushner Studios architecture, and Dutch Fox and Shinobu Kato of Sake Brooklyn who are currently searching for a space for their very own sake brewery.

It’s officially HOT and time for Summer Beers! We’d like to welcome to the show Jay Steinhauer (Interboro Ales & Spirits), Thomas Desrochers (LIC Beer Project), and Kaitlyn LeLoup (LIC Beer Project).

That’s right, it’s a special episode on CIDER! And we’ve got some great guests joining us today on Heritage Radio Network. We’d like to welcome to the show Nat West (Rev Nat cider), Dan Pucci (Wassail), Gidon Coll (Original Sin cider), and Matt Molletta (Crux Fermentation Brewery).

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we've got a special show that was recorded live at The Gate in Brooklyn, celebrating the brewery's 20th anniversary! We're joined by Mike Hinkley, owner of Green Flash Brewery, as well as Green Flash reps Mera Bray and Ally Centonze.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we're talking unity in craft beer, consuming local craft beers vs. craft beers from other states, and what's brewing in Oklahoma. We’d like to welcome to the show Paul Leone (NY State Brewers), Steven Baird (The Owl Farm & Cardiff Giant), Cody Wilson (Prairie Artisan Ales), and Ethan Fixell (The Beer Necessities).

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we're talking summer beer cocktails! We’d like to welcome to the show Kyle Hurst (Big Alice Brewing), Jeff Lyons & Brett Taylor (Keg & Lantern Brewing), and Megan Moore, Maria Littlefield, & Amy Yakuboff (Owl’s Brew).

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’d like to welcome to the show Jake Klein (Jake’s Handcrafted), Rich Castagna (Bridge & Tunnel Brewery), and Kaitlyn Leloup (LIC Beer Project) to talk about (and eat) Jake's Handcrafted sausages, as well as Queens Beer Week.

It’s the first week of May and it’s time for some Flower Power and more! We’d like to welcome to the show Jen Maslanka (Spring Lounge), Bobby Gagnon (The Gate), and Kirk Struble (4th Avenue Pub).

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ll chat about some of the best Spring craft beers brewing out there to into your home brewery! We’d like to welcome to the show Iain Kyle (Jolly Pumpkin Event Coordinator), Daniel Ohly (JP Brand Manager), Brian Strumke (Stillwater Artisanal), Stephen Valand (Brooklyn Brew Shop), and Erica Shea.

On this special episode of Beer Sessions Radio, we present a panel discussion recorded live at The Well during NYC Beer Week. The panel includes Jesse Ferguson of Interboro, Peter Salmond of Other Half, Joe Grimm of Grimm, Tony Bellis of KCBC, Mike Schallau and Kate Brankin of Pipeworks, and of course your host, Jimmy Carbone!

We’ve got some great guests joining us tonight to celebrate Spring and talk about German beer. Joining us is Lars Dahlhaus from Liquid Projects and Eddie Travers of Porterhouse at Fraunces Tavern. We’ve also got Justin Meyers from Paulaner NYC here and later Gabe Barry and Claire Moyle from Brooklyn Brewery will be talking about the Brooklyn Mansion, which kicks off next week right here in Brooklyn!

Some of the best beer brewers and whisky tasters are here with us this week on Beer Sessions Radio! We’d like to welcome to the show Lew Bryson (whiskey writer), Gabby Gjonaj (Kings County Distillery)Harold Simoneau (Noorman's Kil), and Paul Jones (Cloudwater Brewing).,

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ll talk about the flavors behind some of our beloved craft beers! And we’ve got some great guests joining us today in the studio. We’d like to welcome to the show Eric Hernandez (Coney Island), Merlin Ward (Wartega), John LaPolla (Bitter & Esters), and Danii Oliver (House of Juice).

That’s right, it’s the first week of SPRING! And we’ve got some great guests joining us today on Heritage Radio Network. We’d like to welcome to the show Ann Reilly (Social Media/Photographer), Libby Vader Ploeg (Greenpoint Cans/Illustrator), Daniel Birch (Illustrator), Bruno Daddi (Iconyc), and Robert Sherrill (Covenhoven).

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’d like to welcome to the show Chris McClellan (Guinness, Brew Enthusiast), Chad Walsh (Sommelier @ Agern Restaurant), and Daniel Delaney (Delaney BBQ). Tune in to hear them chat about food and beer pairings, fried chicken, Brisket King NYC, and more!

That’s right, NYC Beer Week is this week! And we’ve got some great guests joining us today on Beer Sessions Radio. We’d like to welcome to the show Jason Sahler (Strong Rope Brewery), Sean McCain (Greenport Harbor), Pat Alfred (Greenport Harbor), Kelly Taylor (Kelso), Justin "Squigs" Roberston (Happy Hour Guys) and Mark Aldrich (Happy Hour Guys).

We're kicking off NYC Beer Week with the Can Jam episode, recorded last Sunday at Three’s Brewing, and we’ve got some great guests joining us! We’d like to welcome from Threes Brewing and their Winter Can Jam event Greg Doroski and Josh Bernstein (the Can Jam man), as well as Jeremy Tofte and Tim Whitney from Melvin Brewery in Jackson Hole, WY.

That’s right, NYC Beer Week is starting this week! And we’ve got some great guests joining us today at Heritage Radio Network. We’d like to welcome to the show Sam Richardson, Andrew Burman, and Matt Monahan from Other Half, as well as Sean Torres of Kills Boro Brewing, Vincent Lima of The Craft House, and Kyle Kensrue of Randolph Beer.

That’s right, it’s Valentine’s Day! And we’ve got some great guests joining us tonight to celebrate… We’d like to welcome back to the show Justin Philips of Beer Table (spelled with an “L”), Dan McLaughlin of Pony Bar Upper East Side, and Andy Laird of NuNu Chocolates in Brooklyn. We’ve also got a special guest all the way from St. Louis, Stephen Hale from Schlafly Beer.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some new and old friends from New York’s beer bar scene joining us! Our pal Zach Mack from ABC Beer Co is back, as well as Ralph Perazzo from Long Island’s BBD’s and Josh from the Well. And a couple of the new guys in town Josh Van Horn from Gold Star Beer and Brian Fisher from The Wilky in Bed-Stuy! Our friend Sophia Del Gigante is here too to talk about beer and yoga and fitness a little later in the show.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some new friends from the Garden State in the studio today! Joining us today to talk about the new New Jersey beer scene are Brian Casse from I Drink Good Beer, Blake from The Alementary Brewing, Eric and Erich from Magnify, Pete and Joe from Brix City, and Brian from Departed Soles in Jersey City!

Joining us on Beer Sessions Radio this week are Dave Kyrejko from Arcane Distilling, Kat Martinez from Lineup Brewing, and Zack, Tony, and Pete from KCBC!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some special friends from Asheville, NC on the show! We’d like to welcome Doug and Jess Reiser, Tim Gormely, and JT Murrett of Burial Beer Co. Our pal Josh Bernstein is also back in the studio joining us today!

On the season premiere of Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some special guests joining us in the studio to talk about beer photography, including our friends Matt Coats, Matt Furman, Miguel Rivas, and Cory Smith!

On the first Beer Sessions Radio of 2017, we bring you a special segment recorded at Notch Brewery in Salem, Massachusetts. Jimmy and crew are joined by Chris Lohring, brewer and owner of Notch, and Mark Zappasodi and Jay Bullen of the soon-to-open Brewery Silvaticus in Amesbury. Tune in to hear them discuss the state of craft beer in Massachusetts, Notch's unique focus on session beers with a Czech influence, and how Massachusetts breweries with tap rooms are the go-to places for craft beer in the state.

On the season finale of Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some special guests joining us to talk about Belgian beer, including Tony Forder of Ale Street News, Michael Opalenski and George Flickinger of B. United, and Dan Lamonaca of the forthcoming Beer Karma shop in Brooklyn.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some special guests joining us to talk about an article that our friend Aaron Goldfarb wrote for PUNCH called “When Did Rarity Start to Equal Greatness in Beer?” So joining us is Aaron himself, as well as Greg Doroski from Threes Brewing, Gage Moody-Siegel from BeerMenus, and our buddy Chris Balla is back again from Grand Army Bar.

We’ve got some special guests joining us tonight on Beer Sessions Radio, including Tore Malmedal from Nøgne Ø, and BR Rolya from Shelton Brothers. And our friend Stephen Valand from Brooklyn Brew Shop is also back in the studio tonight!

We’ve got some special guests joining us tonight on Beer Sessions Radio, including Dieter and Stuart from Indian Ladder Farms who have brought a special guest with them tonight – Dr. Paul Matthews of Hopsteiner as well as a couple of his assistants. We’ve also got Scott Veltman from CH Evans Brewery and the Albany Pump Station with us too.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we present a special episode with Kevin Zielinski of E.Z. Orchards Cider in Salem, Oregon. The "E.Z." stands for Edward Zielinski, Kevin's grandfather, who started the family agriculture business about 150 years ago. Today, they grow a wide variety of heirloom cider apples including French and English bittersweets, and American semi-sharps. Also joining in this episode is Gay Howard of The United States of Cider.

We’ve got some special guests joining us on Beer Sessions Radio tonight, including Sebastian Sauer from Freigeist and The Monarchy! And our friends Pete Lengyel from KCBC and Erik Olsen from Greenpoint Beer & Ale are also joining us…

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some special guests joining us to talk about a special pumpkin from Long Island, including Laura Luciano of Slow Food East End, Cheryl Frey from Salt of the Earth Seeds, and Jim Richards, master brewer at Blue Point Brewery.

In the final episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio Season One, host Jimmy Carbone travels to the Finger Lakes. He visits The Farmhouse Brewery in Owego, the first malting house in New York State in over a decade and one of only a handful also brews in-house. You’ll hear from a top grains farmer about the challenges he faces to produce and distribute unique, artisanal grains to brewers. You’ll also meet the experts who support him in his work. Up in Ovid, Jimmy visits Blackduck Cidery and meets the whole family behind some of the best cider in the state. Plus, meet the community behind New York cider at Finger Lakes Cider House. The Farmhouse Brewery Marty and Natalie Mattrazzo are the visionaries behind The Farmhouse Brewery in Owego, NY. Their motto is “farm fresh from ground to glass." Their delicious brews are a combination of the freshest ingredients, and Marty’s refined palate creates art in every pint. Diligent small grains farmers from all over New York State grow their barley. Only the highest quality grain makes its way to their on-site malt house, where they malt each batch of barley using a time-tested artisanal process. Their hops are of the highest quality that they can source from seasoned hops growers with New York State. The New York hops industry is currently expanding to again become a major supplier of hops varieties to the entire Northeast United States. Oechsner Farms Located in Newfield, New York, just south of Ithaca, Oechsner Farms is a feast for the senses. Thor Oechsner, owner and multi-talented, is the grandson of a German baker. As a teenager he was able to convince his parents to allow him to turn their suburban yard into his first cornfield. Oechsner graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Cornell and by 1991 had started a three-acre vegetable farm while also running a Volkswagen and Audi repair business. Oechsner now farms approximately 600 acres of certified organic grains on rented land throughout the Finger Lakes region. In addition, as part owner of Wide Awake Bakery, Oechsner sees a similar benefit to the bakery business as he does the milling operation. He is more interested in the role that the bakery serves as a tool for marketing for the unique and heritage grain varieties that he produces. Blackduck Cidery We visited Blackduck Cidery in the town of Ovid, NY in the Finger Lakes region. It’s a family run orchard that produces cider, Perry, and vinegar in small batches, using ambient yeast fermentation. John Reynolds and Shannon O’Connor run the operation of the cidery along with their two beautiful redheaded daughters, Idunn and Pippin. They have been growing fruit in the Finger Lakes region of New York for well over a decade. They sell fresh fruit using organic standards through farmer’s markets, restaurants, natural groceries and their farm stand. John is expert in his knowledge about orchards, apples, fruits and anything cider-related. A former student of Cornell University and later employed as a field technician, John actively supports professors in their research of orchards, harvest and post-harvest work. Shannon is more focused on the smooth running and operations of the business, along with the grunt work in the field, while juggling being a mother of two. In her “free” time she also is the Director of the Edith B. Ford library in Ovid, NY. Idunn, the elder daughter, is the master fruit tester and critic. Pippin is the youngest and newest member of the clan; she is just very cute and very skilled at flower picking. Finger Lakes Cider House The Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm in Interlaken, NY is a certified organic farm and a full diet CSA. The Finger Lakes Cider house is a collaborative multi-cidery tasting room. Melissa Madden and Garrett Miller started the operation in 2008 after purchasing 69 acres of land, mostly growing corn, wheat and soy. Since them it has transformed into a diverse ecological farm, they have planted bushes and trees and bought turkeys, geese, beef cows, and draft horses. They produce their Good Life Cider, a distinctive American style and creatively blended with international influences. Their range is based on traditional bittersweet apples and sharp, acidic heirloom fruits. At the Cider House, they feature their own cider as well as amazing ciders from other cidery friends. Each of these dedicated grower-producers live and work in the Finger Lakes region, and their ciders are true Finger Lakes originals.

In this special Cider Week NYC episode of Beer Sessions Radio, we feature Steve Selin of South Hill Cider. At South Hill Cider, the apples come from wild trees, abandoned orchards and orchards of high quality cider apples. Using traditional cider-making techniques, they create timeless well-balanced ciders. Their orchard is on a peaceful hilltop as part of a harmonious ecosystem that relies on diversity and fertility as its foundation. South Hill Cider produces ciders with individuality, quality, and elegance reflecting the terroir of the Finger Lakes region.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio we’ve got some special guests joining us, including Jeff Cioletti, author of the new book Beer FAQ. We’ve also got some brewers in the studio today, including Daniel Thiriez from Brasserie Thiriez in France, and Justin Meyers from the Paulaner brewpub here in NYC.

In this special Cider Week NYC episode of Beer Sessions Radio, we feature Shea Comfort, The Yeast Whisperer. Earlier this year, Shea spoke at a special conference of the New York Cider Association. Shea is based in California, and is a home brewer, and expert on winemaking yeasts. Now, he is advising cider-makers about yeast as well. Shea is joined in this episode by Jenn Smith, director of the New York Cider Association and Cider Week NYC. We are proud to air this special episode that has relevance for brewers and cider-makers during this year's Cider Week NYC.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’ve got some special guests joining us, including Daniel Delaney from Delaney Barbecue. Also joining in are Beer Sessions Radio producers Justin Kennedy and Maggie Sidun!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we are getting an insight into the science and taste of fresh hop and wet hop brewing via a wide array of guests – from the world of home brewing, to large scale production, and everything in between. Host Jimmy Carbone is joined by Jessie Ferguson of Interboro Spirits and Ales, one of New York’s newest up and coming distilleries and tap rooms. Also on the show are Travis Kauffman of Folksbier in Carroll Gardens, who who is making a harvest pilsner from fresh hops from his parents' farm in Northwest Michigan, and Dan Jansen, former assistant brewmaster of Anheuser-Busch and current brewmaster of Blue Point in Patchogue NY.

This week, we bring you a very special live Wednesday edition of Beer Sessions Radio featuring Tristram Stuart, an international award-winning author, speaker, campaigner and expert on the environmental and social impacts of food waste. His books have been described as "a genuinely revelatory contribution to the history of human ideas” (The Times) and his TED talk has been watched over a million times. National Geographic featured Tristram's food waste activism on the cover of their May 2016 issue. The environmental campaigning organization he founded, Feedback, has spread its work into dozens of countries worldwide to change society's attitude towards wasting food. He is also the founder of Toast Ale, a beer launched in the UK in 2016 that is made using fresh, surplus bread.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we present a special episode recorded at Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia during the Craft Brewers Conference in May. Featured guests include Michael Roper of Hop Leaf in Chicago, Anne Becerra, and more!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Josh Bernstein who has a new book out called Complete IPA, and Erik Olsen from Greenpoint Beer & Ale, which just released their first canned IPA's! Sara Maya from North Carolina’s Fonta Flora Brewery is joining us as well!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Anne-Marie Skriver and Michael Moeller of the Frederiksdal Kirsebærvin winery in Denmark. At Frederiksdal, rather than producing wine working against the Danish climate, they use the advantages offered by nature and the Danish weather. The basis is the unique ingredient, the Stevnsbær cherry, which has the very best conditions for growth in Denmark. They use the cherry’s high levels of sugar, acid and antioxidants, allowing the berries to ferment naturally for a few days following harvest to obtain maximum complexity. Also in the studio this week are B.R. Royla from Shelton Brothers, Chad Walsh, sommelier at Agern Restaurant, and Damon Boelte and Chris Balla from Grand Army.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Ryan Burk, Tom Oliver, John Reynolds and BR Rolya to talk about all things cider. Ryan Burk currently heads up Angry Orchard's new experimental orchard-cidery-visitor center in Walden, NY. There, he's crafting small batch ciders to test out new recipes, ingredients and techniques, and to push the boundaries of barrel aging and wild fermentation. His encounter with Tom Oliver’s Herefordshire Dry Cider, a dry barrel-fermented cider, opened his eyes to what cider could be. Nine years later and with Tom’s mentorship, Ryan is experimenting with growing bittersweet varieties, blending, aging, and wild fermentation - enhancing the quality of cider that may be associated with Angry Orchard. Tom Oliver and BR Rolya both represent Shelton Brothers, while John Reynolds is in on behalf of Blackduck Cidery in Finger Lakes, New York. The consensus in this group: cider deserves a spot at the food and drink pairing table, no matter where you're drinking.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone and Justin Kennedy are joined in the studio by James Tai of Guiness/Diageo and Tony Forder of Ale Street News to talk session IPAs, extra pale ales, and more. The term session IPA describes a category of beers marketed for their hop-dominant flavor profiles at "sessionable" levels of alcohol. While this is typically 3.2-4.6% ABV, a few have stretched the definition. Last year’s 2015 GABF was the first to include Session IPA as an official style category, and it had 161 entries. That was exactly one more than American Pale Ale had in its first year. Obviously in only a couple years Session IPA has become huge. The Session IPA category is often contentious. Some have argued that many session IPAs are simply American Pale Ales with “IPA” slapped on for marketing purposes. But a definition has slowly emerged that at least codifies somewhat how they are meant to differ.

In this episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone travels to the Capital region near Albany, New York. You’ll hear from the farmers of Indian Ladder Farms about how they became leaders in the region for growing hops, and about how the farm brewery license, created by lawmakers in the nearby capital, has enhanced their business and made their farm more viable. The license to brew and serve beer on site has allowed local beverage producers to prosper. In the nearby town of Rensselaerville, you’ll meet the people behind a brewery that is primarily dedicated to learning the best ways to use New York State grains and hops in beer. Finally, we visit the capitol building in Albany and a nearby brewer who has chosen not to source completely locally-- for some unexpected reasons. Carey Institute / Helderberg Brewery Helderberg Brewery is a project of the Carey Institute’s Sustainable Communities Program, located on the Carey Institute’s 100-acre estate in Rensselaerville. It is a fully operational farm brewery and brewery incubator led by Rebecca Platel, the Sustainable Communities Program and Brewery Manager, and Greg Hostash, the Head brewer. Helderberg works to build a farm-to-glass supply chain connecting farmers, malt houses and craft beverage producers in the Capital Region. They've hosted workshops since 2013 for farmers interested in growing hops and small grains, and provide frequent hands-on learning and technical workshops for the region’s many craft beverage producers. Indian Ladder Farms Laura Ten Eyck, the great granddaughter of Indian Ladder Farms founder, Peter Ten Eyck, and her husband, Dietrich Gehrig, are continuing their family’s century-old tradition of living close to the land. What began in 1916 as a dairy farm with Guernsey cattle has developed over four generations to become a prolific apple orchard that yields delicious cider. Indian Ladder Farms now grows its own hops and barley, much to the delight of those who have a passion for the beer they brew. Their vision is to stay “hyper-local,” growing ingredients and making their own products for the Albany community while preserving the pristine landscape via a land trust. Laura and Dietrich recently published The Hop Grower’s Handbook, which provides an inspiring account of the history of hop cultivation on the land surrounding their farm as well as practical guidance for those who would like to join the ‘farm to glass’ movement. C.H. Evans Brewing Co. / Albany Pump Station Now located in the original water pumping station for the Albany Water Works, C. H. Evans Brewing Co. has been the work of the Evans family for three generations. Their original brewery was built in Hudson, NY in 1786 and it continued production until prohibition in 1920. In 1999, Neil Evans decided to revive his family’s historic brewery. Today, Neil and Head Brewer Scott Veltman, formerly of Brewery Ommegang, are rebuilding the Evans' beer legacy by sourcing ingredients from local farmers as frequently as possible and recreating historic early 19th century recipes like Albany Ale. C.H. Evans also has developed new classics; such as their Award-winning English style Kick-Ass Brown Ale, a real crowd pleaser.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we travel back in time to last fall, when the cider-makers from D.C.'s Millstone Cidery visited NYC, with the Anxo cider bar crew in tow...

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we go back in time for a winter trip to Jimmy Carbone's hometown of Haverhill, Massachusetts. The episode features Staten Island home brewer Mark Zappasodi, who moved to that region a few years ago – to a farm in Merrimac, MA. Mark is a part time farmer, home brewer, and home cider maker, with dreams of opening a Massachusetts-farm-brewery-licensed brewery. We're also joined by Chef Patrick Soucy, a chef in the Massachusetts/New Hampshire area. Turns out, he was born in Haverhill as well! We bond over a fire, home cider made by Mark, and talk New England beer and food.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we're joined by the Alvinne Brewery team to talk about the role of yeast in brewing, Belgian beer traditions, and more!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Jeff “Chief” O’Neil and Sofia Barbaresco from the Hudson Valley’s newest brewery, Industrial Arts! Also joining us is Will Stephens from BeerMenus.

In the second episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio, travel with host Jimmy Carbone to the Edge of the Wild! In the Catskills region of New York State, you'll meet a former racetrack veterinarian who uses his chemistry background to distill unique buckwheat liquor and whole wheat vodka, a cider maker who takes his cues from texts written about apples in the 1800s, a brewery owner who was part of saving New York City’s water through anti-fracking advocacy, and one of the first (legal) absinthe producers in the United States. photos by Miguel Rivas, the Beer Trekker Aaron Burr Cider Andy Brennan, the visionary behind Aaron Burr Cider, makes bold moves - much like those of his cidery's historic namesake. Also a painter and architectural draftsman, Andy uprooted his life in Brooklyn and traded it for the quiet sanctuary of Wurtsboro, New York. Just as his cidery is situated on a homestead that dates back to the early 19th century, Andy draws inspiration and practical guidance from old farming almanacs, citing the wisdom that was recorded 100 years ago about apple cultivation to be the most trustworthy. There is no comparing apples to apples when it comes to ciders: The variety of apples required to make delicious cider are not the apples typically available to consumers. Aaron Burr Cider specializes in foraging wild apples for its ciders, creating heavenly blends of Golden Russet, Empire, Idared and crab-apple varieties. The Catskill Distilling Company The Catskill Distilling Company is a labor of love for Monte Sachs, its founder. Distilling and fermentation had long been a hobby for Monte. While studying to be a equine veterinarian in Italy, he became fascinated by the art of making traditional grappa. After many years pursuing his passion for working with horses at the Monticello Raceway, Monte again pursued distilling as a pastime, bringing The Catskill Distilling Company to life. His full-bodied, delectable buckwheat liquor is the only liquor of its type produced in the United States. Fascinatingly, buckwheat liquor is a special variety of "whisky" made from buckwheat malt, a non-grain plant of the sorrel and rhubarb family. Catskill Brewery Catskill Brewery is a thriving example of what is possible when four friends have a dream and work together to achieve it. The founders live by the "leave no trace" principle of outdoor exploring and aspired to build a green brewery - an operation that is completely energy-efficient, community-centered and environmentally friendly. In 2014, they accomplished their goal: The internal temperature of the brewery is maintained by geothermal energy and the entire facility is powered by solar energy. Visitors to the Catskill Brewery will also notice its green roof, permeable driveway pavers and electric car charging stations. Locals love Catskill's beers, their ongoing partnerships with local farmers and the recently-established food co-op. All of these sustainability-minded contributions make Catskill Brewery a valued presence in the Hudson Valley community. Delaware Phoenix Distillery When the United States Department of the Treasury relaxed their position on the sale of absinthe in 2007, Cheryl Lins, a former computer programmer and water colorist, was the first distiller in New York State to make two versions of the spirit at Delaware Phoenix, her micro-distillery. After receiving several orders for the green fairy liquid from European enthusiasts, Cheryl procured a distilling copper-pot from Portugal and Pierre Duplais Bible of 19th-century distillation techniques book and began to experiment. Cheryl cherishes the mindful pace of Delaware County life as she distills, designs the labels and delivers her exquisite absinthe to local markets and to her customers. This episode featured music by The Hollows, Lobo Loco, Doctor Turtle, Chris Zabriskie, Bad Citizen, James Beaudreau, and Mary Lattimore

This week's special episode of Beer Sessions Radio was recorded in front of a live audience at Treadwell Park in Manhattan, and features Olivier Dedeycker, fourth generation Master Brewer at Brasserie Dupont, and Tomme Arthur, acclaimed Brew Master of Lost Abbey. The two have recently collaborated the produce an American-Belgian Saison called Deux Amis. French for “Two Friends,” Deux Amis commemorates the landmark collaboration between two brewing giants who have long admired each other’s work.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we're celebrating July Good Beer Month with guests Derek Dellinger, author of the new book, The Fermented Man, and Will Stephens, creator of BeerMenus.com. Dellinger is also the brewmaster at Kent Falls Brewing Company, and author of the brewing blog Bear Flavored.

This week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio features a conversation with Chad Rich and crew from Prohibition Pig Brewery in Vermont, recorded live at the Blind Tiger during this year's Beer Week NYC. Also joining them from Worthy Kitchen in Vermont (as well as legendary co-owner of the Blind Tiger) is Dave Brodrick.

This week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio is all about trademark issues in the beer industry. Joining Jimmy and Anne in the studio are lawyers Brendan Palfreyman from Syracuse and Jordan Greenberger from right here in Brooklyn. Later, Doug Reise from Burial Beer and Reiser Legal calls in to share his own legal expertise.

In the first episode of On the Road with Beer Sessions Radio, you will travel with us to the Hudson Valley region. Although it’s only about an hour’s drive from New York City, you feel like you’re in a different world. The Hudson Valley is an historic beer-making region, but with the rise of industrialization and cheap transportation, breweries virtually disappeared for most of the 20th century. Then, in the last few years, locals again began to appreciate and demand craft, local beer, which attracted experienced brewers to the region to open their first ever breweries. The brewers wanted to make their beer in a traditional ways with ties to the community and local products, like it was made in the region over 100 years ago. Thus, Beer Sessions host Jimmy Carbone dubbed them “the new primitives.” From The Ground Brewery: From The Ground Brewery is a labor of love for Jakob Cirell, owner and brewer. A mechanical engineer by trade, Jake pursues his passion brewing at the Migliorelli farm in Red Hook, New York. Hudson Valley ingredients and produce from the Migliorelli Farm play a starring role in Jakob’s beers. What's most extraordinary about From The Ground brewery is its small-batch operation. As a one-man operation, Jake's hands are in every step of the making process. The beers can be found at Hudson Valley restaurants and bars, local farmers' markets and a couple of farmers' markets in New York City. Migliorelli Farm: The farms in the Hudson Valley region of Upstate New York increasingly supply local breweries with the fine ingredients required to brew world-class beer. In 2013, the Migliorelli Farm, a third generation family-owned operation that specializes in vegetables and fruits, began growing barley with brewers in mind. Ken Migliorelli runs the show at the farm and shared the rich history about his family's farming practices with us. Barley has been both an investment and a passion project, and Ken has an expansive vision for it in the years ahead. Hudson Valley Malt: After the grains have been selected and harvested at the farm, the next step in the beer making process is to allow the grains to germinate by soaking in water. Then, they are halted from germinating further by drying with hot air. This process is called malting. Dennis and Jeanette Nesel converted part of their horse barn into a malting facility a year ago. They convert the barley into malt the way it was done over a hundred years ago. Mr. Nesel likes to refer to the process as “old-school heritage malting”. The husband and wife team have been working very closely with local Migliorelli Farm and From the Ground Brewery in a beautiful symbiosis. Suarez Family Brewery: Opening a brewery is no easy task; it’s a gigantic endeavor with many things that are out of the brewer’s control. Dan and Taylor Suarez are facing all of these obstacles, but that has not changed his calm nature even a little bit. We met Dan and Taylor at their brewery and tasting room. Together they have been working hard for the past year to get their space up and running and sorting out unexpected delays. Taylor has been taking care of the operations and business part of the brewery while also attending to her own company, Good Food Jobs. Dan’s reknowned in the beer world through his experience at breweries such as Sixpoint Brewery in New York City, Hill Farmstead in Vermont and OEC in Connecticut. His brewery, opening this summer, is highly anticipated. Plan Bee Farm Brewery: Located inside a barn built almost 200 years ago in Poughkeepsie, New York, we arrived to Plan Bee Farm Brewery’s 25 acre farm. Everything grown on the farm is used to make Evan and Emily Watson’s beer. Equipped with a 10 barrel brew house, they have been brewing their beers since October 2015 in their new home. Evan and Emily are a husband and wife team who specialize in farmhouse ales, or as Evan likes to call them “Barn Beer,” as well as coolship or open fermentation beers. Evan and Emily Watson are the owners and masterminds behind Plan Bee Farm Brewery. Evan is also an accomplished musician and has toured with Heart and Def Leppard. He named his brewery both after the bees that provide the microflora open fermentation for his beer as well as the fact that beer-making was a second choice career path for him. Daughters Fare and Ale: Daughters Fare and Ale is a culinary partnership between Ryan and Rachel McLaughlin, local restaurateurs offering simple, delicious food and a lineup of seasonal, locally-brewed craft beers. Ryan and Rachel share a background in the culinary industry, having worked in several well renowned restaurants in New York City before making the move to the Hudson Valley. They both appreciate good beer and thoughtfully select a short, solid draft list that is constantly in rotation. Valuing their community, Ryan and Rachel source foods for their restaurant from Hudson Valley producers as often as possible. They're committed to buying from neighboring farmers and maintaining relationships with nearby brewers to serve their beers fresh, on draft. Daughters Fare and Ale is an ideal gathering place for locals and passers-by to gather around the table for a nice meal and to sit back and enjoy a beer or two. It has a friendly, welcoming vibe that has a way of making everyone feel right at home.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’re talking to some of New York’s craft beer entrepreneurs. In the studio are co-owner and founder of Crossroads Brewing, Ken Landin, Matt Gebhard of Beer Culture, and new bar owners, Ben Pratt and Brandon Duff from As Is in Hell’s Kitchen.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, hosts Jimmy and Anne are joined in the studio by Andrew Gerson, Head of Culinary Programming at the Brooklyn Brewery, Jensen Cummings of the Brewed Food blog, and filmmaker Eric Schleyer. Tune in for a show that's all about foods with brews, not to mention Jack Inslee's last time running the board!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is talking apples, cider styles, world cider culture and the re-emerging American cider culture today with author Ben Watson and David Dolginaw of Shacksbury Cider on this special Breakfast Cider Edition of Beer Sessions on Heritage Radio Network.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we have BR Royla of Shelton Brothers, Bob Weyersberg of the Beer Hear podcast on WFMU, Phil Ebel and Chip Newell of New Belgium Brewing in the studio. Also joining in by phone is Todd Boera of Fonta Flora Brewing. Tune in to hear about the Copenhagen Beer Celebration of 2016, a beer festival bringing together the most epic brewers from around the world, paired with incredible live music. CBC has been held for years in its hometown of Copenhagen, Denmark, and is coming to the U.S. for the first time ever this September 23rd and 24th in Boston, MA.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of the bar Tørst, and Canadian chef Daniel Burns of the Michelin-starred restaurant Luksus. They are also co-authors of the new book Food & Beer, which aims to elevate beer to the level of wine in fine dining. With a dialogue running throughout the book, Food & Beer examines the vision and philosophy of this duo at the forefront of a new gastronomic movement, and highlights the dual visions of the authors and the spaces — Tørst, which is more rustic and relaxed, and Luksus, which is more sleek and refined.

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, the crew catches up with Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Brewery, at the 2016 Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia! Sam is also the co-o founder and executive editor of a new lifestyle magazine, Pallet, that brings together culture and craft beer. Pallet editors Nadia Saccardo and Rick Bannister also join in on the fun.

This week, it's a star-studded episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Not only do we have Dave Lopez and Chris Prout from Gun Hill Brewing, but Mark Aldrich and Jimmy Ludwig join in to chat about Rise Up Rye, the official beer of the musical Hamilton! The new brew is a collaboration between Gun Hill and the two Broadway actors, who also host a booze-themed web series under the name Happy Hour Guys. Plus, Javier Muñoz, the alternate for the role of Alexander Hamilton, calls in to the show! You want to be in the room where it happens!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy and Anne are joined in the studio by Mike Siegel and Brendan Woodcock of Goose Island Brewery, Alejandro Winocur of Waybeer in Brazil, and B.R. Royla of Shelton Brothers. Tune in to hear from brewers based in both North and South America!

On this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the German Reinheitsgebot, also known as the German Purity Law! Joining Jimmy and Anne in the studio are Travis Kauffman of Folksbier and Sylvester Schneider of Zum Schneider, with Sebastian Sauer of Freigeist Bierkultur calling in from Germany!

Welcome to a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jack's Abby is finally available in NYC! Sam Hendler, Founding brother of Jack's Abby, MA joins the show to talk about the journey the brewery has taken over the years and what it means to be in the NYC marketplace. Also on the show, the team behind the Kings County Brewing Collective, a production brewery-in-planning, coming soon to a Brooklyn neighborhood near you.

This week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio takes a look back at Saison Day. Recorded in March at Threes Brewery, and featuring interviews with Cory McNutt and Eric Meader of Allagash, Greg Doroski and Joel Ford of Threes, John Lapolla of Bitter and Esters, and winner of the saison home-brew competition Alex Biederman.

On this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy and Anne have a belated celebration of last Saturday’s Orval Day. Local importers of Orval, Dave Rodriguez and Scott Kowalski from Merchant du Vin join them in the studio, along with Michael Opalenski from B. United, Tony Forder of Ale Street News, and the “Beer Sensai” himself, Warren Monteiro.

On this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy and Anne are joined in the studio by Brian Strumke of Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Cory Bonfiglio of Stillwater Artisanal Ales and Beer Street, and Donald Brewer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Pico Brew.

For this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy and Anne traveled to Philadelphia to celebrate Victory's Brewing Company's 20th anniversary. Little did they know that, the next morning, Victory would announce that it had merged with Southern Tier Brewing Company of western New York state. Tune in to hear their conversation with Bill Covaleski of Victory and Will Stephens of BeerMenus.

On this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, the topics of discussion are nitrogen ("the good beer gas") and Irish beers. Jimmy and Anne are joined in the studio by John Holl, editor of All About Beer magazine, James Tai of Guinness, Lars Dahlhaus of Liquid Projects, Barry Smyth and Richard Stokes of The Porterhouse at Fraunces Tavern NYC, and brewmaster Matt Brophy of Flying Dog Brewery.

On this special Beer Week edition of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy catches up with BrewDogs founder James Watt, who was in New York promoting his new book Business for Punks. Also on this episode are Stephen Valand of Brooklyn Brew Shop, who was recently featured on Watt's Brew Dogs TV show, and winter co-host Anne Becerra, aka Anne Likes Beer.

Mike Amidei, Tørst Mike Amidei came by his passion for the world of beverages honestly. Mike's father (a life long lover of all things food & beverage) bought a bottle of each of the Bordeaux First Growth wines for the year Mike was born and on his 21st birthday the family opened, and shared, a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild. From there, he was hooked. Mike received his BS from Florida International University in Hotel & Restaurant Management and has held nearly every position on offer in that field from busboy to line cook to hotel management. Mike has been passionate about beer, and all of it's distinct styles & flavors for longer than he'd care publish. He is currently the Beverage Manager at Tørst / Luksus, the global beer destination and Michelin-starred Restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he is responsible for curating the 21 rotating draft lines and an extensive bottle menu of around around 200 beers. http://punchdrink.com/articles/beer-cultures-second-wave-beer-bars-nyc/ http://food52.com/blog/13837-what-we-learned-during-a-shift-at-a-brooklyn-bar Erwin Klijn, Jopen Jopen is a beer brand from Haarlem, Netherlands. Jopen beer is a result of the work of Stichting Haarlems Biergenootschap, which was founded in 1992. The mission of the Biergenootschap is to re-create traditional Haarlem beers and bring them to the commercial market. Two recipes were found in the Haarlem city archives that were used as a foundation for 2 initial beers. The first one was a recipe from 1407 and the recreation of this was named Koyt. In December 1996 the commercial company Jopen BV acquired the beer. The name Jopen refers to the 112 litre beer barrels that were used in early times to transport the Haarlem beer. Until the end of 1996 Jopen beer was brewed in the Halve Maan brewery in Hulst, after that it was made in the La Trappe brewery in Berkel-Enschot. Since 2001 the Jopen beer brands were brewed in Ertvelde, Belgium, in brewery Van Steenberge. The current brewer is Chris Wisse. At the end of 2005 it was announced that the old Jacobskerk, in the Raaks area in the city centre of Haarlem, would be transformed into a brewery. In November 11, 2010, the "Jopenkerk" (Jopen church) opened its doors for the public. This former church is not only the home of the Jopen brewery but also hosts a café and restaurant. http://www.jopenbier.nl/en/discover-jopen/historie/ Anne Becerra – winter co-host, bartender, etc. Anne Becerra is still shocked that she's been able to turn her love for craft beer into a career. She was the first female Certified Cicerone in New York City and has been at the helm of some of the best craft beer bars in Manhattan for the last seven years, most recently at The Blind Tiger, The Ginger Man and as Beer Director for Taproom 307. Anne is a beer writer for Serious Eats and Martha Stewart Living, and has been featured multiple times on NBC, Fox and Friends and CNN as well as contributed to TIME Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Wall Street Journal, Sirius XM, USA Today and more. She was the only speaker at both Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans and the Women’s Chef and Restaurateur Conference in NYC to represent the beer industry, and believes the best part about craft beer is sharing it. You can catch her teaching classes, judging beer competitions, hosting beer dinners and weekly tasting events, and curating beer pairings throughout the tri-state area.

On this week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio, along with our winter co-host Anne Becerra, we’re excited to reunite with Thor Oechsner, and chat all grains with author Amy Halloran, Strong Rope Brewery's Jason Sahler, Germantown Malt’s Dennis Nelson, and Valley Malt’s intern, Dustin!

Celebrate NYC Beer Week 2016 on a special episode of Beer Sessions Radio! New York City Beer Week is the main focus of the NYCBG and NYSBA, and will be February 19 - February 28, 2016. The annual ten day celebration of craft beer throughout New York City will have events including festivals, tastings, menu pairings, and beer dinners.

On today’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio, we welcome guests Andy Marcelli of Eataly and Marcelli’s Formaggi, and Jamie Adams of the St. James Brewery, as well as winter co-host Anne Becerra. Tune in to hear about some mouth-watering beer and cheese pairings. Also, we’re kicking off New York City Beer Week on Friday!

On today’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone and winter co-host Anne Becerra welcome Alicia Mekelburg, owner of Mekelburg’s Fine Food and Craft Beers and their beer director, Eric Hall along with Damon Oscarson and Daniel Acosta from LIC Beer Project.

Beer Sessions Radio is in studio with all stars from Sixpoint and Southern Tier, both breweries notably taking part in the upcoming NYC Beer Week and NYC Brewer's Choice. Danny Bruckert from the Sixpoint camp shares his path through the brewery as well as the evolution of Sixpoint's oldest to newest brews, plus some great brewer insight. Shane Henderson from Southern Tier contributes to the discussion as well, while hosts Jimmy Carbone and Anne Becerra sip on a few brews throughout!

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone's got some great guests joining him tonight including Joel Shelton from Shelton Brothers and Andy Ganstaller from Ganstaller Brau! He's also happy to welcome Katrina and Keely from Tinyfield Roofhop Farm, and his winter co-host, Anne Becerra!

On a special Cider Sessions episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined by Greg Hall. Greg hall co-founded Virtue Cider in Michigan several years ago after being the brewer at Goose Island in Chicago. He ran a successful barrel aging program at Goose Island, and is now barrel aging his Virtue Ciders.

Tune in to this week's Beer Sessions Radio as host Jimmy Carbone and winter co-host Anne Becerra welcome Joe and Chris DeCicco of DeCicco Family Markets as well as Lars Dahlhaus, Eastern Sales Manager at Fentiman’s Inc, plus special guests from NYC's Fraunces Tavern. Anne Becerra is still shocked that she's been able to turn her love for craft beer into a career. She was the first female Certified Cicerone in New York City and has been at the helm of some of the best craft beer bars in Manhattan for the last seven years, most recently at The Blind Tiger, The Ginger Man and as Beer Director for Taproom 307. Anne is a beer writer for Serious Eats and Martha Stewart Living, and has been featured multiple times on NBC, Fox and Friends and CNN as well as contributed to TIME Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Wall Street Journal, Sirius XM, USA Today and more. She was the only speaker at both Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans and the Women’s Chef and Restaurateur Conference in NYC to represent the beer industry, and believes the best part about craft beer is sharing it. You can catch her teaching classes, judging beer competitions, hosting beer dinners and weekly tasting events, and curating beer pairings throughout the tri-state area. The three young scions of the family that founded the Westchester/Rockland DeCicco Markets dynasty—Joe and his cousins, brothers Chris and John—all share a passion for beer. The trio used the unglamorous fact that they were born into a supermarket family to launch themselves as heavy players in the local beer world. Look for the 10 DeCicco stores in Westchester and Rockland to carry between 400 and 1000+ beers each. Meanwhile, several of the DeCicco stores (Pelham, Harrison, Ardsley, Armonk, Cornwall, and Brewster) offer taps for growler fills. And two of the DeCicco Markets (Armonk and Brewster) actually offer craft-beer bars on the premises, which means that you can catch a buzz before doing your weekly shopping. The Armonk DeCicco is located next to Fortina and offers 28 taps for growler refills or for just hanging around drinking. Look for the DeCicco boys to collaborate with several local brewers including Sixpoint Brewery, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, and Evil Twin Brewing. Also, look for DeCicco’s sponsorship at many local beer events, including Savor New York. Lars has a new company called "Liquid Projects" which incorporated in April of 2015. As the president of Schwelmer Beer Imports N.A., Lars has been importing the Craft Beers from his hometown as well as other Bavarian beers such as Lammsbrau, Miltenberger, Meckatzer and Eichbaum to name a few since 2003. From 2011 to 2014 Lars has been the Craft Beer Portfolio Manager at St. Killian, responsible for such renowned brands as Wuerzburger and again Lammsbrau. During his time there he launched and established Crabbie’s from the UK, 961 from Lebanon, Andechs and Rothaus from Germany. The burning desire to offer an innovative and cost-effective way to international producers is what started Liquid Projects. Lars has been a resident of Williamsburg, Brooklyn for 18 years.

This week's Beer Sessions Radio features a great pair of guests - BBD's and Beer Menus! Ralph Perrazzo & Tim Irvin, BBD Eats, Rocky Point, Long Island Ralph is the owners of BBD Eats on Long Island. Tim is his sous chef. Perrazzo attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park earning a Culinary Degree. During school, Perrazzo packed his knife kit for weekend excursions to volunteer in some of the city’s top kitchens, including Jean Georges underthen chef de cuisine Gabriel Kreuther. Perrazzo donated his time to this esteemed kitchen to hone his skills and learn all he could from some of the best around. Ralph worked hard and earned a job offer after graduation in the pastry department. Perrazzo then met and worked with Chef Eric Hubert, who fostered Perrazzo’s creativity over the next three years. He was encouraged to use his mind as vigorously as his hands. After leaving Jean George, Ralph came back to Long Island and worked at the East Hampton's beloved, Nick and Toni’s with Chef Joe Realmuto. This is where he fell in love with the east end of Long Island with all of its amazing produce and agriculture. An interest was sparked soon after to learn more about high volume catering. Perrazzo then distorted his experience to land a cook position at East Winds Hotel so he could learn a new side of the business. He achieved his aim and gained valuable knowledge during his stint back on Long Island. Will Stephens, Beer Menus In late 2008, Brothers Will and Eric were drinking beers and debating their favorites before heading out for the night. Eric backed Arrogant Bastard and Will was pushing Dogfish Head 90 Minute. They searched for a bar serving their favorite beers on google. They came up empty handed, but their disappointment faded when they saw their destiny. As avid beer lovers who started homebrewing at ages 4 and 7, they had to create a website where people could browse and search beer menus. Today BeerMenus.com has 20427 Beer Menus, including 94846 Beers.

Tune in to a special episode of Beer Sessions Radio recorded in Somerville, Massachusetts ! Jimmy is joined by Andy Crouch of Beer Scribe, Suzanne Schalow of Craft Beer Cellars, beer writer Will Gordon and Dan Rassi of Aeronaut Brewing. Together they all chat about the Boston craft beer scene, regional specialties, draft line cleanliness and more!

Tune in for a very special conversation with apple expert John Bunker. John grew up in Massachusetts and California, but on his first visit to Maine at age 11, he knew that Maine is where he would make his home. He moved to Super Chilly Farm with a bunch of friends on the day he graduated from Colby College and has never left. Over the years he has tried his hand at many different ventures- teaching high school English, managing the Belfast Co-op Store, selling salads and cider at the Common Ground Fair, teaching shop at Pine Island Camp, building houses and purchasing for the Federation of Maine Co-ops. Yet none of these things grabbed his attention like the the old apple trees growing in the fields around Palermo. As he picked the fruits from these neglected trees each fall, he began to notices the differences in the apples – to his surprise they were not all Macs. Through seasons of observation and hours of discussions with the old timers around town, he learned to identify the different varieties and appreciate their stories. His interest grew into a passion that became his life’s work. p1050589In 1984 John started Fedco Trees ostensibly to encourage others to plant trees, but really it was a way to fund his insatiable habit of tracking down heirloom fruit varieties in all corners of Maine. You can read about his adventures each year in the Fedco Trees Catalog and also in his book, “Not Far From the Tree: A Brief History of the Apples and the Orchards of Palermo, Maine.” John has done such a good job spreading the word about the pleasures of heirloom apples, that now people line up at the Common Ground Fair to view his apple display and bring him old apples to identify. John’s most recent project is creating the Maine Heritage Orchard at MOFGA. This orchard which is located in a renovated gravel pit adjacent to the MOFGA fairgrounds will be home to 500 or more historic pears and apples. When he is not thinking about apples, he….ok, he is always thinking about apples.

Tune in for a very special holiday episode of Beer Sessions Radio as Jimmy Carbone is joined by the legendary Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada, and his son Brian Grossman. Recorded off-site at Jimmy's No. 43, the conversation illuminates the origin story of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and sheds some light on the history of craft beer in America.

More and more breweries are popping up by the minute and we're covering more of them today on Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy Carbone is joined by Hutch Kugeman, brewer, The Brewery at the CIA, CIA-Brooklyn Brewery Outpost, Jesse Ferguson, founder/head of production, Interboro Spirits & Ales, Laura Dierks, co-founder, Interboro Spirits & Ales and Anne Becerra – winter co-host, bartender, etc. Tune in and hear about some new trends, tastes and thoughts from an esteemed panel of beer experts!

Jimmy Carbone is on location at Jimmy’s 43 with a team from Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewing Co. for a special edition of Beer Sessions Radio. Steve Farace, the Minister of Propaganda, Kit Blanchard, a Brewery Buddy, and Tucker Sarkisian, PR Director, join Lisa Wichowski, a leading East Coast Cicerone, and Jimmy Carbone to talk about the genesis of Sweetwater. With their laid back, brightly-colored style and their complex, creatively-named beers, Sweetwater brewery is bringing their brand of Southern charm to New York City for the first time! Listen as the team discusses the almost-accidental choice of Atlanta as home, and the stories behind their thoughtfully-titled brews.

Take a tour through Garrett Oliver’s greatest hits on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster Garrett Oliver is widely known for his debonair personal style, his elegant lectures on the history of beer and the art of brewing, his extensive knowledge of movies and literature and his two hats. He is also the brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, editor-in-chief of The Oxford Companion to Beer, author of The Brewmaster’s Table and winner of the 2014 James Beard Award for Excellent Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional. Jimmy is also joined by Anne Becerra, Stephen Valand and Kyle Kensrue.

Today's broadcast of Beer Sessions Radio is a special show recorded on March 26 in the morning at Jimmy's No 43. Jimmy chats with Rudi Ghequire of Rodenbach in Belgium plus his importer, David van Wees, Co-Founder of Latis Imports. He's also joined by Sam Barbieri of NYC's Waterfront Ale House who brings some pork pate's to pair with the Belgian sours.

From trucking to trappist breweries, this episode of Beer Sessions Radio has a little bit of everything! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Jeff Cioletti, Author of The Year of Drinking Adventurously, John Holl, Editor of All About Beer Magazine and author of the forthcoming Dishing Up New Jersey and Stephen Valand, fall co-host and owner of Brooklyn Brew Shop.   “All the major truck manufacturers all do specifically tailored trucks for the beverage market. Most of the time they have people on their sales team directly selling to beverage distributors.” [08:00] — Jeff Cioletti “How do you make a really good beer that’s not just a novelty that people will just try once?” [19:00] – John Holl

The cider celebrations continue on Beer Sessions Radio! This in-studio show is all about cider cocktails, as Jimmy Carbone is joined by an all-star panel of guests. Hear from Eric West of Cider Guide, Yoni Rabino of Neversink Spirits, Jade Brown-Godfrey of Wassail, Bianca Miraglia of Uncouth Vermouth, Darlene Hayes of All Into Cider and author Cider Cocktails & Stephen Valand, co-host and co-founder of Brooklyn Brew Shop. Hear what makes cider such a great cocktail ingredient, why the cider movement is like the cocktail movement 15 years ago and what the future holds for cider!   “There’s a spirit for every cider.” [14:00] “I think cider is at a point where cocktails were in 2001/2002. People weren’t necessarily comfortable with cocktails at that point either, it was a new thing to have a cocktail bar. Ciders are in that area right now.” [22:00] –Jade Brown-Godfrey “Craft beer has primed people to be look for more flavor and subtleties. people are willing to try new stuff.” [19:00] –Eric West

Tune in to a special Cider Week Special episode of Beer Sessions Radio as Jimmy Carbone is joined by Ellen Cavalli of Tilted Shed Ciderworks Sonoma, California, Polly Giragosian from Aaron Burr Cidery in Wutsboro, New York Gay Howard & Kay Michaels of United States of Cider. Ellen Cavalli and Scott Heath are the duo behind CA's Tilted Shed Ciderworks. Polly Giragsoian and Andy Brennan are the team behind NY's Aaron Burr Cidery. Ellen & Polly talk about East Cost vs. West Coast terroir, and the art and craft of small batch, homestead, orchard-based cider making.

On this special Beer Sessions Radio Cider special recording, Jimmy sits down at the Spring 2015 Edible Magazine's "Good Cider" event in Manhattan. Cider guests include - Sara Grady of Glynwood, Andy Brennan of Aaron Burr and several others!

This week, host Jimmy Carbone is on location at Jimmy’s 43 in the East Village for a special Cider Week edition of Beer Sessions Radio. On this episode, Jimmy is joined by Stephen Valland (Founder/Owner of Brooklyn Brew Shop), Rich Blair (National Sales Manager of New Holland Brewing & Artisan Spirits), Adam Dickerson (Midwest Sales Manager of New Holland Brewing & Artisan Spirits) and Joe Stelmark (MidAtlantic Regional Sales, New Holland Brewing & Artisan Spirits). The experts share their thoughts about various aspects of the beer and spirits business.

This week Jimmy Carbone is on location at the Lower East Side’s Wassail for a special Cider Week edition of Beer Sessions Radio. Wassail’s Ben Sandler, Sabine Hrechdakian, and Dan Pucci with Blackduck Cidery’s John Reynolds pour out their expertise, insights, and questions about all things cider. Located on the “new” Orchard Street, Wassail is a neighborhood restaurant and bar serving area ciders to a variety of palates. John Reynolds of Blackduck Cidery, “one of the most exciting things happening in American cider today,” discusses his choice of fruit and the variety of styles he uses in fermentation. From the perry pear to Pegasus, ice ciders to terroir, you can’t miss this Cider Week special served cold on Beer Sessions Radio.

Tune in to a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Rich Castagna of Bridge & Tunnel Brewery, Dan McLaughlin of The Pony Bar_, _writer Niko Krommydas & Stephen Valand, co-host, co-founder of Brooklyn Brew Shop. What happens when you go from garage brewer to legit? Rich, from Bridge and Tunnel Brewery knows. Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is a Queens based nano-scale micro-brewery, launched by brewer/ proprietor, Rich Castagna. Rich has been brewing for over 11 years, and enjoys brewing and drinking darker beers, and beers with a flavorful kick. So the current line leans toward beers that are colorful both in the glass and on the palate. Rich was born and raised in Queens, and spent most of his life in the New York area, short of about 8 years living and traveling around the U.S. and overseas. Over the past 15 years, he’s lived in the Ridgewood/Bushwick area, Long Island City, Astoria, and Maspeth. He has 3 kids, 3 cats, a dog, a fish, a large amount of brewing equipment, and a very patient wife. “I’m so stretched thin, it’s ridiculous. It’s always only been me.” [08:00]

This week _ Beer Sessions Radio _ is in studio highlighting beer destinations with the Happy Hour Guys!  Host Jimmy Carbone welcomes Jimmy Ludwig, Mark Aldrich, and Justin Squigs Robertson for a discussion about the greatest beers they have found from their travels – from Maine to Michigan and places in between! After the break, Fred Bueltmann, Vice President of Brand & Lifestyle of New Holland Brewing Co. calls in and shares the exciting and delicious things that are coming out of their brewery in Michigan as well as their new relationship with Carhartt!  Tune in for more! “We’ve had the ability to watch craft beer change whole swaths of our country, and it’s really exciting, and it’s really only continuing.” [47:10] –Happy Hour Guys on Beer Sessions Radio  

From Home Brew to Pro Brew! Tune in to a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio as Jimmy Carbone and friends John LaPolla and Stephen Valland are joined by Jason Sahler, an award-winning homebrewer taking the next step and starting his own brewery. Strong Rope Brewery will create handcrafted local and organic ales featuring seasonal offerings that will use the freshest vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. While serving many of the ales on draft, the brewery will also feature living ales: cask and bottle-conditioned beers where live yeast remains in the beer, which continues to condition and evolve in its serving vessel, showcasing the subtle natural flavors that this unique conditioned environment creates.

_ Beer Sessions Radio _ is on scene at Jimmy’s No. 43 as host Jimmy Carbone sits down with a great crew from Portland Oregon featuring Christian DeBenedetti and Andrea Slonecker, authors of the new book “Beer Bites.”  As beer lovers well know, there has never been a better time to be a beer drinker. But all that beer begs for the right food to go with it! Christian and Andrea chat up their publication that serves up 65 globe-roaming and simple recipes from appetizers to snacks and main courses that go beyond typical pub grub with recommendations of beer styles and widely available must-try brews for each dish. Beer Bites is ideal for the growing cadre of craft beer lovers eager to explore the basics and nuances of beer and food pairings, whether they are hosting tasting nights or just enjoying one good brew at a time.  Additional brewing all stars join in the conversation, including Mike Wright of The Commons, Van Havig of Gigantic Brewing, as well as Dan Angler of Occidental Brewing, each talking about their paths in brewing and the importance of craft brews in the Pacific Northwest!

Hear from Jeff Alworth, author of “The Beer Bible” this week on _Beer Sessions Radio. _ No other book of this depth and scope approaches the subject of beer in the same way that beer lovers do—by style, just as a perfect pub menu is organized—and gets right to the pleasure of discovery, knowledge, and connoisseurship. Divided into four major families—ales, lagers, wheat beers, and tart and wild ales—there’s everything a beer drinker wants to know about the hundreds of different authentic types of brews, from bitters, bocks, and IPAs to weisses, milk stouts, lambics, and more. Each style is a chapter unto itself, delving into origins, ingredients, description and characteristics, substyles, and tasting notes, and ending with a recommended list of the beers to know in each category. Hip infographics throughout make the explanation of beer’s flavors, brewing methods, ingredients, labeling, serving, and more as immediate as it is lively. Also hear from Ralph Perrazzo, owner BBD’ and Ed Berestecki, owner of Mugs Alehouse. “It’s terrible if all you ever do is drink the new thing. You want to go back to your favs! I have probably 20 beers that I absolutely love and every time I see them on a list I want to drink them.” [25:00]  

Cider is everywhere these days, and Jimmy Carbone continues to explore the buzzing beverage on _ Beer Sessions Radio._ This week, he’s joined off-site by acclaimed author Ben Waton, who is the man responsible for the seminal text Cider, Hard and Sweet: History, Traditions, and Making Your Own. Tune in to this special “Cider Sessions” episode for an in-depth conversation on cider production, history, tasting notes and more. From apple varieties to cider styles – there’s a wealth of knowledge in this show! “Cider is shockingly easy to make. You can make it in the most primitive of ways.” [17:00] — Ben Watson  

It’s hard to think about beer these days without thinking about hops. That’s why Jimmy Carbone is dedicating an entire episode of Beer Sessions Radio to hops! He’s joined by Laura Ten Eyck & Deitrich Gehring of Indian Ladder Farms/Helderberg Hop Farm, co-authors The Hop Grower’s Handbook, Stuart Morris of Indian Ladder Farms, Joel Ford, assistant brewer at Threes Brewing & Stephen Valand of Brooklyn Brew Shop. “There’s a difference between vines and bines. Grapes are considered vines and they have tendrils and that’s how they pull themselves up. Hops are bines, they don’t have tendrils they have tri-combs and that’s how they pull themselves up.” [10:00] –Deitrich Gehring on Beer Sessions Radio “Hops have great antibacterial properties and they’re good for treating infections. When you make beer with hops, the hops act as a preservative. This made beer last long and expanded the trade of beer.” [40:00] — Laura Ten Eyck on Beer Sessions Radio  

Drink a sour beer and tune into a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio!. Jimmy’s got a big group of guests including guest co-host Stephen Valand of Brooklyn Brew Shop, BR Royla of Shelton Brothers Imports, Kerry McLean, events manager at Jolly Pumpkin/Northern United Brewing Co, Crimson Krier-Glading and Steven Baird of Mission Dolores & The Owl Farm and Robert Sherrill of Brewminaries Homebrew Club. They’re talking sour, imports and more on a jam-packed episode of the best beer podcast in the world! This program was brought to you by Union Beer #### “It’s incredible to see how far sour beer has come and how people have accepted it.” [09:00] –Stephen Valand on Beer Sessions Radio “Education is going a really long way as far as sour beers are concerned.” [17:00] –Crimson Krier-Glading on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s the Greenpoint beer show! Tune in to a brand new episode of _Beer Sessions Radio_as Jimmy Carbone and fall co-host Stephen Valand of Brooklyn Brew Shop are joined by a room full of people making their mark on Greenpoint, Brooklyn. hear Chris Prout and Erik Olsen of Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co./Dirck the Norseman and Patrick Allen of Keg & Lantern as they talk about brewing trends, neighborhood growth and cultural traditions. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors.   “Home brewers are the most creative brewers around. As a home brewer, you have the opportunity to experiment with a whole bunch of different ingredients.” [21:00] –Chris Prout on Beer Sessions Radio “Maybe in 50 years people will look back on the 2010’s as the time people were making really tropical IPA’s and they will find historical recipes with citrusy hops.” [26:00] –Stephan Valand on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on a special “Cider Sessions” edition of Beer Sessions Radio: Louisa D. Spencer and Stephen M. Wood are founders of Farnum Hill Cider. Field Maloney is 2nd generation cider maker at West County Cider, his parents Terry & Judith Malone founded West County Cider (and CiderDays, now it’s 21st year). The Woods & Maloneys are key founding families of American Cider revival, establishing commercial winery/cideries and developing cider orchards in the late 1970’s-80’s. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors.

Explore the beer scene in the Hudson Valley on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone and guest co-host Ben Keene are joined by Jakob Cirell of From the Ground Brewery, Dan Suarez, Suarez Family Brewery, Evan Watson of Plan Bee Farm Brewery and Mike Renganeschi of Bacchus Brewing Company. Patrick Allen of Keg & Lantern Brewpub also joins the show. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “Grain and hops are like giant building blocks. The yeast is the mortar.” [25:00] –Evan Watsonon on Beer Sessions Radio “What I’m trying to do now is not choose the beers I want to make but let the ingredients available dictate.” [32:00] –Jakob Cirell on Beer Sessions Radio

Tune in to a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio as Jimmy Carbone and guest co-host Ben Keene are talking all about hops! They are joined by John Segal, proprietor of Segal Hop Ranch in Yakima Valley, Washington, and Jeff O’Neil, former brewer at Peekskill Brewery who is currently launching his own project, Industrial Arts Brewing. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “Farming is really a challenge and I always make sure our friends support local farmers for any produce they buy because it’s a very challenging business. We’re subject to so many variables.” [13:00] “aAs my father taught me – all beers are good and some are better.” [46:00] –John Segal on Beer Sessions Radio “The intention [at Industrial Arts Brewingis to make really hoppy beers while controlling the bitterness and keeping bitterness low.” [26:00] Jeff O’Neil on Beer Sessions Radio

Cask beer is demystified this week on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone and summer co-host Ben Keene are joined by Jason Hicks, chef at The Shakespeare and Jones Wood Foundry, Alex Hall of Cask Marque and Dave Lopez of Gun Hill Brewery. Tune in to hear what works and doesn’t when it comes to cask conditioned beer and what it takes to do it the right way! This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “The difference between having cask beer in a bar or not is the ability for it to turn over in 3-4 days.” [29:00] –Alex Hall on Beer Sessions Radio “If you find yourself at a beer that has cask on tap – ask questions, give it a try and learn something. There can be delicious results.” [44:00] –Jason Hicks on Beer Sessions Radio

Join Jimmy Carbone for another full glass of Beer Sessions Radio!. This week, he’s profiling Lagunitas Chicago and the American Homebrewers Association Winners. He’s joined by Mary Bauer and Mark Sljukic of Laguintas and a group of homebrewers – Peter Salmond, Oskar Norlander and Erik Norlander. Hear them discuss brewing trends, goses and lambics the growth of homebrewing organizations and more! This program was brought to you by Union Beer. “I’ve seen these homebrew competitions that used to have 100-200 entires are now climbing to 500-600 entires!” –Oskar Norlander on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s a perfect summer session on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by a great group of friends and guests including summer co-host Ben Keene from Beer Advocate, Threes Brewing’s head brewer, Greg Doroski, Anne Becerra aka Anne Likes Beer and the one and only Ale Sharpton. Together, the group talks about everything from beer cocktails to festivals and tasting events. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “The whole point of using beer in a cocktail is to enhance those flavors, not mask them.” [12:00] –Anne Becerra on Beer Sessions Radio “One of the big things I push is trying to find ways to take people who think they don’t like beer and help [them like it].” [25:00] –Ale Sharpton on Beer Sessions Radio

Beer and BBQ – what could be better? This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined by Ben Keene, editor of Beer Advocate, Kelly Taylor of Kelso and Joe Carroll, the man behind Fette Sau, St. Anselm, Spuyten Duyvil and author of the new book Feeding the Fire. In Feeding the Fire, Carroll gives readers his top 20 lessons and more than 75 recipes to make incredible fire-cooked foods at home, proving that you don’t need to have fancy equipment or long-held regional traditions to make succulent barbecue and grilled meats. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers. “Beer is easily paired with most food and most food is easily paired with food.” [12:00] “If you grow up drinking commercial American lager or crap wine, then I think you’re immediately drawn towards the really intense high gravity over the top stuff right way because you’re looking for something so radically different than the lame insipid stuff you grew up drinking. Over time that fades and you appreciate those lighter lower gravity beers again.” [25:00] –Joe Carroll on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s the European Brewers show! Recorded live at Jimmy’s No. 43, this episode of Beer Sessions Radio includes Dr. Garth Cambray of Makana Meadery, Giovanni Campariof of Birrificio Del Ducato, Leonardo Di Vincenzo of Birra Del Borgo and Jerome Dupont of Domaine Dupont. This program was brought to you by Union Beer.

Jimmy Carbone has a cavalcade of beer stars in the studio this week for Beer Sessions Radio!. Tune in and hear from Jake Cirelli of From the Ground Brewery, Steve ‘Ben’ Middlemiss of Ben Middlemiss Brewing, Lauren & Joe Grimm of Grimm Artisanal Ales, beer writer Josh Bernstein, Ben Keene of Beer Advocate and Joel Shelton of Shelton Brothers Imports. The crew chats about beer festivals, brewing styles and trends in the industry! This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributers. “We obviously can’t compete in price with anybody so we have to make something that’s more compelling” [34:00] –Jake Cirelli on Beer Sessions Radio “The biggest pressure gypsy brewers are facing today are brewing space.” [38:00] Steve ‘Ben’ Middlemiss on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s the Bushwick Beer show! Join a packed studio for a lively conversation on the beer scene in a blossoming and burgeoning Bushwick. Jimmy Carbone is joined by Tyson Ho of Arrogant Swine, Blake Jordan of Hops & Hocks, Raphael Martinez of The Sampler and Jeff and Heather of Pine Box Rock Shop. This program was brought to you by Union Beer. “We are serious about our beer. It’s hard to communicate when we first opened because we’re a BBQ joint!” [14:00] –Tyson Ho on Beer Sessions Radio “There’s now a backlash against session IPA’s.” [21:00] –Blake Jordan on Beer Sessions Radio “There are a lot of schools that sit on former brewery locations.” [38:00] –Chris O’Leary on Beer Sessions Radio

This week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio: Old World Beer: Chief O’Neil & Beanery Brewery! Tune in for a special peek into the unique world of coffee beers! Jimmy is joined by Chris Balla of Mile End Deli/Grand Army, Dave Brodrick & Luke of Beanery Brewing, Chief O’Neil, former Peekskill brewer and Jimmy Ludwig of Happy Hour Guys. This program was brought to you by Union Beer

It’s a Long Island takeover of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by an all-star cast of guests including Niko Krommydas, beer writer and editor of Craft Beer New York, Sean McCain & John Liegey of Greenport Harbor and Ralph Perrazzo of BBD Eats and Rocky Point LI. Kris Nelson of Citizen Cider and Jamie Griffith of Lost Nation Brewing also join the show later to alk about Citizen Cider! This program was brought to you by Union Beer “It tastes better when you work hard!” [34:00] –John Liegey on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined by beer royalty – Baclav Berka, Head Brewer of Pilsner Urquell! Pilsner Urquell is a 173-year old Czech brewery. He’s only the sixth man in Urquell’s history to hold this title. His father worked in the Urquell fermentation department so it’s somewhat of a family business for him. Learn about the history of the brewery, Belgian brewers and pilsners as Baclav tells some incredible stories on-air. Jimmy is also joined by John LaPolla of Bitter & Esters and Paul Walsh of Belgian Beer & Food Magazine. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “Fresh beer and freshness is very important for us.” [22:00] –Baclav Berka on Beer Sessions Radio

Tune in for a special show with the Brooklyn Brew Shop this week on Beer Sessions Radio! Host Jimmy Carbone and producer Justin Kennedy are joined by Erica Shea and Stephen Valand, the owners and founders of Brooklyn Brew Shop. They started the Brooklyn Brew Shop out of the Brooklyn Flea in the summer of 2009 to get space-strapped New Yorkers brewing. With the idea that making beer (real beer from real ingredients) can be simple, tasty, and most important, fun, they created stylish, easy-to-use Beer Making Kits designed especially for stove-top brewing and ingredient mixes for seasonally inspired beers. This program was brought to you by Union Beer. “We don’t sell beer – we sell the promise of it!” [11:00] –Erica Shea on Beer Sessions Radio “We’re working on helping a whole new generation of brewers in China and Taiwan” [31:00] –Steve Alano on Beer Sessions Radio “The quality of home brewers has gone up drastically in New York City recently” [49:00] –Justin Kennedy on Beer Sessions Radio

Tune in for a special Irish Cider Sessions edition of Beer Sessions Radio! Learn about Irish craft cider on a special off-site recording.

Tune in for a special off-site recording of Beer Sessions Radio at the Blind Tiger! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Dave Brodrick, Ian Campbell, Tom Harder and Chad Rich. The gang talks about the Vermont beer scene, coffee bears and brewing trends. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “At beanery our main focus is coffee beers. For us – the beer is important but also the bean. We try to focus the bean as much as the beer.” [18:00] –Dave Brodrick

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Celebrate with mead, saison and a room full of great beer people! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Garth Cambray of Makana Meadery, Jerome Rebetez of Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM), Chresten Sorensen & Joe Watt of Bunker Brewing and others. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on mead, small batch brewing and more! This program was brought to you by Union Beer.

Attention, Queens! Celebrate one of New York’s greatest beer scenes: your neighborhood! Queens Beer Week is a community driven and supported celebration of that most wonderful of liquids. QBW is a 100% non-profit organization, brought to you by the great bars and breweries in Queens. Join us this May 8th-17th, as we cheers the Spring and the great brews Queens has to offer. This week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio is dedicated to the awesomeness of Queens Beer Week! Tune in and learn more! This program was brought to you by Union Beer. “The diversity in our borough is the diversity in our brew scene – it’s awesome.” [05:00] “Queens beer wee –Daniel Bronson on Beer Sessions Radio “Anybody anywhere who wants a good craft beer – that’s where we’ll go!” [22:00]

Check out a bonus episode of Beer Sessions Radio recorded live at Two Roads Brewing Co in Stratford, CT!

Hot sauce and craft beer are one hell of a pairing! Tune in to this episode of Beer Sessions Radio as Jimmy Carbone is joined by Graham Connolly of World Famous Hot Sauce and Anne Becerra of AnneLikesBeer.com. They chat about food and beer festival culture, the interesting ways hot sauce and beer can pair and what’s in store for the NYC Hot Sauce Expo! This program was brought to you by Union Beer “We’re not here to hurt people, we want to make nice accessible flavors of hot sauce.” [11:00] -Graham Connolly on Beer Sessions Radio “I cant explain how many people I’ve converted to good beer with Lagunitas Pilsner.” [08:00] –Anne Becerra on Beer Sessions Radio

Today on Beer Sessions Radio, we’re talking beer and chocolates. Host Jimmy Carbone interviews some top NY masters of beer and chocolate. Cicerone James Tai, Tess Rose of Astor Wines, Mike Descarfino of Barrier Brewing, Daniel Sklaar of Fine and Raw and Rich Castanga of Bridge & Tunnel talk to Jimmy about their views on various beer-chocolate combinations. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors

Today on a very special Beer Sessions, host Jimmy Carbone talks with famous wine and food critic of the New York Times, Eric Asimov. Join them as they discuss some fine examples of american lager, sent over by Union Beer Distributors “I have to say I love this beer. I think you should persuade the Yankees to bring it up to the big leagues” [8:30] —— Eric Asimov on Beer Sessions Radio

Tune in for a special off-site recording of Beer Sessions Radio as Jimmy Carbone and Justin Kennedy are at Threes Brewing joined by some of their team, a group of home brewers and VIP guest Rob Todd, founder of Allagash Brewing! Tune in for a lively conversation about home brew, yeast strains, brewing techniques and more! This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “Some of these newer brewers have become involved in the industry, politically – it’s great.” [30:00] –Rob Todd on Beer Sessions Radio

Tune in for a conversation on what happens when fine dining and beer combine on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Alex Pfaffenbach, NoMad Dining Room Manager, Augie Carton, owner Carton Brewing and John La Polla, owner Bitter & Esters. The group discusses what makes beer a great fit for high end dining and spotlight different beers and recipes that are relevant to the conversation! This program was brought to you by Union Beer. “With beer you can go super hardcore, super good quality and it won’t be $100, more like $10.” [09:00] –John LaPolla on Beer Sessions Radio

Join Jimmy Carbone for a special show at The Food & Enterprise Conference in Industry City in Brooklyn. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com

Celebrate New York malt on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by an all-star panel of guests including Chris Balla, Beverage Director of Mile End Deli, Adamo Fillipetti of Pioneer Malting, Andrea Stanley of Valley Malt and Chris Sheena of Gun Hill Brewing Co. Malt is the building block of beer, tune in for a lively discussion about brewing practices, malt variations and all things beer! This program was brought to you by Union Beer. “It’s the source of sugar that ultimately makes the beer happen.” [12:00] —Chris Sheena on Beer Sessions Radio

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a great show about beer and cheese on Beer Sessions Radio. Host Jimmy Carbone is joined by Lauren McDowell of Cheese Rank, Chris George of Cheese Journeys, Phoebe Connel of Lois, Alex Foschi of Im Fuchschen and Joel Shelton of Shelton Brothers Imports. They discuss the various ways to pair beer and cheese and why beer is superior to other beverages when joining forces with cheese! This program was brought toy ou by Union Beer Distributors. “It’s cheaper to buy a bottle of beer than a bottle of wine. If you find something that doesn’t work – you can always buy another one.” [18:00] “If you look for three cheeses that look dramatically different, you’ll get three dramatically different flavor profiles.” [20:00] –Chris George on Beer Sessions Radio

What does it mean to have clean beer? Find out this week on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by an awesome crew of guests including Sean Lynch of Clean Beer Project, Ben Samuel, author of Men’s Journal article about Bar Pet Peeves, Lindsey Ronchi, Bartender & Patrick Donagher of Fool’s Gold, The Jeffrey, Alewife, etc. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “When you don’t have a clean beer line [it can taste like] butter, popcorn — it just has a terrible stench.” [6:00] “We need more sites where they are talking about the quality of the beer…Making sure your lines are clean.” [12:00]

Tune in for a special episode of Beer Sessions Radio dedicated to food and beer pairings! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Julia Herz of The Brewers Association, Master Cicerone candidates James Tai and Brendan Woodcock and Jimmy Ludwig of the Happy Hour Guys. Listen as the crew discusses the science behind pairings, why every palate is different and why we’ve only reached the tip of the iceberg when it comes to beer and food pairings. This program was brought to you by Union Beer. “Pairing is personal, perception is personal.” [09:00] “I think beer cuisine will have it’s day – we’re not there yet.” [17:00] –Julia Herz on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy and the gang recorded a special off-site show in the Bronx for a celebration of NYC Beer Week ! Tune in and hear from The Bronx Brewery, Gun Hill Brewing, Bronx Beer Hall and Bronx Ale House.

Today’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio is a NYC Beer Week “Smash” beer preview! 10+ nyc breweries are making beers with all “State Malt And State Hops”, thus the smash name. Joining Jimmy on the show this week is Kyle Hurst of Big Alice Brewing, Chris Cuzme of Cuzett Libations, Marcus Burnett of Rockaway Brewing Company and John LaPolla of Bitter & Esters. This program was brought to you by Union Beer. “New York malts are hard to get as home brewers.” [07:00] “When you use honey in brewing, the better quality honey you use the better beer you’ll get.” [22:00] –John La Polla on Beer Sessions Radio “Wisconsin is a huge beer state. It wasn’t a huge craft beer state, but they’ve come a long way.” [24:00] –Kyle Hurst on Beer Sessions Radio

Tune in for a special episode of Beer Sessions Radio as Jimmy Carbone chats with a Finnish brewer about Lammin Sahti Oy! Finnish Sahti, along with Belgian Lambic, is one of the truly old and unusual or , better, one of the last original beer styles in the world. Dating back to the 1500s it is still mostly produced near Helsinki in traditional sahti brewing equipment like open wooden mash tuns and troughlike wooden lauter tuns {“kuurnas”} with a filter bed made of juniper twigs. The juniper acts as the main preservative and balanging agent. Only very little hops (if at all) is used to accentuate the aroma. Sahti is an all-malt beer (Pilsener or Pale malt, Crystal barley malt and dark rye malt). The Finnish Baker’s yeast employed in Sahti produces phenols and esters similar to those produced by the classic Bavarian wheat beer yeast.

Celebrate local New York beer on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Dave Brodrick of Blind Tiger and Worthy Burger/Kitchen in Vermont, Dan McLaughlin of Pony Bar/Kiabacca and Anthony Accardi, co-owner/brewer of Transmitter Brewing Co. Tune in as everybody revs up for NYC Beer Week and talks about the many advantages of local brews in the craft beer scene. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “I think Vermont pioneered the whole idea of beer tourism – people going to one state and one city for just the local beer.” [13:00] –Dave Brodrick on Beer Sessions Radio “Wine is delicious but when you want to quench your thirst you need beer!” [44:00] –Anthony Accardi on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, we’re gearing up for New York City Beer Week 2015 in February! Tune in and hear from Jimmy Ludwig of The Happy Hour Guys, Dietrich Gehring of Helderberg Hops Farm/Indian Ladder Farms, Dave Katleski of Empire Brewing, Anne Becerra of Anne Likes Beer, Linsey Ronchi of George Keeleys and Olivia Cerio of Empire Brewing! The crew chats about everything from collaborative beers to estate breweries and beer education. Tune in and get revved up for a celebration of beer in New York City! This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “I think every month should be dedicated to New York beer!” [19:00] –Dave Katleski on Beer Sessions Radio “Brewers barley has to be harvested at between 22% and 18% moisture, which means you can’t leave it in the field to dry.” [39:00] “You won’t encourage farmers to grow a high value crop unless they have somewhere to take it.” [41:00] –Dietrich Gehring on Beer Sessions Radio

Hear the story of B United on a special episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy Carbone is joined by one of his heros, Matthias Neidhart, who started B. United International in 1994 and focused on importing specialty beers to fill an unmet niche market. B. United’s portfolio includes some of the world’s classic beers, including offerings from George Gale, J.W. Lee’s, Brasserie d’Achouffe, and Brauerei Heller Trum. Aside from offering classic beers from Malta, Italy, Belgium, and beyond, B. United also imports a range of meads, ciders, and sakes. Jimmy’s also joined by Justin Philips of Beer Table Pantry, Michael Opalenski, B. United Rep and Zack Kinney, Homebrew Alley IX 2015. This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributors. “What I’m looking for [in a beer] is overall balance. It has got to be pleasing to me. I’m very open to things that taste … very unusual, that I might not have tasted before.” [13:00] –Matthias Neidhart on Beer Sessions Radio

Every good town has a good brewery and Brooklyn is no different! On a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone welcomes a few new breweries to the borough of Brooklyn. Hear from Marshall Thompson & Eric Feldman of Braven Brewing in Bushwick, Greg Doroski & Andrew Unterberg of Threes Brewing in Gowanus and Travis Kauffman of Folksbier Brewery in Carroll Gardens. They talk about their respective breweries, what it takes to open something new in Brooklyn and what they hope to accomplish in the future! This program was brought to you by Union Beer Distributing. “Easy drinking is the way to go for us. We like having a couple, hanging out and socializing with friends.” [26:00] –Eric Feldman on Beer Sessions Radio “We believe in this idea of residency – that people spend time in our world and inhabit it.” [32:00] –Andrew Unterberg on Beer Sessions Radio

On a special off-site recording of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is hanging out with beer legends Tod Mott and Horst Horst Dornbusch. Tod is a legendary New England-based brewer who created the Harpoon IPA amongst other iconic brews. He’s also the head brewer at Portsmouth Brewing and just opened Tributary Brewing in Kittery Maine. Horst is the co-author of the The Oxford Companion to Beer. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I was able to hone my skills on other people’s equipment – that’s basically what it comes down to!” 06:00 –Tod Mott on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone rings in the new year with a forward thinking episode of Beer Sessions Radio! He and the gang are talking beer apps and technology and how it will affect the industry in 2015. Jimmy is joined by Ed Berestecki of Mugs Alehouse, Augie Carton of Carton Brewing, Greg Avola, co-founder, CTO and lead developer at Untappd, Regan and Eric Stephens of BeerMenus and Mark Young of BeerBoard & BevManager. Tune in and get some great tips on how technology can be a perfect match for craft beer! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “What untapped is best at is what people are thinking while they’re drinking.” [05:00] –Augie Carton on Beer Sessions Radio “Technology to me is real tough as far as trying to keep everything updated.” [12:00] –Ed Berestecki on Beer Sessions Radio

Hear from the man who literally wrote the book on homebrewing on a very special episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Charlie Papazian is the author of The Complete Joy of Homebrewing, the founder of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and the Association of Brewers and the current president of the Brewers Association. The creator of the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, he is the founding publisher of the magazines Zymurgy (for homebrewers) and The New Brewer (for professional craftbrewers). Tune in as he tells his story and paints a picture of the world before home brewing and craft beers became popular. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “The expectation these days is that if you’re gonna make beer, you’re gonna make beer that’s as good as you can buy.” [18:30] “If you’ve been brewing as long as I have, it gets to a point where it seems nothing is new.” [21:30] “Moderation is a real key to enjoying beer for a long time.” [33:00] –Charlie Papazian on Beer Sessions Radio

What do spirits have to do with beer? Find out this week on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Nicole Austin of Kings Co. Distillery, Bianca Miraglia of Uncouth Vermouth, Steven Baird of The Owl Farm, Spirits Writer Brad Japhe, Daric Schlesselman of Van Brunt Stillhouse and Dave Brodrick of Blind Tiger. The gang discusses the use of hops in spirits, the art of beer distillates and what has changed for local distilleries in the past few years! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I’m particularly excited by some of the recent intersections between beers and spirits in New York state.” [09:00] “Using hops in the whiskey making process is not a new thing. Hops are a natural anti-bacterial. It’s a way of controlling wild yeast and bacteria that you don’t want.” [14:00] –Nicole Austin on Beer Sessions Radio “I’m obsessed with smoke lately – I’d lick a chimney if I could!” [34:00] –Brad Japhe on Beer Sessions Radio “It’s great that craft beer did its thing and now craft distilling is taking off.” [43:00] –Dave Brodrick on Beer Sessions Radio “Most of my job is plant composition and what does what and what to add when.” [45:00] –Brianca Miraglia on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s another jam-packed episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Host Jimmy Carbone is joined by Jessica García-Agulló of Iberian Beer United, Matt Hartman of Remarkable Liquids & Chris Balla, beverage director at Mile End Deli. The conversation touches on everything from distribution to pairings. Learn about the beer scene in Spain, how self distributing works, what pairs best with Mile End cuisine and more! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I’m really interested yeast and wild fermentation Saisons.” [22:00] –Chris Balla on Beer Sessions Radio “The world is a fusion place. We don’t have to pair Spanish beers with Spanish cured meats, they can pair with all sorts of things.” 25:00 –Jessica García-Agulló on Beer Sessions Radio “At Remarkable Liquids we don’t pigeonhole anybody. The beer scene in NYC over the past few years has been evolving quickly.” [42:00] –Matt Hartman on Beer Sessions Radio

Tune in to a special episode of Beer Sessions Radio recorded at the Spiegelau Showroom in NYC! Hear from Laura Bell and John Mallett of Bell’s Brewer, Matt Rutkowski of Spiegelau and Beer Experts James Tai, Brendan Woodcock & Justin Phillips. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com.

Take a trip to Rhode Island this week on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is yet again joined with an amazing room full of beer professionals. Hear from Chris O’Leary, Rhode Island Native and blogger behind Brew York New York, Zach Mack, Rhode Island Beer enthusiast and owner of ABC Beer Co, Niko Krommydas, beer writer and editor of Craft Beer New York app, Lamel Moore, Rhode Island based home brewer and Dammy Olsson of Food Proof Brewing. They all discuss the rising scene of craft beer in Rhode Island the general landscape of the small state! Later in the show, Sarah Annese and Giancarlo Annese stop by to promote the 2014 Holiday Book Market. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Rhode Island is having a booming impact right now. Fortunately a lot of politicians and lawmakers are realizing beer jobs are great manufacturing jobs that they can bring to the state.” [26:00] –Lamel Moore on Beer Sessions Radio “The fact that everybody knows each other once removed in Rhode Island is unique. It’s a small state.” [30:00] –Chris O’Leary on Beer Sessions Radio “We’re innately proud people the growth of this industry. Rhode Island will be supported by the people who live there.” [38:00] –Zach Mack on Beer Sessions Radio

Take a trip all the way to Westchester for this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is on location at Portchester Hall in Westchester. He’s Chatting with Jon Bloostein of Heartland Brewery, Joe Ciccidomini of Craftsman Ale House, Tim Reinke of Birdsall House and Chris and Joe Decicco of Decicco’s Supermarkets! This show is all about beer outside of NYC – learn about the bar scene, the breweries, the trends and the community as the group talks about everything from holiday beer sales to serving families beer. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com “The noble thing about being up here in Westchester is that it’s very different than Manhattan. Up here you’ll have three generations come in at the same time — all coming for a meal. That’s just not what we’re used to. [27:00] Joe Viccidomini on Beer Sessions Radio “We sell incredible amounts of beer during Christmas because people now buy beer as gifts. Its a new thing!” [45:00] –Jon Bloostein on Beer Sessions Radio

Tonights themes on Beer Sessions Radio are hops and Alaska??? Yep – that’s right! Hear from a hop farmer, an Alaskan brewer and an expert group of beverage professionals on another jam-packed episode of the world’s best beer show. Jimmy Carbone is joined by Amy Zavatto of Imbibe Magaine, Mark Zappasodi ofThe Malt Shed, Jason Bullen of 49th State Brewing Company, Cory Bonfiglio of Proletariat and Beer Street and Josh Richholt of The Well. Find out what it takes to grow great hops, what the brewery scene in Alaska is like, how to introduce beer to non-beer drinkers and what some of the trends in craft beer are right now! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “All brewers have access to the best ingredients in the world, so Mark has to make sure his product is pristine.” [08:00] –Jason Bullen on Beer Sessions Radio “I love to hear people say they don’t like beer. I always say ‘no you just haven’t had the right beer!” [15:00] –Mark Zappasodi on Beer Sessions Radio

Welcome to a bonus cider-themed episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is on location with Henry Chevallier Guild of Aspall, Eric West of Cider Guide, Anthony Bellevue-Flores of Rowan Imports and Alex Forbes of Artisanal Imports. Tune in for a candid, in-depth discussion on cider making styles, cider fruit availability, what makes cider drunk different than other drunks, and the future of cider making in America! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Cider drunk is different than other drunks – it’s a bright drunk. It gives yo ua fresh versty upbeat feel whereas sometimes you can feel heavier or weighted down – thi smakes you smarter and invincible and happier!” [11:30] “In the Untied States, it’s really hard to get cider fruit. There are a lot of producers in the US, but they’re struggling.” [18:45] –Alex Forbes on Beer Sessions Radio “Some of the most interesting ciders I’ve drunk over the past 18 months have come out of America.” [19:00] –Henry Chevallier Guild on Beer Sessions Radio

Take a trip to the UK and back to the Bronx on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! First – hear from some of the brewers involved in The International Rainbow Project 2014. This year’s project sees 7 UK breweries, each paired with a different European brewery, randomly assigned a colour of the rainbow and together challenged to create a beer inspired by that colour, whether it be abstract or not. Later, hear from the team behind Gunhill Brewing in the Bronx! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “It’s very important to be involved in the home brewing community.” [11:00] — Chris Sheehan on Beer Sessions Radio “We’ve had a long history with British breweries…we have a real love for British beers. They fly under the radar in the US.” [30:00] –BR Royla on Beer Sesssions Radio “I think imperial stouts in bourbon barrels are a no brainer. it turns the beer into a desert.” [39:00] –Rich Burhouse on Beer Sessions Radio

Hear about one of the breweries that put American craft beer on the map, Lagunitas, on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy Carbone is joined by Tony Magee, founder and CEO of the Lagunitas Brewing Company, Mark Sljukic of Lagunitas Jimmy Ludwig of Happy Hour Guys, Joe Carroll of Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau and St. Anselm and Tony Forder of Ale Street News. Learn about the origins of Lagunitas, the IPA explosion in domestic craft beer and the California beer scene in the 90’s! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “No other breweries make beer the way American craft brewers make beer. We invented some of the ways craft beers are made…the entire global beer industry is causally being handed over to another generation of brewers.” [10:00] –Tony Magee on Beer Sessions Radio

The Cider party continues! Tune in to another cider-themed episode of Beer Sessions Radio as Jimmy Carbone is joined by Chris Lehault, Serious Eats cider writer, Michael McAvena of Virtue Cider, Josh Bernstein, author/journalist & George Motz, founder of the Food Film Festival. This week’s cider chat is about the seriousness of the category. Do big brands help or hurt craft cider? What makes a cider “artisanal”? This is guaranteed to be one of the more interesting cider conversations out there right now! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com “Cider is such a small community, everybody is still excited about everybody else.” [03:00] –Chris Lehault on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s that time of year again! Tune into Beer Sessions Radio as it once again transforms into Cider Sessions Radio for Cider Week NYC 2014! There’s an incredible panel of guests in the studio tasting a bevy of different ciders – all made from the Kingston Black varietal. Tune in and hear from Steve Wood of Farnum Hill Cider, Rowan Jacobsen, author of Apples of Uncommon Character, Dan Wilson of Slyboro Cider, Gay Howard of United States of Cider, Sabine Hrechdakian & Sascha Anderson, Producers of Cider Week NYC and Kay Michaels, cheesemonger at Eataly. Go beyond the glass and learn about all that goes into producing one of the hottest beverages around these days! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Kingston black is one of the few apple varieties that by itself has all of the qualities that can make an interesting cider.” [30:00] –Dan Wilson on Beer Sessions Radio “If people start growing these varietals across the country, real regional differences will start to occur.” [34:00] –Steve Wood on Beer Sessions Radio “There’s a kind of double standard on the top wines vs the top ciders. hopefully that will even out over the years.” [35:00] Rowan Jacobsen on Beer Sessions Radio

What does it mean to drink fresh beer? Find out on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by an expert panel of guests to discuss freshness in craft beer. Hear from Dave Brodrick, author John Holl, writer Jake Davis and Sam Richardson of Other Half Brewing. They discuss sell-by dates, labeling on bottles, shelving trends and more! Tune in and get a better idea on the best time to enjoy your favorite craft beer. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “There are so many new breweries on the shelves piling up. It puts a lot of onus on the customers to pay attention to who’s doing it the right way and get to know where they buy their beer. There are so many brands and you just don’t know how long they’ve been sitting there.” [03:00] –Dave Brodrick on Beer Sessions Radio “If you flood a market, you’re going to have beers on shelves somewhere” [16:00] “The great thing about the explosion of craft beer in this country is more people have more access to more brewers.” [28:00] –Sam Richardson on Beer Sessions Radio “I try to drink fresh beer and avoid the stale stuff, just like milk or anything else.” [45:00] –John Holl on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone kicks off another episode of Beer Sessions Radio by talking Queens-based brewing, the Great American Beer Festival, and beer trademarks! Tony Forder from Ale Street News talks about the events of this year’s GABF. Basil Lee and Kevin Stafford from Queens’ Finback Brewery talk about their self-distribution model, and how their brewery’s name had to change due copyright law. Brendan Palfreyman, a trademark lawyer, joins the discussion to lend his advice to brewers having similiar problems to Basil and Kevin. Learn about Finback’s roots in homebrewing, and how farm brewery licensing has been benefiting brewers upstate. Has beer nomenclature gotten out of control? Find out on this week’s edition of Beer Sessions Radio! This program has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “What’s the most important piece of equipment that a brewery can have? …I’d say it’s the trademark because if something happens… people need to be able to recognize your beer on the tap.” [8:55] “In the craft beer world, if a brewer has a problem with another, they call each other. And that’s what I recommend.” [28:45] — Brendan Palfreyman on Beer Sessions Radio

We’ve got some great guests in the studio today on Beer Sessions Radio including friends from Victory, Evil Twin, and The NoMad! Tune in as Jimmy Carbone chats with Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing, Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso of Evil Twin Brewing & Luksus. Alex Pfaffenbach of The NoMad Restaurant and RJ Ober, Victory Sales Manager. Together they chat about everything beer styles to beer prices, examining the steps along the chain that make sure delicious beer is available to consumers everywhere! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “We want to show that you can go all the way with only beer and I think we feel that a little more today [after getting a Michelin Star].” [07:00] –Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso on Beer Sessions Radio “After the market correction of 2007 when we hit rock bottom and people were being turned away from their hop contracts — we corrected the marketplace so hop growers are now getting a fair price and putting in new vines.” [23:00] –Bill Covaleski on Beer Sessions Radio “Even within a collaboration you can almost taste from the yeast who’s brew house they used.” [32:00] –Alex Pfaffenbach on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s literally a packed house for Beer Sessions Radio this week, as Jimmy is joined by a room full of incredible beer professionals. Regular guest Jon Lundbom has brought Jef van der Steen of Brouwerij de Glazen Toren with him! Brouwerij de Glazen Toren. Jef is an authority in the brewing world – and shares tons of insight on Belgian beer. Also hear from Andreas Heidenreich of Paulaner NYC and Joe Najem and Kenny Leeper of Hops Hill. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “The number of Breweries in Belgian are growing pretty dramatically – we’re seeing the same thing happening there as is happening in New York.” [03:00] –Jon Lundbom on Beer Sessions Radio “I don’t try to invent new things – only the Belgian classics… but my way.” [21:00] –Jef van der Steen on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s another jam packed edition of Beer Sessions Radio! Tune in as Jimmy Carbone is joined by Patrick Rue of The Bruery, Ben Keene, author and editor of Beer Advocate Magazine, Ben Granger and Andy Laird Nunu Chocolate. Together they talk about everything from their love of off-track beers to their hate of pumpkin brews. They taste a few things on air, pair beers and chocolates and generally have a great time! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I am of the opinion that pumpkins beers are not about the beer, its about marketing it for the season and an ingredient that people understand. Even people who aren’t adventerous drinkers will buy a pumpkin beer.” [27:00] –Ben Keene on Beer Sessions Radio

Take a tour of Vermont beer on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is in studio with Dave Brodrick of Blind Tiger, Worthy Burger & Worthy Kitchen, Sean Lawson of Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Aaron Goldfarb, beer writer and author and Augie Carton of Carton Brewing. The crew reflects on Vermont’s prohibition past and current role as a craft beer trendsetting region. The guys taste some beer on air, share some favorite brew styles and discuss recent and upcoming beer events. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Whatever’s near you and fresh is always going to be better than those old bottles. It infuriates me if somebody has an old bottle and says its not good.” 43:00 –Aaron Goldfarb on Beer Sessions Radio

Welcome to Cider Sessions on Beer Sessions Radio!. Recorded on-site at Jimmy’s No 43 a few months ago, this episode features an in-depth discussion on cider and some on-air tastings. Tune in and learn all about cider and the process it takes to make it. Find out why all apples aren’t cider apples and why ugly banged up apples are sometimes the best for cider making. From the orchard to the glass – get the full scoop on all things cider. Hear from Eleanor Leger of Eden Ice Cider, John Holl, author of “Tasting Cider”, Kevin Heald, owner of Malt Shop and Dan Kochakian of Ale Street News. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com “If you’re a grower in the United States, the best value you can get for your fruit is to sell it to the grocery store. This is makes it tough for cider makers.” [04:00] –Eleanor Leger on Beer Sessions Radio “People who make cider are farmers. They’re not like brewers who are more like chefs. It’s the complete opposite. ” [06:00] “The cider industry is just starting to hit its stride.” [37:00] –John Holl on Beer Sessions Radio

Get a look behind the world of gyspy brewing with the guys from Secret Engine Brewing on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is hanging out with Ray Darmstadt of St. Gambrinus Beer Shoppe, Mike Mare of Secret Engine Brewing, Mike Voigt of Rocky Point Brewing and Sam Barbieri of Waterfront Ale House. The guys taste a few brews on air, discuss brewing techniques and trends in the industry. Younger people seem to be looking towards more summer beers with less hops and collaborative beers are on the rise! Tune in to another fun and awesome episode of Beer Sessions Radio!. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I brew the beer that I like to drink and if there’s extra, I sell it.” [08:00] –Mike Mare on Beer Sessions Radio “I really think cask ale should be pushed because it really is so good.” [15:00] –Ray Darmstadt on Beer Sessions Radio

Take a trip to the North Fork of Long Island with Jimmy Carbone this week on Beer Sessions Radio as he’s on location chatting with some of the best brewers in Long Island. Hear from the guys behind Greenport Brewing Company, Long Ireland Brewing and Moustache Brewing Co. Find out how the scene in Long Island has evolved over the years and what the brewery movement has meant for wineries in the area. From brewing technology to tastings notes – get an inside look at craft beer in an overlooked part of New York! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “When we first opened our doors there was a push back from some of the wineries. I think in the past couple of years the started realizing if they served beer alongside the wine you might capture more fans and some people might stay longer. We’ve had great success and built a lot of great relationships with wineries on the North Fork.” –Richard Vandenburgh on Beer Sessions Radio

What are the best IPA’s in New York? Find out on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by Mike Conklin, Brooklyn Magazine editor in chief of Brooklyn Magazine, Jeff O’Neil of Peekskill Brewery, Mike Philbrick of Port Jeff Brewery and Os Cruz & Gene Reda II of TalkBeer.Com. Find out how different online sites rate beers, how Brooklyn Magazine judged the IPA’s in their feature and most importantly — the results! Get an inside look at the New York craft beer scene and the beautiful IPA’s being produced in this region. How do ratings affect a beer’s success in the marketplace? What are some successful tasting techniques? Find out on Beer Sessions Radio!. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Photo: Brooklyn Magazine “A lot of people rush through beer tastings. They want to tick off beers like achievements in a video game. Once you’ve done that a few thousand times you forget what’s important about beer – which is sitting down and enjoying it over time.” [20:00] Gene Reda II on Beer Sessions Radio “As far as ratings go, I try to keep my staff away from rating sites.” [25:00] –Mike Philbrick on Beer Sessions Radio

The Shelton Brothers were an early powerhouse in the craft beer world. Focusing on imported Belgian, they were pushing boundaries before the current craft beer explosion we know today. On a historical episode of Beer Sessions Radio, hear the Shelton Brothers story from Joel Shelton himself, BR Rolya of Shelton Brothers Imports and Joe Carroll of Spuyten Duyvil – one of the first accounts Shelton Brothers sold to. Tune in and get a glimpse into the early days of the craft beer movement! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. The guys who are recreating Belgian beers now are bringing back the stuff they grew up with.” [06:00] “It’s not about taking notes – it’s about chugging as many pints as possible and enjoying your beer like a real man or woman.” [29:00] –Joel Shelton on Beer Sessions Radio “I never forget when we first opened guys were walking in with the Jackson guides and looking up beers they hadn’t tasted before and geeking out over it.” –Joe Carroll on Beer Sessions Radio

Grab a beer and enjoy another jam-packed episode of Beer Sessions Radio! This week – Jimmy and the crew are checking in on the Sierra Nevada Beer Camp! This summer, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is inviting every craft brewery in the country (count ‘em: more than 2,700) along for Beer Camp Across America, the largest collaboration the craft brewing world has ever seen. Beer Camp Across America is a multi-weekend path of beer festivals, a rolling tour that will cover 4,800 miles, celebrating the collaborative spirit of the craft brewing community with the fans that have buoyed its success. There’ll be seven stops—in cities with thriving craft beer cultures—moving geographically west to east, much like the craft movement has historically spread. Tune in and hear from some of the brewers involved as Jimmy tastes through the collection on-air! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “The market for [these collaborative beers] is anybody who’s adventurous as the brewers themselves – people looking for something off the beaten path.” [12:00] –Zach Mack on Beer Sessions Radio

Get ready for the Brooklyn vs Queens battle on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy is joined by a great crew of guests to discuss the rise of craft beer in the outer boroughs of New York City. Hear from Sam Richardson of Other Half, Rich Castanga of Bridge and Tunnel, Rachel Wharton of Edible Brooklyn, Alia Akkam of Edible Queens, Jon Lundbom of B United and Matthias Richter of Bayrischer Bahnof. Learn more about the new breweries popping up and some of the brewing trends happening in NYC right now. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “For Queens it’s been exciting because the number 1 reason people come out has been ethnic food and now people are broadening their reasons and a lot of that has to do with beer.” [03:00] –Alia Akkam on Beer Sessions Radio “I hope and expect that there are more breweries in Staten Island and the Bronx that pop up in the next few years.” [17:00] –Rachel Wharton on Beer Sessions Radio

Find out just how thriving the NYC Craft Beer Scene is on a jam-packed episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined by a bevy of beer guests including Andrew Gerson, chef at Brooklyn Brewery, Ken Tirado of Old Killmeyers Inn, Chris Sheehan of Gun Hill Brewery, Katherine Kyle of Blind Tiger, Simon Tepas and Andrew Said Thomas of Knights of Bruklyn Homebrewers and Marcus Burnett of Rockaway Brewing Co.. Tune in for a conversation on craft beer trends, home brewing and new breweries in NYC. Find out how the craft beer scene has evolved over the years and what’s going on in the beer community right now! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com “I couldn’t give pumpkin beer away 15 years ago, but now I sell out pumpkin beer!” [02:00] Ken Tirado on Beer Sessions Radio “Canning is a great way to keep beer fresh and distribute it locally.” [04:00] –Marcus Burnett on Beer Sessions Radio “Europe grows great malt but we make great barley too.” [25:00] –Andrew Gerson on Beer Sessions Radio

Take a trip to Long Island with the guys from Great South Bay Brewery on a brand new episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy is hanging with Phil Ebel and Mike Peterson of Great South Bay Brewery and they taste some beers on air, including Great South Bay: Niko Weisse – inspired by Niko Krommydas, talk about the brewing scene in Long Island and the philosophy behind some of their brews. Find out how they use things like cucumber and blood oranges in their beers and why it’s ultimately about the resulting quality of the beer – not just the ingredients. Also on the show — Ed Berestecki of Mugs Ale House and beer writer Niko Krommydas. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I think people are really trying to push the envelope with what they put in beer, but at the end of the day it still has to taste good.” [12:00] –Phil Ebel on Beer Sessions Radio “Every IPA my wife tastes she calls poison.” [29:00] –Ed Berestecki on Beer Sessions Radio

Beer Sessions Radioâ„¢ host Jimmy Cabone recently traveled to Oxford, CT, for a personal tour of B. United’s latest venture: a brewery called OEC (Ordinem Ecentrici Coctores). Joined by Jon Lundbom, B.United mastermind Matthias Neidhart, and OEC’s brewmaster Ben Neidhart, the Beer Sessions team samples some of the brewery’s best offerings, plus discusses the nearly-inevitable evolution of B. United from pure importer into craft brewery. Today’s special program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com.

Grab a beer and join the party on Beer Sessions Radio, as Jimmy Carbone is joined by Chris Prout and Erik Olsen, the guys behind Dirck the Norseman/Greenpoint Beer & Ale and AJ Bodden and Ray Payne of Coney Island On Tap Beer Festival. Find out how Dirck the Norseman/Greenpoint Beer & Ale got started and how the neighborhood of Greenpoint in Brooklyn has changed over the years and get a great preview of beers and activities that will take place at the Coney Island on Tap Beer Festival! Cheers! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “What we do – we do it well and we keep it about the beer and using a cool location. We’re really fired up about it.” [26:00] “New York state has a tremendous fraternity of brewers and beer professionals. There are more and more every day! It’s exciting – there’s room for everybody in craft beer. We see it as a privilege to be able to go out there and spread the word.” [29:00] –AJ Bodden on Beer Sessions Radio “Saisons and farmhouse beers are a loose category – so you get a lot of ABV ranges.” [32:00] –Chris Proust on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is talking hoppy Belgian beers with a bunch of guests! Dan Leeman and Shahan Stepanian join the program to talk about the influences on modern Belgian beers. Nathan Hukill from Bitter Old Fecker stops by to talk about his high gravity, rustic beers. How does barrel-aging change the characteristics of Nathan’s herbaceous beers? Later, famed New York bar owner Patrick Donagher pops in to discuss the opening of his newest beer bar, Fool’s Gold. Brendan Woodcock talks about his upcoming Cicerone test. Learn more about hops, their aromatic qualities, and how different stages of hopping alter bitterness. Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Music by Dead Stars. “I think there are two kinds of hoppy beers that are coming out of Belgium… there are the ones that are influenced by the American IPAs, but then, the Belgians are always about balance…” [12:00] — Dan Leeman on Beer Sessions Radio “The brewery is set up in a way that it could literally run without electricity.” [23:50] — Nathan Hukill on Beer Sessions Radio

Come sit at the most welcoming digital beer table in the world on Beer Sessions Radio! This week on the show, Jimmy Carbone is joined by a bevy of friends and industry pals – Dave Broderick of Blind Tiger in NYC & Worthy Kitchen/Burger in Vermont, Tomas Morana of Bar Volo in Toronto and Brandon Carter, Executive Chef of The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina. Get up to date on the craft beer scene across three unique places – Vemont, Toronto & South Carolina. It’s always a tour through new trends old tastes and awesome vibes on Beer Sessions Radio!. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “When I moved up to Vermont I wasn’t thinking of doing anything commercially. It took me 45 minutes to get a good beer so we decided to do something there.” [06:00] –Dave Broderick on Beer Sessions Radio “Finally Toronto is starting to feel the craft beer movement.” [12:00] –Tomas Morana on Beer Sessions Radio “Cook what you like to eat. If you’re not a fat kid – you probably can’t be a chef.” [36:00] –Brandon Carter on Beer Sessions Radio

Belgian beer and heritage meat – is there a better pairing for a Tuesday afternoon on radio? Tune into an especially fun episode of Beer Sessions Radio as host Jimmy Carbone is joined by Dominique Friart of Brasserie St. Feuillien, a brewery in Le Roeulx, Belgium, and Patrick Martins & Mike Edison, authors of The Carnivore’s Manifesto: Eating Well, Eating Responsibly, and Eating Meat. The book features fifty ways to be an enlightened carnivore, while taking better care of our planet and ourselves. The crew pairs meat with Belgian beers, discusses the true meaning of taste and drink a whole bunch of delicious Belgian beers on air. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com”

It’s always time for beer on Beer Sessions Radio! This week, host Jimmy Carbone is joined by Jason Perkins, Brewmaster at Allagash, Niko Krommydas, beer writer and Craft Beer New York editor, Juan Rodriguez & Sven Bosch of Naparbier and BR Royla of Shelton Brothers Imports. Tune in as they chat about everything from wild beer to international flavor. Find out what Juan and Sven are up to at Naparbier and how Shelton Brothers has been able to bring the beer to the US. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “If you’re following good sanitary practice you’ll be in really good shape [brewing wild beers].” [15:00] –Jason Perkins on Beer Sessions Radio “It can be hard to make the transition from wine to beer in a culture where wine has been dominating for so many years.” [36:00] –BR Royla on Beer Sessions Radio

What makes the blind IPA tasting so unique? Tune in to this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio and find out! Jimmy’s joined by a bevy of guests including Southern Craft Beer is alive and well – and tonight’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio proves it! Tune in and hear from a bevy of guests – including first place blind IPA tasting winner, brewmaster Mitch Steele of Stone Brewing. Other guests are Whitney Wright of Southern Living Magazine, Rich Blair of New Holland Brewing & Distillery, Michael Cafaro & Dru Nichols, IPA Blind Tasting Judges and Ally Centonze of Green Flash Brewing. Tune in for insights into blind tastings, southern craft beer and everything in between! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “One of the challenges [in blind tasting] is trying to identify the off flavors. I don’t think people fully appreciate how alive a beer is – it’s a live product made from agricultural products. It’s a very perishable item – these beers change a lot with time. If you can recognize the off-flavors – you can understand the mistake in the [brewing] process.” [07:00] –Dru Nichols on Beer Sessions Radio “Alabama is the fastest growing craft beer state in the country!” [13:00] –Whitney Wright on Beer Sessions Radio “The first steps in making great spirits is making great beer.” [40:00] –Rich Blair on Beer Sessions Radio

Get ready for some on-air beer drinking! It’s a packed house once again on Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy Carbone is joined by Patrick Morse of Flagship Brewery, Zach Mack of Alphabet City Beer Co, Natalie and Mart Mattrazzo of The Farmhouse Brewery and Tess Rose Lampert, wine and beer educator. Hear how Flagship Brewery, Staten Island’s first brewery since the 1960’s got its start, what goes into the malting process and what makes beer and wine not so dissimilar. From specialty brews to retail trends – get the latest and greatest in the world of craft beer on Beer Sessions Radio. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “It’s all about the marketing approach. If you don’t have enough barrels to meet demands, you have to take a non traditional approach to introduce your beer to the masses.” [10:00] –Zach Mack on Beer Sessions Radio “I love to make things available to the public. there’s a stigma around wine that it’s snoody or you need to know a lot about it to enjoy it – that’s just not true.” [16:00] — Tess Rose Lampert on Beer Sessions Radio

Not everybody can sell growlers. Who can and who can’t? Well – find out on another jam-packed episode of Beer Sessions Radio. The guys sippin’ kombucha, talking about distribution and government regulations and having a great time doing it. Today’s guets are Joe Callender, owner of Beyond Kombucha, Spiro Theofalatos, brewer of Beyond Kombucha, Michael Brooks, owner of Bed Vyne Brooklyn, Jimmy Ludwig of the Happy Hour Guys, Justin Clark of Cigar City Brewing and Father Bill Miller. That’s a lot of beer guys! Tune in and hang out with the crew on Beer Sessions Radio. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “Beer and kombucha are some of the best recovery drinks on the planet.” [36:00] –Jimmy Ludwig of Happy Hour Guys on Beer Sessions Radio “I love god and I love beer – sometimes in that order and sometimes not so much…I look forward to having a cold one with our lord.” [40:00] –Father Bill Miller on Beer Sessions Radio

There’s a healthy beer scene in Ohio – one that many New Yorkers might not be aware of. Take a trip to Lancaster this week on Beer Sessions Radio, as Jimmy Carbone and the gang are joined by Matthew Barbee of Rockmill Brewery in Ohio. Find out what the scene is like out there, hear about some of the interesting beers Rockmill is brewing and tune in as the guys talk about why beer and cheese pairings knock beer and wine out of the park. Also on the show — Josh Bernstein, Jimmy Ludwig and Mark Muecke. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “It’s been said beer and wine is like arm wrestling as wine and cheese is like holding hands.” [31:00] –Matthew Barbee of Rockmill Brewery on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s the New York Agriculture and Beer Show! Grains, hops, water – you name it – beer is full of agricultural products. This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy’s got a studio full of beer/ag professionals. Hear from Justin Riccobono of Dutchess Hops, Jennifer Grossman of the National Resources Defense Council, June Russell of GrowNYC/Greenmarket, Paul Leone of the New York State Brewers Association and Kelley Taylor of Kelso Brewing. Later in the show, Chris Schyer aka the “Liquid Lent Guy” calls into the show. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “We have an incredible governor and administration right now that totally gets it – if you support this industry, good things happen.” [05:00] –Paul Leone of NY State Brewers Association

Beer royalty is in the house this week on Beer Sessions Radio as Brooklyn Brewery founder Steve Hindy joins the program to chat about his new book, The Craft Beer Revolution: How a Band of Microbrewers Is Transforming the World’s Favorite Drink. Steve isn’t the only guest this week, Jimmy is joined by Tommy Ortega, owner of Sunswick 35/35, Dan Bronson, organizer of Queens Beer Week, Ben Sandler, co-owner, Queens kickshaw and Anthony Accardi, co-owner/brewer Transmitter Brewing Co., LIC. The theme of the week is craft beer in New York, specifically, Queens. We’re gearing up to celebrate Queens Beer Week, which is happening this Friday. Tune in and get some great beer insight from real pros. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “We started out peddling Brooklyn Lager door to door in 1988 and in retrospect, I cant believe anybody bought anything from us. We were selling at a rice right above Heineken we had no money for marketing, nobody had ever heard of the beer and we couldn’t give anybody credit – we wanted to be paid cash for something nobody ever heard of.” [10:00] –Steve Hindy on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions, Jimmy meets up with Justin Phillips from Beer Table, Eric Wallace, founder of Left Hand Brewing Company, Brett Joyce from Rogue Ales & Spirits, and Matthew Rutkowski of Spiegelau Glassware. Today’s guests discuss the importance of matching the perfect type of glass for your beer. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Today’s music provided by Brothers NYC. “I just think it’s really important to use good glassware and to be conscious of it.” [1:45] –Brett Joyce on Beer Sessions Radio “We had no idea that a stout would grow to become 1/2 of our total sales”. [5:00] –Eric Wallace on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy’s hanging out with the crew from Two Roads Brewing (Phil Markowski, John Kleinchester, Paul Sullivan, Brand Ambassador and Brad Hittle), Raphael Mettler of Brasserie Trois Dames and BR Royla from Shelton Brothers. There’s a lot to cover this week – everything from craft brewing, beer imports, brewery expansions and everything in between. Tune in for a great overview of domestic and international craft beer and the people making it happen in the brewery, on the ground and behind the scenes. This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “At Two Roads, we’d like to put our own stamp on everything.” [08:00] –Phil Markowski on Beer Sessions Radio “I feel more [like] a chef than a technical brewer.” [34:00] –Raphael Mettler on Beer Sessions Radio

Dive deep into beer history this week on a special episode of Beer Sessions Radio with Jimmy Carbone and friends. Jimmy’s joined by special guest Ron Pattinson, who writes the “Shut up about Barclay Perkins” blog and is the author of The Home Brewer’s Guide to Vintage Beer: Rediscovered Recipes for Classic Brews Dating from 1800 to 1965. Tune in and learn about the origins of beers like East India Porter and India Pale Ale and get some great historical anecdotes along the way. Also hear from Dan Paquette of Pretty Things and author Jon Holl. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “The name East India Porter pre-dates India Pale Ale. IPA wasn’t used until the 1820’s, whereas India Porter dates back to 1804. It’s a beer with a pretty long history – and probably fits in very well with modern tastes.” — Ron Pattinson on Beer Sessions Radio “If a beer was crappy in 1950 – it should be crappy today!” — Dan Paquette on Beer Ssssions Radio

Take a tour NYC Breweries on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy Carbone invites Basil Lee and Kevin Stafford, founders of Finback Brewery, David Naczycz, co-founder of Urban Oysters and chocolate expert Clay Gordon to chat about the bubbling brewery scene in NYC. Find out about awesome tours, beer and chocolate pairings and brewing trends. Hear about the battle between Queens and Brooklyn for top brewing borough and find out what trends are emerging locally in NYC. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “New York is a huge untapped market and what we’re seeing now with these breweries open is the realization of that untapped market. There are 8.5 million people living in the city of New York, a lot of them are beer drinkers.” [44:00] — Dave Naczycz on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy’s hanging out with the crew from Wild Beer Company and the ladies of Sweet Fire, a collaborative brew from Empire Brewing Company specially made for Beer Week. Tune in and catch some infectious energy from a room full of beer pros. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Photo: EmpireBrew.com “If I put on a beer before it’s ready, I’m going to hear about it…so there’s not much room for error at the Blind Tiger because you’re serving to people to know beer.” [13:50] –Katherine Kyle on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy invites authors Giancarlo and Sarah Annese in to discuss their new book Beer Lover’s New York. After the break, we hear from Chresten Sorensen from Bunker Brewing Co. in Portland, Maine, Luke and Walte Dickson from Wicked Weed Brewing, as well as beer journalist and author Josh Bernstein and author Niko Krommydas. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Today’s music provided by Hardbodies. “It’s always good to have a story behind what you’re drinking.” [41:30] Josh Bernstein on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s a packed house on Beer Sessions Radio this week as Jimmy and his crew preview the 2014 NYC Brewer’s Choice event. The marquee event of the annual NYC Beer Week (February 21-March 1, 2014), this year’s NYC Brewer’s Choice has an all NY State focus. Greenmarket’s Regional Grain Project and Valley Malt will provide locally grown and roasted malt that will be featured in many of the beers on offer. Hear from Jeff O’Neil of Peeksill Brewery, Dave Brodrick of Blind Tiger, Haley & Meredith aka The Beerded Ladies, June Russell of GrowNYC, Augie Carton of Carton Brewing, Tony Forder of Ale Street News , Andrea Staley of Valley Malt & more! Cheers! This program was brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “[Comparing brewing beer to cooking] Malts are your protein or your main, yeast is your regional stamp and your hops are your herbs” [26:00] –Augie Carton of Carton Brewing on Beer Sessions Radio “It’s amazing how many breweries have opened in New York State over the past few years.” [18:00] –Jimmy Carbone on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is discussing the state of beer in New York State! Jimmy is joined in the studio by the Beer Czar of New York, Sam Filler. Sam helps facilitate local beer production using regional grains and hops. Laurel Greyson of NYU and the Urban Farm Lab drops by to talk about her plans to open a local malting facility and distillery, and what that means for local drinkers. Davey Lopez of Gun Hill Brewery talks about his brewery, and how he started the first farm brewery in New York City. Later, Jimmy calls Pat Hooker, Deputy Secretary of New York State, to talk about the economic benefits of promoting local beer, wine, cider, and spirits. Paul Leone, the Executive Director of the New York State Brewer’s Association, joins the program to talk about the boom in Craft New York Beer Fests. Steve Miller calls in to talk about the proper way to grow hops in New York! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Music by Hardbodies. “Farmers have to feel comfortable growing these grains. A lot of these farmers are growing soybeans or corn, but we have to provide a market for them so they feel secure growing these products.” [8:45] — Sam Filler on Beer Sessions Radio

On the 200th episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Larry Bell, Paul Kermizian, Josh Bernstein, Jimmy Ludwig, and Matthew Lefkowitz. Larry tells us about how the word spread so much about his home brewery that his business exploded and led him to start Bell’s Brewery. Then they talk about expanding Bell’s and the process of introducing it to New York. Later, Paul Kermizian from Barcade tells us about making his documentary, American Beer, as well as his experience opening Barcade. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Today’s music provided by Four Lincolns. Image from Bells Beer “A lot of the explosion around the country is from nanobreweries.” [6:15] Larry Bell on Beer Sessions Radio “The upper peninsula is discovering beer in a way that we thought they never would.” [15:00] Jimmy Ludwig on Beer Sessions Radio

What is craft beer? Will contract brewing be the death of craft beer? This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy brings in Rich Buceta from Single Cut Brewery, Greg Dorowski from Greenport Harbor Brewing, Augie Carton from Carton Brewing, and producer Justin Kennedy to discuss these questions and more! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Today’s music provided by Idgy Dean. “This industry modeled itself under the word ‘craft’.” [5:45] “We don’t just buy beer off the shelf, it has meaning to us.” [7:35] Rich Buceta on Beer Sessions Radio “[In Astoria] we’re really seeing the influences that a brewery can have, and it’s all about community.” [37:30] Augie Carton on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy brings in David Rius and Ben Kruthanooch from Barcelona, as well as Augie Carton from Carton Brewing and Jon Lundbom from B United International. First we hear from David Rius from Art Cervesers. David tells us about his experience brewing beer in Spain, and his commitment to using local ingredients. Later on, we hear about the role that beer plays in Catalonian culture. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear everyone tell us what beer means to them! This program has been sponsored by Great Brewers.com. Thanks to Dead Stars. “There are many bigger breweries in the rest of spain, but all of the smaller, more interesting breweries are in Catalonia.” [29:20] David Rius on Beer Sessions Radio “The fundamental difference between beer and wine is that wine is agriculture and beer is cooking.” [10:30] Jon Lundbom on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone welcomes Matt Monahan and Sam Richardson from Other Half NYC, as well as Niko Krommydas to the studio. Sam and Mike tell us about how they got into craft beer and what led them to start Other Half Brewing Company. After the break, Brady Lowe calls in and tells us about the Cochon 555 tour, which is coming to NYC next Sunday, January 26th. Later on, the group discusses the classifications of a Cascadian Dark Ale and a Black IPA. Are they in fact different beers, or rather different names for the same thing? Tune in to find out! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “We like lots of hops. Hops are good.” [11:45] “I would rather run out of IPA than have old IPA around.” [42:30] Sam Richardson on Beer Sessions Radio “If I can walk from Clinton Hill where I live to Carrol Gardons to get a beer to support somebody that’s paying rent and working hard in that neighborhood to make it better, I’m gonna choose that. [41:30] Niko Krommydas on Beer Sessions Radio

We’ve got a full house tonight on Beer Sessions Radio. Host Jimmy Carbone brings in representatives from a number of breweries. Ben Keene, author of The Great Northeast Brewery Tour, draws us into his book as the gang reads a few passages. Tune in to find out which other beer aficionados have contributed some of their words to the book! Later on, Kelly Taylor describes the difficulties of moving a brewery to a new locations. Finally, Jimmy and his guests discuss the rise of using local ingredients. This program has been sponsored by Great Brewers. Music provided by Dead Stars. Image from Amazon “In the northeast there are probably 400 breweries or more.” [10:45] —Ben Keene on Beer Sessions Radio “In my opinion, most craft brewers are underfunded when they start.” [27:45] —Bob Fauteux on Beer Sessions Radio

Beer Sessions Radio is back in action for 2014 with Ben Wiley of Glorietta Baldy, Kelly Taylor of Kelso, and Jimmy Ludwig of the Happy Hour Guys! Jimmy Carbone chats with Kelly about his brewing roots on the West Coast, and how he learned to make beer with a few kettles and a heater! Hear about Ben’s past as a Japanese interpreter; how has the Japanese craft beer scene evolved since Ben’s time living in the country? Jimmy Ludwig talks about small breweries in Michigan and calls up Andy Langloy and Dave Manson of his favorite new Michigan brewery, Black Rocks Brewing Co.! Hear about their quick progress in the Michigan market, and the secret hop in their 51K IPA! Tune in to hear more about homebrewing and local Brooklyn hops! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Music by Dead Stars. “Nuance is incredibly important in beer. I think that’s the direction the industry is headed… You need to focus on the core. It’s needs to be flavorful and sessionable. ” [15:20] — Kelly Taylor on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy invites a big crew of craft beer legends into the studio in anticipation of the Union Beer portfolio tasting! Dick Cantwell of Elysian Brewing Co. in Seattle stops by the studio to talk about beer writing, pumpkin ales, and experimental hop varieties. Find out why Dick believes that beer is all about balance, even when using odd or uncommon ingredients. Irene Firmat and Jamie Emmerson of Full Sail in Hood River, Oregon join the program to talk about their dedication to local ingredients and water efficiency. Hear about Full Sail’s twenty years in the craft beer game, and how the industry has evolved since their start. Dave Brodrick and Bobby Gagnon of legendary NYC craft beer bars The Blind Tiger and The Gate talk about the beers they served in the mid-90s, and what the shift towards American craft beer meant to their draft lines in those days. Ray Darmstadt of St. Gambrinus Beer Shoppe shares his experiences from opening his beer store in the heart of Brooklyn. Finally, hear from Union Beer’s Tim Stendahl! What beers are getting Tim excited for the Union Beer portfolio tasting? Find out on this week’s edition of Beer Sessions Radio! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Music by Hardbodies. “Every decision is a branding decision… people think that one or two beers are going to sell themselves. These days, there’s a new brewery popping up everyday… there’s a limited attention span.” [14:25] — Dick Cantwell on Beer Sessions Radio “I think for many of us who started craft beer in the 1980s… it was about quality of life more than anything.” [24:00] — Irene Firmat on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone brings in a few brewers from across the Atlantic to defend British breweries. Representatives from Wandering Star Brewery, Samuel Smith Brewing, and Sixpoint gather to discuss the specific qualities of certain British beers as well as British beer culture. This program has been sponsored by Great Brewers. Music provided by Pamela Royal. “The UK is the only place where cask beer wasn’t extinct.” [13:00] —Alex Hall on Beer Sessions Radio “Beer is a long term relationship, it’s not a one night stand.” [26:30] —Chris Post on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone brings in guests Kelly Taylor, James Tai, & Michael J Malone to discuss the beer scene in various parts of New York City. Kelly then describes for us the process in which beer gets canned. Jimmy then brings up holiday beers, and the group discusses their opinions on Christmas beers. This program has been sponsored by Great Brewers. Music provided by Dead Stars. “It’s supposed to taste like a beer, it’s not supposed to taste like punch.” [30:00] — Kelly Taylor on Beer Sessions Radio The brewer has a certain level of intention that he or she has when putting out a product, and as a curator of a beer program, you really want to express that to its fullest and maintain some sense of integrity” [44:30] — James Tai on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is talking beer and food pairings with Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso of Torst & Luksus, and Sarah Monroe, Beer Director at Eleven Madison Park! Tune into this episode to hear how the beer pairing program is run at Greenpoint’s Luksus. Find out how Sarah’s food studies at NYU inspires her work at Eleven Madison Park. Why does Sarah think that beer certification programs need to include more information about brewing science and service? Hear Jimmy, Jeppe, and Sarah talk about beer’s place in fine dining. Later, Luke and Walt Dickinson from Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina join the program. Hear about the new brewery, and their ambitious brewing start. This program has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Music by Dead Stars. “If you’re really into something, you can learn it. If you put a lot of time and energy into it, that will get you a long way.” [12:35] “The beer has to look like the meat that you’re eating. If the meat is dark, have a dark beer, and if it’s light, try a light beer.” [21:00] — Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso on Beer Sessions Radio “Many people like to think, ‘What can the beer do for the food?’ But I like to say, ‘What can the food do for the beer?'” [22:45] — Sarah Monroe on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbone brings in some beer experts from Germany to talk about a number of breweries in Germany, and subsequently the world. They explore the differences between traditional German beer and the ever-changing world of American craft beer. Then, Jenn Litz from Girls Pint out gives us some analytics regarding how much of beer sold in American supermarkets is considered craft. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Music provided by Four Lincolns. “It says on all the bottles ‘Enjoyment for Body and Soul,’ which is what this is really all about.” [5:25] — Lars Dalhaus on Beer Sessions Radio “We brew the beer that we want to drink. We’re a small brewery, so we have the luxury of doing that.” [38:35] — Nikki Cavanugh on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s Bree O’Connor’s last episode as Beer Sessions Radio’s producer! This week, Jimmy Carbone, Ed Berestecki, and Bree reminisce and talk about their favorite episodes of Beer Sessions Radio. What guests were their favorites, and what beers really impressed them in the studio? Later, Steve Wood talks about his childhood in the apple orchard, and how he came to start Farnum Hill Ciders. Why does Steve prefer still to sparkling ciders? Find out what differentiates industrial cider production from the techniques and methods used by Farnum Hill Ciders. Find out how Steve uses tannic apples to produce elegant cider! Tune into this program to hear Steve diagnose the problems with Ed’s apple trees, and listen to Steve talk about pruning practices and his distaste for pesticides. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Music has been provided by Dead Stars. “I love the product even more after I meet the person, because after I meet the person, I understand the product. You understand why that guy made that beer.” [3:50] — Bree O’Connor on Beer Sessions Radio “I didn’t know that cider was going to be our business; I was just fooling around!” [22:10] — Steve Wood on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is talking beer writing on this week’s edition of Beer Sessions Radio! This week, Jimmy’s sidekick is Jimmy Ludwig from The Happy Hour Guys; tune in to hear about some of The Happy Hour Guys’ recent travels, and some of Jimmy’s favorite food and beer pairings. Tony Forder of the Ale Street News stops by to talk about his recent European beer tour. John Holl drops by to talk about his new book, The American Craft Beer Cookbook, and the recipes he’s collected from some of the country’s best beer bars and restaurants. Why are so many people introduced to the craft beer movement through food? Later, Wendy Littlefield calls in to talk about the upcoming Coast to Coast Toast, and how the nationwide event hopes to promote craft beer and quality food. Tune in to hear Anne Likes Beer talk about the growth of craft beer, and why it needs to stay authentic. This program has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Music has been provided by Pamela Royal. “Talking with people about how beer can mimic food can help draw them out of their shells.” [8:50] “It’s fun to find commonalities in beers that would go well with food!” [13:15] — John Holl on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is talking big and small craft breweries. Dan Kopman and Stephen Hale of Schlafly stop by the show to talk about their start in St. Louis, and how they were able to compete with the local giant- Anheuser-Busch. What did the sale of Anheuser-Busch mean for the city of St. Louis and Schlafly? Ben Granger stops by to talk about the Schlafly tasting at Bierkraft tonight, and how craft beer in New York City has changed since Bierkraft’s birth twelve years ago. Ed Berestecki of Mugs Ale House joins Beer Sessions Radio to share a vintage Schlafly Imperial Stout from 2008! Tune in to learn about aging beers, and why dating bottle-conditioned beers can be so controversial. Find out how the cast feels about vintage beers and the perception of oxidation in beer. Augie Carton of Carton Brewing stops by to talk about beer collecting, and why vintage collectors can learn a thing or two from wine geeks. Cask evangelist Alex Hall drops by to talk about the Cask Marque accreditation program! You don’t want to miss this week’s edition of Beer Sessions Radio! Thanks to GreatBrewers.com for sponsoring today’s program. Music has been provided by Hardbodies. “We set out to be a great small brewer, serve our local market, and make all of the great European styles that Anheuser-Busch didn’t make. They only made light American lagers… We just hoped to find people who wanted something different.” [5:15] — Dan Kopman on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, host Jimmy Carbon is in the studio with a full house of beer enthusiasts to talk cider! Today’s guests include Sean McCain of Bronx Brewery, Sam Smith of Samuel Smith Brewery, Ben Sandler of QUeens Kickshaw, John and Begonia of Rowan Imports, and David Spies of Angry Orchard. Tune-in to learn more about different ways to produce cider, what to look for when trying cider, and which cider breweries to look out for during the continuing Cider Week New York. How does cider making differ from traditional brewing methods? How has cider’s popularity changed recently in today’s food and drink industry? This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com “It’s all about having the best, natural ingredients – no adjuncts, chemicals, nothing like that.” [46:31] — Begonia on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s a full house today in the studio on Beer Sessions Radio! We have a diverse group of beer enthusiasts in the studio today, including Ken Fisherman (owner at The Guilty Goose), Mike Lovullo (Beer Distributors/GreatBrewers), Chris O’ Leary (editor at Brew York), and Jessica Agullo and Johnny Brilliant (Iberian Beer United). Later, Brian Strumpke of Stillwater Ales, joins the group via phone to talk about his latest beers, the current trends in the beer industry today, and even tells us a hilarious story about a run-in with the police when hanging out with Johnny Brilliant. Finally, Chris O’ Leary talks about his time at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO, and tells us more about his local favorites that received awards in their categories. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com “The VSK program allows us to bring in one-offs – unusual and extreme. We’ve been able to bring in one of my favorite beers, the Guinea Pig.” [13:45] —Johnny Brilliant on Beer Sessions Radio “There’s a lot of coffee beer on the floor this year. A lot of breweries are exploring coffee-milds – another direction in more sessionable beer.” [39:20] — Chris O’ Leary on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beers Sessions Radio, Jimmy is talking beer bars and shops with Ed Berestecki, Lea Rumbolo, Zach Mack, and the Beerded Ladies: Haley Karl and Meredith Heil. Ed is about to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Mugs Alehouse; find out why Ed keeps legacy beers on tap at all times. Lea Rumbolo is the brewer at The Ship Inn brewpub in Millford, New Jersey. Learn about Lea’s brewing style, and why she focuses on English styles at The Ship Inn. Why is Ringwood yeast so difficult to use for brewing? Zach Mack talks about his move from the wine industry to the beer business, and hear why he finds bottle shops important to beer culture. Later, the Beerded Ladies talk about their foray into event-hosting, and why they banded together in their beer writing adventures. You don’t want to miss this week’s installment of Beer Sessions Radio; tune in! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Music has been provided by Dead Stars. “Bottle shops are the answer to the wine store, but they’re even better because you can enjoy a pint there.” [28:00] — Meredith Heil on Beer Sessions Radio “If you go outside the temperature limits for the Ringwood yeast, you start to get off-flavors.” [43:00] — Lea Rumbolo on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined by guest co-host Ed Berestecki of Mugs Alehouse to talk about the evolution of beer bars in New York City. Heather McReynolds, brewer at Sixpoint Craft Ales, joins Jimmy and Ed to talk about her beginnings in beer, and why women are getting involved with the craft beer scene. What’s it like being a woman brewer in a male-dominated field? Later, Brandon Chamberlin and Matthew Ricke of The Exley in Williamsburg talk about opening a bar, and where they stand a year later. Hear Ed talk with Brandon and Matthew about the difficulties with opening a bar, and why so many bar owners have second jobs during their first few years. Heather shares a bunch of Sixpoint brews, and Ed digs into the vault and brings several vintage beers into the HRN studios! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Music has been provided by Sleepies. “You can learn how to make beer, but you get really good at it when you learn the science behind. There’s a lot of science and math that most people don’t ever think about.” [5:15] — Heather McReynolds on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is talking local brews on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio! Frequent co-host Dave Brodrick makes the trip from Vermont to talk beer and talk about his new restaurant, Worthy Kitchen. Tommy Keegan of Keegan Ales is in the studio talking about his roots in brewing, and how he came to run a brewery in Kingston, NY. Hear about the explosion of food businesses in the Hudson Valley, and why consistency is of utmost importance in Keegan Ales recipes. Chase Healey of Prairie Artisan Ales calls in to talk about the Oklahoma craft beer scene. Are Oklahoma residents thirsty for creative saison beers? Find out how Chase has been able to distribute his beer widely. John Rubbo, Nick Califano, and Sharif Taleb from Yonkers Brewing stop by to talk about their focus on lagers, contract brewing, and their beginnings in winemaking. Don’t miss this week’s edition of Beer Sessions Radio! Today’s show has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Idgy Dean for today’s music. “The whole Hudson Valley food industry is growing. It’s not just about the restaurants, but the whole farm-to-table movement. It’s taking a big hold in the area.” [7:50] — Tommy Keegan on Beer Sessions Radio “Look at how many successful breweries started as contracts. Look at Brooklyn Brewery!” [39:00] — John Rubbo on Beer Sessions Radio

We’re celebrating America and heritage breweries on this week’s edition of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Sam Barbieri, owner of Waterfront Ale House. Sam brings some vintage beers on the show to taste, and talks about the upcoming beer festival on Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn. James Watt and Martin Dickie of Brew Dog stop by to talk about the Scottish beer scene, their love of American craft brews, and how their beers challenge people in the U.K. to rethink beer. Will Gordon stops by to promote the classic Massachusetts lager, and Don Russell (better known as Joe Sixpack) calls in to talk about classic American breweries who have defined beer in the U.S.A. for centuries. You don’t want to miss this episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Music provided by The Hollows. “We got a lot of inspiration from America, and a lot of inspiration the sour Belgian beers. The only way we could drink the beer that we liked was to make it ourselves.” [7:15] — Martin Dickie on Beer Sessions Radio “We’re talking about history here, and these heritage breweries are what laid the groundwork for the beer we’re drinking today.” [19:10] — Don Russell on Beer Sessions Radio

We’ve got breweries big and small, and old and new on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone welcomes the small-batch Long Island City brewers from Big Alice Brewing to join the Czech masters from Pilsner Urquell. Meet Robbie Crafton, Kyle Hurst, and Scott Berger of Big Alice Brewing; find out why they have brewed fifty-three different beers this year, and how they are constantly inspired by drinking myriads of unique beers. Pilsner Urquell’s Václav Berka and Zee Bartos bring Master Bartender Frantisek Stastka to talk about traditional pouring techniques and quality control. Ben Sandler from The Queens Kickshaw drops by to support his fellow Queens brewers, and Thad Fisco from Portland Kettleworks joins to show to talk about supplying brewing equipment to small breweries in the Pacific Northwest! Is there a future for the neighborhood brewery? Find out all of this and more on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Today’s show has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Music has been provided by Dead Stars. “It’s not just about pouring- it’s also about washing every glass is washed by hand so that it’s suited for the beer.” [8:35] — Václav Berka on Beer Sessions Radio “Our beer is constantly evolving depending on the produce of the season or the available spices from around the world.” [11:45] — Robbie Crafton on Beer Sessions Radio “We brew like we drink… Even if my favorite beer is on a beer list, I’ll skip it to try something new.” [20:45] — Kyle Hurst on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is wrapping up the summer with author Joshua M. Bernstein, writer and Beer Sessions intern Justin Kennedy, and winemaker Raphael Lyon! Tune into this episode to hear the gang recap some of their favorite brewery visits this season. Hear about Joshua’s new book, The Complete Beer Course, and how the book aims to delve deeper into the craft beer world than his previous. Raphael shares some of his esoteric Enlightenment Wines, and speaks to the idea of innovation within meads and wines. What are some of the drinkable styles that the crew hopes to see in craft beer’s future? Find out all of this and more on this week’s edition of Beer Sessions Radio! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Today’s music has been provided by The Hollows. “People are realizing that they can make a really solid business if they can just serve their local community… I tend to think of these local breweries as local sports team, and everyone wants to support their own craft breweries.” [11:00] “A pilsner or a lager is not going to be as good as it warms up on a ninety-degree day in North Carolina.” [13:15] — Joshua M. Bernstein on Beer Sessions Radio “I love the CSA model. My customers trust me; if I’m going to make something, they’re going to drink it” [27:15] — Raphael Lyon on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is back at Belgium Comes to Cooperstown at the Ommegang Brewery. On this week’s episode, Jimmy gets serious about local beer. Jimmy talks with Simon Thorpe, Larry Bennett, and the brewers from Peekskill and Ommegang – Jeff O’Neill and Phil Leinhart, respectively- about water quality, hops, grains, and more. Tune in to hear Jimmy, Jeff, Phil, and others discuss the threat of hydrofracking to New York State craft beer. Learn about the resurgence of hop-growing in New York State, and how so many brewers can implement regional grains. What yeast strains do Ommegang use, and how can homebrewers replicate Ommegang beers? Tune into this episode to learn how soil affects hop aroma, how the same hop varieties differ depending on location, and so much more! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Today’s music has been brought to you by Pamela Royal. “Water is the most important ingredient in beer. Beer is water!” [3:50] — Phil Leinhart on Beer Sessions Radio “We’re not like California; we have all the water that we need right here, but a tiny bit of nasty chemicals can contaminate an enormous amount of water. It’s a huge problem.” [6:30] — Larry Bennett on Beer Sessions Radio

Tune in to this week’s Beer Sessions Radio to hear the first set of Jimmy Carbone’s recordings from the annual Belgium Comes to Cooperstown presented by Ommegang Brewery! Hear from Ommegang’s Simon Thorpe and Phil Leinhart; hear about the brewery’s Game of Thrones beers, and the resurgence of hop growers in Upstate New York. Find out what small breweries and brewpubs made it up to the festival! Later, Bill Herlicka of New Hampshire’s White Birch Brewing Company talks about his hop and yeast selections and the growing craft beer scene in New Hampshire. Tune in to hear more from beer all-stars like Jonathan Moxley, Mike Lovullo, Tommy Ortega, John Langley, and the Radiant Pig team! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Today’s music has been provided by Pamela Royal. “If we can pioneer varietals that are resistant to downy mildew, we can get indigenous hops back Upstate.” [9:50] — Simon Thorpe on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy & the gang are back from Belgium Comes to Cooperstown and joined in studio to talk local grains with Maia Raposo, spokesperson for Brooklyn Brewery, June Russell, Manager of Farm Inspections and Strategic Development for Greenmarket/GrowNYC and Andrea Stanley from Valley Malt. Tune in and learn about the collaborative effort between Brooklyn Brewery and Greenmarket – the “Brooklyn Greenmarket Wheat” a beer brewed from 70% New York State-grown wheat and barley. Drinking this lovely beer helps reinvigorate the state’s grain industry and benefit GrowNYC’s mission to support family farms, farmers markets, gardens, recycling and education. June Russell elaborates on the state of local grains and how the Greenmarket is pushing their bakers to use local flour. Get an update on the state of grains in New York State and the creative ways in which they are being used. Andrea Stanley chats about some of the interesting things happening at Valley Malt. Find out why Rye is in such high demand these days and how grains are being used in new and innovative ways in the food and beverage communities. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “We don’t make a lot of special beers at Brooklyn Brewery – so we have to believe int he mission of the beer and what it’s all about. We’ve been supporters of the Greenmarket both as individuals and a company for a long time. For a beer like this the big issue is dealing with the yields of the grain and wondering how the grains will work with our system.” [09:00] –Maia Raposo, spokesperson for Brooklyn Brewery on Beer Sessions Radio “Greenmarket bakers are using on average, 50% local flour in their baked goods.” [24:00] –June Russell on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone brings Sloop Brewing to Brooklyn for their debut Kings County pour! Tune into this episode of Beer Sessions Radio to hear Jimmy talk with Adam Watson and Justin Taylor of Sloop to talk about their start as microbrewers in Poughkeepsie, NY. Find out how their brews made Sloop the stars of the farmer’s market! Joe Callender, also known as the Craft Beer Coach, stops by to talk about his interviews with craft brewers and his new beer tasting app. Ben Wiley and Steven Baird of The Owl Farm come by to give a bar owner’s perspective. Hear the cast give their craft beer advice to a couple looking to curate the beer selection at their wedding. What local brews should make the beer list? Learn more about the history of the Berliner Weisse style on this week’s installment of Beer Sessions Radio! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music. “We see these people as rock stars of craft beer, but they have these struggles outside of the world just like everybody else.” [12:20] — Joe Callender on Beer Sessions Radio

We’re wrapping up July Good Beer Month on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone invites a bunch of beer and bar guests into the studio, including restauranteur and bar owner Joe Carroll. Hear about Spuyten Duyvil’s upcoming Midsummer Sour event featuring several awesome sours! Betsy Andrews from Saveur stops by the show to share some of her favorite beers, including some kolschs and the Almanac red ale. IPA master Jeff O’Neill of Peekskill Brewery joins the crew to talk about his move from Ithaca to Peekskill, and some of the IPA trends he’s seeing on the market. Sean McCain of the Bronx Brewery is in the house proclaiming his love for pale ales. Hilary Krishnan talks about her involvement with The Barman’s Fund, an organization that allows bartenders to donate a day’s worth of tips to worthy local causes. Today’s show has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Four Lincolns for today’s music. “The Hudson Valley is always one step behind the city, but we’re making good headway. There are two very different approaches with Peekskill and Captain Lawrence, but we’re doing a good job educating people about beer in Westchester and points north.” [37:00] — Jeff O’Neill on Beer Session Radio

Jimmy Carbone is exploring all sorts of beer possibilities on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Did you know that Pilsner Urquell pours beer out of the back of a van? Tune into this episode to hear from Pilsner Urquell’s Bryan L. Panzica. Bryan explains how different pouring techniques can alter the flavor of a pilsner. Cara Tallon from Tavern 29 is whipping up some beer cocktails with Tony Pontius and Heather Rush from Pine Box Rock Shop! Ken Tirado from Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn joins Jimmy from Staten Island to talk about beer history in Staten Island. Learn more about Czech culture, pouring techniques, and why all of today’s guests work in the beer industry. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music. “How a beer is drafted matters to how a beer tastes.” [14:00] — Bryan L. Panzica on Beer Sessions Radio “New Yorkers love doing weird and strange things…The premise of mixing a shot and a beer is such an innate thing to me and so normal to me…it’s such a New York thing”. [29:05] — Cara Tallon on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is revisiting craft beer history and ushering in new good beers on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy is joined by two bar owners, James Langstine of Bronx Ale House and Chris Genua of The Double Windsor, to talk about the revolving draft lists and the consumer demand for new beers and flavors. Joe Grimm and Lauren Carter Grimm of Grimm Artisanal Ales. Find out about their nomadic brewing style, and why they choose not to brew a flagship beer. Tom Acitelli, author of The Audacity of Hops, drops by to talk about the history of craft in America. Tom also pops a twenty-eight year old New Amsterdam beer for Wynkoop’s Beer Drinker of the Year, Warren Monteiro. Tune into this episode to hear about some of the awesome upcoming July Good Beer Month events! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Music has been provided by Pamela Royal. “There’s a huge demand at the Bronx Ale House for what’s new… They want to try a new style or a new ingredient that they have never considered in beer before. There’s a huge market for that.” [18:20] — James Langstine on Beer Sessions Radio “As the consumer becomes more educated, there’s more room for growth and experimentation.” [19:20] — Lauren Carter Grimm on Beer Sessions Radio

How to define craft beer? Are casks viable in the United States beer market? This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone has packed the studio with craft beer all-starts to answer these questions and more! Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery stops by to talk about the importance of knowing your brewer and keeping up with cask systems. Dave Brodrick comes down from Vermont and discusses casks at Blind Tiger. Hugh Sisson from Heavy Seas in Baltimore, Maryland to talk about caskerators, and the rising popularity of cask beers. Jeff and Heather from The Pine Box Rock Shop are debuting their cask system that they got from Hugh at the bar tonight! How do cask systems in the States differ from those across the pond? July is Good Beer Month! Tune in to hear Garrett Oliver read Mayor Bloomberg’s Good Beer Month proclamation! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to The Raunch Hands for today’s music! “If you look what the macros are doing, they’re making a beer that offends the least amount of people. When you’re making craft beer, it’s not necessarily for everybody.” [7:30] — Hugh Sisson on Beer Sessions Radio “Cask beer is very easy to do- it’s actually pretty simple- but it does take some work. People aren’t necessarily willing to do that work.” [12:00] — Garrett Oliver on Beer Sessions Radio “I don’t think you can have a genuine beer bar without a cask.” [20:15] — Heather Rush on Beer Sessions Radio

Green Flash Brewing Company joins Jimmy Carbone at Jimmy’s No. 43 for a beer and food tasting extravaganza! Tune into this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio to hear Jimmy talk with brewer Chuck Silva about the different seasonal offerings from Green Flash. Dave Adams, Manager at Green Flash’s Tasting Room, talks about the connection between West Coast styles and San Diego cuisine. What foods go well with Green Flash brews? Tune into this episode to learn about the events at the Green Flash Tasting Room, and the reasons for their beer and food pairings. Tune in to hear Dave Adams lead an expert beer crash course! Learn how Green Flash and St. Feuillien came to collaborate on a beer! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music. “West Coast-style beers go well with food… they lend themselves to the types of food we have in San Diego – Mexican food, spicy food. But we have such a variety of styles that we can pair with any type of food.” [5:35] — Dave Adams on Beer Sessions Radio

We’ve got brewers from the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Germany on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Meet Jan Skala from Kout na Sumave, Lionel Van De Haegen from Brasserie de Silly, and Alexander Reiss of Kloster Andechs, and Sebastian Sauer of Freigeist. Hear how these brewers are continuing hundred-year-old traditions, and updating them with their unique eye for quality and passion. Hear why all of these European brewers convened in Portland, Maine for the Shelton Brothers’ event, “The Festival”. Tune in to hear from Jen Schwertman before she moves to San Diego; what beer destinations did she recently visit in New England? Tune into this episode to find out more about these dedicated European brewers, and famous historical beers from their respective locations! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Four Lincolns for today’s break music. “We wanted to brew the beer we want. We aren’t just trying to sell it, we’re brewing it for taste.” [35:20] — Sebastian Sauer on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone’s talking summer beer festivals on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! The Happy Hour Guys, Jimmy Ludwig and Squigs, are back in the studio talking about their upcoming beer tour of Michigan. Find out what breweries and bars The Happy Hour guys plan to visit! BR Rolya comes by to talk about Portland, Maine’s The Festival, presented by 12 Percent Imports and the Shelton Brothers. Tim Lynch drops by to talk about his ten favorite bars and restaurants in Portland, Maine! Later, Bill Herlicka of White Birch Brewing calls in to talk about the history of his brewery and the upcoming Southern New Hampshire Brewers Festival. Brazilian homebrewer and beer sommelier Pedro Paolo Alipezzi comes by to talk about the burgeoning Brazilian craft beer scene. Tune into this episode to learn what beers to drink during the upcoming hot summer days, and how to get tickets to all of the great summer beer festivals! This program has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music. “Now you’re finding bocks that are ranging from a deep amber color to a light blonde… The double bocks are of course darker.” [44:35] — BR Rolya on Beer Sessions Radio

From Italy to Chico, CA, we’re talking great craft beer on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone welcomes back Dave Brodrick, and calls filmmaker John R. Richards of Beer Hunter the Movie to talk about what made beer writer Michael Jackson so special. Find out where you can see the film in New York City! Jan Apanich and Jerry Clum of Sierra Nevada are in the studio talking about their brand’s role in the craft beer movement, and how their East Coast expansion will affect their carbon footprint. Hear from food writer, historian, and sommelier Katie Parla about the unique craft beers being produced in Italy. Jon Lundbom of B. United talks about the cost of importing Italian brews, and how Italian beer history allows for creativity. You don’t want to miss this episode; tune into Beer Sessions Radio! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Dead Stars for today’s music. “He was more about people, history, geography, and music than about beer. But he had an amazing palate, and no one could describe the flavors in beer better than Michael Jackson… He was a journalist; he really captured the stories of people.” [9:10] — John R. Richards on Beer Sessions Radio “People are realizing that the number of flavor profiles of beer pair with food so well.” [12:00] — Jerry Clum on Beer Sessions Radio “These Piedmont-based brewers are doing a lot of beers with fruit, and to great effect.” [22:25] — Katie Parla on Beer Sessions Radio

We’re celebrating beer writer Michael Jackson and the American beer scene on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by guest co-host Jen Schwertman, and honored specialty beer rep Mike Lovullo. Tune in to hear how Michael Jackson defined beer styles, and how contemporary American craft brewers have built upon those definitions. The cast tries some hoppy sessionable beers via White Birch. Hear from Lanny Hoff of Artisanal imports; what beers does Lanny bring into the country? Hear what beer cities Lanny visits regularly, and why Cleveland is pioneering American beer culture. Later, hear the cast talk about some of their favorite German beers! Tune into this episode to hear about the beer festivals you should attend this summer! This program has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to The California Honeydrops for today’s music. “For us to be successful selling high-end beer, we must remember that we can’t leave out any beer drinkers.” [20:15] — Lanny Hoff on Beer Sessions Radio

This week’s jam-packed episode of Beer Sessions Radio joins us with Josh Bernstein and Jen Schwertman, and together along with Jimmy Carbone they talk about the latest in the craft beer scene. Josh talks about his latest app, Craft Beer New York, designed to introduce the community to the latest craft beer bars, breweries, and shops in New York City. Chris Wilson of Weyberbacher Brewing Co. also calls in to talk about his latest brews such as the Belgian Style Double IPA, and the history behind getting into the beer brewing industry from a science background. Excited about the upcoming Philly Beer Week, Chris talks about various brews that he hopes to unveil soon. Lastly, Adam Dyle of Eater SF talks about Savor NYC, an upcoming craft beer and food experience coming June 14-15th to the Altman Building and MET Pavilion in Manhattan, NY featuring great craft beer and food pairings. Tune in to get your weekly dose of the craft beer community! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Dead Stars for today’s break music. “We took inspiration from a shoefly pie, to mimic that we took molasses, and we put in a good bit of oats to create that crusty flavor” [19:02] —Chris Wilson on Beer Sessions Radio “Listen to everyone’s story of how they got there and they’re all different, but the common thread is that they are in love with the process, and they realize that this [beer brewing] is what’s motivating me.” [24:05] —Jen Schwertman on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s Mead Week in New York City, and Jimmy Carbone is celebrating the occasion on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy is joined in the studio by Michael Fairbrother and Berniece Van Der Berg of Moonlight Meadery. Tune in to hear Michael and Bernice talk about their love affair with mead, and how Michael changed his life to focus on Moonlight Meadery’s fruition. Raphael Lyon joins Jimmy to talk about Enlightenment Wines, and what constitutes a mead in the eyes of the government. Chris Cuzme of HRN’s Fuhmentaboudit! and 508 Gastrobrewery stops by to promote the newly-dubbed NYC Mead Week! Learn some mead-making history, and how mead in the past used to have psychotropic qualities. How has the modern food landscape prepared the way for mead? Learn more about bee populations, and how their decline affects local economies. Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com, and thanks to Four Lincolns for today’s music. “If you look at the history of New York State and what it produces, a lot of it is apples and honey.” [3:50] “It’s not about if it’s good necessarily, but whether or not it’s interesting.” [38:10] — Raphael Lyon on Beer Sessions Radio “We’ve taken an ancient beverage and refined it.” [11:00] — Berniece Van Der Berg on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is representing the Hudson Valley on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy invites Chris Basso and Paul Halayko of Newburgh Brewing Co. into the studio to share some of their new brews. Tune in to hear Chris talk about his past work at Brooklyn Brewery under Garrett Oliver, and why he believes that the farm-to-table movement should encompass both food and beverages. Kevin Garry of the Epicurean Restaurant Group is in the house talking about his time at Gramercy Tavern, and how he assembled the vintage beer list at that NYC institution. How has beer evolved in restaurants since Kevin began in the industry? Ed Berestecki of Mugs Alehouse joins Jimmy again to talk about the draft system at Mugs, and the importance of storing kegs at proper temperatures. Hear about some of Newburgh’s wild beers, and why they try to keep their brews sessionable. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to Pamela Royal for her tracks, “Quit’n Time” & “Favorite Flower”. “I think it would be ingenuous to spout, ‘Drink local!’ and then have a Sysco truck pull up to the taproom.” [25:50] — Chris Basso on Beer Sessions Radio “Eight to ten years ago, people weren’t eager for vintage beers, so it was a lot easier to get them.” [39:00] — Kevin Garry on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone has an international crew in the studio for this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jon Lundbom brings some of his favorite brewers on to the show to talk about importing with B. United. Paolo Fontana of Birra Baladin is in the studio sharing some of his Italian beers, and talking about his love for New York City. Michael Brogaard is talking about mead in Denmark, and why Dansk Mjod differs from so many other mead companies in the field of brewing technology. Later, Greg Engert and Megan Parisi call in to talk about importing laws in Washington D.C. and their upcoming brewery, Bluejacket. Listen in to hear the crew taste some beers from Simon Webster and Rob Lovatt’s Thornbridge Brewery in the United Kingdom. Michael Brooks and Bryan Lindner from Bed-Vyne Brews come into the studio to talk about starting a beer retail outlet in the Bed Stuy neighborhood in Brooklyn! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Thanks to The Hollows for today’s music. “The bar for bringing a beer into the market into the States is getting very high.” [6:50] — Jon Lundbom on Beer Sessions Radio “You have a lot of technology for making beer, and you can use it to make good beer. But for mead, there is nothing. We are developing that technology for ourselves.” [8:45] — Michael Brogaard on Beer Sessions Radio

Cask ales and beer and cheese pairings are today’s topics on Beer Session Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by cask expert Alex Hall of Wandering Star and Anne Likes Beer. Kevin Heald of Malt & Mold brings by some bold beers and cheeses for the cast to taste. Tune into this episode to hear Alex explain the best way to serve and preserve cask ales. Steve Wildy, beverage director for Vetri Family Restaurants, calls in to talk about Philly Beer Week and his Italian beer bar, Alla Spina. What beer and cheese pairing was revolutionary for Steve’s palate? Later, Anne talks about the importance of connecting the flavors of a beer to its hometown and history. Learn about Alex’s upcoming Glastonwick cask ale festival! Find out what breweries Alex will be featuring, and how cask IPAs fared in last year’s installment. Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com, and thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music. “You have to drink cask ale at cellar temperature for the best effect. So fill up your growler, and drink it the same night.” [7:00] — Alex Hall on Beer Sessions Radio “The ‘intense’ on ‘intense’ food pairing has a lot of risks. But iff it works out, it can be great.” [26:15] — Steve Wildy on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is keeping it local on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio. June Russell of GrowNYC is in the studio talking about Greenmarket’s ‘Regional Grains’ program, and how she promotes the products from local farmers for brewing. Jennifer Grossman of the Natural Resources Defense Council is talking about New York State’s water supply, and how protecting and securing clean water ensures quality beer in the future. Kelly Taylor, brewer at Kelso, joins the crew to talk about brewing with local malt! What kinds of grains does Kelly use from locals like Valley Malt? How do regional malting facilities create jobs and promote sustainability? What types of grains are suitable for the Northeast climate? Later, Kate Stamps from Ommegang calls in to talk about the Hop Chef competition, which involves celebrity chefs cooking with Ommegang beers. Also, hear from Michael Kinstlick of Coppersea Distilling about his upcoming line of spirits that uses local grain! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com, and thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music. “The number one ingredient in beer is water. New York State is blessed with the largest source of unfiltered, natural water in the world.” [9:20] — Jennifer Grossman on Beer Sessions Radio

We’re celebrating Texas on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio with Shiner Beer and hot sauce! Jimmy Carbone invites Eric Webber from Shiner Beer into the studio to talk about Shiner’s expansion to the New York City market. Learn about Shiner’s storied history in Texas, and how Austin embraced the beer and promoted its small-town ethic. Learn about some of Shiner’s flagship beers, as well as some of their newer craft offerings. Lina Kulchinsky from Sigmund’s Pretzels joins Jimmy and Eric to share her new sourdough recipe! Jimmy breaks out the hot sauce for the second segment; learn about the upcoming New York City Hot Sauce Expo, and what sauces will be featured at the event. Marc Stroobrandt of The Belgian Beer Café calls in to offer some beer and food pairing suggestions. What is the job of a beer sommelier? Later, Jared Stutts calls in to talk about the funding for his documentary about the history of San Francisco beer, Brewers by the Bay. You don’t want to miss out on this week’s installment of Beer Sessions Radio! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com, and thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music! “You can hear a little bit of German spoken in each of our beers.” [10:45] — Eric Webber on Beer Sessions Radio “The proper glassware has an affect on the aroma and taste of the beer.” [24:00] — Marc Stroobrandt on Beer Sessions Radio

The topic of the day: English cider and perry! This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Tom Oliver of Oliver’s Perry & Cider House. Learn about Tom’s family history in the cider, perry, and winemaking business, as well as some common misconceptions about cider and perry in the United States. BR Royla and Joel Shelton of Shelton Brothers Importing are in the studio to explain why they import Tom’s product, and how they hope that cider gains a wider audience in this country. Tony Forder of Ale Street News plays the flute and talks about his upcoming European beer tour, while Clint Carter of Men’s Health Magazine talks about the nutritional benefits of a good brew. Listen in to learn more about some awesome, rare Belgian beers, as well as signature characteristics of wild yeast! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com, and thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s musical selections. “At this time, I see cider with the brightest future it’s ever had because it’s not just the die-hard cider drinkers who are enthusiastic, but the younger drinkers are showing interest.” [3:30] “Wild yeast are so interesting, and I admire every beer-maker who dabbles in that world.” [27:30] — Tom Oliver on Beer Sessions Radio

Beer Sessions Radio recaps the Craft Brewer’s Conference and talks Atlanta brews on this week’s episode! Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Dave Brodrick of Blind Tiger, and beer journalist of Crusin’ for a Brewsin’, Ale Sharpton, from Atlanta, Georgia. Tune in to hear Jimmy, Dave, and Ale chat about some of their favorite beers and bars in Washington, D.C. at the Craft Brewer’s Conference. Learn about the Atlanta beer scene, and why Atlanta residents can expect more growler stations soon. Later, Jimmy calls up Chuck Silva: brewer at Green Flash Brewing Company. Jimmy, Dave, and Ale taste and comment on Green Flash’s Friendship Brew. Hear Chuck talk about Green Flash’s upcoming expansion to Virginia Beach! To wrap up the show, Ale shares some of his favorite beers from Atlanta. Eric Johnson of Wild Heaven Craft Beers calls in to talk about his Southern brewing processes and the Georgia craft beer scene! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com, and thanks to Pamela Royal for today’s music! “I love being the ambassador for Atlanta, but when I’m out of town, it’s good to feel the love of different cities.” [34:10] — Ale Sharpton on Beer Sessions Radio “There’s something of an art to brewing a sweet beer that has a balanced flavor.” [40:05] — Eric Johnson on Beer Sessions Radio

Heavy Seas Beer and Peekskill Brewery are the stars of today’s Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is live at Jimmy’s No. 43 with Hugh Sisson and Ken Zuckerman of Heavy Seas Beer in Baltimore, Maryland. Tune in to hear how Hugh got involved in the bar business after theater school. Hugh talks about beer and food pairings, and why Heavy Seas focuses on beers that go well with food. Hugh also talks about his love for cask conditioning, and how he learned to drink cask ales in London. Learn about Hugh’s “caskerator”, and how it keeps cask beer drinkable for up to ten days! Later, Jimmy talks with Jeff O’Neill of Peekskill Brewery at New York City Beer Week’s Brewer’s Choice. Tune in to hear Jimmy, Jeff, and Tim Stendahl (Union Beer) talk about some of the best beer events at New York City Beer Week! Learn why Jeff started brewing sour beers, and how Peekskill uses a coolship to make extremely clean beers! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Too many IPAs are focused on the bitterness. If an IPA doesn’t want to you have another beer, than it’s not a good proposition.” [3:20] “Cask beer is the finest possible expression of draft beer.” [10:25] — Hugh Sisson on Beer Sessions Radio

Learn how to make mead on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by 2nd place Beer Drinker of the Year, Jen Schwertman! Also in the studio are Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of Evil Twin Brewing, and Roger Repohl, beekeeper and mead homebrewer. Is mead wine? Or is it beer? Listen in to hear how Roger got involved in beekeeping, and how legal beekeeping has changed New York City. Michael Fairbrother of Moonlight Meadery calls in and talks about sweetness and dryness in mead, and why he has to source honey from all over the country to make mead in New Hampshire. How does season affect the flavor of honey? Hear about Michael’s experience judging Homebrew Alley VII, Jeppe shares some strong Evil Twin brews, talks about the popularity of mead in Denmark, and talks about complex draft systems. Learn about the legality of homebrewing in Mississippi! This episode has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “I do small-batch harvesting of honey. During the honey season, I’ll harvest it as it’s ready. It’s sort of like ’boutique’ honey.” [41:00] — Roger Repohl on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s the Queens Craft Beer Show on Beer Sessions Radio! Tune in as Jimmy is joined by an awesome crew of Queens beer people including Gloria Dawson of Time Out New York, Rich Castagna of Bridge and Tunnel Brewery, Ben Sandler and Jennifer Lim of Queens Kickshaw, Juan Cruz of Sunswick 35/35 and Gus Anton of Inwood Local. Tune in and get an inside look at the beer scene in Queens and some of the interesting bars and breweries in the area. Find out about some awesome publications to check out for Queens beer spots and listen as the crew tastes some great beers and kombucha made in Queens! This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com “I never bought more than two kegs of anything except Rich’s beer (Bridge and Tunnel Brewery)!” [11:00] “Astoria is awesome – there’s so many great things happening these days” [22:00] –Ben Sandler of Queens Kickshaw on Beer Sessions Radio

NYC Beer week is over and we’re here for a whole new show with guests James Tai, Ben Granger from Beirkraft, Avanish Vellanki of Independence Brewing Company and a pre-recorded interview with Norman Sinclair of Orkney Brewery. Tune in for everything from pork and beer pairings to anecdotes about beer in India. Discover how Independence Brewing Company is working hard to change the way beer is enjoyed in India and acting as a true advocate for craft beer worldwide. Later in the show, learn about the work Norman Sinclair is doing with Orkney Brewery in Scotland. This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com “The drinking culture [in India] is not one where people casually sit down to savor a beer. If you’re drinking a beer, you’re gonna pound it down. The strong beer category has taken off in India for that reason. We’re trying to […] show people that craft beer and the varieties that go along with it are so tremendous, complex and varied that they deserve to be savored like any gourmet food.” [22:00] –Avanish Vallenki of Independence Brewing Company on Beer Sessions Radio

New York City Beer Week is finally here! This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by several guests to talk about the brew celebration. Ed Berestecki from Mug’s Ale House is talking about some of the upcoming events at his bar, including “Split Thy Skull”- a celebration of strong beers. Dave Brodrick from Blind Tiger is featuring New York beers on tap and in bottles all week long! Founding Director of New York City Beer Week, Josh Schaffner, is talking about his inspiration for the festivity, and the future of beer in New York. James Tai talks about his new brewery in India, and the gang tastes some awesome beers from Lagunitas and Sierra Nevada! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Other brewers are looking at the States, and they want to be where we are. That’s the goal.” [8:00] “What most interesting to me is seeing the breweries in the States that are taking from the breweries overseas that originally were learning from over here.” [28:15] — Josh Schaffner on Beer Sessions Radio

We’re anticipating New York City Beer Week on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Jonathan White of Bobolink Farm & Dairy to talk cheesemaking, and cows’ affinity for beer. Shane Welch and Jeff Gorlechen of Sixpoint Craft Ales stop by to talk about some of their new beers, fermentation, and the upcoming Beer for Beasts event. Learn about New York hop growers and hop history with John Condzella of Condzella Farms. Why did John decide to grow hops in New York state? Carolin Pincus of Stag’s Head bar in Midtown talks about some of the bar’s upcoming events for New York City Beer Week. Later, Augie Carton and Jesse Ferguson from Carton Brewing stop by with some beers and talk about the growing beer scene in New York and New Jersey. You don’t want to miss this one; tune your Internet browser to Beer Sessions Radio! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. “The new frontier of fermentation. Aspergillus is a type of mold that you use to make miso- it’s pretty much koji.” [12:30] — Shane Welch on Beer Sessions Radio

New York City has a strong homebrewing scene! This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is chatting with John Kleinchester of Beertography, as well as Jason Sahler and Kyler Serfass of the new Kings County Brewer’s Collective. Tune in to hear the crew talk about Homebrew Alley VII, and find out who took awards home from the homebrewing competition. Why did Jason and Kyler decide to go the professional brewing route, and how much more room is there in New York City for new breweries? Later, Rick Lyke, founder of Pints 4 Prostates calls in to talk about connecting about prostate cancer over beer. Later, Jimmy revisits the devastation of Hurricane Sandy on the beer community with surprise caller Gene Muller of Flying Fish. Learn why Gene keeps Flying Fish’s beers local, and hear about their benefit beer, “Forever Unloved Sandy”. Thanks to Beer Session Radio’s sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. “There’s tons of people in New York City, and more and more of them are wanting to drink craft beer.” [6:15] — Kyler Serfass on Beer Sessions Radio “Beer’s heavy, and it costs a lot of money to ship it. It puts out a lot of CO2… we want to keep it as local as we can.” [42:30] — Gene Muller on Beer Sessions Radio

What goes together better than good food and good beer? This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by some of the gang over at Blind Tiger: Jen Schwertman and Tommy Harder. Tommy is the chef at the iconic NYC craft beer bar, and he’s in the studio talking about beer and food pairings. Find out where to use beer in your home cooking in place of wine! Tommy also offers some culinary suggestions about beer styles and their flavor profiles. How do they heighten the taste of food? Rodger Davis calls in to chat about opening his brewery for Faction Brewing in California. Hear how Rodger connected with Captain Lawrence’s Scott Vacaro, and learn about the legal difficulties that come with opening a new brewery. Tune in to hear the gang talk about the beer scene out in California; why are so many restaurants in California turning into multi-tap bars? Find out on this episode of Beer Sessions Radio! This program has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Ommegang is kind of crazy because they will add other flavors during the brewing process- coriander seeds, spices, etc.” [46:00] — Tommy Harder on Beer Sessions Radio

We’ve got local New York City beer bars and breweries this week on Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Ryan Barker of Adobe Blues, who talks about the beers on tap at his bar in Staten Island, and the recent beer dinner for The Coast to Coast Toast! Heather and Jeffrey Rush from The Pine Box Rock Shop are in the house to talk about the beer crowd in Bushwick, and why they decided to open in the neighborhood. Brian Dwyer and Rich Buceta from Singlecut Beersmiths are also joining the crew! Hear Brian talk about his days repping Sierra Nevada, and listen to Rich talk about his brew history. How does a homebrewer go about opening a brewery in Queens? Sean McCain is representing the Boogie Down Bronx and the Bronx Brewery by sharing the Bronx Black Pale Ale! We’ve got all five boroughs on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio; tune in! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “We think that lagers are one of the last frontiers of craft beer… Lagers have been neglected by craft beer because of the association with macro beers.” [5:05] — Rich Buceta on Beer Sessions Radio

From Spain to Maine, from cider to beer, Jimmy Carbone’s covering it all on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Joined by Jen Schwertman of Blind Tiger, Jimmy’s chatting it up with John and Anthony Belliveau-Flores of Rowan Imports. Learn about Northern Spain’s cider culture, and why sour and lambic lovers will appreciate cider from Northern Spain. Jason Perkins calls in from Allagash to talk about some upcoming brews, and Joe and Dennis Fisher share some tips from the second edition of their book, Brewing Made Easy. Later, Jessica Garcia Agullo and John Collins from Iberian Beer United share some special Spanish beers, and Spain’s fascination with blonde beers. Learn about Spanish beer and cider blends! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “You don’t have anywhere to hid in a pilsner-style beer. It’s a much trickier proposition to brew a pilsner/lager than a big stout.” [21:40] — Dennis Fisher on Beer Sessions Radio “Spain is the place to watch because they don’t have any brewing tradition to reference.” [33:50] — Jessica Garcia Agullo on Beer Sessions Radio

Curious about the craft beer scene in Middle East? This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Mazen Hajjar, the brewer behind Lebanon’s 961 Beer. Hear what the typical Lebanese beer enthusiast drinks, and learn why Mazen decided to grow 961 Beer and distribute internationally. Jimmy is also talking with a wide variety of Long Island Brewers. Mike Philporick of Port Jeff, Greg Martin of Long Ireland, and Curt Potter of Blue Point Brewing Company are in the house talking about a Long Island collaboration beer, Surge Protector IPA. Surge Protector is a benefit beer for victims of Hurricane Sandy on Long Island, and for Barrier Brewing based in New York. Wendy Littlefield from Vanberg & DeWulf calls in to talk about New York’s Coast to Coast Toast! Craig Flymark also calls in to talk about Barrier’s brews post-Hurricane Sandy. The studio’s packed on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio; tune in! This program has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Sometimes we get to the point where we try to push the IBUs and do all this crazy stuff, but we forget the basics. If we don’t make drinkable beers, we’re failing the consumer.” [35:00] “The more beers out there, good beers- the more converts we will get.” [42:00] — Mazen Hajjar on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by a bunch of great beer guests for 2013’s first installment of Beer Sessions Radio! Ryan Barker of Adobe Blues is in the house talking about the beers at Adobe Blues. Ben Granger from Bierkraft and Josh Bernstein of Craft Beer New York are cracking some beers in the studio and chatting it up! Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso, Brewer of Evil Twin, talks about gypsy brewing, the American craft beer market, and aging beer. Alex McDonald of Eagle Earth Brewing and A & G Homebrewing Supplies calls in to talk about gruits and bittering herbs, and some of the beers that he’s been making up in New Hampshire. What are some of the weirdest ingredients that have been put into beers? Tune in to hear what hops sell the best at Alex’s homebrew shop, A & G Homebrewing Supplies. Josh Bernstein talks about his new beer app through Craft Beer New York! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Gypsy brewing give you the freedom to do one-off batches, and if it doesn’t turn out well or doesn’t sell, we don’t have to do it again.” [4:00] — Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso on Beer Sessions Radio “We do a spin on historical brews, and find different herbs that we can brew with.” [19:30] — Alex McDonald on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone sits down with Tony Magee, the founder of Lagunitas Brewing Company, and Mark Slujkic, the New York Marketing Manager for Lagunitas. Tony talks about how he founded Lagunitas at a low point in his life- with his marriage on the rocks and his job down the tubes. Hear how Tony’s musical background influences the way he runs his brand. Tony, Mark, and Jimmy also discuss Lagunitas’ labels, and why they had to alter some of their famous seasonal beers. Tune in for discussions about canning, and why craft beer should be viewed as a local product more often. This episode has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “When you get a thing going, if it’s authentic, people see that reflection in it and gravitate towards it. You become a little black hole for people who have interesting points of view… you’re not looking for hired guns.” [12:50] “A brand is a twenty-year-long symphony. There are themes, there are restatements of the themes, there are developments, there are introductions of new themes. You might bring back the old theme in a new key, a different meter… that’s a brand, and we just tell the story long and slow over time.” [14:10] — Tony Magee on Beer Sessions Radio

Welcome to another beer-soaked installment of Beer Sessions Radio! This week, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Leonardo DiVicecenzo and Luciana Squadrill from Italian craft brewery Birra Del Borgo. Tune in to hear Jimmy and the studio crew taste one of Birra Del Borgo’s brews, the Re Ale. Chris Shonberger and Ross Scarano from Complex.com and First We Feast chime in about their favorite beers from all of the fifty states. Later, Jimmy calls up Patrick Rue and Tyler King from The Bruery to talk about their roots in Orange County, California, and to hear them weigh in on the Italian beer scene. Hear more from Tony Forder of Ale Street News and Chris Saxman of Private Tap. It’s a packed house this week on Beer Sessions Radio, so make sure to listen in! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “The goal with the ‘United States of Beer’ was to see what the beer heritage of each individual state was all about.” [7:20] — Chris Shonberger on Beer Sessions Radio “Terracotta is usually used for wine. It’s an ancient vessel, but it gives a great character for beer.” [22:00] — Leonardo DiVecenzo on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone, Jen Schwertman, and Chris O’Leary are talking about contract brewing with a studio full of guests! Jeremy Cowan joins from Shmaltz to talk about his thirteen years of contract brewing experience, as well as some upcoming Hurricane Sandy relief events. Greg Doroski joins from Greenport Harbor to share his opinion on contract brewing as a brewer. What is the difference between contract and gypsy brewing? Dann Paquette calls in to talk about his experiences with gypsy brewing, and how it was the only viable option for him to brew beer. John Liegey also calls up Jimmy and the crew to talk about Greenport Harbor’s expansion, and what it means in terms of expanding their beer portfolio. Jimmy wraps up the show by surveying everyone’s favorite weekend beers! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Sometimes, the more widely known beer out of the brewery is the gypsy beer and not the main beer that comes out of the brewery.” [31:45] — Chris O’Leary on Beer Sessions Radio “In the 90s, there were a lot opportunities for contract brewing on the East Coast, but a lot of those breweries either got bought or sold for scrap.” [32:30] — Jeremy Cowan on Beer Sessions Radio “I’ve never had to prove that I was the brewer because I was always in there making beer- even though I didn’t own [the brewery].” [39:10] — Dann Paquette on Beer Sessions Radio

This week’s Beer Sessions Radio is live from Jimmy Carbone’s bar, Jimmy’s No. 43! Guests on today’s show include the authors of The World Atlas of Beer, Tim Webb and Stephen Beaumont, and Chimay ambassador, Luc “Bobo” Van Mechelen. Tune in to hear about Bobo’s storied history in the beer world, and why Chimay has been so successful in the United States. Tim and Stephen discuss their reverence for famed beer writer, Michael Jackson, and how their book was influenced by his writings. Bobo and Tim talk about lambics, and what beers can be officially labeled with the title. Hear the gang’s opinions on Italian beers, and listen in to hear about some European countries with burgeoning beer scenes! Learn more about beer in South America, Asia, and Africa! This episode has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “By the time we came out of it [writing the book] over a year later, the both of us were reeling that we really hadn’t had any idea of exactly how big the beer thing was globally, and is only getting bigger.” [12:00] — Stephen Beaumont on Beer Sessions Radio “As there are brewers all around the world that are trying to make spontaneously fermented, wild-fermented beers- should ‘lambic’ become the genuine… from Belgium? And the other revitalized types of beers using wild yeast should just be called something else?” [20:30] — Tim Webb on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is joined in the studio by Garrett Oliver, brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery, and Ken Landin of Crossroads Brewing Company. Tune into this episode to hear Jimmy, Garrett, and Ken talk about beer nomenclature. How do beer names communicate styles, and why is it important for American breweries to be creative and transparent when naming their beers? Later, author and brewer Dave Miller calls in to talk about his new book, Brew Like a Pro. Hear how Dave’s professional brewing career did not prepare him for the trials of homebrewing; how does Dave’s book help out the average homebrewer? Learn the differences between homebrewing and professional brewing! Why are beer recipes so difficult to scale up? Listen in to this episode to hear more about brew pubs, beer equipment, and self-distribution. This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “If you call everything that’s hoppy an IPA, then IPA doesn’t mean anything anymore.” [7:20] — Garrett Oliver on Beer Sessions Radio “You can call something made from malt extract ‘beer’, but you won’t get the same flavor.” [21:30] — Dave Miller on Beer Sessions Radio

On this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is talking about Vanberg & Dewulf’s Coast to Coast Toast 2012 and Spanish beer! Jimmy’s joined in the studio by beer enthusiast Julie Barnard and Jen Schwertman of Blind Tiger! Wendy Littlefield, co-owner of Vanberg & Dewulf, calls in to talk about the postponing of the Coast to Coast Toast in New York City due to Superstorm Sandy. Wendy gives some tips on how you can help all of the small business that were negatively impacted by the storm. For the next segment, Johnny Brilliant of Iberian Beer United stops by to talk about some of the Spanish beers that he’s importing. What does the Barcelona beer scene have to offer? The second half of Iberian Beer United, Jessica Garcia Agullo, drops by for the third segment to offer some wonderful porters from Gisberga Brewing and the Juliet from L’anjub! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “In order to help the individual business owners, patronized their businesses or buy gift certificates for a friend as a holiday gift so there’s cash on hand for the businesses as they are rebuilding.” [11:00] — Wendy Littlefield on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s election night, and Jimmy Carbone’s talking beer and politics on this evening’s Beer Sessions Radio! Jimmy’s joined in the studio by Chris O’Leary, the editor of the blog Brew York, New York to talk about craft beer politics and Hurricane Sandy. Jimmy and Chris call up Win Basset of the North Carolina Brewers Guild to talk about the boom of breweries opening in North Carolina, and the state’s role in the Presidential Election. Later, Jimmy and Chris talk about various Sandy relief efforts in New York to help communities such as Red Hook, the Rockaways, Staten Island, and Long Island. How are New York state breweries dealing with the aftermath of the storm? Tune in to hear how local politics have bolstered the craft brewing movement! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “One of the things I said when the power came back on in the East Village was, ‘Go to your bars. Go to your restaurants. Tip your bartenders, and tip them well…'” [26:50] — Chris O’Leary on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is joined by some familiar faces this week on Beer Sessions Radio! Jen Schwertman of The Blind Tiger is back in the studio after her trip to Denver, Colorado for the Great American Beer Festival. Jen reports back from the festival, and tastes the Danny Williams memorial porter that was distributed at the event. Brian Ewing from 12 Percent Imports joins the crew to talk about bringing small, European brews to the New World. Mark Burford and Curt Potter from Blue Point Brewing Company are also in the house to share their Toxic Sludge Black IPA and their White IPA. Hear about the burgeoning IPA variations, and listen in to hear some of Mark’s signature wild adolescent stories. Tune into this episode to learn more about canned beer: mobile canning, the benefits of canning, and the future of canning for craft breweries. This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “There are so many young, talented brewers that have a global perspective. They’ve got access to all the great things that are going on in America, they’ve got access to all the stuff that’s going on Europe, and they’re pushing boundaries just like breweries in the United States are.” [9:05] — Brian Ewing on Beer Sessions Radio “Every beer that you try as a brewery, you learn something about what the brewers were trying to do. There’s something there that you can really put in your brain that becomes the whole matrix of your recipes and where your new beers come from.” [20:00] — Mark Burford on Beer Sessions Radio

On today’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is celebrating New York’s Cider Week! Dave Brodrick of Blind Tiger and Worthy Burger joins Jimmy to share some of his cider-making experiences. Joy Doumis and Jeremy Hammond of Proper Cider are in the studio talking about making cider at home with apples from the GrowNYC Greenmarket. Sara Grady is in the house from Glynwood, and she’s talking about The Apple Project, the Cider Week initiative, and the differences between French and American ciders. Later, Jimmy calls up Steve Wood from Farnum Hill to talk about some of his ciders (including the Extra Dry and the Kingston Black), carbonation, grafting, and the numerous varieties in his orchard. Also on the phone is Dan Wilson of Hicks Orchard. Tune in to hear him talk about the importance are experimenting with different apple varieties in cider-making. This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “There are elements that I really enjoy in champagne that are intrusive in cider.” [15:00] “Grafting is a process of vegetative propagation… Everything from the point of the graft is genetically identifiable to the parent tree.” [27:40] — Steve Wood on Beer Sessions Radio “You can blend different varieties to learn what their strengths and weaknesses are.” [44:15] — Dan Wilson on Beer Sessions Radio

It’s a crisp fall evening in Brooklyn, and Jimmy Carbone’s packed the house for another installment of Beer Sessions Radio. Tonight, Jimmy’s joined by Justin Robertson, Brian Strumke, and a wealth of other awesome beer guests! In the studio is Rev. David Ciancio, owner of beer and bourbon bar, Idle Hands. Also, Larry Goldstein and Paul Kretzer from Spider Bite Brewing Co. bring by two awesome brews- the Boris Russian Imperial Stout and the Eight-Legged RyePA. Jimmy Ludwig from The Happy Hour Guys is in the house talking about a potential network television debut for his show. Hear the cast talk about the San Diego beer scene, their favorite beer cities, and the holiday beer phenomenon. This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “Owning a beer bar is a little egotistical. You’re tasting what I like, and I’ll admit it.” [25:20] — Rev. David Ciancio on Beer Sessions Radio “There are so many traditional styles of beer that fit the winter and fall, but hardly anybody is making a good porter, which is what I want to drink now.” [33:00] — Jimmy Carbone on Beer Sessions Radio

Welcome to another jam-packed episode of Beer Sessions Radio with Jimmy Carbone! New York City Lagunitas representative Jimmy Lyons joins the studio for the first time. Ed Berestecki is back, and he’s chatting with your host, Jimmy Carbone, about the original eight taps at Mugs Ale House in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Tessa and Enrica Malfucci make the trip down from Maine to represent their family beer brand, The Atlantic Brewing Company. Learn about the history of the company in Bar Harbor, and Brandon Moore from American Beer cracks open some Atlantic Brewing beers with Jimmy and guests. Jim Jamison calls in from Washington to talk about his brewery, Foggy Noggin. Hear Jim talk about the small-scale production of English-style ales, and the beer scene in the Pacific Northwest. Everyone’s tasting beers from across the country! You don’t want to miss this episode of beer sessions radio! This program has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “You can’t promise a brewery a line, you just can’t. There are so many breweries – nanos, micros, macros!” [6:39] — Ed Berestecki on Beer Sessions Radio “Pre-IPA days, the burton ale was the go-to beer for people.” [20:40] — Jim Jamison on Beer Sessions Radio

On this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy is joined by a few familiar faces. Jen Schwertman and Dave Brodrick from Blind Tiger are in the house, along with Scottish beer guru Bruce Williams of William Bros. Beer Co. Tune in to hear Dave talk about Worthy Burger- his new burger and beer joint in Vermont. Stop in to get some craft beer, and the best grass-fed burger that $5.50 can buy. Tune in to hear Bruce discuss some of the traditional herbs that Williams Bros. uses in some of their brews, and why cask ales are generally served improperly in the United States. Later, Mike Edison of The Mike & Judy Show stops by to talk about his new book, Bye Bye, Miss American Pie, and his love for shower beers. This episode has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “It’s a nice to have a light beer, but it’s always been a challenge for a brewer to have a low alcohol beer that has a lot of flavor.” “Some of your heartier beers- like 10% beers- will actually hold up in a cask.” — Bruce Williams on Beer Sessions Radio

This week on Beer Sessions Radio the house is packed with bar owners and brewers and host Jimmy Carbone moderates a conversation on collaborative brewing, bar management and the increased access to good beers across New York City. Tune in and hear from Carolyn Pincus of The Stag’s Head, Ben, Mike & Seth Wiley of The Owl Farm, Bar Great Harry and Mission Dolores, Kirk Struble, owner of 4th Ave Pub and Washington Commons and Marcus Burnett & Ethan Long of Rockaway Brewing Company! Find out what it takes to find success through beer and listen in as they taste a great selection of brews live on-air! This program was sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. Ive always told people that finding out what new beers are out there is 0% of the job, making sure they show up is the other 90%” –Kirk Struble, owner of Fourth Ave Pub and Washington Commons on Beer Sessions Radio “We try to always have a few weirdo beers on tap.” –Ben Wiley, owner of Bar Great Harry, Mission Delores & Owl Farm on Beer Sessions Radio “Sierra Nevada is like the Disneyland of breweries.” –Carolyn Pincus of The Stag’s Head on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is talking about the Freaktoberfest beer festival with a room full of guests on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio. Pat Fondiller, one of the founders of Freaktoberfest and Field Sales Manager for Smuttynose Brewing Company, is in the house talking about the origins of the New York City beer festival. Pat brings some great Smuttynose brews to share with the gang; hear about some great seasonals from Smuttynose! Albert Antonucci, owner of Greenwood Park, is also in the studio and talking about hosting Freaktoberfest at his bar and beer garden. Hear from Tim Traynor, the Brand Manager for Founders Brewery. Founders is launching its Breakfast Stout on September 21st, so make sure to try it when it becomes available! Tim also talks about beer and food pairings, as well as the Founders beers at Freaktoberfest. Finally, hear from Matt Polacheck, the man behind all of Shmaltz Brewing’s crazy designs. This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “We wanted to make it a party with a beer festival attached to it, rather than a beer festival with some entertainment in the background. Over the years, I think we’ve really honed in on what we’ve wanted to do, and it’s become a blast.” — Matt Polacheck on Beer Sessions Radio

This week’s Beer Sessions Radio starts off with a great discussion about canned pilsners. Jimmy Carbone is joined by Chris O’Leary of Brew York, New York and Sean McCain of The Bronx Brewery to talk about some of their favorite American pilsners. How do they stack up against their European counterparts? Later, John Richards phones in to talk about his upcoming film, Beer Hunter the Movie. John shot hours of footage of beer legend Michael Jackson, and is currently editing it into a full-length craft beer movie. Tune in to hear more about Michael Jackson’s life, and how he “saved” beer. HRN’s own Straight From the Source host Clay Gordon drops by the studio to talk about building a chocolate factory, beer and chocolate pairings, and the importance of taste memory. This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “It takes a really talented brewer to make a good pilsner. There’s nothing you can hide in a pilsner.” — Chris O’Leary on Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone is back from Belgium Comes to Cooperstown for another episode of Beer Sessions Radio. This week, Jimmy is joined by former co-host Sam Merritt, now of Civilization of Beer. Also in the studio is homebrewer extraordinaire, Chris Cuzme. Chris also is working with Wandering Star to create some unique beers, such as the Mild At Heart. Jackson Landers, author of Eating Aliens, is in the house to talk about his lifelong homebrewing obsession and his experiences eating solely invasive species. Hear the gang talk about trends in American brewing, tasting different malts and hops, as well as incorporating unique spices into beer. Check out some awesome beer pairings for game such as venison and wild pig! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I think there are some narrow things going on in the industry… There’s too much IPA, bro. There are going to be too many breweries, too. It’s just too big of an influx.” — Sam Merritt on Beer Sessions Radio “When you find common wisdom that says something in the wild isn’t worth eating, but you can’t find anyone who has actually done it, then maybe it’s time to try and do something with it. I think it’s that time with hops.” — Jackson Landers on Beer Sessions Radio

Welcome to the second installment of Beer Sessions Radio at Brewery Ommegang’s Belgium Comes to Cooperstown beer festival! Jimmy Carbone kicks off the episode with some of the folks behind Brewery Ommegang, President Simon Thorpe and Brewmaster Phil Leinhart. Tune in to hear discussions about the anti-fracking movement in Upstate New York, why New York state water is perfect for making beer, and the rapid expansion of Brewery Ommegang. Jimmy checks in with Bill Herlicka of White Birch Brewing to talk about some of White Birch’s new beers, consistent brewing, and how a deal large retailer can completely change a company’s brewing process. Later, Jimmy’s talking with Sean Lawson of Lawson’s Finest Liquids about meeting demand, and collaborating on beers with brewpubs across the country. Jimmy chows down on some of Scott Vaccaro’s roasted pig, and talks about Captain Lawrence Brewing’s new brewery expansion. Finally, Jimmy chats with Tommy Harder of the Blind Tiger Alehouse. Tommy entered the Hop Chef competition at the festival; tune in to hear about Tommy’s approach to beer and food pairings, as well as the dish he cooked for the contest. This episode has been sponsored by GreatBrewers.com. “Underneath the Marcellus shale here there are huge reserves of gas that need to be developed. The basic issue that we’ve got with it is not that you shouldn’t develop it, but right now the technology pollutes the water… You can’t make world-class beer with polluted water.” — Simon Thorpe on Beer Sessions Radio

Today’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio is live from the Belgium Comes to Cooperstown beer festival in Cooperstown, New York. Tune in to get a feel for the atmosphere of the festival, and check it out next year! First up, Jimmy Carbone talks with Michael Saklad, the Eastern Regional Sales Manager for Stone Brewery. Hear about the beers that Stone brought to the festival, and what goes down in the Stone tent in Cooperstown. Next, Jimmy’s chatting with Chad Rich, the owner of a new brew pub in Waterbury, Vermont called Prohibition Pig. Tune in to learn the rich history of Vermont craft beer, and hear about how Hurricane Irene affected the old Alchemist brew pub. Daniel Lanigan, a Massachusetts beer bar pioneer, talks with Jimmy about his introduction to craft beer. Hear about how Daniel started the iconic beer bar in Amherst, The Moan and Dove. He expanded to Northampton with another bar, The Dirty Truth, and finally settled in Boston with his new bar, Lord Hobo. Tune in to hear more antics from Belgium Comes to Cooperstown on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “The Heady Topper is a very drinkable IPA. For an 8 percent beer, it goes down smooth. It’s so easy to drink, just like a lot of the Stone beers.” — Chad Rich on Beer Sessions Radio “I knew I was going to lost 100% of the clientele [of the previous bar]. When you have a clientele with a fairly successful small-scale business, it’s tough to go in and wipe out your entire clientele and start from scratch.” — Daniel Lanigan on starting The Moan and Dove, Beer Sessions Radio

Jimmy Carbone returns from the Belgium Comes to Cooperstown Festival for another week of Beer Sessions Radio. Jimmy’s joined by Mike Lovullo, the Specialty Brands Manager from Union Beer, to talk about some of their favorite beers from Cooperstown. Later, resident “hophead” Ed Berestecki of Mugs Ale House joins the conversation, along with Dennis Flynn, of Stone Brewery. Tune in to hear the crew taste and comment on beers such as the Stone 10th Anniversary Ruination, the Stone/Dogfish Head Saison Du BUFF, and the Alchemist/Ninkasi More Brown Than Black IPA. Hear about hops from Down Under, aging kegs, and Norwegian brewing. This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “With aging beer, I like to experiment. And I have to be honest, I don’t think I’ve had anything come out bad.” — Ed Berestecki on Beer Sessions Radio

How does a microbrewery get on tap at beer bars across New York City? We’re here to find out on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio! Our host Jimmy Carbone is joined by guests from all across the craft beer spectrum. Sarah and Giancarlo Annese are co-founders of BeerUnion.net, and they recently visited all of the Good Beer Seal bars in New York City. Hear about how Sarah and Giancarlo learned a new appreciation for the city through their experience. Ryan Barker, manager of Adobe Blues in Staten Island, is also in the studio talking about the beer on tap at his bar and some of his local favorites. Ed Bevostecki is the owner of Mugs Ale House, and he’s in the house to share his thoughts on contract brewing and beer distribution. Finally, we’ve got Ethan Long and Marcus Burnett of Rockaway Brewing Company sharing two of their very new beers with Jimmy and company. Tune in to hear about how an upstart like Rockaway Brewing can get their beer into bars without a huge distributor. Other topics include the seasonality of beer, and the prices of some of the equipment needed to start a brewery. This program has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “It was a really great way to see the city… just going to the outer boroughs and seeing what’s going on there in the craft beer scene.” — Sarah Annese on Beer Sessions Radio “As a bar manager, that’s a lot of what it’s about- getting people to keep brewing, support local breweries, getting people to drink the new breweries and know where they’re from. A new local brewery- that’s awesome, that’s something I can talk about in the bar.” — Ryan Barker on Beer Sessions Radio

What is the overlap between brewing and distilling? We’re here to find out on this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio. Our host Jimmy Carbone is joined once again by Jen Schwertman of Blind Tiger, and by a bunch of awesome booze guests. Michael Kinstlick of Coppersea Distillery is in the studio to talk about his recently licensed distillery, as well as the spirit-making process. Hear Michael talk about the progress of the craft spirit movement, and how he believes that home-distilling will one day no longer be associated with illegal moonshine. Matt Barclay and Justin Israelson from Sycamore Bar and Flowershop are also in the house to talk about some of their favorite craft spirits, as well as some of the artisanal liquors in their bar. Gregg Glaser briefly calls in to talk about some of his favorite brewery/distillery combinations, and the gang talks about some of their favorite craft beer from Green Flash, Captain Lawrence, and Firestone Walker! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “So if you’re going to make any kind of grain-based distilled product – vodka, gin, whiskey – you have to make a beer first. So you make a fermented grain at about 5% alcohol, and that goes into your stills.” — Michael Kinstlick on Beer Sessions Radio “Being a brewery and a distillery- once you start making all of these products, you get to start aging your beers. There’s a lot more you can play around with.” — Justin Israelson on Beer Sessions Radio

On this week’s Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is talking about beer in the U.K. and in China. Beer writer John Holl is in the studio, talking about the culture of low ABV beers in the U.K. Jeff Cioletti, Editor-In-Chief at Beverage World, is also in the studio to talk about the stigma associated with cask ales across the pond. Patrick Donagher of GetRealPresents.com and Alewife NYC discusses his recent cask festival, and how beer lovers of all ages were enjoying cask beer. Later, Jimmy and company talk with Teddy Gowan of Dr. Beer in Shanghai, China. Teddy talks about beer trends in Shanghai and Beijing, and how the beer scene there resembles that of the United States before the craft brew movement. The studio guests talk about their favorite English and Scottish beers, and why so many beer bars in NYC tend feature macrobrews on tap and leave their lines dirty. This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I think that in the U.K., there’s more of a sessionable beer culture. You’re finding more beers that are in the 3-4% range pretty much everywhere that you go, so you can have more of them.” — John Holl on Beer Sessions Radio “A lot of the thinking among some of the younger drinkers is, ‘Cask is my father or grandfather’s drink.’ Now you’re starting to see a lot more beer based on American craft beers- draft, but not hand-pumped.” —Jeff Cioletti on Beer Sessions Radio “The Chinese market is huge, and they’re just now getting excited about beer.” —Teddy Gowan on Beer Sessions Radio

On this week’s episode of Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone is talking beer books and blogs with a handful of awesome guests. Christian DeBenedetti is in the house, talking about his beer travels for The Great American Ale Trail, as well as his new venture, The Weekly Pint. The Weekly Pint is an e-newsletter that goes out to inform beer-drinkers around the country about amazing craft beer and events. Erica Shea and Stephen Valand from the Brooklyn Brew Shop are in the studio promoting their new book called the Beer Making Book. Hear about some of their wild recipes, including the Peach Cobbler Ale, the Lobster Saison, and the Jalapeño Saison Spicy! Seth Wright of Beer Nation joins the crew to talk about beer on TV, macrobeer and Anthony Bourdain, as well as a little bit of history of alcohol on television. To learn more about all of these wonderful guests, tune in to this week’s Beer Sessions Radio! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “We focus on flavors more than production. This beer [jalapeño saison] has fresh jalapeños, agave, candy sugar- things that if you were doing it on a brewery level are going to cost you a whole lot, but if you’re doing it on a one gallon scale, a little agave from your kitchen isn’t going to increase costs by that much.” — Erica Shea on Beer Sessions Radio “I think making craft beer at home influence is taking on more inspiration from food by using real ingredients.” — Stephen Valand on Beer Sessions Radio “Beer drinking is about community, and there’s a certain soulfulness that isn’t present in everything that you can do with your time.” — Christian DeBenedetti on Beer Sessions Radio

On this week’s Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy Carbone and company are talking about the future of New York State beer, and legislation surrounding beer. Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery’s brewmaster, is in the studio along with Brian Strumke of Stillwater Artisanal Ales. Also, Dave Katleski and Olivia Cerio from Empire Brewing are in the house, along with Jen Schwertman of Blind Tiger. First, Jimmy asks Garrett and Brian about their beer collaborations and where they draw their inspiration. Later, Dave, who is also the President of the New York State Brewer’s Association, talks about some legislation that will hopefully improve the market for New York beer within the state and beyond. Topics include the excise tax, the Shelton Bros. lawsuit, and brand label registration fees. Finally, tune in to hear about hop and barley production within New York State. This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “I started looking at a brewery as a studio because I was using [recording] studios all over the world to make remixes and original productions. That’s just a bunch of gadgets and synthesizers, and the brewery is a bunch of stainless steel and equipment, as well.” — Brian Strumke on Beer Sessions Radio “As long as New York State is focused on local, and they certainly are, I think New York State beer is going to continue to thrive. As long as we continue making great award-winning beer, I think the future is bright.” — Dave Katleski on Beer Sessions Radio “We have an opportunity to reconnect beer to the land in the mind of the public. Things that have always been true will simply be apparent to everyone: beer is grown, and does not just come out of a factory made by machines.” — Garrett Oliver on Beer Sessions Radio

We’ve got another packed house this week on Beer Sessions Radio. Host Jimmy Carbone is joined by frequent guests Dave Brodrick and Jen Schwertman from Blind Tiger. Also in the studio is David Yarrington, director of brewing operations from Smuttynose. The Shelton Bros. importers are represented by Joel Shelton and BR Royla, and Sebastian Sauer and Peter Essel are here from Germany for Freigeist. Finally, we’ve got Ted Kenny, owner of Top Hops bottle shop in the Lower East Side. Tune in to hear discussions about the state of German beer. Freigeist has been experimenting with all sorts of styles, from Belgian to American, creating something completely unique. David Yarrington talks about his start in the beer industry, as well as the upcoming move for Smuttynose’s brewery. We’ve got call-in questions and inquiries from Twitter, so tune in! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “There’s a lot of dying out of the breweries in Germany. Germany used to have a lot of breweries, and nowadays they all produce less than they did years ago. But they don’t understand why they’re losing so much. They see themselves as the victim.” — Sebastian Sauer on Beer Sessions Radio “The brewers in Germany don’t seem to get that people want something different, something that’s not being offered to them. We were just talking about how the same thing happened here [in the U.S.]. It had boiled down to a few suppliers that were brewing basically the same beer.” — Ted Kenny on Beer Sessions Radio “You can be creative and be unique and people will respond.” — David Yarrington on Beer Sessions Radio

Welcome to another week of Beer Sessions Radio with your host, Jimmy Carbone. Today, Jimmy’s got some New Jersey craft brewers and beer connoisseurs in the house. Michael Kane from Kane Brewing is in the studio with Kane’s Single Fin and the Head High IPA. Augie Carton and Jesse Ferguson from Carton bring by their 0077XX and Boat Beer for some beer sessions. Os Cruz from NewJerseryCraftBeer.com is also in the studio, while Mike Kivowitz calls in to the show. Finally, John Kleinchester of Beertography.com is in the studio, and talking about taking photos of beer. Everyone is drinking New Jersey craft beer! Tune in to hear about the burgeoning beer scene in Northern New Jersey, as well as some of the upcoming beer events that are being organized by NewJerseyCraftBeer.com. Hear about how Kane and Carton blend styles to create unique beers that cannot be categorized. All this and more on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio! This episode has been brought to you by GreatBrewers.com. “You don’t necessarily have to go to New York to find good beer, we have great brewers and great beer bars here [in New Jersey], and we want to be at the forefront of it all.” — Os Cruz on Beer Sessions Radio “It’s the right of America, being the great melting pot, to steal inspiration from the entire world, and that’s what we do with our beer. If you’re holding to the strictures of definition, you can’t.” — Augie Carton on Beer Sessions Radio

Welcome to another episode of Beer Sessions Radio, hosted by Jimmy Carbone. Tony Forder and Jack Babbin from Ale Street News are here to celebrate the beer magazine’s 20th Anniversary. Tune in to hear about the first few issues of Ale Street News, some of the events they have covered over the years, and the role of homebrewing in the success of their publication. Sam Barbieri of Waterfront Ale House is also in the studio talking about some of the beers on tap at Waterfront and the capacity of California craft brewers. The guys from Ale Street News bring over a biodegradable “Crafty Carton”, an alternative to a growler for bringing craft beer home from the bar. Tune in as everyone tastes some delicious pilsners and IPAs! Thanks to our sponsor, GreatBrewers.com. “This whole beer movement started because of homebrewers. There were so many cookie-cutter beers that tasted the same, and these guys were making beer that tasted great.” — Sam Barbieri on Beer Sessions Radio “Quality has to be the focus, but passion is the main ingredient.” — Jack Babbin on Beer Sessions Radio